A few weeks ago, I interviewed Aaron Sorkin (yes, of The West Wing and A Few Good Men)
about his new Broadway play, To Kill A Mockingbird. 

Dear Family and Friends,

     It has been a whirlwind of great things since I last wrote. The fruits of the hustle have begun to materialize: I led my first 92Y Talk for Broadway's Come From Away and I will appear on SiriusXM this week (how to watch/listen below).

     I had the distinct honor of interviewing Aaron Sorkin, a man whose writing simply bowls me over. As a devotee of The West Wing and a fan of The American President, The Social Network, The Newsroom, and now his To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway, talking to the master of language was a cementing career moment. That interview will be in May Playbills, and a video of our full chat will be available on Playbill.com in April. One week after that I interviewed Nathan Lane—in the flesh. He is fascinating and gracious. Check out April Playbills and Playbill.com/features—which is also where you can find behind-the-scenes videos, deep-dive interviews, Q&As, and general in-depth access every day.     

     Speaking of great interviews, there are so many worthy insights artists like these share that don't always make it into a piece. I'll be posting these #cuttingroomquotes on my Twitter, so be sure to follow for inspiration from the great thinkers.

     Just last week, I attended Women's Day on Broadway in which prominent female voices in the industry took the stage for some real talk about why more women don't work on (and in) Broadway, how we get more women in the industry, etc. This year (the second annual event) highlighted organizations already working towards parity like The Lillys, Maestra, BOLD, and the League of Professional Theatre Women. You can watch any of the panels from that day here! Remember "we are linked not ranked" - Gloria Steinem.

   There are still personal projects brewing, exciting interviews planned, and causes I'm working for. You all keep me hustling and pursuing my passion. Thank you to all. And Chag Purim to my Jewish compadres. 

The Spring Season has officially launched! After a press preview yesterday, I'm even more excited for Hadestown, from Great Comet director Rachel Chavkin and Anais Mitchell, eager to see this new edgy Oklahoma!, and anxious for a deluge of plays. 

After seeing Dulé Hill in Lights Out: Nat King Cole at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.

(Also on my way to completing my West Wing photo fandom.)

Recommendations: 

1. Kiss Me, Kate. Yes, it's back on Broadway. The production is outstanding. Cole Porter's music (and some of his most clever lyrics) sounds incredible—especially as sung by Kelli O'Hara. But THE DANCING is the star of this show. Some of the most daring, high-energy, I've seen in years. I regularly held my head in my hands. "Too Darn Hot" ignites the stage.   Extended through June 30 (cheap tickets for those under 35 via Hiptix).

2. Pop-Up Magazine, magazine stories come to life. This is the ultimate intersection of theatre and human interest. Instead of reading a magazine story about the Hagia Sophia—a cathedral known for its intensely perfect acoustics—you experience it. Rather than read about the architecture of the church and the Stanford scientists developing sound software to recreate those acoustics, the journalist read his article aloud; the stagecrew created a dusty haze onstage; images of the Hagia Sophia cascaded on the projection screen; and one of the best Gothic choirs in the world sang live—first without the software filter and then with it, to make us feel we were inside the holy space. Wild.

3. Scenery Bags. Made of recycled theatre masking (a.k.a. curtains) and theatre drops, these bags are a) a piece of the theatre, b) practical (many have a pocket sized for a Playbill), and c) support TDF with a percentage of the profits. Mine says "Break a leg!"

4. Oprah's Master Class. Oprah. Podcast. Each approximately half-hour interview is cut like a monologue from the weekly guest. I loved Jane Fonda and Shaquille O'Neal. 

On a Personal Note

I believe in art's power to create change. Art—particularly theatre—can help us reflect, determine, and, sometimes, change our beliefs. I hope that you all continue to engage with the storytelling and art around you—wherever you are and whatever level—and that you entertain different points of view. Advocate for your principles while always leaving room to hear others and evolve. Let's stay engaged, thoughtful, and active. 

As always, if you need show recommendations or if you have theatre questions, please get in touch! I LOVE to answer. Keep tabs on Playbill.com and RuthieFierberg.com, and thank you for your enduring support.