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Linda Powell, Andrew Garman, Larry Powell, and Philip Kerr in "The Christians" by Lucas Hnath at Playwrights Horizons. (Photo by Joan Marcus)

Offscript: Paula Vogel’s Martini Recommendations

This week, Paula Vogel sits down for a Manhattan and some conversation about MFA programs, artists’ compensation, and her newest play “Indecent.” Plus the editors talk Lucas Hnath’s “The Christians” and other religion-themed plays.

Every other week, the editors of American Theatre curate a free-ranging discussion about the lively arts in our Offscript podcast.

This week, the editors find religion! Just kidding—but we do discuss Lucas Hnath‘s newest play The Christians, directed by Les Waters (currently at Playwrights Horizons before moving out west to Center Theatre Group in December). Rob Weinert-Kendt, Suzy Evans, Diep Tran, and Allison Considine discuss their individual interpretations of the play, and how it compares to other religious plays currently running in New York, such as Hand to God and Amazing Grace.

Then Diep drinks Manhattans with the great Paula Vogel. The two of them talk cocktails, MFA programs, artists’ compensation, and Paula’s newest play Indecent (written with Rebecca Taichman), which will play this season at Yale Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, and the Vineyard Theatre. This conversation is best listened to with a vodka martini in your hand.

Download the episode here. Subscribe via iTunes or RSS.

This week’s recommendations

  • The Lion in Winter–inspired television show “Empire,” which mixes Shakespeare and R&B/hip-hop. You can watch it on Fox or Hulu.
  • To go with the religious theme of this podcast, “Impastor” on TV Land, about a criminal who poses as a gay pastor.
  • Lear deBessonet and Todd Almond’s community production of The Odyssey at the Public Theater.
  • The Danish drama The Legacy, about a family brought together and torn apart after their artist-matriarch dies.
  • Some religious-inspired oratorios from John Adams and Peter Sellars: The Gospel According to the Other Mary and El Niño.

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