Experience The Best Live Radio Theatre In Gotham City
I was recently on the F train, and overheard a group of tourists discussing how they were in search of an “authentic NYC theater experience.” The debate was between seeing The Jersey Boys or Phantom of the Opera. Now, I’ll be the first to say I adore both of those shows to the ends of the earth…but as a New Yorker, I felt it my duty to jump into the conversation (i.e. interrupt), and politely point them in the direction of something a bit more, as they put it, “authentic”. I shared the name of my favorite radio theatre group in the city, Gotham Radio Theatre, promising them right before they hopped off at the 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center stop that the experience would not disappoint.
I’ve actively followed Gotham Radio’s shows during the past year, and am thrilled that they are now starting their third season. They opened with Noel Coward’s comedy “Present Laughter”, the story of successful actor Garry Essedine (Michael Iannucci) packing his bags for an acting tour in Africa, but first having to overcome several comical roadblocks that came up along the way: his estranged wife, his secretary, a crazy playwright, and two women who are on a mission to seduce him. Combine this with his just-turned-40-mid-life-crisis, and a fabulous farce you have!
What makes Gotham Radio an authentic NYC theater experience is how they take a classic radio program and perform it live on stage, sound effects and all, transporting the audience back in time to the bygone radio era of the 30‘s and 40‘s. Everyday sounds are created right before your eyes and ears on stage: martinis being mixed, doors slamming, window curtains being peaked through. The performers often play the part of several characters, showing true range in their ability to transform instantaneously from, say, stern German housekeeper to giddy mistress or humble secretary to glamorous mistress (bravo Jill Ahrold and Laura Leopard!).
Gotham Radio will be continuing on the season with favorites such as “Jeeves and Wooster in America” and “Rudolph’s Tale: A 1964 Christmas”. Make sure to visit their website and purchase tickets before the tourists scoop them all up.
What defines an authentic NYC theater experience for you? Share your thoughts below!
WHAT: Gotham Radio Theatre WHERE: Arclight Theater 152 West 71st Street New York, New York TICKETS: $20 General Admission, $15 Senior DiscountBy: Jessica Tiare Bowen
That is another experience that is going on my list when in NY….the list keeps growing and growing:)
Bibi @ Bibi’s Culinary Journey recently posted..How To Stop Wasting Food or The Fridge Inventory Project
Yay, glad we could add something very New Yorky to your list!:-)
I’ll have to put the Gotham Radio Theater on my list, Jess. I hadn’t heard of it before.
I’ve always preferred the off-off Broadway theaters and before reading this, that’s what I would have recommended.
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You’d really like them, they’re a very unique theater group, and the energy and passion the cast and crew have never fails to amaze me!
I believe that theater should NOT make you tired or sleepy. This sounds like perfectly in the middle.
Completely agree! Theater is all about the entertainment:-)
I haven’t been to NY in ages but the theatre sounds like an experience I’m sure I’d enjoy. Although I don’t know much about it to speak on authenticity – I do imagine huge graphic signs, heavy curtains, and slew of starving under-credited artists who can out perform sitcom actors any day of the week. Anyhow that’s what I imagine it would be
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Those moments sitting in the audience waiting for the curtain to rise and the show to start truly are magical! Thanks for stopping by, Andrea!:-)
I view New York as a place where anything goes, and this applies to theater as well. While I’m not a fan of anything enormously avant garde, I do enjoy a production that makes you think…makes you wonder…makes you feel. I have a feeling I’d appreciate what Gotham Radio is doing.
Thanks for stopping by, Anna! Definitely check out the next production by GRT and let us know what you think!:-)
This theatre sounds great. You make me miss New York. As a West-Coast boy busy with human anatomy posters, my last trip to the Big Apple was in 2010. Not much opportunity to see the sites then, as I was in training. But I did have opportunity to grab a pie at Fascati. Prior to that, I visited New York in 2004. By my calculations then, I’m not due for another trip until 2014 when I’ll bookmark Gotham City Radio Theatre!
Awesome! I’m sure Gotham Radio Theatre will love to save you a seat for the 2014 season!:-)
I’m not a huge fan of the theatre, but if I was in New York I think I would have to go at least once! And, since I’m not a fan of the normal and usually like what’s different, this sounds like a great experience! Thanks for the info
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Sure thing! It’s definitely a unique experience, and unlike a lot of the big Broadway shows, not too time consuming. The show usually lasts about 60 minutes, great for those with a short attention span!:-)
Well then, sounds perfect for me and my ever-growing-shorter attention span
Hahaha
Mack recently posted..Steam Feed: Marketing, Social Media & Tech From The Professionals
great show. definitely worth seeing!
Glad you enjoyed it as much as I did!:-)