playwright

(Airs 07/25/25 @ 3 p.m. & 07/27/25 @ 6 p.m.) The Media Project is an inside look at media coverage of current events with former Times Union Editor, current Upstate American, Substack columnist Rex Smith, Judy Patrick, former Editor of the Daily Gazette and former Vice President for Editorial Development for the New York Press Association, Barbara Lombardo, Adjunct Professor at the University at Albany and former Editor of the Saratogian, and Ken Tingley, former Glens Falls Post-Star editor and current Substack columnist and playwright. On this week’s Media Project, Rex, Judy, Barbara and Ken talk about how journalism has changed over the years, and how that’s reflected in Ken Tingley’s play The Last American Newspaper, and much more.

Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich’s play “Here There Are Blueberries” is built around an actual photo album assembled at Auschwitz of the ordinary daily life of the perpetrators. Following a run at the McCarter Theater, the play is now touring nationally (if you’re reading this early in 2025, not in, oh, 2026 in exile on the Martian colony). Hear about Karl Höcker and their rehearsal room.

Actor Charles Busch says “My life was a bit like the plot of Auntie Mame.” Busch has stories about Linda Lavin, Christopher Isherwood, Lily Tomlin, Angela Landsbury, Vivien Leigh, Marlene Dietrich, and tells us about Gritti Palace, Venice. Plus, he sings.

As a young actor Peter Riegert (“Local Hero,” “Crossing Delancey,” “Animal House”) played Goldberg in “The Birthday Party,” overseen by Harold Pinter himself. One speech was particularly opaque. “I had no idea what it meant, but to say these words was to be Isaac Stern on the violin.” Learning to trust the writer.

Lifelong friends Lynn Nottage and Jonathan Lethem grew up on the same block. Lethem’s latest book is “Brooklyn Crime Novel;” and last season Nottage was the most-produced playwright in America.

Mark St. Germain’s new play, “Forgiveness,” having its World Premiere at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Taking place in Minnesota, a former convict is allowed to seek forgiveness from the Governor. They have 10 minutes to plead their case in a dramatic, pressurized process to gain acceptance back into the fold, or be stuck forever on the outskirts of society.

Producing artistic director Ty Jones of the Classical Theatre of Harlem, focusses on work from Sophocles to Shakespeare — the big S playwrights — as a way to explore fundamental ideas. “These are living arguments, these classic plays.” Jones tells us about Nat Turner and his journals.

Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 concept album “Illinois” enjoys cult status for its lush orchestrations and inventive lyrics. Tony Award-winner and Resident Choreographer of the New York City Ballet, Justin Peck, has transformed the album, with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of 2018’s “Fairview” Jackie Sibblies Drury, into a full-length theatrical performance that blends dance, theater, live music and storytelling into a breathtakingly emotional coming-of-age journey. “Illinoise” was presented at the Bard Fisher Center in summer of 2023 as a SummerScape commission. The Bard staging and the off-Broadway production at Park Avenue Armory earlier this year were sold out, highly praised, and “Illinoise” transferred to the St. James Theatre on Broadway this month. Opening night was April 24 and the limited engagement is scheduled to end on August 10. This morning, it was announced that “Illinoise” has been nominated for 4 Tony Awards.

Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys and Pulitzer Prize-finalist playwright Kristoffer Diaz, along with Tony nominated director Michael Greif and Tony nominated choreographer Camille A. Brown bring their collective talents to the exhilarating new coming-of-age Broadway musical: "Hell's Kitchen." It’s currently in previews at The Schubert Theatre, opening on April 20, after a sold-out and extended-run at The Public Theatre off-Broadway last fall into early this year. Kristoffer Diaz is a playwright, librettist, screenwriter, and educator.

On Thursday, Great Barrington Public Theater and The Triplex Cinema will screen Matthew Brown’s film “Freud’s Last Session.” The screening will be followed by a talkback with playwright and screenwriter, Mark St. Germain.