the MadStage Podcast

Suzan and Buzz chat with theatre artist Dana Pellebon and say farewell to the MadStage Podcast after one year of hosting.

Suzan and Buzz chat with theatre artist Whitney Derendinger about acting, his other theater work, and the big bushy beard he was growing at the time for an upcoming role.

Suzan and Buzz chat with theatre artist HJ (Heather Jane) Farr about her adventures in theatre.

Suzan and Buzz chat with Impresario and Theater Artist Tony Trout, best known for his leadership role in Are We Delicious? Tony talks about his passion for live theatre and the many hats he wears in the local theatre community.

Buzz chats with Lead Producer Simone LaPierre and Director Suzan Kurry about Bartell Ball Drop Blitz 4, a co-production of Know Better Productions and Mercury Players Theatre. "A group of writers, directors, and actors gather on December 30 to pick names, themes, and writing challenges out of a hat. Then – in teams – they create magnificent theatrical mayhem over the next 24 hours, resulting in an awesome New Year’s Eve production that’s the best end-of-year extravaganza!!! The Blitz is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get :) Proceeds will benefit the Bartell in its gala 20th Anniversary season."

Suzan and Buzz chat with Does Everything But Lighting Artist Malissa Petterson on this week's podcast.

Buzz chats with Suzan Kurry (Hermione), Amy Rowland (Harry Potter) and Sam White (director) about Mercury Theater's upcoming production of "Harry Potter and the Pet Rock" at the Bartell. HARRY POTTER and the PET ROCK By Nick Schweitzer Directed by Sam D. White The gang from Hogwarts gets the holiday “panto” treatment! Loaded with slapstick humor, corny jokes, and silly song parodies, this original twist on the beloved tale of the boy wizard will delight kids and adults alike. Cheering for the heroes and booing for the baddies is strongly encouraged in this family-friendly holiday treat! IMMATURE AUDIENCES ONLY! PARENTAL DISCRETION DISCOURAGED! Produced by Mercury Players Theater at Bartell Theater's Drury Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St. , Madison Performances: December 15-30, 2017 Performance Times: Friday–Saturday, December 15–16 @ 7:00pm Sunday, December 17 @ 2:00pm Thursday–Friday, December 21–22 @ 7:00pm Sunday, December 23 @ 2:00pm Thursday–Friday, December 28–29 @ 7:00pm Saturday, December 30 @ 2:00pm FINAL PERFORMANCE http://madstage.com/Shows/harrypottera171001.html

Suzan and Buzz chat with Jan Levine Thal about Madison's Kathie Rasmussen Women's Theatre (KRASS). http://krasstheatre.com/

Suzan and Buzz chat with director Louise Stout and actor Gina Gomez about StageQ's upcoming production of Twilight of the Golds at the Bartell Theatre. Twilight of the Golds By Jonathan Tolins Directed by Louise Stout When David learns his sister is pregnant, he and the entire Gold family couldn’t be happier. However, using newly discovered technology, Suzanne learns her fetus will most likely suffer from the same condition as David, being gay. What happens next forces the entire Gold family to confront issues of bigotry, evolution and the limits of love. What would you do? Produced by StageQ at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison Performances: December 1-16, 2017 Performance Times: Friday 7:30 PM 12/1/17 Saturday 7:30 PM 12/2/17 Wednesday 7:30 PM 12/6/17 Thursday 7:30 PM 12/7/17 Friday 7:30 PM 12/8/17 Saturday 7:30 PM 12/9/17 Sunday 2:00 PM 12/10/17 Wednesday 7:30 PM 12/13/17 Thursday 7:30 PM 12/14/17 Friday 7:30 PM 12/15/17 Saturday 2:00 PM 12/16/17

Suzan and Buzz chat with actors Zachariah Sterner and Easton Smith about Express Yourself's upcoming production of "Spring Awakening" at the Bartell.

