Playing On Air: Short Audio Plays

Today we share the final audio play in our '25 - '26 Season, "A Headspace Meditation" by Mara Nelson-Greenberg. Thank you for joining us as we explored a new format. We're excited to begin sharing conversations with our artists in the coming weeks, so if you missed those - have no fear, as you'll soon be able to deep dive with the artists from this season's plays. "A Headspace Meditation" by Mara Nelson-Greenberg continues the tradition of the James Stevenson Commission for Short Comedic Plays. It closes our '25-'26 Season. This season, 4 of our plays were commissions. In December, we premiered "73, SK." by Else Went, directed by Emma Rosa Went, and "The Corner Cafe" by Charles Mee, directed by Tom Dugdale. In January, we premiered the inaugural MC Libby Commission, "Father's Sin" by Maleek Rae with music by Xander Browne. Directed by POA Alum, Goldie E. Patrick. February connected us to a little love with POA regular, John Patrick Shanley's "The Red Coat". Playing on Air is hosted by Artistic Director, Joshua Kahan Brody and Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer, Garlia Cornelia Jones. ABOUT THE PLAY, "A HEADSPACE MEDITATION": A guided meditation that encourages you to slow down and breathe. It's designed to help you feel calmer and more grounded. Hosted by Joshua Kahan Brody & Garlia Cornelia Jones Produced by Garlia Cornelia Jones & Joshua Kahan Brody Recording, Audio editing and sound design by John Kilgore Our Theme Music is by Tom Kochan Season Key Art: Tylar Greer-Travis

Today, we are back with a Playing on Air favorite! POA Regular, Playwright John Patrick Shanley and his two-hander, "The Red Coat". It's been an exciting '25-'26 Season here at Playing on Air! We've got 1 play left that drops in two weeks, "A Headspace Meditation" by Mara Nelson-Greenberg. This season, 4 of our plays are commissions. In December, we premiered "73, SK." by Else Went, directed by Emma Rosa Went, and "The Corner Cafe" by Charles Mee, directed by Tom Dugdale. Two weeks ago, we premiered the inaugural MC Libby Commission, "Father's Sin" by Maleek Rae with music by Xander Browne. Directed by POA Alum, Goldie E. Patrick. ABOUT THE PLAY, "THE RED COAT": A teenage boy in the Bronx lies in wait outside a party for a girl he hardly knows. His mission, which he accomplishes with touching, if halting, effectiveness, is to tell her that he loves her. The cast of "The Red Coat" features two POA Alums, Amy Ryan and Michael Stuhlbarg. Playing on Air is hosted by Artistic Director, Joshua Kahan Brody and Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer, Garlia Cornelia Jones. __ Episode Credits Hosted by Joshua Kahan Brody & Garlia Cornelia Jones Produced by Garlia Cornelia Jones & Joshua Kahan Brody Recording, Audio editing and sound design by John Kilgore Our Theme Music is by Tom Kochan. Season Key Art: Tylar Greer-Travis Visit our website, www.playingonair.org for more information and to support our programming. Subscribe, Like, Follow, Review or leave a comment! Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Today, we are proud to premiere the inaugural MC Libby Commission, "Father's Sin" by Maleek Rae with music by Xander Browne. "Father's Sin" is Directed by POA Alum, Goldie E. Patrick Jezelle the Gazelle and Revelations) Welcome back to another episode of Playing on Air! Last month, we premiered "73, SK." by Else Went, directed by Emma Rosa Went, and "The Corner Cafe" by Charles Mee, directed by Tom Dugdale. We've got 5 plays for the '25 - '26 Season, 4 of which are new plays, and 3 of those new plays are commissions. The cast of "Father's Sin" features Maleek Rae and POA Alum, Frankie Faison Playing on Air is hosted by Artistic Director, Joshua Kahan Brody and Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer, Garlia Cornelia Jones. ABOUT THE PLAY, "FATHER'S SIN": FATHER'S SIN is an audio offering that captures a father on death row making his final phone call to his son. Through this brief yet powerful piece, it explores the passing of generational legacies—the good, the bad, and the divine. Using music and poetic language, FATHER'S SIN is a hand reaching out with hope, seeking connection and understanding across the divides of time and circumstance. Featuring original music by Maleek Rae and Xander Browne, the piece highlights how music can step in during moments when words fail us and we struggle to express what we truly feel. Hosted by Joshua Kahan Brody & Garlia Cornelia Jones Produced by Garlia Cornelia Jones & Joshua Kahan Brody Recording by John Kilgore Audio editing and sound design by John Kilgore and Xander Browne Our Theme Music is by Tom Kochan. "Father's Sin" music composed by Xander Browne Lyrics Maleek Rae "Father's Sin" audio play mixing by John Kilgore "Father's Sin" song mixing by Xander Browne Piano, Xander Browne Viola and Violin, LeiOra Hughes, viola and violin Rap, Maleek Rae Vocals, Murphy Lorenzo Applin Jr. Season Key Art: Tylar Greer-Travis Visit our website, www.playingonair.org for more information and to support our programming. Subscribe, Like, Follow, Review or leave a comment! Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Welcome back to another episode of Playing on Air! Playing on Air is back for a new season! We've got 5 plays for the '25 - '26 Season, 4 of which are new plays, and 3 of those new plays are commissions. Two weeks ago, we premiered "73, SK." by Else Went. Today, we drop our 2nd episode of the season, "The Corner Cafe" by Charles Mee, directed by Tom Dugdale. "The Corner Cafe" features the largest cast ever assembled for a Playing on Air recording! The cast includes some POA Alums and some actors making their debut with us! We are thrilled to both welcome and say "hello again" to: Vandit Bhatt, Sasha Diamond, Ethan Dubin, Peter Friedman, Elijah Jones, Francis Jue, Matthew Maher, Katie Martucci, Barrie Lobo McLain, Jo Mei, Maryann Plunkett, Jon Norman Schneider, Constance Shulman and Claire Siebers Playing on Air is hosted by Artistic Director, Joshua Kahan Brody and Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer, Garlia Cornelia Jones. ABOUT THE PLAY, "THE CORNER CAFE": Society talk. Hosted by Joshua Kahan Brody & Garlia Cornelia Jones Produced by Garlia Cornelia Jones & Joshua Kahan Brody Recording, editing and sound design by John Kilgore Theme Music by Tom Kochan Guitar and Music Arrangement for "The Corner Cafe" by Katie Martucci and Barrie Lobo McClain "The Corner Cafe", performed by Barrie Lobo McClain and Katie Martucci. Music by Tom Dugdale. Lyrics by Tom Dugdale and Charles Mee Season Key Art: Tylar Greer-Travis

