La Theatre Works

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Playwright Ed Schmidt imagines a spring day in 1947, when Branch Rickey, the powerful general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, summons heavyweight champion Joe Louis, tap star Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, and actor Paul Robeson to his hotel room in Manhattan. Rickey wants their support when he chooses Jackie Robinson to be Major League Baseball’s first black player. But a power struggle ensues when the group raises questions about Rickey’s motivations to integrate baseball.Recorded before a live audience at the DoubleTree Suites, Santa Monica in May 1996.Directed by Sheldon EppsProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergEdward Asner as Branch RickeyDavid Downing as Clancy Hope (Elder)Tommy Hicks as Bill 'Bojangles' RobinsonCarl Lumbly as Paul RobesonSterling Macer as Jackie RobinsonCharlie Robinson as Joe LouisRugg Williams as Clancy HopeSee Privacy Policy at https:/

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Playwright Ed Schmidt imagines a spring day in 1947, when Branch Rickey, the powerful general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, summons heavyweight champion Joe Louis, tap star Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, and actor Paul Robeson to his hotel room in Manhattan. Rickey wants their support when he chooses Jackie Robinson to be Major League Baseball’s first black player. But a power struggle ensues when the group raises questions about Rickey’s motivations to integrate baseball.Recorded before a live audience at the DoubleTree Suites, Santa Monica in May 1996.Directed by Sheldon EppsProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergEdward Asner as Branch RickeyDavid Downing as Clancy Hope (Elder)Tommy Hicks as Bill 'Bojangles' RobinsonCarl Lumbly as Paul RobesonSterling Macer as Jackie RobinsonCharlie Robinson as Joe LouisRugg Williams as Clancy HopeSee Privacy Policy at https:/

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.At the height of the Cold War, American democracy was challenged by the anti-Communist atmosphere of the McCarthy era. Peter Goodchild combines dramatic re-enactments based on original trial transcripts, archival material, and the commentaries of relatives and friends of the accused.  Directed by Martin Jenkins and John TheocarisProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergStarring:John de Lancie as OppenheimerWilliam Frankfather as the NarratorRichard Hoyt Miller as Gordon GrayAlan Wilder as Roger RobbArthur Hanket as Lloyd GarrisonTom Virtue as General GrovesRecorded at the KCRW Studios, Santa Monica in November 1997.A co-production with the BBC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.American expatriate Sidney Webb and Sister Margaret, his British colleague, work tirelessly to rehabilitate Cambodian children from the nightmare of prostitution. After a surprise raid on a brothel, an eager young U.S. lawyer places three liberated orphans under Sidney and the Sister's care. The girls begin the inspirational process of recovery under the loving watch of their new protectors.Original music by Dengue Fever. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in April 2008.Directed by Michael DixonProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergWilliam Mapother as Ted ThompsonGregory Itzin as Sidney WebbJenny O'Hara as Sister MargaretJohn Cabrera as Jonathon BlackElizabeth Pan as YenJane Le as LidaMichelle Ongkingco as KolabKeo Woolford as MaxEmily Liu as Tam WebbSamantha Abrigo as Cambodian GirlAmy Sara Lim as Cambodian GirlS

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.American expatriate Sidney Webb and Sister Margaret, his British colleague, work tirelessly to rehabilitate Cambodian children from the nightmare of prostitution. After a surprise raid on a brothel, an eager young U.S. lawyer places three liberated orphans under Sidney and the Sister's care. The girls begin the inspirational process of recovery under the loving watch of their new protectors.Original music by Dengue Fever. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in April 2008.Directed by Michael DixonProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergWilliam Mapother as Ted ThompsonGregory Itzin as Sidney WebbJenny O'Hara as Sister MargaretJohn Cabrera as Jonathon BlackElizabeth Pan as YenJane Le as LidaMichelle Ongkingco as KolabKeo Woolford as MaxEmily Liu as Tam WebbSamantha Abrigo as Cambodian GirlAmy Sara Lim as Cambodian GirlS

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.American expatriate Sidney Webb and Sister Margaret, his British colleague, work tirelessly to rehabilitate Cambodian children from the nightmare of prostitution. After a surprise raid on a brothel, an eager young U.S. lawyer places three liberated orphans under Sidney and the Sister's care. The girls begin the inspirational process of recovery under the loving watch of their new protectors.Original music by Dengue Fever. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in April 2008.Directed by Michael DixonProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergWilliam Mapother as Ted ThompsonGregory Itzin as Sidney WebbJenny O'Hara as Sister MargaretJohn Cabrera as Jonathon BlackElizabeth Pan as YenJane Le as LidaMichelle Ongkingco as KolabKeo Woolford as MaxEmily Liu as Tam WebbSamantha Abrigo as Cambodian GirlAmy Sara Lim as Cambodian GirlS

