Studs Terkel discusses the upcoming new play "Of Mice and Men", based on the novel written by John Steinbeck with the starring actors, John Malkovich (Lennie) and Gary Sinise (George). The program begins with the opening excerpt from the play "Of Mice and Men" featuring Terkel (George) and Win Stracke (Lennie) from 1952, which then leads into Malkovich and Sinise's interpretation of the rest of the scene. Folk singer Utah Phillips song "On the Goodnight Loving Trail" is presented as a comparison to themes expressed in "Of Mice and Men".

Jean Gascon, the artistic director of the Stratford Theater in Ontario, Canada, speaks with Studs Terkel about his production of “The Alchemist.” His interpretation of playwright Ben Jonson’s work opened in Chicago at the Studebaker Theater, alongside “Hamlet” directed by John Hirsch. Gascon talks a bit on his career in theater and the cultural influences on his directing style. Gascon admires Jonson’s work and social commentary, and feels themes of “The Alchemist” are relevant to current issues in society.

Jones discusses the play "Othello" where he plays the lead character Othello.

The cast of Ntozake Shange's choreopoem discuss the origins of the production and how it combines dance, poetry, and song. Program includes some dramatic readings.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The Organic Theater Company cast members describe the concept behind Dr. Rat - their adaptation of the William Kotzwinkle novel - and how they brought it to the stage.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The cast members of Organic Theatre's production of Huck Finn join Studs to talk about their roles. Includes some dramatic readings from the actors. Content Warning: This conversation has the presence of outdated, biased, or offensive language. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The Serbian-American dramatist, perhaps best known for his screenplays (Breaking Away and The World According to Garp), joins Studs to discuss his play, Division Street, at Chicago's New Broadway Theater.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The actor, director, and playwright of the Goodman Theater's Panto (AKA Pantomine) join Studs to discuss its major themes of colonialism and racial role reversal.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The acting and teaching couple discuss their Five Stories project - a theater production which draws on works by Chekhov, Faulkner, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and James Joyce. This program also includes a clip of William Faulkner speaking.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The co-founder of Minneapolis' Guthrie Theater talks about his goal to show that first-rate productions can be made outside of New York. He goes on to describe the importance of regional theater and funding for the arts.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The English actress and the founding director of Chicago's Court Theatre discuss their staging of John Osborne's The Entertainer and the demise of music hall tradition as metaphor for the waning of the British Empire.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs joins the Puerto Rican-born American playwright and actor to discuss the play Short Eyes.  Kathy Slade from Free Street Theater also participates in the discussion.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs joins the cast and director of the Goodman Theatre's production of Athol Fugard's Sizwe Banzi is Dead, to talk about the play and its portrayal of South African apartheid. Some dramatic readings are included.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist talks about his latest play, Talley's Folly, at the Studebaker Theater.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs talks with the cast of Trevor Griffin's Comedians about their production at the Wisdom Bridge Theater. Includes clips from the British music hall performer Max Miller (as The Cheeky Chappie).*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations