Theater Talk – the popular discussion show that has been a staple of New York- and later national- television for 26 years – will be ending as a weekly series. Executive Producer of Theater Talk Productions and co-creator of the show, Susan Haskins-Doloff, has announced an end to production of the program.

During its celebrated run on Thirteen/WNET, WLIW, WNYE, CUNY TV and on public TV stations across the country, THEATER TALK received 3 New York Emmy nominations and won the award for “Best Interview/Discussion Show” in 2017. Countless key figures from the theater community – Broadway, Off and Off-Off – appeared on THEATER TALK to the delight of the show’s loyal viewing audience, including: Edward Albee, Antonio Banderas, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Daniels, Peter Dinklage, Harvey Fierstein, David Hare, Al Hirschfeld, Jennifer Hudson, David Henry Hwang, Hugh Jackman, Glenda Jackson, Jessica Lange, Frank Langella, Angela Lansbury, John Leguizamo, Elizabeth Ireland McCann, Ian McKellen, Terrence McNally, Laurie Metcalf, Lynn Nottage, Sarah Paulson, Chita Rivera, Chris Rock, Mark Rylance, Lea Salonga, Amy Schumer, Neil Simon, Elaine Stritch, Marian Seldes, George Takei, Paula Vogel, Denzel Washington, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

“The Best of Theater Talk,” previously taped segments, will continue to appear on public television stations WNET/WLIW through the end of October. THEATER TALK programs can also be found on YouTube and at www.theatertalk.org.

A STATEMENT FROM SUSAN HASKINS follows:

On Thursday, I voted in the New York State primary and after I scanned my ballot, Brian, the poll watcher, asked me when Theater Talk was coming back in the fall. “It’s not,” I told him and I realized that I just broke the story that I had yet to share with almost anyone else.

As many already know, we left our longtime studio, CUNY TV, at the end of last season. The new Interim Executive Director there no longer felt comfortable giving our independent production a berth at CUNY TV without taking over editorial and creative control. That didn’t work for us, so we moved on.

Over the past few months, my co-Executive Producer Steve Doloff and I looked for a producing partnership elsewhere that offered us both great production services we could afford and that essential creative and editorial control. Nothing we explored fit the bill.

However, as the summer progressed, I realized that I could also step back from doing a weekly program and instead take advantage of Theater Talk Productions’ archive. We have amassed a remarkable twenty-six and a half years of conversations with theater greats and the time has come to focus on doing something more special with them beyond making them available on YouTube at www.theatertalk.org.

It has been my privilege to create the weekly Theater Talk for so long, including 22 years on Thirteen/WNET and 11 seasons nationally distributed by Executive Program Services in a producing partnership with CUNY TV. People tell me that the series made a difference and I like to think that is true. (Also, it was an honor to be nominated for three NY Emmys over the last four years and to win one in 2017 as the “Best Interview/Discussion Show.”)

We are grateful to all who supported us both with their funds and others with just caring so much about the program. I’d like to extend special appreciation to director/actor Stephen Ahern who made it possible for Michael Riedel and I to begin this work in the first place on public access television back in 1993.

My thanks also goes to all my other cohosts: Jesse Green, Elisabeth Vincentelli and Jason Zinoman of The New York Times, Michael Musto of NewNowNext, Adam Feldman of TimeOut New York, actor Julie Halston, Donna Hanover of Arts in The City, playwright/producer Warren Leight, Jan Simpson of BroadwayRadio, as well as Gordon Cox of Variety and Nancy Giles of CBS News Sunday Morning. Theater Talk succeeded because of the intelligence and wit they brought to the series all these years (as well as the glorious efforts of our production crew at CUNY TV).

Working in the theater is a labor of love. I am lucky (to quote the musical [title of show])to have been and still be “Part of It All.”

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Suzanna Bowling

Suzanna, co-owns and publishes the newspaper Times Square Chronicles or T2C. At one point a working actress, she has performed in numerous productions in film, TV, cabaret, opera and theatre. She has performed at The New Orleans Jazz festival, The United Nations and Carnegie Hall. She has a screenplay and a TV show in the works, which she developed with her mentor and friend the late Arthur Herzog. She is a proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle and was a nominator. Email: suzanna@t2conline.com

Broadway

The New Dramatists’ 71st Annual Benefit Luncheon and You are There

Published

3 hours ago

June 1, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

On Tuesday the New Dramatists’ 71st Annual Benefit Luncheon was held at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, Broadway ballroom 6^th floor.

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Tony® Honor recipient and the nation’s premier playwright development laboratory, was honored with its 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award at their 71st Annual Spring Luncheon Tribute

Kenny Leon photo by Michael Hull

Tony Award winner, Kenny Leon, director of Parks’ recent revival of Topdog/Underdog lead the tributes.

photo by Michael Hull

In Attendance were:

Ben Platt (Parade) photo by Michael Hull

Annaleigh Ashford (Sweeney Todd) photo by Michael Hull

Brandon Uranowitz (Leopoldstadt) photo by Michael Hull

J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot) photo by Michael Hull

Kevin Cahoon (Shucked) photo by Michael Hull

Natasha Yvette Williams (Some Like It Hot) photo by Michael Hull

Wayne Cilento (Dancin’) photo by Michael Hull

Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet) and Linedy Genao (Bad Cinderella) photo by Michael Hull

Justin Cooley (Kimberly Akimbo), Ben Platt (Parade) and Colton Ryan (New York, New York) photo by Michael Hull

Justin Cooley (Kimberly Akimbo), Brian Stokes Mitchell, Suzan-Lori Parks, Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo) and Bonnie Milligan (Kimberly Akimbo) at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Also Artistic Director Emily Morse and Executive Director Joel Ruark,

Executive Director Joel Ruark photo by Michael Hull

Jeannie Tessori photo by Michael Hull

Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi), Betsy Aidem (Leopoldstadt), Steven Boyer (Kimberly Akimbo), Faye Castelow (Leopoldstadt), Rashad Chambers (Topdog/Underdog), Ben Davis (New York, New York), Eisa Davis (New York, New York), Micaela Diamond (Parade), Delia Ephron (Love Loss & What I Wore), Corey Hawkins (Topdog/Underdog), Jessica Hecht (Summer, 1976), Amy Herzog (A Doll’s House), Robert Horn (Shucked), Mark Jacoby (A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical), LaChanze (Here Lies Love, Kimberly Akimbo), event co-chair Caissie Levy (Leopoldstadt), Judith Light (Other Desert Cities), David Lindsay-Abaire (Kimberly Akimbo), Neil Meron (Some Like It Hot), Alli Mauzey (Kimberly Akimbo), Lauren Mitchell (A Bronx Tale), Arian Moayed (A Doll’s House), Casey Nicholaw (Some Like It Hot), Linda Powell (A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical), Daryl Roth (Kinky Boots), Sarah Ruhl (in The Next Room), Stark Sands (& Juliet), Miriam Silverman (The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window), Marcel Spears (Fat Ham), Katy Sullivan (Cost of Living), David Stone (Wicked), Jeanine Tesori (Kimberly Akimbo), Paula Vogel (How I Learned To Drive), Sharon Washington (New York, New York), Scott WIttman (Some Like It Hot), Kara Young (Cost of Living), David Zayas (Cost of Living).

Performing were:

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Daniel Fulton, Orville Mendoza, Suzan-Lori-Parks, Lauren Molina and Leland Fowler photo by Michael Hull

Brandon and Jason Dirden photo by Michael Hull

New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks and New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Tony Kushner photo by Michael Hull

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Stay tuned for our interviews.

Broadway

The New Dramatists’ 71st Annual Benefit Luncheon and You Are There

Published

4 hours ago

May 31, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

On Tuesday the New Dramatists’ 71st Annual Benefit Luncheon was held at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, Broadway ballroom 6^th floor.

