<![CDATA[GOTHAM RADIO THEATRE - Radio Blog]]>Mon, 18 Sep 2023 03:51:11 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[EXPERIENCE THE BEST LIVE RADIO THEATRE IN GOTHAM CITY]]>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:53:52 GMThttp://gothamradiotheatre.com/radio-blog/experience-the-best-live-radio-theatre-in-gotham-cityPicture
Posted by Used York City on Monday, September 24, 2012 ·  

I was recently on the F train, and overheard a group of tourists discussing how they were in search of an “authentic NYC theater experience.”  The debate was between seeing The Jersey Boys or Phantom of the Opera.  Now, I’ll be the first to say I adore both of those shows to the ends of the earth…but as a New Yorker, I felt it my duty to jump into the conversation (i.e. interrupt), and politely point them in the direction of something a bit more, as they put it, “authentic”.  I shared the name of my favorite radio theatre group in the city, Gotham Radio Theatre, promising them right before they hopped off at the 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center stop that the experience would not disappoint.

I’ve actively followed Gotham Radio’s shows during the past year, and am thrilled that they are now starting their third season.  They opened with Noel Coward’s comedy “Present Laughter”, the story of successful actor Garry Essedine (Michael Iannucci) packing his bags for an acting tour in Africa, but first having to overcome several comical roadblocks that came up along the way: his estranged wife, his secretary, a crazy playwright, and two women who are on a mission to seduce him.  Combine this with his just-turned-40-mid-life-crisis, and a fabulous farce you have!

What makes Gotham Radio an authentic NYC theater experience is how they take a classic radio program and perform it live on stage, sound effects and all, transporting the audience back in time to the bygone radio era of the 30‘s and 40‘s.  Everyday sounds are created right before your eyes and ears on stage: martinis being mixed, doors slamming, window curtains being peaked through.  The performers often play the part of several characters, showing true range in their ability to transform instantaneously from, say, stern German housekeeper to giddy mistress or humble secretary to glamorous mistress (bravo Jill Ahrold and Laura Leopard!).

Gotham Radio will be continuing on the season with favorites such as “Jeeves and Wooster in America” and “Rudolph’s Tale: A 1964 Christmas”.  Make sure to visit their website and purchase tickets before the tourists scoop them all up.

What defines an authentic NYC theater experience for you?  Share your thoughts below! WHAT: Gotham Radio Theatre WHERE: Arclight Theater152 West 71st StreetNew York, New York TICKETS: $20 General Admission, $15 Senior Discount By: Jessica Tiare Bowen

 
]]><![CDATA[Present Laughter on September 23rd and 24th!]]>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:00:10 GMThttp://gothamradiotheatre.com/radio-blog/present-laughter-on-september-23rd-and-24thPicture
Gotham Radio Theatre will present ‘Present Laugher’ by Noel Coward and adapted for radio by Sydnie Grosberg Ronga at the Arclight Theater at 152 West 71st Street.

Gotham Radio Theatre will bring ‘Present Laughter’ to life in September with a versatile cast who all play multiple roles.  The play has been called a ‘valentine to the maddening, marvelous world of the theater’ and of course to Coward himself, who is the model for the lead role of Garry Essendine.  Essendine  happens to have committed the mortal sin of a  matinee idol;  he has aged past 40.   As he prepares to travel to Africa for a tour, he has to deal with women who want to seduce him, his long suffering secretary, a crazed new playwright, his estranged wife and his own fear of growing old. 

The cast includes  Michael Iannucci as Garry Essendine, Laura Leopard as Monica & Joanna, William Bailey as Henry & Maule, Jill Ahrold as Daphne and Liz and Bob Ader as Morris & Fred. 

They will perform  on Sunday, September 23rd at 3pm and 7pm and Monday, September 24th at 7pm at the Arclight Theater at 152 West 71st.  Tickets are $20 and can be reserved through the website GRT (http://gothamradiotheatre.com) Tickets are also available through TDF.

