A New Theater for a New Era
As we are slowly, slowly emerging from the shroud placed over us by the pandemic, it is clear that new ways of living, behaving, and doing business are here to stay. Although we are all itching to get back to seeing live performance, it just may be that producing quality entertainment consumed through a laptop or phone will be an additional option. Why not do both? The most compelling reason to provide virtual performance is that people everywhere can see a show without getting on a plane, booking a hotel, or driving into the city, parking, and paying a babysitter. It’s a safe and credible way to move forward in our new world.
Born out of the pandemic, a brand-new theatre company has launched, and for now, their entire focus is creating a season that will provide performances online.
The goal of New Normal Rep (great name!) is to produce plays that focus on the forces that have shaped life in America in the 21st century, with a strong emphasis on diversity.
One of the founders and board members of New Normal Rep is prolific stage actress Jill Eikenberry, so well-remembered for her role in the iconic television show, LA Law. Jill will star in Jericho, written by artistic director Jack Canfora, the piece that will launch the company and the season. It is directed by Marsha Mason.
Jericho will stream from March 4 to April 4.
To find out about Jericho, and the entire New Normal Rep season, go to
https://www.newnormalrep.org/2021season
And you can hear my interview with Jill Eikenberry this Sunday on “Bagels and Broadway” between 2 and 3 PM ET on WNYM-AM Radio. Available on podcast after the broadcast.
Valerie Smaldone is a 5-time Billboard Magazine Award winner and is well known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 on-air position in the New York radio market on 106.7 Life-FM, an iHeart station. She has hosted, produced, and created several award-winning nationally syndicated programs featuring in-depth interviews with stars like Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Mariah Carey among others. Her radio talk show "Bagels and Broadway" highlighted theatre and food personalities. She is an accomplished interviewer and voice artist heard on commercials, narrations, promos and audiobooks, as well as a sought after live announcer.
Most recently, Valerie produced and directed a film, The Thursday Night Club, featuring pop diva Gloria Gaynor in her movie acting debut. She is one of the creators and producers of a docu-series, Divine Renovation, starring Erik Estrada, on streaming networks soon.
