FringeNYC 2013: Gotham Radio Theatre's The Awful TruthShow details/ticketing at FringeNYC Venue: Connelly Theater, 220 East 4th Street
nytheatre.com The digital magazine of New York indie theater Review by Ed Malin · August 9, 2013 It's 1947 inside New York's own Gotham Radio Studio. In a warmly amusing twist on performing classic radio plays onstage, The Awful Truth features a cast of five faux-celebrities who in turn play multiple characters--both human and canine. I had not heard of the 1937 film with Cary Grant, Irene Dunne and others, but this delightful troupe who have recently done Blithe Spirit and will next present Frankenstein are very good at giving new life to these popular cultural artifacts. Sound effects are created live onstage, and many plugs are given to the imaginary sponsor: Happy Camper Frisky Biscuits ("For Your Peppy Little Puppy") John Dough (Michael Iannucci) is an amnesiac actor who is forever on the verge of offending everyone (but not of forgetting his lines; this is radio and they have scripts). Charles Napier (J.T. O'Connor) is the host. Irene Dahlia (Laura Leopard) is the grand dame Russian émigré who simply must appear in a 1940s comedy. There are some jokes about Showboat that pertain to the original movie, I think. Then they discard these personae and jump into rapid comedy mode. As the drama opens, Jerry Warriner (Michael Iannucci) and Lucy Warriner (Laura Leopard) are very much in love with each other and with their biscuit-eating little dog. Jerry has faked a vacation to Florida so he could hang out with his “normal” friends and avoid his perfect marriage. Lucy has been taking voice lessons for a long time with Armand Lavelle (J.T. O'Connor), and somewhat awkwardly returns home one morning to announce that her car broke down last night and she and Armand needed to stay in a motel together. Jerry jumps to the wrong conclusion, and permits Lucy to save her honor by filing for divorce; from there, they have several weeks before the divorce is final. Lucy and her Aunt Patsy (Jill Ahrold Bailey) on the rebound, as it were, go out and meet a rich Oklahoma businessman, Daniel Leeson (William C. Bailey) who proposes to marry Lucy and take her back to Tulsa. The story could very well end there, but there is comic entanglement from the Oklahoman mother (ingeniously portrayed by J.T. O’Connor), a battle over the little dog (standout performances by various cast members), Jerry’s attempt to romance blue-blood Molly Lamont (Jill Ahrold Bailey), and much more. Can Mr. and Mrs. Warriner admit that they acted hastily? There is little not to like in this production. It is a charming story of the kind that should be presented more often. Gotham Radio Theatre, under the direction of Sydnie Grosberg Ronga, have done their best to streamline predictable plot elements. I found the onstage antics as the actors quickly switch roles very diverting. I think this show will appeal to all age groups. Don't Turn That Dial!Don’t Turn that Dial!Posted by West Side Spirit on October 26, 2011
By Rebecca Chapman If you’ve ever wondered what watching a radio program would be like, an evening with Gotham Radio Theatre in their new home at the Triad Theatre on West 72nd Street is the perfect way to spend an evening. Radio theater, although seemingly old-fashioned, is exactly what people want right now, according to Gotham founding member Laura Leopard. “Whenever an economy becomes depressed or there’s lots of trouble going on in the world, people look to escape,” she said. Leopard, along with co-founder Victor Barbella, believes there is something classic and timeless in the screwball comedy of radio. “Gotham Radio Theatre is just about fun,” she said firmly Indeed, what led Leopard and Barbella to the idea of reviving classic comedies from the 1930s and ’40s for performance in the radio theater format was a combination of fun and economic necessity. They saw the theater falling victim to the economy; productions were by necessity smaller and less expensive. This meant that old classics from the ’30s and ’40s were falling by the wayside, since such productions generally require huge casts, elaborate sets, indulgent costuming and, of course, huge budgets. “The radio format allows us to revive a lot of old stories that have been forgotten,” said Barbella. “And it’s something we can offer for $15 instead of $150, but it still feels complete.” One way they streamline large productions is that each actor performs several roles in each play. “We literally go from one side of