Playing on Air is back for a new season! We've got 5 plays for '25 - '26 Season, 4 of which are new plays, and 3 of those new plays are commissions. First up, is "73, SK." by Else Went, directed by Emma Rosa Went. "73, SK" features a company of actors each making their Playing on Air debut! We are thrilled to welcome: Olivia Rose Barresi, Paul Joseph Bernardo, Zachary Desmond, Chukwudi Iwuji and Joe McGurl. Playing on Air is hosted by Artistic Director, Joshua Kahan Brody and Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer, Garlia Cornelia Jones. ABOUT THE PLAY, "73, SK.": In the Central Coast of California, a community exists over the airwaves, an obscure group of radio operators who key up to discuss the minutiae of their lives and the county's goings on. When an unfortunate event reduces their number, the remaining members mourn, and return to life with renewed purpose. Hosted by Joshua Kahan Brody & Garlia Cornelia Jones Produced by Garlia Cornelia Jones & Joshua Kahan Brody Recording, editing and sound design by John Kilgore Theme Music by Tom Kochan Radio jingle composed and arranged by John Kilgore "Side by Side" Music and lyrics by Harry M. Woods. Arrangement by Charlie Rosen Featuring Vocal Trio: The New York Nightingales: Katy Lombardi, Brianna Barnhart & Natasha Bergman. The New York Nightingales was Founded by Jennifer Mergele. Season Artwork: Tylar Greer-Travis Visit our website, www.playingonair.org for more information and to support our programming.

Playing on Air's Leadership team, Artistic Director, Joshua Kahan Brody and Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer, Garlia Cornelia Jones ‪announce the '25 - '26 Season! Their 1st season together! ​ This new season includes 5 plays, 4 of which are World Premieres and 3 of which are commissions and 1 Playing on Air regular! • 73, SK. Written by Else Went, Directed by Emma Rosa Went • THE CORNER CAFE Written by Charles Mee, Directed by Tom Dugdale • A HEADSPACE MEDITATION Written by Mara Nelson-Greenberg, Directed by Sarah Lunnie • FATHER'S SIN Written by Maleek Rae, Directed by Goldie E. Patrick • THE RED COAT Written and Directed by John Patrick Shanley WATCH the '25-'26 Announcement Here! ​ Visit our website: www.playingonair.org/2526-season to learn more about the season and SUBSCRIBE to Listen to our upcoming season! ​