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Tony® Honor recipient and the nation’s premier playwright development laboratory, was honored with its 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award at their 71st Annual Spring Luncheon Tribute

Kenny Leon photo by Michael Hull

Tony Award winner, Kenny Leon, director of Parks’ recent revival of Topdog/Underdog lead the tributes.

photo by Michael Hull

In Attendance were:

Ben Platt (Parade) photo by Michael Hull

Annaleigh Ashford (Sweeney Todd) photo by Michael Hull

Brandon Uranowitz (Leopoldstadt) photo by Michael Hull

J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot) photo by Michael Hull

Kevin Cahoon (Shucked) photo by Michael Hull

Natasha Yvette Williams (Some Like It Hot) photo by Michael Hull

Wayne Cilento (Dancin’) photo by Michael Hull

Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet) and Linedy Genao (Bad Cinderella) photo by Michael Hull

Justin Cooley (Kimberly Akimbo), Ben Platt (Parade) and Colton Ryan (New York, New York) photo by Michael Hull

Also Artistic Director Emily Morse and Executive Director Joel Ruark,

Executive Director Joel Ruark photo by Michael Hull

Jeannie Tessori photo by Michael Hull

Performing were:

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Daniel Fulton, Orville Mendoza, Suzan-Lori-Parks, Lauren Molina and Leland Fowler photo by Michael Hull

Brandon and Jason Dirden photo by Michael Hull

New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks and New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Tony Kushner photo by Michael Hull

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Stay tuned for our interviews.

Broadway

And The Winners of The 2023 Drama Desk Awards Are ………

Published

16 hours ago

May 31, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

The 2023 67th Drama Desk Awards, honoring artistic excellence on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway, will take place on June 6 at Sardi’s Restaurant. Today the winners were announced.

Outstanding Play: “Leopoldstadt,” by Tom Stoppard

Outstanding Musical: “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Revival of a Play: “The Piano Lesson”

Outstanding Revival of a Musical: “Parade”

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play: Jessica Chastain, “A Doll’s House” and Sean Hayes, “Good Night, Oscar”

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical: Annaleigh Ashford, “Sweeney Todd”
and J. Harrison Ghee, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play: Miriam Silverman, “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window,” Brooklyn Academy of Music and Brandon Uranowitz, “Leopoldstadt”

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical: Kevin Del Aguila, “Some Like it Hot” and Alex Newell, “Shucked”

Outstanding Direction of a Play: Max Webster, “Life of Pi”

Outstanding Direction of a Musical: Thomas Kail, “Sweeney Todd”

Outstanding Choreography: Casey Nicholaw, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Music: Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, “Shucked”

Outstanding Lyrics: Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Book of a Musical: Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Orchestrations: Charlie Rosen and Bryan Carter, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Music in a Play: Suzan-Lori Parks, “Plays for the Plague Year,” The Public Theater

Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play: Tim Hatley, “Life of Pi”

Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical: Beowulf Boritt, “New York, New York”

Outstanding Costume Design of a Play: Emilio Sosa, “Ain’t No Mo’”

Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical: Gregg Barnes, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play: Natasha Chivers and Willie Williams (video), “Prima Facie”

Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical: Natasha Katz, “Sweeney Todd”

Outstanding Projection and Video Design: Andrzej Goulding, “Life of Pi”

Outstanding Sound Design of a Play: Ben & Max Ringham, “A Doll’s House”

Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical: Scott Lehrer and Alex Neumann, “Into the Woods”

Outstanding Wig and Hair: Mia M. Neal, “Ain’t No Mo’”

Outstanding Solo Performance: Jodie Comer, “Prima Facie”

Unique Theatrical Experience: “Peter Pan Goes Wrong”

Outstanding Fight Choreography: B.H. Barry, “Camelot”

Outstanding Adaptation: “A Doll’s House,” by Amy Herzog

Outstanding Puppetry: Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, “Life of Pi”

Shows with multiple wins

Some Like It Hot: 8

Life of Pi: 4

A Doll’s House: 3

Sweeney Todd: 3

Ain’t No Mo’: 2

Leopoldstadt: 2

Prima Facie: 2

Shucked: 2

Special Awards

Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award

Stephen McKinley Henderson has been bringing in-depth, gripping portrayals of memorable characters to the stage for over four decades. With his return to Broadway this season as Pops in “Between Riverside and Crazy,” which the Drama Desk previously nominated in 2015, this year’s Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award marks Henderson’s role in this powerful production as a celebration of his brilliant career.