the microphone to the other,” said Barbella. Their third production, Idiot’s Delight, has a script that calls for a cast of at least 30, but they figured that they could do it with only eight actors. “And now I think I could probably do it with six!” said director Sydnie Grosberg Ronga. This is Gotham’s second year but its first season on the Upper West Side. Both Leopard and Ronga have been Upper West Side residents for more than 20 years, and the group is excited about their new home. “Our core audience is in this area,” said Leopard. “The Upper West Side is going to be a great home for us.” Although nostalgia is a huge part of Gotham Radio Theatre, the group is also aware of the demands of the modern theatergoer. They aim to revive works that will be fun to hear as well as see. “We kept in mind [the audience’s] attention span,” said Barbella. “We try to keep [each show] at around 60 minutes.” They also try to create as many sound effects live as possible. “The live sound effects really engage the audience,” said Ronga. Gotham’s upcoming winter season will see them doing a live performance of the classic 1964 Christmas movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, with some original commercials from the era thrown in as well. They hope that older audience members will remember the commercials fondly and those who are younger will get a kick out of the campy, kitschy fun of it all. “Every show we’ve done has been our best show yet,” said Ronga. “With every show we learn new things. Once, we must have sat for almost 20 minutes trying to figure out how to make airplane noises; we started pulling things out of our kitchens and our bedrooms. It’s so fun, it really is. We’re like kids.” If you’re looking for a respite from your modern-day woes, Gotham Radio Theatre lets you escape to another, simpler era and ensures you will have a great time. “Crying is cathartic, but laughter has healing power,” said Ronga. Leopard summed it all up: “We are just trying to present a really good evening at the theater, where you walk out and your heart’s a little bit lighter and you’ve had a good laugh.” For more information and performance dates, visit Gotham Radio Theatre at www.gothamradiotheatre.com. |
Gotham Radio Theatre To Present ‘The Awful Truth’ For The New York International Fringe Festival in August
Gotham Radio Theatre has been invited to participate in The New York International Fringe Festival in August. GRT will present ‘The Awful Truth’ by Arthur Richman and adapted for radio by Sydnie Grosberg Ronga.
‘The Awful Truth’ epitomizes the screwball comedies of the late 30's and 40's, as remembered in the movie with Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. The play was written in 1921, and Sydnie Grosberg Ronga has adapted the story for radio. The story begins with a happy married couple, Jerry and Lucy Warriner, who find them selves headed to divorce court when they begin to doubt each other's fidelity. They file for divorce quickly, but soon regret their hasty actions. Before their divorce becomes final, Jerry and Lucy Warriner both do their best to ruin each other's plans for remarriage, Jerry to haughty socialite Molly Lamont, she to oil-rich bumpkin Daniel Leeson. Custody of the dog keeps Jerry close to Lucy, and Lucy impersonates his 'sister' to foil his budding romance with Molly. Soon, it's a madcap race to bring the lovebirds back together. The cast includes Michael Iannucci as Jerry Warriner; Laura Leopard as Lucy Warriner ; Jill Ahrold as Aunt Patsy, Dixie, Molly Lamont and the family dog; William Bailey as Daniel Leeson and Armand Lavelle. The dates and location of the performances have yet to be announced. 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. Take a tour through our site for more information and to read the biographies of our 1940’s cast along with their contemporary bios. www.gothamradiotheatre.com 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. Review: GOTHAM RADIO THEATRE PRESENTS “BLITHE SPIRIT”
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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. Gotham Radio Theatre To Present ‘The Awful Truth’ On September 18th in Their New Location!Gotham Radio Theatre returns for it’s second season and is announcing two big changes. GRT is moving from Times Square to the Upper West Side of Manhattan. They will appear at the Triad Theatre at 158 West 72nd Street, where they will present ‘The Awful Truth’ by Arthur Richman and adapted for radio by Sydnie Grosberg Ronga.