When Dee–a forty-something from Rockford, Illinois–visits Harvard’s namesake statue, she discovers a legacy student, hiding from his parents in the bushes. What could this recently suspended nerd have in common with a Midwestern working-class divorcee? Parents! College! Rules and regulations! Gay or not gay. Gay meanies. What’s a poor little rich boy to do? A Sticky Memento is a world premiere written by Ken Urban (A Guide for the Homesick) and directed by Knud Adams (Primary Trust, English). The two-hander stars Jane Kaczmarek (“Malcolm in the Middle”) and Taylor Trensch (Dear Evan Hansen). Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation among the playwright, actors, and Playing on Air’s founder, Claudia Catania. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or visit us at www.playingonair.org, where you’ll find our complete collection of audio plays.

It’s not easy living with a zealot. Or being at the local supermarket where he prowls. Suppose you like bacon? Suppose disposable diapers? There is interference in the air. Sheila: A Year In The Life Of is a world-premiere James Stevenson commission from Playwright Laureate of Boston Kirsten Greenidge (Milk Like Sugar). Melia Bensussen (Artistic Director of Hartford Stage) directs a terrific ensemble of Seret Scott, Postell Pringle, Nikkole Salter, Brittany Allen, Mary Bacon, Marchánt Davis, and Lee Wilkof. Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation among the playwright, actors, and Playing on Air’s founder, Claudia Catania. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or visit us at www.playingonair.org, where you’ll find our complete collection of audio plays.

What’s with these birthdays that end in a zero? How is it that a mere multiple of ten can wield such power? A touch of wit and love language can help. Crisis Planning is a world premiere James Stevenson commission from Bay Area-playwright Peter Sinn Nachtrieb (The Making of a Great Moment). Directed by Jason Eagan (Founding Artistic Director of Ars Nova), the play features Andrew Garman (The Holdovers, “The Gilded Age”) and PoA legend April Matthis (Mary Jane, The Piano Lesson). Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation among the playwright, actors, and Playing on Air’s founder, Claudia Catania. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or visit us at www.playingonair.org, where you’ll find our complete collection of audio plays.

It’s 1942. WWIl is raging. Mr. Walt Disney is in New York to discuss another propaganda film requested by the US government to boost the wartime effort. At the moment, though, he is in a meeting with a former illustrator from his early days. It’s Gyo Fujikawa. Disney/Fujikawa comes from the mind of 2023 Pulitzer Prize Finalist Lloyd Suh (The Far Country, Franklinland). Directed by Ralph Peña (Among the Dead, ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME), this audio premiere features the talents of Michi Barall (Peer Gynt and The Norwegian Hapa Band) and PoA veteran Steven Boyer (Hand to God, “Trial & Error”). Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation among the playwright, actors, and Playing on Air’s founder, Claudia Catania. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or visit us at www.playingonair.org, where you’ll find our complete collection of audio plays.

A woman (Carol Kane) is drawn into a neighborhood church by the sound of music beautifully sung. A marriage is taking place within. Do beautiful music and ceremony make a marriage? Reverie, a world premiere written and directed by Oscar, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley (Doubt, Brooklyn Laundry, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea), showcases the talents of Carol Kane (The Princess Bride, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) and Scarlett Strallen (Cole Porter’s The New Yorkers, She Loves Me). Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation between the playwright, actors, and Playing on Air’s founder, Claudia Catania. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or visit us at www.playingonair.org, where you’ll find our complete collection of audio plays.

1976 Kansas or Oz, that is the question. Here's a new spin on a great tale spun. To go, or say no? And in which direction? Kansas? or Oz? Tell me. Anyone? Kansas Anymore, a world premiere from esteemed playwright David Ives (Here We Are, Venus in Fur), features screen legend Lois Smith (Twister, “ER”) and TV star Catherine Curtin (“Orange Is the New Black”, “Stranger Things”). Ives also directs. Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation between the playwright, actors, and Playing on Air’s founder, Claudia Catania. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or visit us at www.playingonair.org, where you’ll find our complete collection of audio plays.