Suzan and Buzz talk with director Steve Noll about Madison Theatre Guild's production of Wait Until Dark. Wait Until Dark By Frederick Knott, Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher Directed by Steve Noll Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted Frederick Knott's 1966 original, giving it a new setting. In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller's chilling conclusion. Produced by Madison Theatre Guild at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison Performance Times: Friday, November 3 - 7:30 pm Saturday, November 4 - 7:30 pm Thursday, November 9 - 7:30 pm Friday, November 10 - 7:30 pm Saturday, November 11 - 7:30 pm Sunday, November 12 - 2:00 pm Thursday, November 16 - 7:30 pm Friday, November 17 - 7:30 pm Saturday, November 18 - 2:00 pm Ticket Prices: $20 http://madstage.com/Shows/waituntildar171101.html

Suzan and Buzz talk with director Katherine Johnson, assistant director Elliott Puckette and actor Stephanie Drahozal about Strollers Theatre's production of Eugene Ionesco's Rhinoceros at the Bartell. Rhinoceros By Eugene Ionesco Directed by Katherine Johnson A rhinoceros rampages through the streets of a small town, shattering the peace. The intruder leaves behind a whirl of chaos and debate as the populace tries to make sense of an inconceivable event. As the dwindling humans are besieged by the growing tide of beasts, one man struggles with his position in this new reality as his fellows transform, infected by a burgeoning ideology. Rhinoceros is a darkly comic reversal of norms. This incisive and finely crafted theatre of the absurd explores the brutal beauty of the natural. Savagery is simpler than empathy, and in this new world, forsaking humanity is noble. Produced by Strollers Theatre at Bartell Theater's Drury Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St. , Madison Performances: November 3-18, 2017 http://madstage.com/Shows/rhinoceros170724.html

In their first appearance with MadStage Podcast, Know Better Productions presents The White Rose. Suzan and Buzz talk with Ethan Richard about Know Better Productions and this remarkable play about the group that boldly protested against Naziism in Germany. The White Rose By Lillian Groag Directed by Simone LaPierre The play chronicles the arrest, interrogation and eventual execution of a group of University of Munich students who protested the Nazi regime at the height of World War II. The students assigned to themselves the name White Rose. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_White_Rose_(play) Produced by know better productions at Broom Street Theater, Art In Gallery, and Intuit Art Center. Performances: November 4-18, 2017 Performance Times: Nov 4 - 5 (Broom Street Theatre - 1119 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703) Sat Nov 4: 3p Show - 8p Show Sun Nov 5: 3p Show (Talkback after show - Talkback Guest Dr Stephani Richards-Wilson: Dr. Stephani Richards-Wilson teaches in the Social Impact graduate program at Claremont Lincoln University. Her research interests include social entrepreneurship, business education, and Nazi resisters, most notably Willi Graf of the White Rose.) Nov 10 - 11 (Art In Gallery - 1444 E Washington Ave Madison WI 53704) Fri Nov 10: 8p Show Sat Nov 11: 8p Show Nov 18 (Intuit Art Center - 756 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642) Sat Nov 18: 7p Show Visit facebook.com/knowbetterprod for more information. http://madstage.com/Shows/thewhiterose170712.html

Suzan and Buzz bring on, for their MadStage Podcast debut, writer/director/actor and Save the Rainforest President Bruce Calhoun and actor Amy Zwicker to talk about the Save the Rainforest project in general, and specifically their upcoming performances of Calhoun's play "The Donation", proceeds from which support the Save the Rainforest projects. The Donation By Bruce Calhoun The representatives of three charities get more than they bargain for when they accept an invitation from a millionaire to spend a weekend in his creepy mansion in this comedy being performed for the first time ever as a fund raiser for Save the Rainforest. More information at www.saverfn.org/plays/ Produced by Save the Rainforest at the Verona Area Performing Arts Theater, 300 Richard Street, Verona, WI 53593 Performances: October 27-29, 2017 Performance Times: 7:30pm on Oct 27 & 28, 2pm & 7:30pm on Oct 29 http://madstage.com/Shows/thedonation170603.html

This week, instead of talking about a specific show, Suzan and Buzz chat with theater artist David Pausch about his many roles and projects, and how he fell in love with live theater.

Buzz chats with his co-host, actor Suzan Kurry, who plays both Mineola Twins, along with producer Jan Levine Thal and director Julie Johnson about Krass Theater's upcoming production of Paula Vogel's The Mineola Twins at the Bartell Theatre. The Mineola Twins By Paula Vogel Directed by Juli Johnson This socio-political satire barrels through women's experience and the women's movement over more than three decades in post-World War II America, as seen through the lives of identical twins, Myra and Myrna, from Mineola, New York. The play takes place during the Eisenhower Administration; then at the start of the Nixon Administration; and, finally, during the Bush Administration. "Ms Vogel's script is most ingenious…The sisters' opposition, neatly representing the schism between right and left in the United States, is self-destructive, and each subliminally longs for connection with the other. ..As the nightmare spins itself out, fears of nuclear attack, sexual predation, and familial estrangement meld in a way that haunts even as it teases." —The New York Times Produced by Kathie Rasmussen Women's Theatre at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison Performances: October 13-28, 2017 Performance Times: Friday: October 13, 8pm Saturday: October 14, 8pm Sunday: October 15, 4pm Wednesday, October 18, 8pm Thursday October 19, 8pm Friday, October 20, 8pm Saturday, October 21, 8pm Sunday October 22, 4pm Thursday, October 26, 8pm Friday, October 27, 8pm Saturday, October 28, 4pm & 8pm http://madstage.com/Shows/themineolatw170602.html