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.American expatriate Sidney Webb and Sister Margaret, his British colleague, work tirelessly to rehabilitate Cambodian children from the nightmare of prostitution. After a surprise raid on a brothel, an eager young U.S. lawyer places three liberated orphans under Sidney and the Sister's care. The girls begin the inspirational process of recovery under the loving watch of their new protectors.Original music by Dengue Fever. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in April 2008.Directed by Michael DixonProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergWilliam Mapother as Ted ThompsonGregory Itzin as Sidney WebbJenny O'Hara as Sister MargaretJohn Cabrera as Jonathon BlackElizabeth Pan as YenJane Le as LidaMichelle Ongkingco as KolabKeo Woolford as MaxEmily Liu as Tam WebbSamantha Abrigo as Cambodian GirlAmy Sara Lim as Cambodian GirlS

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Hear our post-show discussion with director Brian Kite, playwright Matt Pelfrey, and UCLA Professor of Directing and Theater History Michael HackettSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Hear our post-show discussion about the play with journalist Todd Purdum.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This play is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Based on John Ball’s novel which inspired the Oscar-winning film and the Emmy-winning television series, "In the Heat of the Night" pits a visiting black detective from California against a small Alabama town simmering with anger over desegregation. A fitting reflection of America in the 1960s, this Off-Broadway hit is provocative, timely, and uncomfortably relevant. Adapted by Matt Pelfrey.Original music composed by Mark Holden and Michael Lopez. Includes audience Q&A sessions with director Brian Kite and playwright Matt Pelfrey, as well as political journalist Todd Purdum. Recorded in Los Angeles before a live audience at The James Bridges Theater, UCLA in October of 2014.Directed by Brian KiteProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergRyan Vincent Anderson as Virgil TibbsMichael Hammond as Sam WoodKalen Harriman as Melanie Purdy/Noreen TatumTravis Johns as Pete

This play is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Based on John Ball’s novel which inspired the Oscar-winning film and the Emmy-winning television series, "In the Heat of the Night" pits a visiting black detective from California against a small Alabama town simmering with anger over desegregation. A fitting reflection of America in the 1960s, this Off-Broadway hit is provocative, timely, and uncomfortably relevant. Adapted by Matt Pelfrey.Original music composed by Mark Holden and Michael Lopez. Includes audience Q&A sessions with director Brian Kite and playwright Matt Pelfrey, as well as political journalist Todd Purdum. Recorded in Los Angeles before a live audience at The James Bridges Theater, UCLA in October of 2014.Directed by Brian KiteProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergRyan Vincent Anderson as Virgil TibbsMichael Hammond as Sam WoodKalen Harriman as Melanie Purdy/Noreen TatumTravis Johns as Pete

This play is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Based on John Ball’s novel which inspired the Oscar-winning film and the Emmy-winning television series, "In the Heat of the Night" pits a visiting black detective from California against a small Alabama town simmering with anger over desegregation. A fitting reflection of America in the 1960s, this Off-Broadway hit is provocative, timely, and uncomfortably relevant. Adapted by Matt Pelfrey.Original music composed by Mark Holden and Michael Lopez. Includes audience Q&A sessions with director Brian Kite and playwright Matt Pelfrey, as well as political journalist Todd Purdum. Recorded in Los Angeles before a live audience at The James Bridges Theater, UCLA in October of 2014.Directed by Brian KiteProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergRyan Vincent Anderson as Virgil TibbsMichael Hammond as Sam WoodKalen Harriman as Melanie Purdy/Noreen TatumTravis Johns as Pete

This play is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Based on John Ball’s novel which inspired the Oscar-winning film and the Emmy-winning television series, "In the Heat of the Night" pits a visiting black detective from California against a small Alabama town simmering with anger over desegregation. A fitting reflection of America in the 1960s, this Off-Broadway hit is provocative, timely, and uncomfortably relevant. Adapted by Matt Pelfrey.Original music composed by Mark Holden and Michael Lopez. Includes audience Q&A sessions with director Brian Kite and playwright Matt Pelfrey, as well as political journalist Todd Purdum. Recorded in Los Angeles before a live audience at The James Bridges Theater, UCLA in October of 2014.Directed by Brian KiteProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergRyan Vincent Anderson as Virgil TibbsMichael Hammond as Sam WoodKalen Harriman as Melanie Purdy/Noreen TatumTravis Johns as Pete

