Gather by the Ghost Light

In this episode, Jonathan and Devon chat with six-time TONY Award Nominee Chad Beguelin about his new novel "SHOWMANCE" and his life as a Broadway writer.

About SHOWMANCE: Noah Adams’s career as a playwright is circling the drain, thanks to a scorching review of his first Broadway musical. So when a family emergency sends him back to his Podunk hometown of Plainview, Illinois, he figures he’ll hide out for a bit. But to Noah’s horror, his agent has secretly arranged for him to stage an amateur version of the career-ruining musical at the local community theater. As if trying to work with a bunch of artless amateurs wasn’t enough, Noah runs into Luke, the jerk from his high school years, everywhere he goes. Luke somehow grew up to be beloved by everyone in town…and undeniably gorgeous. As rehearsals begin, Noah is surprised by his cast’s insights, the warmth of the town he’d dismissed, and the reality of what happened with Luke all those years ago. Just how much has Noah misjudged?

Available at Penguin Books

Guest - Chad Beguelin

Chad Beguelin is a six-time Tony® nominee. His works include Disney’s Aladdin (Tony Award nomination for Best Book and Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for Best Book and Outstanding Lyrics), The Prom (Tony Award nomination for Best Book and Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for Best Book and Outstanding Lyrics) and The Wedding Singer (Tony Award nomination for Best Book and Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Lyrics). He also wrote the lyrics for the Broadway musical Elf, which broke several box office records at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. His play Harbor premiered Off-Broadway at Primary Stages. He is the recipient of the Edward Kleban Award for Outstanding Lyric Writing, the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Awards, the Gilman & Gonzalez-Falla Musical Theater Award and the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award. Chad is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Dramatic Writing Program. He currently lives in Bridgehampton with his husband Tom and their dog, Tucker. 

Produced and edited by Jonathan Cook

Intro music by JK/47

You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight

Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications)

If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com)

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In this episode, Jonathan and Devon chat with composer Robin Hiley & writer Becky Hope-Palmer about their musical "LIFELINE" currently running off-Broadway.

LIFELINE tells the story of Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming’s world-changing discovery of penicillin in 1928, charting the rise and fall of antibiotics. Fleming’s historic story is interwoven with Jess’, a present day doctor whose childhood sweetheart, Aaron, is recovering from cancer treatment, almost 100 years after antibiotics were discovered. But just as Aaron is desperate to resume normality and rekindle the romance, his life hangs in the balance, as he waits to see if Fleming’s miracle cure will still work well enough to save him.

The musical is a two-time Edinburgh Festival Fringe sell-out (2018 and 2022). It has toured to London, Glasgow and the east coast of the USA (2022). It has also been showcased at the UK Houses of Parliament and in Barbados for Prime Minister Mia Mottley. Previously entitled The Mould that Changed the World, the show underwent significant re-development in 2023 to incorporate numerous modern day patient stories that the producers had collected from around the world.

More info available at LIFELINE The Musical (lifelinemusical.com)

Guests - Robin Hiley & Becky Hope-Palmer

Robin Hiley was a founding partner of Charades Theatre Company upon the company’s inception in 2010. In 2017 he took the company forward as Artistic Director & CEO, overseeing its transition to a Scottish Incorporated Charitable Organisation and establishing partnerships and collaborations with major national and international organisations. As a composer, and lyricist Robin is passionate about writing and creating musical theatre that tackles pertinent social issues and also gives opportunities for the community to get involved in performing. Developing LIFELINE has been a signifcant focus for Robin over the past 6 years, immensely enjoying collaborating with writing partners Becky Hope-Palmer (book writer), his long-time friend and songwriting partner James Ross, as well as the rest of the creative team. Robin holds an undergraduate degree in music from Newcastle University and a MSc in enthnomusicology from the University of Edinburgh.

Becky Hope-Palmer is a Scottish writer and theatre director from Edinburgh. She trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and was a finalist for the prestigious JMK Directing Award in 2019 and 2021. She is an associate artist for She Productions in East Yorkshire and worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company from 2017-2019. Recent credits include work for the Lyceum Theatre and Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, Perth Theatre, Dundee Rep and A Play, a Pie and a Pint in Glasgow. Her directing and facilitation work spans musical theatre, Shakespeare, classic and new writing in various forms and capacities. As a writer, Becky’s first play with music, Seven Against Edinburgh, was produced by the Lyceum Theatre in 2022. She is delighted to be making her Off-Broadway debut with Lifeline as a book writer in collaboration with Robin, James and the wonderful team.

Produced and edited by Jonathan Cook

LIFELINE music tracks were used in this episode with permission from the creators.

Intro music by JK/47

You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight

Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications)

If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com)

If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app!