This is funny, screwball comedy at it's best"New York, New York (PRWEB) September 12, 2011 ‘The Awful Truth’ epitomizes the screwball comedies of the late 30's and 40's, as remembered in the movie with Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. The play was written in 1921, and Sydnie Grosberg Ronga has adapted the story for radio. The story begins with a happy married couple, Jerry and Lucy Warriner, who find themselves headed to divorce court when they begin to doubt each other's fidelity. They file for divorce quickly, but soon regret their hasty actions. Before their divorce becomes final, Jerry and Lucy Warriner both do their best to ruin each other's plans for remarriage, Jerry to haughty socialite Molly Lamont, she to oil-rich bumpkin Daniel Leeson. Custody of the dog keeps Jerry close to Lucy, and Lucy impersonates his 'sister' to foil his budding romance with Molly. Soon, it's a madcap race to bring the lovebirds back together. Our exciting cast includes George Merrick as Jerry Warriner, Laura Leopard as Lucy Warriner , Verna Pierce as Aunt Patsy and Mrs. Leeson, and Jill Ahrold as Dixie, Molly Lamont and our sound effects actor, Frank Blocker as Daniel Leeson, Kyle Hester as Armand Lavelle. They will perform two shows at 6 pm and 8 pm on Sunday, September 18th at the Triad, located at 158 West 72nd Street. Tickets are $15 (with a one drink minimum) and can be reserved through the website GRT (http://gothamradiotheatre.com) Tickets are also available through TDF (no drink minimum required). About Gotham Radio Theatre Much like the radio hour serials of a bygone era, these classic theatre comedies, dramas and screenplays 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 beginning with the screwball comedy, ‘The Awful Truth’ by Arthur Richman. This comedy is followed by the famous thriller, ‘Sorry, Wrong Number’ by Lucille Fletcher. Agnes Morehead’s famous radio version was showcased on ‘Suspense’ and was so popular it was reprised 6 times! The show slated for December is a loving look at ‘Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer’. It’s a classic tale presented with a hint of parody and vintage 1964 commercials. Take a tour through our site for more information on the season, tickets and cast information,http://www.gothamradiotheatre.com What: The Awful Truth by Arthur Richman When: Sunday, October 18th at 6 and 8 pm. Where: The Triad 158 West 72nd Street New York, NY 10023 Price: $15 with a one-drink minimum TDF tickets are also available Tickets: Go to http://www.gothamradiotheatre.com ‘ticket page’ or call 866-992-9263 Gotham Radio Theatre to present ‘No Time For Sergeants’ on May 16th
Gotham Radio Theatre will present ‘No Time For Sergeants’ adapted by Ira Levin from the Max Hyman novel in New York City on Monday, May 16th.
Mac Hyman's hilarious barracks novel 'No Time for Sergeants' was first adapted for TV by Ira Levin in 1955, with newcomer Andy Griffith as the bumptious Air Force draftee Will Stockdale. The TV version was soon transformed into a Broadway hit, and then into a movie. Will Stockdale, a good natured ‘hick’ from Georgia, is drafted into the Air Force. Will immediately befriends fellow recruit Ben Whitledge, who dreams of being transferred into the infantry, a Whitledge family tradition. Will’s simpleminded but good-hearted antics tend drive those around him a bit crazy and none more so than his barracks sergeant, Orville King. Sergeant King is a career military man who takes great care ‘not to make waves’, but he will not be able to stay under the radar while Will is under his command. Will, along with Ben, gets Sergeant King into one predicament after another. These predicaments culminate into an event which could jeopardize the career two Generals and Will's "good friend", Sergeant King. Our exciting cast includes Brian Kerwin (of One Life To Live) as Sergeant King, and Mark Levasseur as Will Stockdale, Michael Grew, William Bailey, Vince Trani, Brian Williams, Cas Chalice, Jill Ahrold and Laura Leopard. Bram Lewis, formerly of ‘The Phoenix Theatre’, directs the play. They will perform two shows at 7pm and 9pm on Monday, May 16th Theater 3 is located at 311 West 43rd St, Suite 307 in Manhattan. