As You Mic It
As You Mic It
Podcast Description
AS YOU MIC IT explores the gorgeous anthology of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. Each 15–40 minute episode delves into the topics of themes, characters, productions and historical contexts. AS YOU MIC IT offers engaging discussions, insightful interviews with directors and actors, and a playful examination of the art of storytelling. Whether a seasoned Shakespeare aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone in this captivating journey through the world of theater.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as fate versus free will, historical contexts of productions, character analyses, and the art of storytelling with episode topics including the compelling question of destinies explored in the second episode and an introduction to the festival's summer lineup in the premiere episode.
AS YOU MIC IT explores the gorgeous anthology of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. Each 15–40 minute episode delves into the topics of themes, characters, productions and historical contexts. AS YOU MIC IT offers engaging discussions, insightful interviews with directors and actors, and a playful examination of the art of storytelling. Whether a seasoned Shakespeare aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone in this captivating journey through the world of theater.
Ready to dive into something epic? In this special bonus episode of As You Mic It: In the Spotlight, we’re pulling back the curtain with the brilliant mind behind Penelope—composer and creator Alex Bechtel. Get the inside scoop on how a Greek myth became a bold new musical packed with heart, humor, and haunting melodies. Penelope opens May 30 at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. It’s a short run, so don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable journey.
Special Thanks:
Much gratitude to Chuck Gloman, Jarret Brown, and all of DeSales University for helping us launch this podcast journey.
Stay Connected:
Follow As You Mic It and the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival on social media for more behind-the-scenes insights and exciting festival updates.
- Mentioned: Mary Oliver (I go down to the shore)
- Mentioned: Penelopiad
- Mentioned: Madeline Miller – Circe
- Penelope – Album by Alex Bechtel | Spotify – Take a listen to the haunting music of Penelope.
- Penelope – Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival – One Woman. One Mic. One Epic Night with PENELOPE.
A Co-production with Theatre Horizon
Music and Lyrics by Alex Bechtel
Book by Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean, and Eva Steinmetz
Directed by Eva SteinmetzMay 28 to June 8 | Schubert Theatre
No more waiting in the wings—Penelope takes center stage, and she’s got some things to say. With bourbon in hand, she grabs the mic to deliver her side of the story, recounting her twenty-year wait on the small island of Ithaca while her husband, Odysseus, was off playing hero.
This witty musical flips the script on the dutiful wife history wants you to believe in—Penelope’s done being a footnote in her husband’s epic; this time, she’s writing her own odyssey. With soulful songs, razor-sharp storytelling, and an onstage band doubling as her modern-day Greek chorus, Penelope transforms the tale you thought you knew into a solo cabaret act like no other. It’s raw, fiery, and fiercely original as she steps out of the shadows to set the record straight, and she’s not holding back.
This isn’t just a retelling; it’s a revolution.
Running Time: Approximately 70 minutes, with no intermission.
Content Advisory: Contains mild adult language and themes.
Recommended Age: 13+ - Support PSF by donating today
Mentioned in this episode:
See your name here!
Become an underwriter for As You Mic It, and you can see your name here! Contact [email protected] for more information.
Collaboration Makes Great Theatre
Collaboration makes great theatre, both onstage and off. Support PSF today! https://pashakespeare.org/support/
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.