Ensemble Award

The cast of Soho Rep’s “Public Obscenities” – Tashnuva Anan, Abrar Haque, Golam Sarwar Harun, Gargi Mukherjee, NaFis, Jakeem Dante Powell, and Debashis Roy Chowdhury – embodied the transnational world of Shayok Misha Chowdhury’s bilingual play with memorable authenticity, remarkable specificity, and extraordinary warmth.

Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award

From his standout performance in american (tele)visions, to writing and performing the autobiographical “Dark Disabled Stories,” Ryan J. Haddad’s work this season has expanded on and interrogated what the idea of “accessibility” really means. Whether riding a shopping cart like a throne, or relating his experiences on a “gay, pink bus,” Haddad shared with audiences an unabashed queer fabulosity that was both unforgettable and deeply human.

Broadway

Ken Fallin’s Broadway: Remembering Angela Lansbury in Sweeney Todd

Published

1 day ago

May 31, 2023

Ken Fallin

On Sunday look for a brand new charcuterie of Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford in Sweeney Todd.. I loved the new production, and it’s two leads.

I saw the original with Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou, which was also a favorite. I think it’s Sondheim’s greatest work.

Here is my drawing of Angela as Mrs. Lovett, to salute the original.

Broadway

League of Professional Theatre Women’s 10th Annual Women Stage The World March

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

The League of Professional Theatre Women (LPTW) will hold its 10th Annual “Women Stage the World March” — a Suffragette-inspired project to educate the public about the role of women in the theatre industry — on Saturday, June 17. The march will begin at noon, at Shubert Alley and weave through Times Square and the Broadway Theatre District, wrapping up at about 2 p.m.

“The event is FREE and LPTW invites all theatre women and allies to join us as we increase awareness, lift our voices, and advocate for more opportunities for women in theatre,” said Ludovica Villar-Hauser, Co-President of LPTW.

“The Women Stage the World March is designed to educate the public about the role women play in creating theatre and the barriers they face as men continue to outnumber women by 4 to 1 in key roles such as playwright, director and designers. Women buy 67% of the tickets and represent 65% of the audience, yet 80% of the storytelling on stage is shaped by men’s voices,” said Katrin Hilbe, Co-President of LPTW.

Handouts during the March will prompt ticket-buyers to ask three questions as they make buying decisions: (1) Who wrote, directed and designed this play? (2) What is this theatre’s track record in giving opportunities to women? (3) How can you spread the word and promote women’s voices?

“All participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite historical theatre woman, or dress all in white. March participants will gather at Shubert Alley starting at 11:30 AM, in preparation for the start of the march at noon. Women Stage the World sashes and signs will be provided, as supplies last,” noted Penelope Deen, LPTW member and organizer of the event. Those interested in participating in the event please R.S.V.P. at: https://www.theatrewomen.org/women-stage-the-world or contact Penelope Deen at: Womenstagetheworld@Theatrewomen.org

LPTW Co-President Ludovica Villar-Hauser added: “The League of Professional Theatre Women stands alongside the Writers Guild of America (WGA) as they demand fair wages and take action to ensure more protections for artists. We encourage LPTW members to find a time to join the WGA on the picket lines this month as the strike continues. Women writers are the future of the film and television industry, just as they lead the way in theatre. LPTW supports the women on the frontlines of this movement as they call for long overdue change. We are stronger together.”

For the past 10 years LPTW members, affiliated union members, theatre artists and their allies have hit the streets in a March reminiscent of the Suffragette parades of the early 20th Century, with some marchers dressed in traditional suffrage garb and colors. Like the Suffragettes before them, participants in the Women Stage the World March empower women and men to become aware, take action and influence others.

The League of Professional Theatre Women (LPTW) is a membership organization championing women in theatre and advocating for increased equity and access for all theatre women. Our programs and initiatives create community, cultivate leadership, and increase opportunities and recognition for women working in theatre. The organization provides support, networking and collaboration mechanisms for members, and offers professional development and educational opportunities for all theatre women and the general public. LPTW celebrates the historic contributions and contemporary achievements of women in theatre, both nationally and around the globe, and advocates for parity in employment, compensation and recognition for women theatre practitioners through industry-wide initiatives and public policy proposals. LPTW is celebrating its 40^th Anniversary in 2023.