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved through the website GRT (http://gothamradiotheatre.com) About Gotham Radio Theatre Much like the radio hour serials of a bygone era, these classic theatre comedies, dramas and screenplays are performed in little more than 60 minutes, with live sound, music and actors playing multiple roles. Gotham Radio Theatre’s debut season has 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’ set for Monday, May 16th. We have treaded the moors with Sherlock Holmes in ‘The Hound Of The Baskervilles’, watched as World War II unfolded in ‘Idiot’s Delight’ by Robert E. Sherwood, and took a surprising ‘Holiday’ by Philip Barry. In radio, the words are ‘king’ and all of these wonderfully written plays translate to the medium seamlessly. GRT will begin our second season in September. Take a tour through our site for more information on the season, tickets and cast information. Become a fan of Gotham Radio on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter Gotham Radio Theatre To Present IDIOT’S DELIGHT on December 13th in NYC
12/8/2010 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - PR WEB This play marked the first Pulitzer Prize for author Robert E. Sherwood (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_E._Sherwood). He successfully blends politics, comedy and drama in ‘Idiot’s Delight’. Sherwood’s dubious hero, Harry Van, is a song-and-dance man who returns from World War I to find work hard to come by. His greatest success comes as straight man in a phony vaudeville mind-reading act. While on tour in Omaha he meets acrobat Irene Fellara, and they have a brief romance. Years later while Harry is on tour in Europe with a troupe of leggy blonde dancers, his train is stopped at the Swiss border and he finds himself stranded in the Alps in anticipation of World War II hostilities. Harry and his troupe take refuge in an Alpine hotel with a group of disparate travelers who are also marooned there. Together they are a ‘mini League of Nations’ with nationalities from both sides of the brewing conflict. A French pacifist, British newlyweds, a German cancer researcher, a German munitions manufacturer, and a beautiful blonde expatriate Russian aristocrat who looks suspiciously like the Irene of two decades earlier. Originally on broadway in 1936 with Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt, ‘Idiot’s Delight’ was made into a movie with Clark Cable and Norma Shearer in 1939. Our exciting cast includes Timothy Carter as Harry Van, Laura Leopard as Irene, Vince Trani as Achille Weber and Dumpsty, Bill Bowers as Donald Navadel and Quillery, Branislav Tomich as Pittaluga, Mr. Cherry and Captin Locicero, Miller Lide as Dr. Waldersee and Jill Ahrold as Mrs. Cherry and sound effects actor and direction was by Sydnie Grossberg Ronga. Further cast information can be found here, http://gothamradiotheatre.com/idiots-delight.html. They will perform one special show at 7pm on December 13th. Theater 3 is located at 311 West 43rd St, Suite 307 in Manhattan. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved or purchased through the website GRT . Running time for this special performance is 1:25.
(http://gothamradiotheatre.com) About Gotham Radio Theatre Much like the radio hour serials of a bygone era, these classic theatre comedies, dramas and screenplays are performed in little more than 60 minutes, with live sound, music and actors playing multiple roles. |
Gotham Radio Theatre to present ‘The Hound Of The Baskervilles’ on November 8th!
10/23/2010 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - PR WEB
Gotham Radio Theatre will present ‘The Hound Of The Baskervilles’ inspired by Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle and written by F. Andrew Leslie at Theatre 3 on November 8th in New York City.
