Listen to New Voices on Studs Terkel our partnership with 826CHI-here! Read the Story
Self-proclaimed Love Goddess, Judy Tenuta, was also known as the Aphrodite of the Accordion, to her fans. Tenuta talks about how she saw Elvis in her Cheese Whiz and he told her to start her own religion, which is known as Judyism. Calling herself the Love Goddess came to be after her brothers literally kissed her hands and feet when she asked them to. This is a very short conversation that ends abruptly.
When asked what the play meant to her, cast member Carmen Pelton, said the play was a presentation of Susan B. Anthony and her struggles. Alan Stone explained why he felt chills when Anthony spoke of her troubles. "Mother of Us All," explained director Frank Galati was a look at the good fight Susan B. Anthony pursued toward women's suffrage.
Director Frank Galati explains that the play "She Always Said, Pablo," was about Gertrude Stein's relationship with Pablo Picasso. Referring to the play itself, Galati also said that he tried to marry their narrative writings with some operatic song.
Novelist Stanley Elkin has come into town to see Frank Galati's adaptation of Elkin's book, "The Dick Gibson Show." The book has a lot to do with how radio has become a talk show. Various cast members re-enact scenes from "The Dick Gibson Show."
Frank Galati and some cast members of "Cry, the Beloved Country," talk about the play. Fathers, sons, relationships, faith and redemption are all areas covered in the play. Galati explains how the story of the play itself draws the audience inward and gets them mesmerized.
Comedians Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca talk about their work together. They explore the meaning and emotions behind comedy, improv, and pantomime and how the audience is involved with their shows. Sid recalls several of their skits and does a few examples of his dialects.
Actor and author Lois Wheeler Snow discusses her book “China on Stage,” and shares her experiences in China, primarily involving ballet, opera, and plays.
Interviewing producer Harold Pinter and actors Jeff Perry and Gary Sinise. They discuss their careers and present excerpts from Steppenwolf Theatre’s production “The Caretaker.”