LA Theatre Works

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. The extraordinary true story of Abe, a man the playwright met at his synagogue. Abe was a fellow of great humor and heart who not only survived three years at Auschwitz—certainly the worst place on earth—but fell in love there. Abe’s life speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, renewal and hope, even when there seems to be none. Includes an interview with playwright Stephen Tobolowsky and LATW Producing Director Susan Loewenberg. Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in March 2021. A Good Day at Auschwitz is sponsored in part by Elizabeth & Louis Altman, Debbie & Gregg Oppenheimer, Marilyn & Barry Hinden, and The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation. Directed by Anna Lyse Erikson Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Alan Mandell as Abe Stephen Tobolowsky as Himself Senior Producer: Anna Lyse Erikson Prepared for Audio by Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood Recording Engineer: Neil Wogensen Sound Design by: Mark Holden and Charles Carroll Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin Foley Artist: Jeff Gardner Editors: Neil Wogensen and Charles Carroll See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. The extraordinary true story of Abe, a man the playwright met at his synagogue. Abe was a fellow of great humor and heart who not only survived three years at Auschwitz—certainly the worst place on earth—but fell in love there. Abe’s life speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, renewal and hope, even when there seems to be none. Includes an interview with playwright Stephen Tobolowsky and LATW Producing Director Susan Loewenberg. Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in March 2021. A Good Day at Auschwitz is sponsored in part by Elizabeth & Louis Altman, Debbie & Gregg Oppenheimer, Marilyn & Barry Hinden, and The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation. Directed by Anna Lyse Erikson Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Alan Mandell as Abe Stephen Tobolowsky as Himself Senior Producer: Anna Lyse Erikson Prepared for Audio by Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood Recording Engineer: Neil Wogensen Sound Design by: Mark Holden and Charles Carroll Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin Foley Artist: Jeff Gardner Editors: Neil Wogensen and Charles Carroll See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Amir has left his Pakistani heritage behind in an attempt to make partner at his corporate law firm, but his wife Emily doesn’t share his negative feelings about Islam—she’s encouraged Amir to help with the case of a controversial imam. When they throw a dinner party for Amir’s colleague Jory and her husband Isaac, the hard truths revealed lead to the unraveling of their carefully constructed lives. Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Recorded live at UCLA’s James Bridges Theater in April 2018. Directed by Brian Kite Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Geoffrey Arend as Isaac Behzad Dabu as Abe Hari Dhillon as Amir Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Jory Emily Swallow as Emily See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Amir has left his Pakistani heritage behind in an attempt to make partner at his corporate law firm, but his wife Emily doesn’t share his negative feelings about Islam—she’s encouraged Amir to help with the case of a controversial imam. When they throw a dinner party for Amir’s colleague Jory and her husband Isaac, the hard truths revealed lead to the unraveling of their carefully constructed lives. Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Recorded live at UCLA’s James Bridges Theater in April 2018. Directed by Brian Kite Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Geoffrey Arend as Isaac Behzad Dabu as Abe Hari Dhillon as Amir Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Jory Emily Swallow as Emily See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Because of the controversial nature of Disgraced’s portrayal of Islamic Americans, L.A. Theatre Works held panel discussions following performances in Los Angeles in April 2018. We heard a remarkable range of opinions about the play from our distinguished guests. Shafiqa Amadi is an Associate Professor of Clinical Education at the Rossier School of Education, and Co-Director of the Center for Education, Identity and Social Justice at USC. Sue Obeidi is the Director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council’s Hollywood Bureau. She works with studio executives, producers, directors, and writers to create authentic, accurate and humanizing portrayals of Islam and of Muslims in film, television, and on digital platforms. Rabbi Sarah Bassin is an Associate Rabbi at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. Prior to joining Temple Emmanuel, Rabbi Bassin served as Executive Director of LA–based NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change. Dr. Mo Shouka is a member of the Abraham Society, whose broad mission is to foster relationships of trust, understanding and mutual interest among individuals residing in Southern California who are of Jewish, Muslim and Christian backgrounds. Emel Tanis is also a member of the Abraham Society. Before moving to the US, she was a leading journalist in Turkey, and was awarded “Best Journalist of the Year” by the Turkish Journalists Association for her interview with Benazir Bhutto, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together. Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002. Directed by Richard Masur Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Shirley Knight as Ma Joad Jeffrey Donovan as Tom Joad Emily Bergl as Rose of Sharon Michael Buie as Connie/Others Daniel Chacón as Al Joad Maurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/Others Shannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth Sandry Trista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s Girl Francis Guinan as Jim Casy Charlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch Guard Rod McLachlan as Uncle John Robert Pescovitz as Pa Joad Joel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with Guitar Stephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/Others Nicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/Others Andy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/Others Todd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/Others Fredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp Guard Michael Weston as Noah Joad/Others Kate Williamson as Gramma/Others See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together. Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002. Directed by Richard Masur Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Shirley Knight as Ma Joad Jeffrey Donovan as Tom Joad Emily Bergl as Rose of Sharon Michael Buie as Connie/Others Daniel Chacón as Al Joad Maurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/Others Shannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth Sandry Trista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s Girl Francis Guinan as Jim Casy Charlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch Guard Rod McLachlan as Uncle John Robert Pescovitz as Pa Joad Joel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with Guitar Stephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/Others Nicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/Others Andy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/Others Todd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/Others Fredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp Guard Michael Weston as Noah Joad/Others Kate Williamson as Gramma/Others See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together. Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002. Directed by Richard Masur Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Shirley Knight as Ma Joad Jeffrey Donovan as Tom Joad Emily Bergl as Rose of Sharon Michael Buie as Connie/Others Daniel Chacón as Al Joad Maurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/Others Shannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth Sandry Trista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s Girl Francis Guinan as Jim Casy Charlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch Guard Rod McLachlan as Uncle John Robert Pescovitz as Pa Joad Joel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with Guitar Stephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/Others Nicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/Others Andy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/Others Todd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/Others Fredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp Guard Michael Weston as Noah Joad/Others Kate Williamson as Gramma/Others See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together. Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002. Directed by Richard Masur Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Shirley Knight as Ma Joad Jeffrey Donovan as Tom Joad Emily Bergl as Rose of Sharon Michael Buie as Connie/Others Daniel Chacón as Al Joad Maurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/Others Shannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth Sandry Trista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s Girl Francis Guinan as Jim Casy Charlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch Guard Rod McLachlan as Uncle John Robert Pescovitz as Pa Joad Joel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with Guitar Stephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/Others Nicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/Others Andy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/Others Todd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/Others Fredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp Guard Michael Weston as Noah Joad/Others Kate Williamson as Gramma/Others See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Hear our conversation with playwrights Paula Cizmar and Susan Yankowitz. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Hear our interview with Russian activist Marina Pisklakova-Parker. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Seven women give voice to the voiceless. Seven is a documentary play created with the support of Vital Voices Global Partnership and is a collaboration between the playwrights and seven female activists from around the globe, telling inspiring stories of overcoming adversity to effect real change and improve the lives of women. Written by: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Anna Deavere Smith, and Susan Yankowitz. Directed by Judyann Elder Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Shannon Holt as Marina Pisklakova-Parker Jossara Jinaro as Laura Alonso Alex Kingston as Inez McCormack Emily Kuroda as Mu Sochua Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Hafsat Abiola Annet Mahendru as Farida Azizi Sarah Shahi as Mukhtar Mai See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Seven women give voice to the voiceless. Seven is a documentary play created with the support of Vital Voices Global Partnership and is a collaboration