For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com

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"PARK AND PLAY" by Kara Emily Krantz. Archibald and Jessie frequent the park every Thursday afternoon, but today holds a special, slightly disturbing and definitely disrupting surprise.

Written by Kara Emily Krantz

Directed by Devon McSherry

Performed by Avery Lewis as "Jessie", Brad King as "Archibald", and Korilyn Hendricks as "Lucy".

Intro/Outro music by JK/47

Cover design by Jonathan Cook

Produced and edited and sound design by Jonathan Cook

About the writer: Kara Emily Krantz is a playwright/poet and director from Sturbridge/Worcester, MA. She self-produced her first play, ALL BARK, NO BITE, in 2016, which has gone on to be published and produced around the country. She earned an MFA from NHIA (Dir. Buzz McLaughlin) and penned six full-lengths, including YOU, ME, & ENNUI (W Festival 2018), a screenplay, GRACE NOTE (Storypros International Winner), and her first original pilot, TRACE MEMORY (w/co-writer Amanda Kay Burdine). Over the summer, her short play, “Recess,” won the People’s Choice at the Hollywood Brisk Festival, and more recently she was offered a full-time faculty and directing position at Worcester Academy. She is drawn to the places of our deepest hope and suffering, and inspired to infuse them with meaning, whimsy, and joy. She believes we are all telling the story of our lives and have the wonderful opportunity each moment to choose something better.

You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight

Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications)

If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com)

If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app!

For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com

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THE ANGEL by Robert J. LeBlanc. Jack has a terrible secret. He’s stuck with no way out until a chance meeting with a stranger in a deserted subway station gives him everything that he asked for.

Written by Robert J. LeBlanc

Directed by Jonathan Cook

Performed by Antonio Scales as "Jack" & Krys Bailey as "Man".

Intro/Outro music by JK/47

Cover art by photographer Andew Lynch

About the writer: Robert J. LeBlanc is an award-winning playwright, actor, voice actor, and artist, as well as the producer, head writer, host, improviser, and designer of the comedy ensemble, Balderdash Academy, and owner and lead writer of the interactive mystery-comedy company Sleuths Mystery Entertainment. He writes in several genres with a focus on comedy and the use of comedy in drama. He is the guest writer and performer of Undertow: Simpson Falls episode “Firsts” and was a series developer and writer on Realm’s hit horror series Undertow: Blood Forest and Undertow: Pulse. His work can be found on stage, screen, and in various podcasts including Balderdash Academy’s On the Air.

You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight

Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications)

If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com)

If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app!

For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com

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SLASHER'S DELIGHT: A comedy horror audio play that gives the behind the scenes look at how "final girls" in slasher scenarios actually get selected to become final girls.

Written by Christopher Soucy

Directed by Devon McSherry

Performed by Audrey Robertson as "Marcia", Elizabeth Rayca-Haas as "Becky", and Jonathan Cook as "The Slasher".

Intro/Outro music by JK/47

Additional music by Naama Zafran

Cover art by Anna Lascaux

About the writer: Chris Soucy is a theatre professional, filmmaker, puppeteer, and writer living in Savannah, GA. He is a combat veteran and co-host of The Most Haunted City on Earth Podcast

You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight

Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications)

If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com)

If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app!

For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com

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"THE EVENT: A MUSICAL JOURNEY" - An ecological sci-fi song cycle. A rogue rocket launch sets off a chain reaction that traps humanity on Earth. The fallout is explored through eight musical vignettes, bound loosely by the musings of a mysterious narrator. 

Music composed by Michael R. Ray.

Book & lyrics by Dani Ray.

Performed by Vaughan Duncan, Krys Bailey, Jamie McAteer, Audrey Robertson, Adam Kronowski, Dani Ray, Ashley Rivera, Anthony Cheang, Eliza Williams, Shelby Vermilyea, Devin Rivas Martin, Maggie Tharp, Isabella Johnson, Adey Gunnin, Nathan Chamberlain, Chad Bloch, Carrie McAteer, Aiden Simmons, Brandon Paugh, Maisie Bailey, Jessica Bailey, Nicholas Horner.

Intro/Outro music: JK/47

About the composer: Michael R. Ray was a choral director and music director for more than 40 high school and middle school shows. He is an experienced music educator at the middle, high school and college levels. He received his Bachelor’s of Music from Ohio University and his Master’s of Music in Music Composition from UT. There are even more random musical (mis)adventures to be found in his YouTube portfolio! He continues to play keys, pull music out of thin air for the occasional madcap improv show, and sometimes feel seriously compelled to make zany videos.