Take a tour through our site for more information on the season, tickets and cast information, www.gothamradiotheatre.com

About Gotham Radio Theatre

Much like the radio hour serials of a bygone era, Gotham Radio performs classics from theatre, literature and the silver screen in little more than 60 minutes, with live sound and music, and actors playing multiple roles.

Gotham actors portray fictional 1940's stars of stage, screen and radio who perform the Gotham radio play. These 40's personalities are long running characters and bring the audience an added entertaining dimension of a 'show within a show.

Details

What:  “Present Laughter”

Website: www.gothamradiotheatre.com

When: Sunday, September 23rd at 3pm and 7pm

Monday, September 24th at 7pm

Where:  The Arclight Theater

152 West 71st Street  (1, 2 or 3 subway, 72nd Street Station)

Between Broadway and Columbus

New York, NY 10023

Price:  $20

TDF tickets are also available

Tickets:  Go to http://www.gothamradiotheatre.com/tickets.html ‘ticket page’ or call 866-992-9263

Phone: 866-992-9263

Actors: Michael Iannucci, Laura Leopard, William Bailey, Jill Ahrold and Bob Ader.
]]><![CDATA[GOTHAM RADIO THEATRE PRESENTS “AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS]]>Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:10:34 GMThttp://gothamradiotheatre.com/radio-blog/gotham-radio-theatre-presents-around-the-world-in-80-days”Posted by Used York City on Monday, June 18, 2012 · Leave a Comment 

With New York City being the mecca of all things theater, it’s hard to discern what shows to spend your time and money on.  Between Broadway, Off-Broadway, dance, music, improv…it’s almost too much to sort through.  That, my friends, is why we’re here.  To lead you in the direction of the not-to-be-missed shows and companies that consistently deliver high-quality entertainment and laughs by passionate performers, each and every performance.  Today we’re leading you to the fine folks of Gotham Radio Theatre.

Gotham Radio Theatre was founded in 2010 by Laura Leopard and Victor Barbella, and presents a unique theater-going experience in that the actors and sound artists are performing live on stage in vintage radio style.  They are masters at taking classic plays and screenplays, adapting them for stage, and delivering the show to the audience like we’ve never “heard” before!

I was delighted to experience Gotham Radio’s take on Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 Days”.  Truly one of those literary classics from my adolescence, I was curious to see how they would take an entire novel (256 pages, if I’m not mistaken), have the performers span the entire globe, and do this in exactly an hour!  A challenging feat for most, Gotham Radio managed to pull it off without a hitch.  In fact, the fast pace of the performance only added boat-loads of humor to the already comical show, leaving the audience in absolute stitches.

Adapted for radio and directed by the talented Sydnie Grosberg Ronga, I applaud Gotham Radio for their fabulous casting.  Tricker than ordinary shows, the performers in Gotham Radio performances play multiple roles within the 60 minutes, having only their voices to stage the character differences for the audience…no costume or set change in the world of radio theatre!  Along with the show, actors also re-created vintage commercials.  The “sponsor” for the broadcast of Around the World in 80 Days was none other than TWA…fly the finest!  Quite a perfect pick for this particular performance!

Gotham Radio Theatre will be launching into their third season in September 2012, with upcoming shows such as: Wooster & Jeeves In America, Twentieth Century, and Rudolph’s Tale: A 1964 Christmas!  (Truly one of UsedYorkCity’s favorite holiday performances…not to be missed!)

To stay up to date on upcoming performance dates, please visit Gotham Radio Theatre’s website.

