"Theater Talk" to Ponder the Fate of Drama Critics

By Andrew Gans
10 Dec 2008

The Dec. 13 broadcast of "Theater Talk," the PBS talk show that offers interviews with top theatre practitioners, will attempt to answer the question, "Are drama critics necessary?"

Critics John Heilpern of The New York Observer, Mike Kuchwara of The Associated Press and Jacques le Sourd of CBS Radio will discuss "the profound impact of the economy on their profession and whether professional drama critics are, in [Michael] Riedel's words, 'doomed,'" according to press notes.

The half-hour program was taped four days after le Sourd, the theatre critic at Gannett Newspapers for over three decades, was laid off.

The critics will also discuss several notable productions that have opened in New York City this season.

"Theater Talk" will debut on CUNY TV (Channel 75) Dec. 13 at 8:30 PM with repeat broadcasts scheduled for Dec. 14 at 12:30 PM and Dec. 15 at 7:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM. The program will also air on WNET/Thirteen Jan. 9, 2009, at 1 AM ET.

"Theater Talk" is hosted by New York Post theatre columnist Michael Riedel and producer Susan Haskins. For more information visit www.theatertalk.org.

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Playbill Radio broadcasts an audio version of "Theater Talk" every Saturday at 7 PM, Monday at 11 PM and Tuesday at 2 PM.