LA Theatre Works

This play is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

80-something Dan Yamada has been rendered speechless after a stroke, and as he lies in bed, he vivdly recalls his life, from his days in the World War 2-era internment camps, to serving in the US Army, to his one true love. At his bedside in the present, his adult children fight over his care and legacy, all while Dan tries to communicate his poignant final wish. Includes an interview with playwright Ken Narasaki.

Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in January 2024.

Directed by Anna Lyse Erikson

Kurt Kanazawa as Frank Fujiyama

John Miyasaki as Young Dan Yamada

Suzy Nakamura as Joy Yamada-Hanke

Ken Narasaki as Dr. Park

Rosie Narasaki as Young Grace Hamamoto

Sharon Omi as Adult Grace Hamamoto

Sab Shimono as Dan Yamada

Greg Watanabe as Merv Yamada

Prepared for Audio by Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood

Recording Engineer and Editor: Neil Wogensen

Sound Designer and Mixing Engineer: Charles Carroll for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood

“Blue Skies” performed by Kurt Kanazawa

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

The extraordinary true story of Abe, a man the playwright met at his synagogue. Abe was a fellow of great humor and heart who not only survived three years at Auschwitz—certainly the worst place on earth—but fell in love there. Abe’s life speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, renewal and hope, even when there seems to be none.

Includes an interview with playwright Stephen Tobolowsky and LATW Producing Director Susan Loewenberg.

Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in March 2021.

A Good Day at Auschwitz is sponsored in part by Elizabeth & Louis Altman, Debbie & Gregg Oppenheimer, Marilyn & Barry Hinden, and The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation.

Directed by Anna Lyse Erikson

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

Alan Mandell as Abe

Stephen Tobolowsky as Himself

Senior Producer: Anna Lyse Erikson

Prepared for Audio by Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood

Recording Engineer: Neil Wogensen

Sound Design by: Mark Holden and Charles Carroll

Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin

Foley Artist: Jeff Gardner

Editors: Neil Wogensen and Charles Carroll

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

The extraordinary true story of Abe, a man the playwright met at his synagogue. Abe was a fellow of great humor and heart who not only survived three years at Auschwitz—certainly the worst place on earth—but fell in love there. Abe’s life speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, renewal and hope, even when there seems to be none.

Includes an interview with playwright Stephen Tobolowsky and LATW Producing Director Susan Loewenberg.

Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in March 2021.

A Good Day at Auschwitz is sponsored in part by Elizabeth & Louis Altman, Debbie & Gregg Oppenheimer, Marilyn & Barry Hinden, and The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation.

Directed by Anna Lyse Erikson

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

Alan Mandell as Abe

Stephen Tobolowsky as Himself

Senior Producer: Anna Lyse Erikson

Prepared for Audio by Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood

Recording Engineer: Neil Wogensen

Sound Design by: Mark Holden and Charles Carroll

Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin

Foley Artist: Jeff Gardner

Editors: Neil Wogensen and Charles Carroll

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

Because of the controversial nature of Disgraced’s portrayal of Islamic Americans, L.A. Theatre Works held panel discussions following performances in Los Angeles in April 2018. We heard a remarkable range of opinions about the play from our distinguished guests.

Shafiqa Amadi is an Associate Professor of Clinical Education at the Rossier School of Education, and Co-Director of the Center for Education, Identity and Social Justice at USC.

Sue Obeidi is the Director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council’s Hollywood Bureau. She works with studio executives, producers, directors, and writers to create authentic, accurate and humanizing portrayals of Islam and of Muslims in film, television, and on digital platforms.

Rabbi Sarah Bassin is an Associate Rabbi at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. Prior to joining Temple Emmanuel, Rabbi Bassin served as Executive Director of LA–based NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change.

Dr. Mo Shouka is a member of the Abraham Society, whose broad mission is to foster relationships of trust, understanding and mutual interest among individuals residing in Southern California who are of Jewish, Muslim and Christian backgrounds.

Emel Tanis is also a member of the Abraham Society. Before moving to the US, she was a leading journalist in Turkey, and was awarded “Best Journalist of the Year” by the Turkish Journalists Association for her interview with Benazir Bhutto, the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

Amir has left his Pakistani heritage behind in an attempt to make partner at his corporate law firm, but his wife Emily doesn’t share his negative feelings about Islam—she’s encouraged Amir to help with the case of a controversial imam. When they throw a dinner party for Amir’s colleague Jory and her husband Isaac, the hard truths revealed lead to the unraveling of their carefully constructed lives. Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Recorded live at UCLA’s James Bridges Theater in April 2018.

Directed by Brian Kite

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

Geoffrey Arend as Isaac

Behzad Dabu as Abe

Hari Dhillon as Amir

Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Jory

Emily Swallow as Emily

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

Amir has left his Pakistani heritage behind in an attempt to make partner at his corporate law firm, but his wife Emily doesn’t share his negative feelings about Islam—she’s encouraged Amir to help with the case of a controversial imam. When they throw a dinner party for Amir’s colleague Jory and her husband Isaac, the hard truths revealed lead to the unraveling of their carefully constructed lives. Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Recorded live at UCLA’s James Bridges Theater in April 2018.

Directed by Brian Kite

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

Geoffrey Arend as Isaac

Behzad Dabu as Abe

Hari Dhillon as Amir

Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Jory

Emily Swallow as Emily

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together.

Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson.

Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002.

Directed by Richard Masur

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

Shirley Knight as Ma Joad

Jeffrey Donovan as Tom Joad

Emily Bergl as Rose of Sharon

Michael Buie as Connie/Others

Daniel Chacón as Al Joad

Maurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/Others

Shannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth Sandry

Trista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s Girl

Francis Guinan as Jim Casy

Charlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch Guard

Rod McLachlan as Uncle John

Robert Pescovitz as Pa Joad

Joel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with Guitar

Stephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/Others

Nicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/Others

Andy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/Others

Todd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/Others

Fredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp Guard

Michael Weston as Noah Joad/Others

Kate Williamson as Gramma/Others

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together.

Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson.

Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002.

Directed by Richard Masur

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

Shirley Knight as Ma Joad

Jeffrey Donovan as Tom Joad

Emily Bergl as Rose of Sharon

Michael Buie as Connie/Others

Daniel Chacón as Al Joad

Maurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/Others

Shannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth Sandry

Trista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s Girl

Francis Guinan as Jim Casy

Charlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch Guard

Rod McLachlan as Uncle John

Robert Pescovitz as Pa Joad

Joel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with Guitar

Stephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/Others

Nicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/Others

Andy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/Others

Todd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/Others

Fredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp Guard

Michael Weston as Noah Joad/Others

Kate Williamson as Gramma/Others

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together.

Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson.

Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002.

Directed by Richard Masur

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

Shirley Knight as Ma Joad

Jeffrey Donovan as Tom Joad

Emily Bergl as Rose of Sharon

Michael Buie as Connie/Others

Daniel Chacón as Al Joad

Maurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/Others

Shannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth Sandry

Trista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s Girl

Francis Guinan as Jim Casy

Charlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch Guard

Rod McLachlan as Uncle John

Robert Pescovitz as Pa Joad

Joel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with Guitar

Stephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/Others

Nicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/Others

Andy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/Others

Todd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/Others

Fredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp Guard

Michael Weston as Noah Joad/Others

Kate Williamson as Gramma/Others

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.

Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together.

Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson.

Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002.

Directed by Richard Masur

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

Shirley Knight as Ma Joad

Jeffrey Donovan as Tom Joad

Emily Bergl as Rose of Sharon

Michael Buie as Connie/Others

Daniel Chacón as Al Joad

Maurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/Others

Shannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth Sandry

Trista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s Girl

Francis Guinan as Jim Casy

Charlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch Guard

Rod McLachlan as Uncle John

Robert Pescovitz as Pa Joad

Joel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with Guitar

Stephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/Others

Nicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/Others

Andy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/Others

Todd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/Others

Fredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp Guard

Michael Weston as Noah Joad/Others

Kate Williamson as Gramma/Others

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.