Podcast Episode Details

Sheldon Epps - Renowned Theater And TV Director. Artistic Director Emeritus Of The Pasadena Playhouse. Artistic Advisor At Ford's Theatre. Talks About Race In The Theater, His New Book, And Much More!

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Episode 145

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Sheldon Epps is one of the all-time most influential African American theater and television directors. He’s directed major productions on and off Broadway, in London and at many theaters across the U.S. He was the Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse for two decades and is now Artistic Director Emeritus, and currently serves as a Senior Artistic Advisor at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. He’s written a book called “My Own Directions: A Black Man’s Journey In The American Theatre”.

My featured song is “The Rescue”. Spotify link here.

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Sheldon and I discuss the following:

• His family moves from Compton, CA to LA to Teaneck, NJ
• His mother started taking him to Broadway shows
• Drama Club
• Carnegie Mellon to study acting
• Golden age of Broadway
• Black acting companies and stars
• Hello Dolly with Cab Calloway and Pearl Bailey
• Acting degree
• Actor after college
• Started theater company in NYC
• No “Survival jobs”; Teaching job
• Ellen’s Stardust Diner
• Pasadena Playhouse
• Barrington Stage Company
• His book; racism in the theater
• Becoming Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse
• Blazing Saddles

 

BOBBY M AND THE PAISLEY PARADE is Robert’s forthcoming album. Featuring 10 new songs and guest appearances by John Helliwell (Supertramp), Tony Carey (Rainbow) and international sitar sensation Deobrat Mishra. Called"ALBUM OF THE YEAR!" by Indie Shark. Praised by Steve Hackett (Genesis), John Helliwell (Supertramp), Gary Puckett (Union Gap), Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds), Peter Yarrow (Peter Paul and Mary), and David Libert (The Happenings).

LIVE AT STEELSTACKS is the 5-song EP by Robert and his band, Project Grand Slam. The release captures the band at the top of their game and shows off the breadth, scope and sound of the band. The EP has been highly praised by musicians and reviewers alike. 
“Captivating!” Elliott Randall (Steely Dan) 
“PGS burns down the house!” Tony Carey (Rainbow)
“Full of life!” Alan Hewitt (The Moody Blues) 
“Virtuoso musicians!” (Melody Maker) 
“Such a great band!” (Hollywood Digest) 

The album can be streamed on Published on 2 years, 11 months ago