About the writer: Dani Ray is a freelance writer and editor, translator, wordsmith, occasional essayist and full-time logophile. She's interpreted in D.C., edited Spanish-language TV in Budapest, taught High School Spanish in Augusta, GA and delved deeply into the realm of Central American modern art.

"THE EVENT: A MUSICAL JOURNEY" short film can be found at here!

Short film credits - Original Music by MICHAEL R. RAY; Book & Lyrics by DANI RAY; Directed by JAMIE MCATEER & DANI RAY; Audio and Mastering Engineer CHAD BLOCH; Video Design MICHAEL RAY; Lead Animator VAUGHAN DUNCAN; Additional Animators MICHAEL R. RAY; TRENT DENNISON; GARRET CHUCCHI

You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight

Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications)

If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com)

If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app!

For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com

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A GOOD FIT: Two women visit a coffee shop. One is there for a job interview. The other for a blind date. Unfortunately, they accidentally sit at the wrong tables. Romantic comedy.

Written by Jaclyn Stiller

Directed by Jonathan Cook

Performed by Marian Thibodeau as "Tessa", Amy Thorne as "Shannon", Sol Baird as "Jon", & Andre Williams as "John".

Intro/Outro music: JK/47

About the writer: Jaclyn Stiller is an actor, director, and playwright based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her plays have been performed in festivals including Gather by the Ghost Light's Off-Broad Street Play Festival, Lakeshore Players 10-Minute Play Festival, and the Minnesota Shorts Festival. In addition to writing, she has performed throughout the Midwest for several years. When not working on her next theatrical project, she works professionally as a medical device engineer.

You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight

Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications)

If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com)

If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app!

For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com

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3x3 - A SHORT PLAY IN THREE SHORTER ACTS: A married couple face struggles as they try to have a baby, but hope keeps them moving forward ... accordingly.

Written by Eric Odom

Directed by Jonathan Cook

Performed by Devon McSherry as "Stephanie" and TJ McSherry as "Marcus"

Intro/Outro music: JK/47

About the writer: Eric Odom is a stage and voice actor from Augusta, GA. Eric can be heard in several audio plays on the Gather by the Ghost Light podcast. Notable stage roles include Charles Condomine in “The Blithe Spirit”, Albert Chang in “Rules of Seconds”, and Mr. Chu in “Akeelah and the Bee.”

You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight

Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications)

If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com)

If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app!

For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com

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GROUND CONTROL TO BABY TOM: Two female astronauts, charged with the important mission of carrying the first pregnancy to full term in space, find themselves entangled in patriarchal nonsense, even 400 million miles away on a spaceship orbiting Jupiter's moon Io.

Written by Emily McClain

Directed by Devon McSherry

Performed by Karla Daly as "Celeste" and Amy Pickrel as "Natasha".

Cover art by: David Curtis Studio (david-curtis.com)

Intro/Outro music: JK/47

About the writer: Emily McClain is a playwright and theatre educator based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her plays have been produced across the country and worldwide. She’s published through New Stage Press and more of her work can be found at New Play Exchange.

You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight

Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications)

If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com)

If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app!

For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com

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POSTPARTUM: The Mother had a baby a month ago. Her Husband knows something is wrong. And the baby monitor keeps making these weird noises...

Written by Jillian Blevins

Directed by Jonathan Cook

Performed by Marian Thibodeau as "Mother" and Matt Hoffman as "Husband".

Intro/Outro music: JK/47

About the writer: Jillian Blevins is a playwright and theatre artist whose short plays have been performed in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, New Haven CT, Providence RI, Portland ME, and New York City. In 2020/21, she conceived and produced 'Digital Dionysia', a six-week online new works festival which featured her plays 'Izzy at Zoom Therapy' and 'Be The Bacchae' along with 24 other new plays from around the globe. In the summer of 2023, her one-act ‘The Bed Trick’ was a participating play in Valdez Alaska’s Last Frontier Theatre Conference, and her 10-minute Jewish sci-fi comedy ‘Space Laser, in Space!’ was a finalist at the Samuel French Off Off Broadway New Play Festival. Her queer historical dramedy, 'Romeo & Her Sister' will premiere in June 2024 at the New Hampshire Theatre Project, closing their season and in celebration of Pride Month. Proud member of the Dramatists Guild.

You can watch the full video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@GatherbytheGhostLight

Gather by the Ghost Light merch is available at www.ghostlightpubs.com (Ghost Light Publications)

If you would like to further support this podcast, please visit Gather by the Ghost Light is increasing public knowledge of emerging writers and actors (buymeacoffee.com)

If you enjoy this podcast, please please please leave a rating on your preferred podcast app!

For more info or if you wish to contact us, please visit www.gatherbytheghostlight.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices