PODCAST · arts
BOOTH ONE - Celebrating Culture and Conversation
by Gary Zabinski, Frank Tourangeau
Host Gary Zabinski and co-host Frank Tourangau engage in the art of lively conversation from the vantage point of BOOTH ONE (formerly known as TalkSports).In the heyday of the Pump Room at the Ambassador East Hotel here in Chicago, Booth One was the most sought after seat in the house, as the privileged celebrities and other luminaries who were seated there could be seen from the lobby, the bar and the rest of the room. A place to see and to be seen. Sadly, the original Booth One is now lost to the ages, but still resides as a display in the lobby of the UP Club at the Second City.On our BOOTH ONE podcast, we attempt to revive that feeling of being in the best seat in the house by seeking out and describing our Booth One experiences for our listeners. We’ll be talking about our recent Booth One brushes with famous guests, first class events, and behind-the-scenes encounters. We’ll also continue to have Booth One conversations covering a variety of topics, both current and esoteric. W
Episodes
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Dazzling Movement Direction – Choreographer & Actor Breon Arzell – Episode 105
Booth One first encountered Breon's work seeing The Total Bent, produced by Haven & About Face Theatres. We were all blown away by Lili-Anne Brown's direction and the marvelous performances, including friend of the show, Robert Cornelius and new friend, Breon Arzell, who also choreographed this...
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A Blank Slate – Genius Improvisor, Actor, & Voice-Over Artist David Pasquesi – Episode 104
We always love our amazingly talented guests, but this time we were Star Struck! David Pasquesi is a brilliant artist and one of the nicest people you're ever likely to meet. He is a master improvisor and has created memorable performances in many movies and TV series. He was excellent as Julia...
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The Zacek Tapes – Victory Gardens’ Artistic Director Emeritus Dennis Zacek – Episode 103
Dennis Zacek, founding member and Artistic Director of Victory Gardens Theatre for 34 years, joined us in the Booth for a fascinating conversation about playwrights, directing, and the history of Chicago theatre. He shares his experiences directing over 250 productions, including his current...
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Luminous Power Couple – Regina Victor & Wardell Julius Clark – Episode 102
Wardell Julius Clark and Regina Victor are stars who just keep growing in our Chicago theatre community. We had an amazing time talking with them recently about all of their adventures. They are work and life partners and as Gary said, "extraordinary creative artists and human beings." They also...
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Mover and Shaker – Erica Daniels, Executive Director of Victory Gardens – Episode 101
We were thrilled to have Erica Daniels Strater join us in the Booth, starting our next 100 episodes off in style! She has been an agent, casting director, Associate Artistic Director, president, and now Executive Director. All at top-flight companies. Erica has so many dear friends in the Chicago...
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Game Changers – Michael and Mona Heath – Episode 100!
We chose Michael and Mona Heath for our 100th episode because they are the most amazing angels to the Chicago theatre community. With backgrounds in applied mathematics and computer science, they have dedicated their time, energy, and savings to supporting Chicago theatre artists. Last year, they...
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Our Favorite (and First) Costume Designer – Christine Pascual – Episode 99
Christine has created beautiful designs for many of our all-time favorite productions! Check out this list of her recent projects! From Dutch Masters to La Ruta to East Texas Hot Links and To Catch a Fish. All great, great shows! The costumes we think were the most breathtaking were for The Total...
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“Astonish Me” – Theatre Historian & Critic Jonathan Abarbanel – Episode 98
Jonathan Abarbanel, our first theatre critic guest, comes with great perspective not just as a theatre historian and scholar but also as an artist. He's been an actor, dramaturg, playwright, and producer, so he knows what it means and takes to bring work to the stage. He's the immediate past...
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Cut to the Chaos – PBS Producer & Documentarian Daniel Andries – Episode 97
Seven-time Emmy award winner, WTTW producer, and documentary filmmaker Dan Andries joins us in the Booth! He arrived at the studio having just toured the Hamilton Exhibition on Northerly Island. Sounds like something we need to visit. We recently discovered that Dan was creating a series of…
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Quadruple Threats! – Lili-Anne Brown & Robert Cornelius – Episode 96
Join our rollicking conversation with two of the most talented artists we know, Lili-Anne Brown and Robert Cornelius. Lili-Anne is the luminous director of many great productions and also an accomplished actor, singer, and educator. Robert, who has appeared on our show before (episode 67), is a...
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Theatergoers Digest – Gary and Frank – Episode 95
It's Gary and Frank together in the Booth for a cavalcade of theatergoer notes on shows we've recently seen around Chicago. First off, Frank tells us about his adventures in speech competition judging that's kept him away from home the past month. By all accounts, the dazzling array of young...
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Creating a Safe Space – Stage Managers Malcolm Ewen and Laura Glenn – Episode 94
Gary welcomes to the Booth two true Chicago theatre professionals - both long-time stage managers at Steppenwolf Theatre - Malcolm Ewen and Laura Glenn. No one has better behind-the scenes stories than great stage managers. Malcolm has been at Steppenwolf since 1987 and was most recently welcomed...
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Red Rex – Director Jonathan Berry and Actor Jessica Dean Turner – Episode 93
Gary welcomes director Jonathan Berry and actor Jessica Dean Turner from the new hit play Red Rex to the Booth today. Written by Ike Holter as the newest in his Rightlynd series of plays, Red Rex is is receiving a world premiere by Steep Theatre and is being presented in their 55-seat space at…
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Division Street Princess – Author Elaine Soloway – Episode 92
We were thrilled to welcome Elaine Soloway to the booth for episode 92! Check out her bio here. She is something else. Between her two memoirs, her Roman à clef, the essays she writes for her blogs, and having part of her life fictionalized on the television show, Transparent, Elaine is "living…
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The Year of Chicago Theatre, with Mark Kelly & Sandra Marquez – Episode 91
We are thrilled to be part of the launch of the "Year of Chicago Theatre", helmed by the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE) Commisioner, Mark Kelly. Mark at the Chicago Jazz Festival Mark joined us to talk about this first-ever City initiative that is "calling on the world to...
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Renaissance Man – Artist & Illustrator Tom Bachtell – Episode 90
Join us in a great conversation with brilliant artist and illustrator Tom Bachtell. Learn how this self-taught artist became the best thing about the New Yorker's "Talk of the Town". He is still doing stunning caricatures and illustrations for the magazine 23 years later. Check out this wonderful...
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To Never Forget – La Ruta – Isaac Gomez & Karen Rodriguez – Episode 89
Rising stars Isaac Gomez & Karen Rodriguez join us in the Booth to talk about the rehearsal process for their world premiere production of Isaac's play, La Ruta, at Steppenwolf Theatre. Previews begin December 13 and the show runs through January 27. We are going to press opening on December 20…
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Nena’s Notes – Fashion Expert & Writer Nena Ivon – Episode 88
Fashion world icon Nena Ivon joins us in the Booth to talk about her astounding career, her varied interests in all things cultural, and so much more! - A legend in Chicago, Nena Ivon was the fashion and special events director at Saks Fifth Avenue fr...
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Always Say Yes…-Actor Francis Guinan – Episode 87
Gary and Frank welcome one of the finest actors we've ever had the pleasure to meet to Booth One! Francis Guinan has been with the Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble since 1979 and has appeared in a remarkable number of shows.
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A Film Report from TIFF – Frank and Dan at the Toronto International Film Festival – Episode 86
Booth One's Frank Tourangeau and his husband, filmmaker Dan Pal, who serves as Booth One's film correspondent, have just returned from a trip to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and have much to report!
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Life’s a Spell – Playwright and Librettist Jerre Dye – Episode 85
We welcome to the Booth this week the very talented and vibrant Jerre Dye. Recommended by a recent genius guest, Cecelia Wingate, Jerre is a Southerner by birth, having grown up in a small town in Mississippi. He is a playwright, actor,
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Roscoe’s BACK for a guest appearance! – Episode 84
While Frank is out of town, we welcome Ross Fraser, founding co-host of Booth One, back to the studio. He is clearly excited to be back behind a microphone and in rare form. - Gary and Roscoe revisit some favorite topics such as,
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Talk about Southern Charm – Brilliant Director & Actress Cecelia Wingate – Episode 83
We welcome the remarkably talented actress and stage director Cecelia Wingate to Booth One this week. Hailing from Memphis, TN, Cecelia is a driving force in the vibrant theater scene there. Gary recalls seeing her breathtaking performance in Chicago i...
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Rick Kogan – A Class Act – Episode 82
Legendary Chicago newspaperman, radio host, and author Rick Kogan joins us in the Booth to share some great stories and lively conversation. - He's a big fan of our show and has listened to a number of past episodes that he's told us are terrific.
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Believe – with Gary and Frank – Episode 81
Gary and Frank catch up and discuss a couple of recent theatrical viewings. First off, we get an inside look at Frank's eastern European trip which took him away from Booth One for a couple of episodes. He tells of his experiences in Warsaw, Krakow,
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The Max & Tony Fitzpatrick Show- Episode 80
Today we welcome to the Booth acclaimed artist, author, and actor Tony Fitzpatrick, and his son and podcast partner, Max. They are quite a team. Max also manages Adventureland Gallery at 1513 N. Western. Where there is great art and free beer! -
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Monologues for Civilians – Director & Litigation Coach, Richard Shavzin
Long time friend and Gary's collaborator on the legendary Klub Kokomo joins us in the Booth to talk about that amazing production and his career as an actor, director, producer, and coach to trial lawyers. -
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You’re On! – Actress Jennifer Engstrom – Episode 78
The endlessly fascinating Jennifer Engstrom graces us in the Booth today. Jen is a long-time ensemble member of A Red Orchid Theatre (as is our last guest, playwright Brett Neveu). She has appeared in over a dozen productions there and at many other gr...
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To Catch a Fish – Playwright Brett Neveu – Episode 77
We were thrilled to welcome Brett Neveu to the booth just two days after being in the audience for the press opening of his marvelous new play, To Catch A Fish at Timeline Theatre. This production, masterfully directed by Ron OJ Parson,
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To Catch a Fish – Playwright Brett Neveu – Episode 77
We were thrilled to welcome Brett Neveu to the booth just two days after being in the audience for the press opening of his marvelous new play, To Catch A Fish at Timeline Theatre. This production, masterfully directed by Ron OJ Parson,
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Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves – Episode 76
Gary reports on the wonderful time we had at the Writers Theatre Gala at the Four Seasons. We were guests of Mary Pat & Andy Studdert. It was such a fun evening, featuring sensational entertainment with a Motown theme.
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Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves – Episode 76
Gary reports on the wonderful time we had at the Writers Theatre Gala at the Four Seasons. We were guests of Mary Pat & Andy Studdert. It was such a fun evening, featuring sensational entertainment with a Motown theme.
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Fabulous Fiction – with Writer and Teacher Stuart Dybek – Episode 75
Booth One proudly welcomes back to the program writer and teacher Stuart Dybek. Stuart previously appeared on Episode 37, where he spoke about the art of the short story and his approach and inspirations for writing fiction and poetry.
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Fabulous Fiction – with Writer and Teacher Stuart Dybek – Episode 75
Booth One proudly welcomes back to the program writer and teacher Stuart Dybek. Stuart previously appeared on Episode 37, where he spoke about the art of the short story and his approach and inspirations for writing fiction and poetry.
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A Never Ending Story – Author Mark Larson Returns – Episode 74
Gary welcomes back to the Booth author Mark Larson, whose oral history is a chronicle of the past, present and future of Chicago Theatre. Having recently turned in his manuscript to date, Mark had interviews come through with Pulitzer Prize winning pla...
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A Never Ending Story – Author Mark Larson Returns – Episode 74
Gary welcomes back to the Booth author Mark Larson, whose oral history is a chronicle of the past, present and future of Chicago Theatre. Having recently turned in his manuscript to date, Mark had interviews come through with Pulitzer Prize winning pla...
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A Daring Young Man – Aerialist Javen Ulambayar – Episode 73
Aerialist, circus performer and actor Javen Ulambayar visits Booth One this week with Gary and Frank, as we celebrate our 3rd Anniversary on the air! - Javen is a native of Mongolia and emigrated to the United States when he was 17 with his parent...
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A Daring Young Man – Aerialist Javen Ulambayar – Episode 73
Aerialist, circus performer and actor Javen Ulambayar visits Booth One this week with Gary and Frank, as we celebrate our 3rd Anniversary on the air! - Javen is a native of Mongolia and emigrated to the United States when he was 17 with his parent...
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The Envelope, Please – Gary, Frank and The 90th Oscars – Episode 72
It's Oscar season, and Gary and Frank delve into the nominees, snubs and surprises for the 90th Annual Academy Awards. - On a sad note, Gary announces that our dear Roscoe, founding co-host, will not be re-joining us in the Booth any time soon.
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The Envelope, Please – Gary, Frank and The 90th Oscars – Episode 72
It's Oscar season, and Gary and Frank delve into the nominees, snubs and surprises for the 90th Annual Academy Awards. - On a sad note, Gary announces that our dear Roscoe, founding co-host, will not be re-joining us in the Booth any time soon.
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Dynamic Duo – Delia Kropp and Penny Slusher – Episode 71
Actresses Delia Kropp and Penny Slusher join Gary and Frank in the Booth this week. Penny, a longtime favorite of ours, recently appeared in the Steppenwolf Theatre production of The Minutes, the new play from Tracy Letts.