A Lesson Before Dying is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Based on Ernest J. Gaines’ National Book Critics Circle Award-winning novel, Romulus Linney’s adaptation of A Lesson Before Dying is set in a small Louisiana Cajun community in the late 1940s. Jefferson, a young illiterate black man, is falsely convicted of murder and is sentenced to death. Grant Wiggins, the plantation schoolteacher, agrees to talk with the condemned man. The disheartened Wiggins had once harbored dreams of escaping from his impoverished youth, yet he returned to his home town after university, to teach children whose lives seemed as unpromising as Jefferson’s.Recorded before a live audience at Voice of America, Washington D.C. in July of 2001.Directed by Nick OlcottProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergRick Foucheux as Paul BoninKeith Glover as Grant WigginsJamahl Marsh as JeffersonLinda Powell as Vivian Baptiste

A Lesson Before Dying is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Based on Ernest J. Gaines’ National Book Critics Circle Award-winning novel, Romulus Linney’s adaptation of A Lesson Before Dying is set in a small Louisiana Cajun community in the late 1940s. Jefferson, a young illiterate black man, is falsely convicted of murder and is sentenced to death. Grant Wiggins, the plantation schoolteacher, agrees to talk with the condemned man. The disheartened Wiggins had once harbored dreams of escaping from his impoverished youth, yet he returned to his home town after university, to teach children whose lives seemed as unpromising as Jefferson’s.Recorded before a live audience at Voice of America, Washington D.C. in July of 2001.Directed by Nick OlcottProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergRick Foucheux as Paul BoninKeith Glover as Grant WigginsJamahl Marsh as JeffersonLinda Powell as Vivian BaptisteJefferson A. Russell

A Lesson Before Dying is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Based on Ernest J. Gaines’ National Book Critics Circle Award-winning novel, Romulus Linney’s adaptation of A Lesson Before Dying is set in a small Louisiana Cajun community in the late 1940s. Jefferson, a young illiterate black man, is falsely convicted of murder and is sentenced to death. Grant Wiggins, the plantation schoolteacher, agrees to talk with the condemned man. The disheartened Wiggins had once harbored dreams of escaping from his impoverished youth, yet he returned to his home town after university, to teach children whose lives seemed as unpromising as Jefferson’s.Recorded before a live audience at Voice of America, Washington D.C. in July of 2001.Directed by Nick OlcottProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergRick Foucheux as Paul BoninKeith Glover as Grant WigginsJamahl Marsh as JeffersonLinda Powell as Vivian BaptisteJefferson A. Russell

A Lesson Before Dying is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Based on Ernest J. Gaines’ National Book Critics Circle Award-winning novel, Romulus Linney’s adaptation of A Lesson Before Dying is set in a small Louisiana Cajun community in the late 1940s. Jefferson, a young illiterate black man, is falsely convicted of murder and is sentenced to death. Grant Wiggins, the plantation schoolteacher, agrees to talk with the condemned man. The disheartened Wiggins had once harbored dreams of escaping from his impoverished youth, yet he returned to his home town after university, to teach children whose lives seemed as unpromising as Jefferson’s.Recorded before a live audience at Voice of America, Washington D.C. in July of 2001.Directed by Nick OlcottProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergRick Foucheux as Paul BoninKeith Glover as Grant WigginsJamahl Marsh as JeffersonLinda Powell as Vivian BaptisteJefferson A. Russell

Author Rebecca Ginsburg talks about life in South Africa in the time of the play. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hear our conversation with the acclaimed author of "Master Harold"...and the Boys, Athol Fugard.Sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Master Harold"...and the Boys is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Academy-Award winner Athol Fugard, one of theatre’s most acclaimed playwrights, finds humor and heartbreak in the friendship of Harold, a 17-year old white boy in 1950’s South Africa, and the two middle aged black servants who raised him. Racism unexpectedly shatters Harold’s childhood and friendships in this absorbing and affecting coming of age play. The play, initially banned from production in South Africa, is a Drama Desk Award winner for Outstanding New Play.Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in May of 2004.Directed by Stuart K. RobinsonProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergLeon Addison Brown as WillieKeith David as SamBobby Steggert as HallySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.