Wendy Wasserstein play available for streaming....

Last year was a particularly devastating one for theatre fans as both Wendy Wasserstein and August Wilson passed away. Arena Stage in Washington DC is currently performing Wilson's play "Gem of the Ocean" and they will produce Wasserstein's "The Heidi Chronicles" within the next few weeks. One of my alma maters, Hollins University in Roanoke, has also presented a symposium on on Wassersteing and the NC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem also acknowledged Wasserstein with their production of "Heidi," which is her most famous play. "An American Daughter" is perhaps a lesser-known work, but it continues her tradition of quirky characters and pop culture references. The play is being presented by LA Theatre Works in their radio play series this week. Alas, I had great difficulty streaming the play on Saturday night, which is very unusual! This production stars Mary McDonnell, Gregory Itcin and Kevin McCarthy. The play is a spin on the pitfalls of political appointees. Dr. Lyssa Hughes is a respected health care consultant who is a perfect candidate for Surgeon General until she pulls a Sen. Joe Biden (D-De) and inserts the proverbial foot in her mouth. The play, appropriately enough, takes place in Washington D.C.

Useful links:

http://www.latw. org

http://www.scpr. org/programs/latw (the actual site for the play)

http://www.arenastage.org

http://www.hollins.edu