Theatergoers Digest – Gary and Frank – Episode 95

April 18, 2019 by Gary Zabinski

It’s Gary and Frank together in the Booth for a cavalcade of theatergoer notes on shows we’ve recently seen around Chicago. First off, Frank tells us about his adventures in speech competition judging that’s kept him away from home the past month. By all accounts, the dazzling array of young talented actors and orators is…

Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/themes/maronpro/functions.php on line 658

Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/themes/maronpro/functions.php on line 694

Creating a Safe Space – Stage Managers Malcolm Ewen and Laura Glenn – Episode 94

March 31, 2019 by Gary Zabinski

Gary welcomes to the Booth two true Chicago theatre professionals – both long-time stage managers at Steppenwolf Theatre – Malcolm Ewen and Laura Glenn. No one has better behind-the scenes stories than great stage managers. Malcolm has been at Steppenwolf since 1987 and was most recently welcomed into the company’s elite Ensemble, an honor he…

Red Rex – Director Jonathan Berry and Actor Jessica Dean Turner – Episode 93

March 11, 2019 by Gary Zabinski

Gary welcomes director Jonathan Berry and actor Jessica Dean Turner from the new hit play Red Rex to the Booth today. Written by Ike Holter as the newest in his Rightlynd series of plays, Red Rex is is receiving a world premiere by Steep Theatre and is being presented in their 55-seat space at 1115…

Division Street Princess – Author Elaine Soloway – Episode 92

February 12, 2019 by Gary Zabinski

We were thrilled to welcome Elaine Soloway to the booth for episode 92! Check out her bio here. She is something else. Between her two memoirs, her Roman à clef, the essays she writes for her blogs, and having part of her life fictionalized on the television show, Transparent, Elaine is “living out loud.” Learn about…

The Year of Chicago Theatre, with Mark Kelly & Sandra Marquez – Episode 91

January 25, 2019 by Gary Zabinski

We are thrilled to be part of the launch of the “Year of Chicago Theatre”, helmed by the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE) Commisioner, Mark Kelly. Mark joined us to talk about this first-ever City initiative that is “calling on the world to recognize the power of Chicago Theatre.” Partnering with the…

Renaissance Man – Artist & Illustrator Tom Bachtell – Episode 90

December 24, 2018 by Gary Zabinski

Join us in a great conversation with brilliant artist and illustrator Tom Bachtell. Learn how this self-taught artist became the best thing about the New Yorker’s “Talk of the Town”. He is still doing stunning caricatures and illustrations for the magazine 23 years later. Check out this wonderful piece Neil Steinberg recently wrote about Tom…

To Never Forget – La Ruta – Isaac Gomez & Karen Rodriguez – Episode 89

December 16, 2018 by Gary Zabinski

Rising stars Isaac Gomez & Karen Rodriguez join us in the Booth to talk about the rehearsal process for their world premiere production of Isaac’s play, La Ruta, at Steppenwolf Theatre. Previews begin December 13 and the show runs through January 27. We are going to press opening on December 20 and cannot wait! This…

Nena’s Notes – Fashion Expert & Writer Nena Ivon – Episode 88

November 13, 2018 by Gary Zabinski

Fashion world icon Nena Ivon joins us in the Booth to talk about her astounding career, her varied interests in all things cultural, and so much more! A legend in Chicago, Nena Ivon was the fashion and special events director at Saks Fifth Avenue from 1956 to 2009, where among other things, she produced all…

Always Say Yes…-Actor Francis Guinan – Episode 87

October 30, 2018 by Gary Zabinski

Gary and Frank welcome one of the finest actors we’ve ever had the pleasure to meet to Booth One! Francis Guinan has been with the Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble since 1979 and has appeared in a remarkable number of shows. Check out the list of past productions on his Steppenwolf bio. We have seen many of…

A Film Report from TIFF – Frank and Dan at the Toronto International Film Festival – Episode 86

October 11, 2018 by Gary Zabinski

Booth One’s Frank Tourangeau and his husband, filmmaker Dan Pal, who serves as Booth One’s film correspondent, have just returned from a trip to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and have much to report! They have been going to film festivals for many years, including several trips to Telluride, Sundance, Toronto, and our very…

Want to create your own Booth One experiences?