Today on the podcast, we talk about the final production of Theatre Exile’s 25th season, Today is My Birthday by Susan Soon He Stanton. Here is my interview with Rachel O’Hanlon Rodriguez and Daniel Kim for Today is My Birthday.

Today is My Birthday is about life with a thousand friends on Facebook and no one to have dinner with on Saturday night. This quirky comedy by award-winning screenwriter and playwright Susan Soon He Stanton tells the story of would-be writer Emily, who moves back home to Hawaii after her bubble life in New York pops. As she trades one island for another, Emily, feeling unfulfilled, creates an alter-ego for a radio dating show, determined to turn fantasy into reality. Today is My Birthday, told through a playful mixture of live radio, voicemail, and phone calls, is about finding true human connection in a digital-obsessed world.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Rachel O’Hanlon-Rodriguez (Hailma, DJ Solange, Goddess Sweet Leilani, Generic Female Voice, Hostess, she/they) is thrilled to make their Theater Exile debut. Rachel is a Philly-based actor, poet, organizer, trauma-informed teaching artist, and facilitator. They are the Operations Associate of Spiral Q and serve as a member of the Artistic Squad of Delaware Shakespeare Theater. Rachel has spent the last decade working with theater companies throughout the region such as Power Street Theatre, Die Cast, The Hum’n’Bards, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, Simpatico Theatre Company, The Wilma Theater, the Arden Theatre, EgoPo Classic Theater, and the International Performing Arts for Youth. Rachel received her Master’s in Theater from Villanova University. Follow Rachel’s creative journey on Instagram @the.inter.section or at www.rachelohanlonrodriguez.com.

DANIEL KIM (Dad, Bill Tapia, he/him) is an actor and standup comedian who has appeared across the country. While in Los Angeles, he played the villainous Judge Turpin in the award-winning production of Sweeney Todd at East West Players, the nation’s oldest Asian American theater. Dan also played family friend Stan on Margaret Cho’s sitcom All American Girl. In addition, Dan was a member of the Warner Bros. Comedy Writing Workshop. In Philadelphia, Dan most recently played the role of Atung in The Chinese Lady at Interact Theatre. In addition, Dan appeared in Tiger Style, the inaugural production of Philadelphia Asian Performance Artists (PAPA). At the South Camden Theatre (NJ), Dan played the role of Wong in both the premiere and revival of Fortune Cookies. Dan was also a founding member of the performance group Asians Misbehavin’ (NY & Philly Fringe Festivals, WYBE-TV), as well as the Edge of the World ensemble (NAATCO, LaMama). Dan has performed stand-up comedy at clubs in Chicago (Zanies, Comedy Cottage), New York (Improv, Gotham Comedy Club), and Philadelphia (Comedy Cabaret). Love to Doris, Melody, Maple, and Lolly!

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://theatreexile.org

Today on the podcast, I checked my confirmation, packed my bag and settled in for the night at Motel Montana the latest offering from Gunnar Montana after a long intermission. Here is my interview with Gunnar Montana.

Gunnar Montana - “Motel Montana is designed to celebrate everything my grandfather couldn’t express in his life, and in turn, everything I am so unapologetically eager to express now. There’s something incredibly conflicting about celebrating the idea of my grandfather living out his truths, knowing I wouldn’t have been born had he done so.”

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://www.instagram.com/gunnarmontana/ and https://www.gunnarmontana.com

Today on the podcast, Mariangela Saavedra stops by to talk about the hybrid performance of “Rogues’ Gallery” by John Patrick Shanley, presented as part of Fringe Arts by The Stagecrafters Theatre. Here is my interview with Mairangela Saavedra.

Today on the podcast, Amanda Jill Robinson and Jenna Pinchbeck have portrayed and slayed the unforgettable characters Ruth and Estelle in a number of presentations dating back to 2014. Closing out 11th Hour Theatre’s series of Quarantine Cabarets with Come Sail Away with Ruth and Estelle. Here is my interview with Amanda Jill Robinson and Jenna Pinchbeck.

Today on the podcast Michelle Pauls stops by to talk about the virtual series Speaking of Family… a series devised using phones, tablets and virtual meetings following a family dealing with the new normal that may or may not have a future. Here is my interview with Michelle Pauls.

Today on the podcast, 1812 Productions presents, The Roommate by Jen Silverman. On the first day of tech, I sit down with Director Harriet Power and actors Artistic Director, Jenn Childs and Grace Gonglewski. Here’s my interview with 1812 Productions, The Roommate. 

On today’s podcast, Robi Hagar and Sav Souza stop by to talk about “Basic Witches”. We talk origins of the piece, gender identity and dream roles to play. Stay Tuned!