ON THIS ISLAND

Join us for episode 9 of Slant Theatre Project's live-theatrical podcast, a night of New York City-inspired storytelling locals are bound to love! In this episode, Night and Day, musicians, writers and theater artists unite to tell tales of New York’s better half — the one unseen in the harsh light of day, where heroism and hedonism emerge from the shadows. Hosted by Matt Dellapina and featuring playwright Craig Clary; actors Polly Lee, Amelia McClain, and Will Rogers; comedian Randy Pearlstein; playwright Sharyn Rothstein and visual artist Essye Klempner. Plus with the musical stylings of Phil Pickens, Scott Davis & Shira Elias.

Each year, 250,000 people move to NYC. Who stays? Who leaves? And with more people moving in than out, is the number of years you choose to inhabit this island a blessing or a curse? Through live music, song, personal stories and short fiction, ON THIS ISLAND, Ep. 8 "Siren Song" invites the audience to explore their long-term relationship with this port of call. Is its siren song to be trusted?

Guest hosted by company co-founder Adam Knight, performers will include opera sensation Anita Rachvelishvili, author Jen McGuire, folk singer Jay Brannan, filmmaker Jeff Seal, actor-writer Jiehae Park, actors Brett Robinson and Natalie Rich, all backed by the Phil Pickens Band with Daniel Kwiatkowski and Scott Davis. Recorded live at Ars Nova on Feb. 25, 2014.

The seventh episode of On This Island combs through this metropolis' rapidly changing neighborhoods, exploring the transformations in the people who call them home. Hosted by Matt Dellapina and featuring recording artist Ingrid Michaelson, actor Ben Graney, fitness guru Al Kavaldo, actor Keith Reddin, playwright Greg Keller, and director Will Davis. The band is led by Phil Pickens and features Ashley Grombol and Scott Davis. Recorded live at Ars Nova.

A woman stares at the falling snow out of her cushy Soho office. An English gentleman bids his unsuspecting wife adieu for what becomes a 20-year absence. Episode 6 of OTI - Wakefield - is inspired by Hawthorne's story of the same name, exploring the urban soul's urge to leave the hubbub and disappear. Hosted by Matt Dellapina, guests include David Ryan Smith, OBIE Winner Birgit Huppuch, Paul Niebanck, Sofia Alvarez, Susan Greenhill, Samuel Stricklen, Carmen Cabrera, Mat Smart, Phil Pickens, Dave Paarlberg, and Ashley Grombol.

"Underground" wedges between the pavement cracks to peek beneath the face of our city and what mysteries may be hiding under our familiar skins. Guests include Lucas Kavner, Tansy Tan Dora, Starr Kirkland, Wes Grantom, Brad Kempf, Max Baker, Brendan Titley, Brandy Burre, Dave Paarlberg and more.

For the 4th episode of OTI, Slant explores the fascination of doomsday and the inevitable wrecking ball of time through the lens of New Yorkers. Is the end only in our heads? Or is it right in front of us? Listen to our 12/11/12 Ars Nova show on the eve of the end of the world and decide for yourself. Special guests include John Behlmann, Donnetta Lavinia Grays, Vichet Chum, Adam Knight, Nick Mills, Rachel Bonds, Erin Felgar, Britannie Bond, Amy Finkelstein, Phil Pickens, and Ashley Grombol.

For Episode #3, New (York) Religion, we’ll look at the rituals, addictions, and passions that become one’s oasis in the “godless” city of New York. From a hazy dive into foreign film to an awkward cuddle with a dolphin, we offer tales of finding light in the shadows. Featuring Isaac Oliver, Chad Goodridge, Emily Simoness, the musical brilliance of Phil Pickens and more.

A night of storytelling for the New York City life. Hosted by Matt Dellapina and including a range of musical, comedic, and visual guest artists, the evening aims to replenish the intricate charms and mysteries that first brought you to this island off the edge of America. Do come. The theme of our February President’s Day show is “Year One”. Brought to you by SLANT Theatre Project.

Guests include Elizabeth Blue, Gardiner Comfort, Eloise Eonnet, Chad Hoeppner, Phil Pickens, Matt Moses, Sam Tkach, David Lee Nelson, and the folks from The Bronx Brewery.

For Episode #2 – In The Middle – we’ll travel from a decrepit lot on 13th Street to a claustrophobic middle-school crush to the cold expanse of Antarctica. Guests will include Mat Smart, MacKenzie Meehan, Matthew-Lee Erlbach, Kelly McCreary, the music of Phil Pickens, and the photography of Britannie Bond.