By: Jessica Tiare Bowen

]]><![CDATA[Gotham Radio Theatre To Present ‘Around The World in 80 Days’ by Jules Verne On June 11th at the Arclight Theater NYC ]]>Wed, 30 May 2012 13:30:11 GMThttp://gothamradiotheatre.com/radio-blog/gotham-radio-theatre-to-present-around-the-world-in-80-days-by-jules-verne-on-june-11th-at-the-arclight-theater-nycGotham Radio Theatre will present ‘Around The World in 80 Days’ by Jules Verne, adapted by Sydnie Grosberg Ronga at the Arclight Theater at 152 West 71st Street.

Gotham Radio Theatre will bring the fabulous adventure of Phileas Fogg and his exotic race around the world to the stage on June 11th in New York City.  The famous story begins with two astonishing headlines in the Daily Telegraph published in 1872.

A Gentleman Robber Has Stolen 55 Thousand Pounds from the Bank of England and Astonishing! By Using Trains and Steamboats, You Can Now Go Around the World in 80 Days. At a London gentleman’s club a wager is placed and Phileas Fogg sets out to prove the latter to his colleagues as Scotland Yard searches for the gentleman bank robber. 

Listen as Gotham’s version takes you on each moment's journey, from when Fogg rescues an Indian Princess to when he sails a burning ship, and much more.  Without a doubt, the sound effects of ‘Around The World in 80 Days’ will be as interesting to ‘hear’ as to ‘see’ performed.

The cast includes Timothy Carter as Phileas Fogg, Brian Cheng as Passepartout, Bob Ader as Sir Francis Comarty, Vince Trani as Inspector Fix, and Sarah Elmaleh as Aouda.  Sydnie Grosberg Ronga serves as the director and also adapted the novel for the radio play.  Vince Trani performs and composed original music for the production.

They will perform two shows at 7 pm and 9 pm on Monday June 11th at the Arclight Theater at 152 West 71st.  Tickets are $15 and can be reserved through the website GRT (http://gothamradiotheatre.com) Tickets are also available through TDF.

Take a tour through our site for more information on the season, tickets and cast information, www.gothamradiotheatre.com

About Gotham Radio Theatre

Much like the radio hour serials of a bygone era, Gotham Radio performs classics from theatre, literature and the silver screen in little more than 60 minutes, with live sound and music, and actors playing multiple roles.

Gotham actors portray fictional 1940's stars of stage, screen and radio who perform the Gotham radio play. These 40's personalities are long running characters and bring the audience an added entertaining dimension of a 'show within a show.

Details

What:  “Around The World in 80 Days”

Website: www.gothamradiotheatre.com

When: Monday, June 11th, at 7p.m. and 9p.m.

Where:  The Arclight Theater

152 West 71st Street  (1, 2 or 3 subway, 72nd Street Station)

New York, NY 10023

Price:  $15

TDF tickets are also available

Tickets:  Go to http://www.gothamradiotheatre.com/tickets.html ‘ticket page’ or call 866-992-9263

If you would like to arrange an interview with the cast or director, please call 866-992-9263 and contact Laura Leopard, or email laura@gothamradiotheatre.com. 

]]><![CDATA[Redheads and Bohemians Review!]]>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:27:34 GMThttp://gothamradiotheatre.com/radio-blog/redheads-and-bohemians-reviewGOTHAM RADIO THEATRE PRESENTS REDHEADS AND BOHEMIANSPosted by Used York City on Thursday, March 8, 2012 · 

I remember childhood summers spent at my grandparents house…lounging in the kitchen on warm afternoons, sipping Yoo-Hoo’s, eating Twinkies, and listening to the ever-so-loud classic radio shows blasting through the AM channels.  Granted, I’m a child of the 1980′s, not the 1940′s, so this may seem a bit antiquated.  At the time I was probably wishing for the Top 40 tunes of Madonna and Prince, but now that I’m older and wiser, I look back on those hazy dog-days of summer and feel a twinge of nostalgia.

