No. 81: Drew Barr - Casa Valentina with ActOut Theatre Company

Drew Barr, acclaimed director of new, modern, and classical plays known for his work on Broadway and internationally with productions such as War Horse, joins Kate Savage to discuss his latest project: directing Harvey Fierstein’s Casa Valentina for the Act Out Theatre Group in Lexington. Kate Savage delves into Drew Barr’s background, prolific career, and previous challenging productions like Angels in America, before turning to the story and context of Casa Valentina—a play about a group of cross-dressing heterosexual men and their wives who find community at a secret Catskills resort in the early 1960s. Drew Barr unpacks the fascinating, hidden history that inspired the play, the layered challenges of bringing its complex characters and mysterious tone to life, and the importance of representation and inclusivity in community theater. The conversation highlights the fearless mission of Act Out Theatre, the dedication of cast and crew, and the unique, ongoing need for vibrant, challenging theater in Lexington.For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html