Suzan and Buzz chat once again with CTM's Director of Education and Community Engagement Erica Berman about CTM's upcoming production of "Madagascar — A Musical Adventure." Madagascar Book by Kevin Del Aguila, Music & Lyrics by George Noriega & Joel Someillan. Based on the DreamWorks animated motion picture. Directed by Erica Berman Madagascar - A Musical Adventure follows four furry friends as they escape from their home in NY’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the “wild” world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar is a crack-a-lackin musical for the whole family. Produced by Children's Theater of Madison at Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State Street, Madison Performances: October 6-22, 2017 Performance Times: Fridays Oct 6 & 20 @ 7pm Saturdays Oct 7, 14 and 21 at 2:30pm Saturdays Oct. 7 & 14 at 7pm Sundays Oct 8, 15 and 22 at 2:30pm http://madstage.com/Shows/madagascar170531.html

Suzan and Buzz chat with music director Dr. J. Adam Shelton and director Michael Bruno about StageQ's upcoming production of Falsettos at the Bartell Theater. Falsettos Book by James Lapine & William Finn, music & lyrics by William Finn Directed by Michael Bruno, musical direction by Dr. J. Adam Shelton The Broadway smash hit comes to Madison! Falsettos is the tale of Marvin, who leaves his wife and young son to live with another man. His ex-wife marries his psychiatrist, and Marvin ends up alone. Two years later, Marvin is reunited with his lover on the eve of his son’s bar mitzvah, just as AIDS is beginning its insidious spread. This musical, about the coming together of the original modern family, premiered on Broadway in 1992 and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, of which it won Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. It was revived briefly on Broadway in 2016, and the revival performance was nominated for five Tony Awards. Produced by StageQ at Bartell Theater's Drury Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison Performances: September 29 - October 14, 2017 Performance Times: Friday 7:30 PM 9/29/17 Saturday 7:30 PM 9/30/17 Wednesday 7:30 PM 10/4/17 Thursday 7:30 PM 10/5/17 Friday 7:30 PM 10/6/17 Saturday 7:30 PM 10/7/17 Sunday 2:00 PM 10/8/17 Wednesday 7:30 PM 10/11/17 Thursday 7:30 PM 10/12/17 Friday 7:30 PM 10/13/17 Saturday 2:00 PM 10/14/17 http://madstage.com/Shows/falsettos170827.html

Suzan and Buzz's guests are 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee co-directors Andrew Abrams and Gail Becker of Capital City Theatre. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Book by Rachel Sheinkin; Music and lyrics by William Finn Directed by Gale Becker and Andrew Abrams Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is about an eclectic group of six adolescents who vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Full of true comedic genius and touching stories, the misfit tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words providing one unforgettable experience! Produced by Capital City Theatre at Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St, Madison Performances: September 22 - October 1, 2017 Performance Times: Fri, Sept 22 and Sat, Sept 23 at 7:30 pm Sun Sept 24 -2:00 pm Thurs, Sept 28, Fri Sept 29 and Sat, Sept 30 at 7:30 pm Sun Oct 1-2:00 pm http://madstage.com/Shows/the25thannua170718.html

Suzan and Buzz chat with director Scott Albert Bennett and actor Rebecca Raether about Strollers Theater's upcoming production of Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance at the Bartell Theatre. A Delicate Balance By Edward Albee Directed by Scott Albert Bennett Edward Albee’s classic drama about two couples whose lives are upended by an encroaching, nameless “fear,” bringing a firestorm of doubt, recrimination, and ultimately solace. This play won Albee the first of his three Pulitzer Prizes for Drama. Produced by Strollers Theatre at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison Performances: September 15-30, 2017 http://madstage.com/Shows/adelicatebal170621.html