That nostalgia was brought back in full force Monday evening when I sawGotham Radio Theatre’s performance “Redheads and Bohemians“.  An original radio play by Sydnie Grosberg Ronga, “Redheads and Bohemians” is based on the “Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  Sydnie brilliantly weaved together two Sherlock classics: “The Redheaded League” and “A Scandal in Bohemia” to create a mysterious story that’s one part deception, one part humor, with a (large) side of scandal.  The story goes a little something like this: Two clients, a redheaded man and a royal Bohemian, lead Mr. Holmes to match his wits with two opponents: the first, the fourth smartest man in all of London, and the second, a woman Mr. Holmes will never forget.  It’s all in an evening’s work for Mr. Holmes, or, as he famously says, “Elementary, my dear Watson”.

The show has a unique twist in that the actors and actresses playing the characters in the Sherlock Holmes saga are actually being performed as fictional 1940′s stage and screen stars…making the performance a bit of a “show within a show”.  In the program, for example, you have the bio of the 1940′s cast alongside the 2012 cast.  Our dashing Sherlock Holmes is played by Charles Napier (who is really played by J.T. O’Connor).  Brilliant comedic twist?  I think yes!

Tale of intrigue aside, the part of Gotham Radio Theatre that always leaves me pleased as punch is the live sound effects.  The talented Jill Ahrold was the sound effects actor for this performance.  Between her perfectly timed foley (tea pouring, silverware rattling, horses trotting off into the distance) and her hysterical facial expressions, I was reassured that as long as Gotham Radio Theatre is around, there will always be a place where theater will reside first and foremost as an art form.  And in a time when Spiderman has dominated the Great White Way and the average Broadway ticket price is more than your monthly Con-Ed bill, it’s nice to know that there are actors and actresses out there who put their heart and soul into the show, simply because it’s what they love more than anything.  I guess that’s what my grandparents were trying to instill in me when they opted for vintage radio classics over Madonna.  And for that, I thank them.



By: Jessica Tiare Bowen

]]><![CDATA[Gotham Radio Theatre To Present ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – Redheads and Bohemians’ On March 5th at the Arclight Theater in the UWS]]>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:20:12 GMThttp://gothamradiotheatre.com/radio-blog/gotham-radio-theatre-to-present-the-adventures-of-sherlock-holmes-redheads-and-bohemians-on-march-5th-at-the-arclight-theater-in-the-uws Gotham Radio Theatre will present an original radio drama, ‘Redheads and Bohemians’ a Sherlock Holmes mystery on March 5th at the Arclight Theater at 152 West 71st Street.

Gotham Radio Theatre takes you back to Victorian England and the world of Sherlock Holmes.  They have taken two classic stories, ‘The Redheaded League’ and ‘A Scandal in Bohemia’ to weave one tale of deception, foreign intrigue, theft and of course, scandal.   

Gotham Radio Theatre plans to embrace the 40’s era and the model of Lux Radio Theatre by adding another layer to their performance.  Their actors will portray fictional 1940’s stars of stage, screen and radio to enact the Gotham Radio Play.  These 40’s personalities will be long running characters that will be recreated throughout the season, bringing the audience the entertaining dimension of a ‘show within a show’ quality.

The cast includes J.T. O’Connor, Scott Klavin, Vince Trani, Jill Ahrold and Laura Leopard.

They will perform two shows at 7 pm and 9 pm on Monday March 5th at the Arclight Theater at 152 West 71st.  Tickets are $15 and can be reserved through the website GRT (http://gothamradiotheatre.com) Tickets are also available through TDF

About Gotham Radio Theatre

Much like the radio hour serials of a bygone era, classics from theatre, literature and the silver screen are performed in little more than 60 minutes, with live sound, music and actors playing multiple roles.

