Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine
Mike Stephen learns about Perceptions Theatre’s work to include more diverse voices in the local theater community from founder and artistic director Myesha Tiara and then discovers the Secret History of 1970s & 80s postpunk rockers Stations. o subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.
Mike Stephen talks with: Illinois Journalism Education Association board member Stan Zoller about Illinois House Bill 5902 (aka the Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act) and how the proposed law would give some legal protections to high school students; Surging Film & Theatrics artistic director Billy Surges about the Oak Park theater company’s 2016 season (featuring walk-ons by Tracers actors Patrick McGrath and Tony Calkins); and Chicago Northside Mini Maker Faire founder Christina Pei about the fifth annual celebration of DIY and all the amazing and innovative stuff we create. Meanwhile, we play yet another voicemail from #1 OTL (and Lou Manfredini) fan Mrs. Stephen! This week’s local music is provided music provided by THEDEADWOODS. OTL host Mike Stephen and multimedia star Lou Manfredini go way back! [pictured in the old WGN Radio newsroom circa 2004] To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.
Mike Stephen talks with: Blackfish: The Musical (for real!) director Jonald Reyes and co-writer Thomas Simmons in anticipation of the play’s world premiere opening night at MCL Chicago; Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about living legend Lonnie Brooks for this week’s “Winter Blues” edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music; and Under the Rug Theatre Company crew members (playwright Neil Connelly, director John Wilson, and cast members Annie Prichard and Todd Wojcik) at The Den Theatre about their new play RIDE inspired by Chicago’s cycling community. Meanwhile, we discuss Mike’s biggest fan “Jim,” eating spicy hot foods, and a new approach for the next Toons Bar & Grill annual Wing Fling. This week’s local music is provided by Radio Shaq. OTL host Mike Stephen takes a ride with Blackfish: The Musical co-writer Thomas Simmons and director Jonald Reyes. Who’s driving?? To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.
TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (broadcasting on the “stache-friendly” radio station WGN-AM 720) Mike Stephen discusses the extent of Chicago Police surveillance on citizens, talks to the man behind Chuy Garcia’s mustache, and gets a preview of #DateMe: An OKCupid Experiment. Joel Handley– Contributing Editor at In These Times How much police surveillance on Chicagoans is appropriate? We explore this question and the issue of how provide safety without tramping our 1st Amendment rights. Steve Bogira– Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader We hear how Steve opened the door for the beginnings of Chuy Garcia’s mustache. Photo courtesy of ChicagoReader.com Robin Lynn Norris– Creator of #DateMe: An OkCupid Experiment The world of online dating can be hilarious. This show running at the UP Comedy Club (230 W. North Ave.) is based off of actual OkCupid conversation and gives us a glimpse into that world OTL #443 local music provided by Richard Album…