THE WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING VIOLET by Max Baker

I know I’m not your therapist. I’m your brother.

In THE WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING VIOLET by Max Baker, two brothers struggle with three of life’s great fears: death, guilt, and the false sparkle of domestic bliss. Brandon Dirden (All the Way on Broadway) and Jason Dirden ("Greenleaf," Broadway's A Raisin in the Sun) star, with direction by Carrie Preston (“True Blood,” “The Good Wife”).

Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation with the artists moderated by host Claudia Catania. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at BRIC Arts Media in downtown Brooklyn.

Download on iTunes, search ‘Playing on Air’ in your favorite podcasting app – or stream below! [24 Minutes 17 Seconds] 

LA TRAVIATA by Lisa D'Amour

Debra Monk, Johanna Day, Katie Finneran, and Zach Appelman star in the world-premiere audio production of LA TRAVIATA by Lisa D’Amour (Pulitzer Prize finalist for Detroit, Airline Highway). 

Outside of New Orleans, three sisters have gathered to celebrate Mother's Day and lament the scandalous fate of their poor, wayward nephew. But beneath their breezy porch gossip, there are family secrets of operatic proportions waiting to be uncovered. Tony & Emmy winner Monk ("Mozart in the Jungle," "NYPD Blue"), OBIE winner Day (Sweat, Proof), double Tony winner Finneran (Noises Off & Promises, Promises), and Appelman ("Sleepy Hollow," War Horse) are directed by Michael Wilson (Broadway's The Trip To Bountiful, PoA's An Upset).

After the episode, join the artists & host Claudia Catania for a behind-the-mic discussion about Southern storytellers and family dynamics.

LA TRAVIATA was commissioned by Playing on Air with the support of the Pearson Family Foundation.

Download on iTunes, search ‘Playing on Air’ in your favorite podcasting app – or stream below! [28 Minutes 48 Seconds]

HATE BABY by Gracie Gardner

Content advisory: this episode contains themes that may not be appropriate for younger listeners. 

Sigrid has a new little bundle of joy, and she's worried that he might be... evil. Today, she's tagging out: this baby is her neighbor Darla's problem now. Just in time for Mother's Day, Gracie Gardner's HATE BABY, the winner of Playing on Air's 2018 James Stevenson Prize for Comedic Short Plays, delves into the often-gross, ever-changing world of new parenthood. HATE BABY features Emily Bergl (Broadway's The Ferryman, PoA's Evening at Anaheim), OBIE winner April Matthis (Elevator Repair Service, PoA's Wanting North), and Tony nominee Steven Boyer (Hand to God, PoA's An Upset). After the play, the artists join host Claudia Catania and director Claudia Weill for an onstage interview. 

HATE BABY was recorded live at the 52nd Street Project in New York City.

Download on iTunes, Podbay, Player FM, subscribe to our RSS feed, search ‘Playing on Air’ in your favorite podcasting app – or stream below! [19 Minutes 37 Seconds]

DRUNK CHRISTMAS by James McLindon

In James McLindon’s DRUNK CHRISTMAS, a teenage runaway and a swerving mom crash into each other on Christmas Eve; the night ahead is anything but silent. An unorthodox holiday parable, DRUNK CHRISTMAS stars Tony winner Elizabeth Ashley (Ocean’s 8, The Carpetbaggers) and Susannah Perkins (Network, The Wolves). After the play, director Michael Wilson (The Trip to Bountiful, The Best Man) and the creative team join host Claudia Catania for a behind-the-scenes interview. 

Download on iTunes, search ‘Playing on Air’ in your favorite podcasting app – or stream below! [20 Minutes 50 Seconds]

If We're Using A Surrogate, How Come I'm The One With Morning Sickness? by Marco Pennette

Presents are wrapped, carols are playing - and the department store Santa is asking some awkward questions. In the comedy IF WE’RE USING A SURROGATE, HOW COME I’M THE ONE WITH MORNING SICKNESS?  by Marco Pennette (“Ugly Betty” and “Desperate Housewives”), a gay dad rants and reminisces about having a baby.  Performed by Oscar-winning screenwriter and actor Celeste Lecesne (co-founder of The Trevor Project), the episode includes a behind-the-scenes artist interview moderated by our host and the play’s director, Claudia Catania.

Download on iTunes, Podbay, Player FM, subscribe to our RSS feed, search ‘Playing on Air’ in your favorite podcasting app – or stream below! [13 Minutes 37 Seconds]

THE MIRACLE OF CHANUKAH by Sheri Wilner

In Sheri Wilner’s THE MIRACLE OF CHANUKAH, directed by host Claudia Catania, a holiday guest’s personal miracle throws a family for a loop. Featuring Zach Appelman, Peter Friedman, Emmy Award winner Judy Gold, Marcia Jean Kurtz, and Lisa Joyce. Stay tuned after the performance for Catania’s conversation with the playwright and cast.

Download on iTunes, Podbay, Player FM, subscribe to our RSS feed, search ‘Playing on Air’ in your favorite podcasting app – or stream below! [ 17 Minutes 36 Seconds]

CHRISTMAS BREAKS by Patrick Gabridge

In CHRISTMAS BREAKS by Patrick Gabridge, a young man surprises his girlfriend with some curve ball gifts. Featuring Steven Boyer (Hand to God), Zach Appelman (“Sleepy Hollow”, Julie Taymor’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and Halley Feiffer. Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation between the play’s director, Artistic Director Claudia Catania, and the cast.

Download on iTunes, Podbay, Player FM, subscribe to our RSS feed, search ‘Playing on Air’ in your favorite podcasting app – or stream below! [ 15 Minutes 57 Seconds]