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Dynamic Duo – Delia Kropp and Penny Slusher – Episode 71
Actresses Delia Kropp and Penny Slusher join Gary and Frank in the Booth this week. Penny, a longtime favorite of ours, recently appeared in the Steppenwolf Theatre production of The Minutes, the new play from Tracy Letts.
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Pride Films and Plays: Dan Pal & Nelson Rodriguez – Episode 70
Gary and Frank welcome two of the great leaders of Chicago's Pride Films & Plays to Booth One. Nelson Rodriguez is Artistic Director of Pride Films and Plays. Filmmaker Dan Pal is running the Pride Film Fest, which happens on the second Tuesday of each month. Check out the line-up for January's...
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The Great White Way – Giving Thanks for Broadway and Beyond – Episode 69
Mentor, Educator and Theatre aficionado Frank Tourangeau (Episode 54) returns and joins Gary as this week's co-host in the Booth. Gary and Betsy have just returned from a glorious Thanksgiving week in New York,
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Getting the Shot – Photographer and Theatre Artist Stephan Mazurek – Episode 68
Gary's guest this week is photographer, explorer, and theatre artist Stephan Mazurek. Stephan is a storyteller - on screens, on stages, on buildings and on the web. He is a director of photography, still photographer, writer,
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Heart and Soul – Musician & Actor Robert Cornelius – Episode 67
Our guest in the Booth this week is the multi-talented Robert Cornelius. Singer, Actor, Songwriter, Band Leader, Educator, Activist, and Writer - he excels at them all! And...we learn that he can design and construct costumes as well. A long-time friend of the show, we were finally able to work…
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The Great Escape – The Red Lion Pub’s Colin Cordwell – Episode 66
Colin Cordwell, proprietor of the The Red Lion English pub, brings his uncanny insights and encyclopedic knowledge to Booth One this week. Colin has seen it all in his 40 years watching "a conveyor belt of humanity go past me" behind one of Chicago's g...
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Invading Nirvana – Episode 65
We welcome actor, director, audiobook narrator, and author Kevin Theis back to Booth One to talk about his new book, Invading Nirvana, A Chicagoan in the City of Angels. This hilarious and informative book serves as a blueprint for any actor considerin...
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Trevor the Musical – Episode 64
It was thrilling to welcome to the Booth two of the stars and the Assistant Director of Writers Theatre's world premiere production of Trevor the Musical. Eli Tokash, who plays Trevor, is magnificent on stage and off. He just lights up the room. He has met his match with co-star, Tori Whaples…
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Renaissance Woman – Vocal Coach & Director Mary Jo DuPrey – Episode 63
Booth One welcomes Mary Jo DuPrey, who recently visited Chicago from Los Angeles for some meetings about possible directing projects. - Mary Jo trained as an actress at Vassar. She then worked with her sister Katie Agresta, a legendary vocal coach,
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Host Gary Zabinski and co-host Frank Tourangau engage in the art of lively conversation from the vantage point of BOOTH ONE (formerly known as TalkSports).In the heyday of the Pump Room at the Ambassador East Hotel here in Chicago, Booth One was the most sought after seat in the house, as the privileged celebrities and other luminaries who were seated there could be seen from the lobby, the bar and the rest of the room. A place to see and to be seen. Sadly, the original Booth One is now lost to the ages, but still resides as a display in the lobby of the UP Club at the Second City.On our BOOTH ONE podcast, we attempt to revive that feeling of being in the best seat in the house by seeking out and describing our Booth One experiences for our listeners. We’ll be talking about our recent Booth One brushes with famous guests, first class events, and behind-the-scenes encounters. We’ll also continue to have Booth One conversations covering a variety of topics, both current and esoteric. W
HOSTED BY
Gary Zabinski, Frank Tourangeau
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does BOOTH ONE - Celebrating Culture and Conversation have?
BOOTH ONE - Celebrating Culture and Conversation currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is BOOTH ONE - Celebrating Culture and Conversation about?
Host Gary Zabinski and co-host Frank Tourangau engage in the art of lively conversation from the vantage point of BOOTH ONE (formerly known as TalkSports).In the heyday of the Pump Room at the Ambassador East Hotel here in Chicago, Booth One was the most sought after seat in the house, as the...
How often does BOOTH ONE - Celebrating Culture and Conversation release new episodes?
BOOTH ONE - Celebrating Culture and Conversation has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to BOOTH ONE - Celebrating Culture and Conversation?
You can listen to BOOTH ONE - Celebrating Culture and Conversation on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts BOOTH ONE - Celebrating Culture and Conversation?
BOOTH ONE - Celebrating Culture and Conversation is created and hosted by Gary Zabinski, Frank Tourangeau.
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