Westport, CT - “Stories from the Playhouse”, a new podcast series produced by and for Westport Country Playhouse, was launched this week on Spotify and Libsyn classic feed, and on the Playhouse’s website athttps://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/nexttonormal/
Hosted by Liam Lonegan, Playhouse assistant artistic director, the podcast was created to inspire artists, audiences, and community members. The monthly series will feature guests from all corners of the theater world sharing their stories.
“The idea of creating an audio platform was enticing at first, and then irresistible,” said Lonegan. “With everyone as busy as ever, it felt necessary to create an opportunity for our community to engage with the Playhouse while constantly on the go. This podcast builds an avenue to dive deeper into the work on our stage, by telling stories that changed the way our guests look at themselves and the greater American theater. These stories are the single most powerful way we can connect with our artists, and with each other.”
The podcast’s first episode is “Redefining Normal,” with guest Marcos Santana, director and choreographer of the award-winning musical, “Next to Normal,” currently at the Playhouse through Sunday, April 24. Santana tells his story, from growing up in Puerto Rico to performing on Broadway, and sheds light on bringing the pop/rock musical to the Playhouse stage.
Each podcast is approximately 35 minutes. Upcoming guests will be announced soon.
Westport Country Playhouse’s 2022 season includes the Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize-winning pop/rock musical, “Next to Normal,” about a family’s loss and their endurance with music by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, and directed and choreographed by Marcos Santana, now playing through April 24; “Straight White Men,” about a father’s relationship with his three adult sons, written by Young Jean Lee and directed by Mark Lamos, from May 24 through June 5; “Kim’s Convenience,” a comedy that generated a Netflix series about a Korean family who own a convenience store in Toronto, written by Ins Choi and directed by Nelson T. Eusebio III, from July 5 through July 17; Obie Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist “4000 Miles,” about two unlikely roommates, written by Amy Herzog and directed by David Kennedy, from August 23 through September 4; and Los Angeles Drama-Logue winner and Pulitzer Prize nominee “From the Mississippi Delta,” an inspiring coming-of-age journey, written by Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland and directed by Goldie E. Patrick, from October 18 through October 30. The complete schedule is available at westportplayhouse.org. All play titles, artists, dates, and formats are subject to change.
The mission of Westport Country Playhouse is to enrich, enlighten, and engage the community through the power of professionally produced theater worth talking about and the welcoming experience of the Playhouse campus. The not-for-profit Playhouse provides this experience in multiple ways by offering live theater experiences of the highest quality, under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos; educational and community engagement events to further explore the work on stage; the New Works Initiative, a program dedicated to the discovery, development, and production of new live theatrical works; special performances and programs for students and teachers with extensive curriculum support material; Script in Hand play readings to deepen relationships with audiences and artists; the renowned Woodward Internship Program during the summer months for aspiring theater professionals; Family Festivities presentations to delight young and old alike and to promote reading through live theater; and the beautiful and historic Playhouse campus open for enjoyment and community events year-round. Charity Navigator has recently awarded its top 4-star charity rating to the Playhouse in recognition of its strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
Photo by Kathleen O’Rourke