The Hound of the Baskervilles is arguably the greatest (certainly most popular) of all the Sherlock Holmes adventures. This enthralling tale deals with the curse of the Baskervilles, a family bedeviled by a fiendish killer-hound that stalks them. Sir Charles Baskerville has died under mysterious circumstances and other family members are threatened. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson come to their aid, finding danger and mystery along the way. It's a suspenseful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Our exciting cast includes J.T. O’Connor as Sherlock Holmes, Scott Klavan as Dr. Watson and Jarrod Spector (currently appearing as Franki Valli in Jersey Boys) as Sir. Henry Baskerville. Danni Simon, Vince Trani and Laura Leopard play multiples roles and Jill Ahrold is our sound effects actor. The play is directed by Sydnie Grossberg Ronga. They will perform two shows at 7pm and 9pm on November 8th. Theater 3 is located at 311 West 43rd St, Suite 307 in Manhattan. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved at Brown Paper Tickets, or through the website GRT (http://gothamradiotheatre.com)
About Gotham Radio Theatre
Much like the radio hour serials of a bygone era, these classic theatre comedies, dramas and screenplays are performed in little more than 60 minutes, with live sound, music and actors playing multiple roles.
Gotham Radio Theatre will present ‘The Hound Of The Baskervilles’ inspired by Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle and written by F. Andrew Leslie at Theatre 3 on November 8th in New York City.
The Hound of the Baskervilles is arguably the greatest (certainly most popular) of all the Sherlock Holmes adventures. This enthralling tale deals with the curse of the Baskervilles, a family bedeviled by a fiendish killer-hound that stalks them. Sir Charles Baskerville has died under mysterious circumstances and other family members are threatened. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson come to their aid, finding danger and mystery along the way. It's a suspenseful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Our exciting cast includes J.T. O’Connor as Sherlock Holmes, Scott Klavan as Dr. Watson and Jarrod Spector (currently appearing as Franki Valli in Jersey Boys) as Sir. Henry Baskerville. Danni Simon, Vince Trani and Laura Leopard play multiples roles and Jill Ahrold is our sound effects actor. The play is directed by Sydnie Grossberg Ronga. They will perform two shows at 7pm and 9pm on November 8th. Theater 3 is located at 311 West 43rd St, Suite 307 in Manhattan. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved at Brown Paper Tickets, or through the website GRT (http://gothamradiotheatre.com)
About Gotham Radio Theatre
Much like the radio hour serials of a bygone era, these classic theatre comedies, dramas and screenplays are performed in little more than 60 minutes, with live sound, music and actors playing multiple roles.
Gotham Radio Theatre Debuts in NYC on October 11th, 2010
WEDNESDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2010 02:00 ENTERTAINMENT - MOVIES
PRESS RELEASE (PR WEB)
Gotham Radio Theatre, a new theatre company, will debut on October 11th at the Mint Theatre in Manhattan. The theatre opens with the comedy ‘Fallen Angels’ by Noel Coward.
Inspired by the ‘Lux Radio Theatre’ of the 40’s and 50’s, Gotham Radio Theatre performs classic Broadway shows and favorite screenplays in a ‘radio style’ format. The live performance, by an ensemble of actors and sound performers, allows the audience to experience these classic shows in a unique format.
Much like the radio serials of a bygone era, these classic theatre comedies, dramas and screenplays are performed in little more than 60 minutes, with actors playing multiple roles, music and live sound designed to create that 'radio theatre' experience.
Gotham Radio Theatre will perform on the second Monday of each month, with a new show slated for each on-going month. The November 8th show will be 'Hound of the Baskervilles' by F. Andrew Leslie. Two shows will be offered with a 7pm and 9pm performance. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets and from the GRT website.
Inspired by the ‘Lux Radio Theatre’ of the 40’s and 50’s, Gotham Radio Theatre performs classic Broadway shows and favorite screenplays in a ‘radio style’ format. The live performance, by an ensemble of actors and sound performers, allows the audience to experience these classic shows in a unique format.
Much like the radio serials of a bygone era, these classic theatre comedies, dramas and screenplays are performed in little more than 60 minutes, with actors playing multiple roles, music and live sound designed to create that 'radio theatre' experience.
Gotham Radio Theatre will perform on the second Monday of each month, with a new show slated for each on-going month. The November 8th show will be 'Hound of the Baskervilles' by F. Andrew Leslie. Two shows will be offered with a 7pm and 9pm performance. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets and from the GRT website.