Gotham Radio Theatre’s debut season showcased a wide variety of theatrical styles ranging from the sophistication of Noel Coward’s ‘Fallen Angels’ to the country comedy ‘No Time For Sergeant’s.  The second season also offers a range of styles which began with the screwball comedy, ‘The Awful Truth’ by Arthur Richman then followed by the famous thriller,  ‘Sorry, Wrong Number’ by Lucille Fletcher and the original ‘Rudolph’s Tale: A 1964 Christmas’.  Sherlock Holmes heads the start of ‘part two’ of Gotham Radio’s season.  April will see ‘Blithe Spirit’ by Noel Coward, and June will be the challenging ‘Around The World in 80 Days’ by Jules Verne.

Take a tour through our site for more information on the season, tickets and cast information, www.gothamradiotheatre.com

What:  “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Redheads and Bohemians”
Website: www.gothamradiotheatre.com
When: Monday, March 5th, at 7p.m. and 9p.m.
Where:  The Arclight Theater
152 West 71st Street  (1, 2 or 3 subway, 72nd Street Station)
New York, NY 10023
Price:  $15
TDF tickets are also available
 Tickets:  Go to http://www.gothamradiotheatre.com/tickets.html ‘ticket page’ or call 866-992-9263

If you would like to arrange an interview with the cast or director, please call 866-992-9263 and contact Laura Leopard, or email laura@gothamradiotheatre.com. 



]]><![CDATA[Gotham Radio Theatre Presents “Rudolph’s Tale: A 1964 Christmas”Posted on December 6, 2011By: Jessica Tiare Bowen]]>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:26:20 GMThttp://gothamradiotheatre.com/radio-blog/gotham-radio-theatre-presents-rudolphs-tale-a-1964-christmasposted-on-december-6-2011by-jessica-tiare-bowenHow I love a New York City Christmas.  Not just for its twinkle lights, egg nog, or general sense of merriment that overcomes all the locals.  What I most appreciate is the sense of nostalgia that takes over the city.  It may be the one time of year where tradition runs deeper than trend, smiles are more frequent than smirks, and the old out-fashions the new.  That said, you can imagine my excitement of viewing my favorite childhood Christmas movie, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, as a live theatrical performance.  Talk about an early Christmas present!

Photo Credit: www.gothamradiotheatre.com

Founded in 2010 by Laura Leopard andVictor Barbella, Gotham Radio Theatre is inspired by the Lux Radio Theatre of the 1930’s and 40’s.  The audience is treated to a unique experience of actors and sound artists performing live in vintage radio style.  On December 4th, 2011, Gotham Radio Theatre presented “Rudolph’s Tale: A 1964 Christmas” at the Upper West Side’s theater, The Triad.  If you’ve turned on the TV during the month of December at all in the past fifty years, you’re sure to have seen the tried-and-true classic cartoon, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.  Now imagine Rudolph and the gang…Yukon Cornelius, Hermey the Dentist, the lovely Clarice, Mr. and Mrs. Claus…all being brought to life by the voices and Foley sound effects of the members of Gotham Radio Theatre!  There were moments throughout the show when I blinked, and could have sworn I was listening to the actual 1964 version of the movie!

The talented ensemble displayed their versatile talent by performing several different roles each, shifting voices and characters so dramatically it would have been virtually impossible to know it was the same person speaking had you not seen it with your own eyes.

Photo Credit: www.gothamradiotheatre.com

Along with performing the Rudolph Tale, actors also re-created vintage commercials from the sixties.  Some of my favorites included: Shake-N-Bake, Alka Seltzer, and Frosty Flakes.  In the words of Tony the Tiger…“They’re greeaaaattt!”  The commercials, show, and incredibly gifted group of actors and actresses that make up Gotham Radio Theatre, that is!

As if that weren’t nostalgic enough, the show ended with the ensemble leading the audience in a jubilant round of the famous carol, you guessed it, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.  On the last line of the song, I couldn’t help but shift my focus away from Rudolph’s red nose onto the fine folks of Gotham Radio.  With talent like that, “you’ll go down in history”.  Bravo, Gotham!