Parents, Don and Charlotte, summon their adult children, Susanna and Brian, to a meeting at Le Pain Quotidien scheduled smack in the middle of their workday. What’s up? Patricia Cotter’s comedy ensues. Did I Miss Anything Important? is a world-premiere James Stevenson commission from accomplished playwright Patricia Cotter (Mulan, Jr., The Daughters). The cast includes stalwarts David Rasche, Maryanne Plunkett, Zach Appelman, Lesley Fray, and Lakisha May. Marchánt Davis (Reality, Ain’t No Mo’) directs. Music by Tom Kochan Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation between the playwright, actors, and Playing on Air’s founder, Claudia Catania. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn or visit us at www.playingonair.org, where you’ll find our complete collection of audio plays.

In BONNET, the incredibly talented John Patrick Shanley’s marital (and sometimes martial) comedy of manners, Dan (John Turturro) has a few questions for his wife Ava (Debra Messing) when she appears at the breakfast table with a meaningful new accessory. BONNET, written and directed by the Tony Award, Academy Award, and Pulitzer Prize-winning Shanley himself, was recorded live at Playing on Air’s 10th anniversary benefit celebration at 54 Below and features a feisty score by composer Tom Kochan—plus a bit of adult language! Stay tuned after the play for a rollicking conversation with Shanley, Messing, and Turturro.

In SECOND SIGHT, a world premiere written and directed by renowned playwright David Ives, a retired historian’s (Danny Burstein) minor surgery brings up major questions that his affable surgeon (Steven Boyer), bemused wife (Susie Essman) and brother (Lee Wilkof) can’t seem to answer. Or is he, with the help of an otherworldly stranger (Brittany K. Allen), just seeing things clearly for the first time? SECOND SIGHT is directed by Ives and features music by Dan Moses Schreier, musical direction and piano by Alan Johnson, and special guest vocals by Chloe Holgate, Hai-Ting Chinn, Gregory Purnhagen, and Barbara Rearick. Stay tuned after the play for an insightful conversation with Ives, the actors, Founder and Consulting Director Claudia Catania, and Executive Director Yvie Jones.

It’s 1915 and another typhoid fever outbreak, this one in a bustling hospital run by an officious Supervisor (Cindy Cheung), has once again led dogged sanitation engineer George Soper (Matt Park) to the hospital’s newest cook, “Typhoid Mary" Mallon (Catherine Curtin). It’s been years since Soper reluctantly released her from a forced quarantine on an inhospitable island. Can Mary finally wash her hands of him for good? Playwright Mike Lew’s history-inspired comedy TYPHOID MARY, a 2021 Wordsmith Duo Commission supported by the Axe-Houghton Foundation, is directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel and features music by composer Tom Kochan. Stay tuned after the play for a lively conversation with Executive Director Yvie Jones and all the featured artists.

It’s 1907 and a typhoid fever outbreak among New York City’s elite families has led zealous sanitation engineer George Soper (Matt Park) to the home of the haughty Mr. Winthrop (Michael Chernus) and a face-off with Winthrop’s proud, though not very hygienic cook, “Typhoid Mary" Mallon (Catherine Curtin). Playwright Rehana Lew Mirza’s history-inspired comedy, a 2021 Wordsmith Duo Commission supported by the Axe-Houghton Foundation, is directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel and features music by composer Tom Kochan. Stay tuned after the play for a lively conversation with Playing on Air Executive Director Yvie Jones and all the featured artists.

An old school drill sergeant under fire from his very modern and diverse new recruits desperately longs for simpler times. Directed by John Giampietro, James McLindon’s short satire I DON’T KNOW features stage and screen favorite Jay O. Sanders as the Drill Sergeant and an ensemble cast of Broadway, off-Broadway, and TV regulars as his new recruits: Bobby Moreno, Sue Jean Kim, Jeff Biehl, and Brittany K. Allen. After the play, Producing Artistic Director Claudia Catania moderates a conversation with the creative team.

In Lloyd Suh’s HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. ABERNATHY, a shared story, formerly repressed, begins to bridge the racial and generational distance between a white American centenarian of the Greatest Generation (Len Cariou) and his Asian American great-grandson (Ken Leung). Stay tuned after the play for a poignant conversation between the playwright and Founder and Consulting Director Claudia Catania.

It's the summer of 1955, and a new U.S. Army private stationed far away from his New Jersey hometown may have met his match, a very modern Southern belle, at a USO-style dance. Emily Bergl directs a pitch perfect cast—Eli Gelb, Erin Wilhelmi, and Vance Barton—in Cary Gitter’s THE ARMY DANCE, which also boasts a nifty-fifties-style score by composer Tom Kochan. After the play, host Claudia Catania and executive director Yvie Jones moderate a lively and poignant conversation with the playwright, director, and actors.