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Performing Arts News, interviews, and commentary on theater, the arts, music, and dance.

Performing Arts

Monday

Obituaries

Newman Reflects On An Acting (And Active) Life

Fresh Air

Oscar Award-winning actor Paul Newman died on Sept. 26 of complications from lung cancer. In this 2003 interview, the star of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Cool Hand Luke discusses his early work — both as an actor and as a salesman.

Newman Reflects On An Acting (And Active) Life

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Saturday

Election 2008

Performance Group Blends Video Art, Public Service

Three MIT grads have devised a way to "remix" the presidential debates — live. Friday night in Boston, they used custom computer software to analyze the candidates' movements and speech patterns in real time, with a nightclub vibe.

Performance Group Blends Video Art, Public Service

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Obituaries

Legendary Actor, Philanthropist Paul Newman Dies

Screen legend Paul Newman — who navigated celebrity without scandal, gave effortlessly to charity and even made getting old a graceful process — died Friday at the age of 83 after battling cancer.

Legendary Actor, Philanthropist Paul Newman Dies

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Friday

Culture

Diahann Carroll Talks Of Love, Life And Those Legs

In her new memoir The Legs Are The Last To Go, actress Diahann Carroll talks about her glamorous career and lifestyle — and simplifying. But she says, "Stepping away from glamour is not an easy thing to do."

Diahann Carroll Talks Of Love, Life And Those Legs

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Play Addresses Birth Control And Other 'Taboos'

Famous for his work on the first oral contraceptive in 1951, chemist Carl Djerassi has published a number of novels and plays over the last 20 years. His latest play, Taboos, grapples with the questions of sex divorced from reproduction.

Play Addresses Birth Control And Other 'Taboos'

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Thursday

National

Future Of Native American Traditions In Doubt

Each year, thousands of Native Americans travel around the country participating in powwows. The events bring tribes together and keep culture strong. But with gas prices rising and the economy slowing, it's been a struggle to maintain this tradition.

Future Of Native American Traditions In Doubt

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Sunday

From 'Harry Potter' to 'Equus'

Daniel Radcliffe — best known for playing the role of Harry Potter — and Richard Griffiths — who play's Potter's Uncle Vernon — are starring in Peter Schaffer's play "Equus." Radcliffe and Griffiths talk to Liane Hansen about the play and their new collaboration. "Equus" recounts the story of a boy who blinded six horses — a character Radcliffe describes as disturbed. The production opens on Broadway Thursday, Sept. 25.

From 'Harry Potter' to 'Equus'

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Saturday

Dolly Parton, Working '9 To 5' To Get To Broadway

9 to 5 will be one of several Hollywood imports on Broadway this year. But it has one thing the others won't: a country superstar ��� who helped make 1980's big-screen comedy a smash — writing the songs.

Dolly Parton, Working '9 To 5' To Get To Broadway

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Friday

Obituaries

Remembering Henry Steinway

Henry Z. Steinway, the great-grandson of the founder of the legendary piano-making company, died Thursday in New York. He was 93. He was the last of his family to run the company that was started in 1853. The company was sold to CBS Corp. in 1977. Steve Inskeep has this remembrance.

Remembering Henry Steinway

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Thursday

National

In Washington, A Spectacle Of Shouting Finns

A choir of Finnish men perform at Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. Known as Mieskuoro Huutajat(Shouting Men), they shout — not sing — beloved Finnish songs. The group dates back to 1987 and was formed by young men who "had nothing better to do."

In Washington, A Spectacle Of Shouting Finns

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Wednesday

Diversions

Woody Allen Routine On Moose Hunting Recalled

In a political season where moose hunting has become highlighted, Woody Allen's standup routine in which he tells a tall tale about how he shot a moose is recalled. The moose lives and comes in second in a costume party contest — to a Jewish couple in a moose costume.

Woody Allen Routine On Moose Hunting Recalled

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Race

The Black Male Experience Unpacked on Stage

Daniel Beaty's new play Resurrection explores the lives of six African American men, dealing with a range of personal and political issues. Beaty shares his inspiration for the play and what he hopes it communicates. Actor Jeffery V. Thompson discusses his personal relationship with his character 'Bishop.'

The Black Male Experience Unpacked on Stage

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Sunday

Books

Daniel Mendelsohn, Examining The 'Beautiful'

A classical scholar with a voracious appetite for high and low culture alike, he's dauntingly smart — but far too interested in why we love what we love to be a snob. Jacki Lyden talks to Mendelsohn about his new essay collection.

Daniel Mendelsohn, Examining The 'Beautiful'

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Saturday

Music News

Let's Do The Twist

Billboard Magazine's "Hot 100s" hit chart is 50 years old. In honor of that anniversary, they've ranked the top Hot 100s by popularity. Who's at the top of the list? It's not The Beatles or Elvis Presley. It's Chubby Checker and his version of "The Twist."

Let's Do The Twist

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Friday

Culture

The Wild World Of Maurice Sendak

Fresh Air

Author Maurice Sendak celebrates his 80th year on Sept. 15 with a benefit in Manhattan. In addition to penning the children's classics, Where The Wild Things Are and In The Night Kitchen, Sendak has written, designed and produced several operas and ballets.

The Wild World Of Maurice Sendak

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