In this episode we welcome the playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, whose new Tony Award-nominated comedy, “The Balusters,” is currently on Broadway with a fab cast that includes today’s other guest, Richard Thomas, alongside Marylouise Burke, Anika Noni Rose, Margaret Colin and Michael Esper.

We’d assumed that the play was named after a family but no, the title refers to the kind of small pillar that supports stairs or a porch, and becomes an object of tension in the story. Not that the characters lack opportunities to bicker, because they’re all members of a neighborhood association’s board and the play takes places over several of their meetings.

David’s plays include the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Rabbit Hole” as well as “Good People” and Ripcord.” He’s also written books for musicals including “Kimberly Akimbo” (based on his play of the same name) and “Shrek.” Don’t miss the part of the episode when David immediately identifies the prominent critic Elisabeth overheard making a callous comment during “Good People”!

As for Richard, he’s a stage staple and his avuncular mien is put to particularly pointed use in “The Balusters,” where he plays the board president, Elliot.

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