Podcast: Getting ‘Fierce’ with playwright Edith Weiss

Plus the latest theatre news and reviews and a few thoughts on the passing of the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir.

Introduction (0:05)

Alex Miller hosts solo this week as co-host Toni Tresca is out of town. Preview of upcoming interview with playwright Edith Weiss about her comedy Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex opening at Buntport Theater.

Theater Season Update (0:35)

Colorado’s busy theater scene – 16 shows reviewed in January, 20 more expected in February. Alex highlights OnStage Colorado’s active coverage of the state’s performing arts.

Recent Reviews Roundup (1:15)

Burning Bluebeard (Catamounts) – Toni’s review praises this Colorado premiere at Boulder Dairy Center
Godspeed (Denver Center) – Toni reviews this Western that moved from reading to full production
The Game’s Afoot (StageDoor Conifer) – Garth Gersten’s mixed review of the Ken Ludwig mystery
The Odd Couple Female Version (Miner’s Alley) – Garth praises this well-done production

Upcoming Coverage & News (5:45)

Preview of shows being reviewed including touring productions, new works, and dance. Interview preview with Kenya Mahogany about Happy to be Nappy at Manos Sagrados in Aurora.

Colorado Theater News (7:20)

Rich Cowden’s sudden departure from Aurora Fox after 2.5 years
Shrek the Musical controversy and canceled performances at Parker-PACE Center

Interview: Fierce Satire and Mediocre Sex (8:30)

Conversation with playwright/actor Edith Weiss and director Susan Lyles (And Toto too Theatre Company) about their world premiere comedy featuring eight short plays exploring human foibles, opening February 13-28 at Buntport.

Key topics discussed:

And Toto too’s 21-year mission promoting female playwrights
The play’s structure as interconnected vignettes
Themes of commonality, landing in unwanted lives, and finding hope
Cast includes Edith Weiss, Chris Kendall, Jeff Jesmer, Meredith Young, Sophia Bajja
The Shakespeare’s Jeopardy segment and other memorable scenes

Personal Reflection: The Grateful Dead (31:54)

Alex shares emotional reflections on Bob Weir’s death, his experiences as a teenage Deadhead seeing 30+ shows, and the concept of “hiraeth” – longing for a time you can’t revisit.

Next Episode Preview (39:15)

Upcoming interview with Thunder River Theater Company (Carbondale) about K2 – a climbing play featuring actors in harnesses for the entire show. Runs February 13-March 1.

Show runs approximately 40 minutes