between the playwrights and seven female activists from around the globe, telling inspiring stories of overcoming adversity to effect real change and improve the lives of women. Written by: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Anna Deavere Smith, and Susan Yankowitz. Directed by Judyann Elder Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Shannon Holt as Marina Pisklakova-Parker Jossara Jinaro as Laura Alonso Alex Kingston as Inez McCormack Emily Kuroda as Mu Sochua Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Hafsat Abiola Annet Mahendru as Farida Azizi Sarah Shahi as Mukhtar Mai See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Seven women give voice to the voiceless. Seven is a documentary play created with the support of Vital Voices Global Partnership and is a collaboration between the playwrights and seven female activists from around the globe, telling inspiring stories of overcoming adversity to effect real change and improve the lives of women. Written by: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Anna Deavere Smith, and Susan Yankowitz. Directed by Judyann Elder Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Shannon Holt as Marina Pisklakova-Parker Jossara Jinaro as Laura Alonso Alex Kingston as Inez McCormack Emily Kuroda as Mu Sochua Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Hafsat Abiola Annet Mahendru as Farida Azizi Sarah Shahi as Mukhtar Mai See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. The controversial history of Chavez Ravine, the immigrant community that once existed on the site that is now Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, is explored with humor, brutal honesty, and pulse-racing music by the nation's premier Chicano/Latino theatre troupe, Culture Clash. Recorded before a live audience at The Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles in June 2004. Directed by Lisa Peterson Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Richard Montoya as Frank Wilkinson/Others Ric Salinas as Henry Ruiz/Others Herbert Sigüenza as Manazar/Others Zilah Mendoza as Maria/Others See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. The controversial history of Chavez Ravine, the immigrant community that once existed on the site that is now Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, is explored with humor, brutal honesty, and pulse-racing music by the nation's premier Chicano/Latino theatre troupe, Culture Clash. Recorded before a live audience at The Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles in June 2004. Directed by Lisa Peterson Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Richard Montoya as Frank Wilkinson/Others Ric Salinas as Henry Ruiz/Others Herbert Sigüenza as Manazar/Others Zilah Mendoza as Maria/Others See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. The controversial history of Chavez Ravine, the immigrant community that once existed on the site that is now Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, is explored with humor, brutal honesty, and pulse-racing music by the nation's premier Chicano/Latino theatre troupe, Culture Clash. Recorded before a live audience at The Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles in June 2004. Directed by Lisa Peterson Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Richard Montoya as Frank Wilkinson/Others Ric Salinas as Henry Ruiz/Others Herbert Sigüenza as Manazar/Others Zilah Mendoza as Maria/Others See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Hear our conversation with former MLB pitcher Al Downing, talking about Jackie Robinson's impact on baseball. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Playwright Ed Schmidt imagines a spring day in 1947, when Branch Rickey, the powerful general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, summons heavyweight champion Joe Louis, tap star Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, and actor Paul Robeson to his hotel room in Manhattan. Rickey wants their support when he chooses Jackie Robinson to be Major League Baseball’s first black player. But a power struggle ensues when the group raises questions about Rickey’s motivations to integrate baseball. Recorded before a live audience at the DoubleTree Suites, Santa Monica in May 1996. Directed by Sheldon Epps Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Edward Asner as Branch Rickey David Downing as Clancy Hope (Elder) Tommy Hicks as Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson Carl Lumbly as Paul Robeson Sterling Macer as Jackie Robinson Charlie Robinson as Joe Louis Rugg Williams as Clancy Hope See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library. Playwright Ed Schmidt imagines a spring day in 1947, when Branch Rickey, the powerful general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, summons heavyweight champion Joe Louis, tap star Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, and actor Paul Robeson to his hotel room in Manhattan. Rickey wants their support when he chooses Jackie Robinson to be Major League Baseball’s first black player. But a power struggle ensues when the group raises questions about Rickey’s motivations to integrate baseball. Recorded before a live audience at the DoubleTree Suites, Santa Monica in May 1996. Directed by Sheldon Epps Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg Edward Asner as Branch Rickey David Downing as Clancy Hope (Elder) Tommy Hicks as Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson Carl Lumbly as Paul Robeson Sterling Macer as Jackie Robinson Charlie Robinson as Joe Louis Rugg Williams as Clancy Hope See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.