 ]]><![CDATA[Rudolph!]]>Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:02:01 GMThttp://gothamradiotheatre.com/radio-blog/rudolphWe are finally here!  The day of performance for 'Rudolph's Tale: A 1964 Christmas.  This has been such a joy to put together and has turned out to be such a moving, sweet show-  that also happens to be absolutely hysterical.  Victor, Sydnie and I can hardly believe that we're doing it, and surprised and heartened by the response.  We are close to a sell out house and will be returning on the 20th to perform 'Rudolph's Tale: A 1964 Christmas' for the New York Public Library.  This show sprang from a crazy idea, and we have never had so much fun.  Our actors have never been better!   We are so proud to bring this cast and this show to the stage to tell Rudolph's story.  Happy Holidays to you all-  ]]><![CDATA[Our Second Season!]]>Sun, 14 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMThttp://gothamradiotheatre.com/radio-blog/our-second-seasonOur second season is about to begin and it is full of wonderful ‘radio’ surprises.  We open with ‘The Awful Truth’, written by Arthur Richman in 1921 as a stage play, but it lives in everyone’s memory as the fabulous movie with Cary Grant and Irene Dunne.  It was an early ‘screwball’ comedy that made marriage, divorce and love a hysterical platform for a romantic comedy.  They don’t write them like this anymore! 

Our second show is an absolute classic, ‘Sorry, Wrong Number’, by Lucille Fletcher.  It was a wonderful movie with Barbara Stanwyck, and a wildly popular radio program with Agnes Morehead that was first broadcast in 1943. It proved so popular that the "Suspense' radio series restaged it seven times through to 1960, each production starring Ms. Moorehead.

Our third show that will end the first half of our season is our loving but hysterical parody of ‘Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer’.  The movie first debuted in 1964 and we take you back to that date with vintage commercials and a different 'take' on the holiday classic.   We all remember Cornelius, Hermie and of course the abominable snowman!  The 1964 commercials are a window into the past, and recall fond memories as well as producing a few ‘if we only knew then what we know now’ moments! 

Our big news for this season is that we have changed nights and our location.  We will be performing on Sunday nights at 6 and 8 pm at The Triad on 158 West 72nd Street.  Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase and a one-drink minimum is required.  We hope that you will join us for the fun that is old time radio!  Season tickets are now available as well as tickets for ‘The Awful Truth’.  We hope to see you all there!

Here's a few commercials that you might remember!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bEkq7JCbik

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxYRhnBzp8U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD6dHixV5n8

]]><![CDATA['Lady Windermere's Fan]]>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:59:46 GMThttp://gothamradiotheatre.com/radio-blog/lady-windermeres-fan
‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’ is an Oscar Wilde classic that showcases his trademark wit and is known as a charming, touching piece. This biting satire on the morals of Victorian society and the institution of marriage was first produced in 1892 at the St. James Theatre in London to  instant success.  I imagine that it was quite scandalous for the time, with the main intrigue of the relationship between Mrs. Erlynne and Lady Windermere a vast, dark, surprising secret!  It's not shocking by todays standards, but in 1892 the 'secret' of the play was a big surprise. 

Today's world gives not a wit about one's reputation.  Reality shows make stars of people who proudly sin and display their every action to the world.  In 1892, one could be socially ostricized for behaving even MILDLY risque.  You could lose your  entire reputation by merely being alone with man in his rooms. People did SIN in 1892, but it was undercover, and they took great pains to keep it so.

Mrs. Erylnne is a fascinating character and it's a joy to play her!  She has very modern, realistic views but also understands what society demands of it's players.  She made a great mistake long ago, and has lived with it.  She's a survivor who has steeled herself against the pain of her mistakes, but within the course of the play realizes that that her tiny little heart does beat after all!

 Oscar Wilde blends the black and white of “good” and “bad” into gray with 'Lady Windermere's Fan'.  We hope that you will come and see it!  


April 13, 24, and 16th.  More info Here]]>