Welcome to Better Know a Guest, your weekly guide to the wonderful and diverse array of personalities appearing on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ each week.
Stephen kicks off this week with the quick-witted and hilarious Brit we all love – John Oliver! On the guest roster weʼve got the World #1 Golfer, Broadway musical collaborators Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a famous fashion designer, and an assortment of actors and actresses. Thursday is St. Patrickʼs Day, which Iʼm sure Stephenʼs Irish heart is looking forward to. Erin go bragh!
Which guest(s) are you looking forward to? Join in the conversation and let us know in the comment section. Don’t forget to take our weekly poll!
Monday, March 14th (2016)
John Oliver (Host – “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”)
John Oliver is an English comedian, political commentator, television host, and occasional actor. He has worked extensively with Andy Zaltzman; their body of work includes hundreds of hours of satirical podcasts and radio broadcasts, including series such as Political Animal, The Department, and The Bugle. Oliver had a recurring role on the NBC comedy “Community” as Dr. Ian Duncan, a psychology professor. Oliver was a correspondent on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” from 2006 to 2013. During the summer of 2013, he guest hosted “The Daily Show” for eight weeks, which earned him high critical acclaim. He was soon offered a deal with HBO to host his own show, “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”, which premiered on HBO in the spring of 2014. The show takes a satirical look at news, politics, and current events. His work on the show led to Oliver being named on the list of Time Magazineʼs “100 Most Influential People” in 2015. Oliver’s comedic commentary has been credited with helping influence U.S. legislation, regulations, court rulings, and other aspects of U.S. culture, which has been dubbed “The John Oliver Effect.” The latest Bugle podcast was on March 11th and available for download. Currently in its third season, “Last Week Tonight” airs Sundays on HBO at 11:00PM.
Jordan Spieth (World #1 Golfer)
Jordan Spieth is an American professional golfer on the PGA Tour and is currently the World #1 Golfer in the Official World Golf Rankings. He is a two-time major winner and the defending FedEx Cup champion. Spieth won his first major at the 2015 Masters Tournament with a score of 270 (−18), earning him $1.8 million. At 22 years old, Spieth is the youngest U.S. Open champion since Bobby Jones in 1923. Spieth started this year by winning the Hyundai Tournament of Champions; his score of −30 was not only a personal best, it was also only the second time a player reached −30 in a PGA Tour tournament. The Jordan Spieth Charitable Fund provides awareness and financial assistance to special needs children, military families, and youth golf. “…the fact that he’s young and plays golf with enormous skill only begins to explain the collective fascination. What really gets us, fans and media alike, is the maturity. He speaks with the wisdom and perspective of someone with fifty years of experience, and he never seems to deviate.,” says Esquire Magazine.
New Order (Album – “Music Complete”)
New Order are an English rock band formed in 1980, currently consisting of founding members Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert, alongside newer members Phil Cunningham and Tom Chapman. By combining post-punk with an increasing influence from electronic dance music, New Order became one of the most critically acclaimed and influential bands of the 80s. Their tenth studio album, “Music Complete”, features guest vocals from Elly Jackson of La Roux, Iggy Pop, and Brandon Flowers. A third single from the album, the track “Singularity”, will be released on March 18th. “Having largely eschewed the heavy guitars that weighed down much of their output for the past decade, New Order embrace electronics again on ʻMusic Completeʼ, conjuring the kind of synth washes and house-y piano runs that could have easily pulsed across their records during their mid-’80s heyday, making for what is arguably the most refined record theyʼve released since 1989ʼs ʻTechnique.ʼ,” states Pitchfork. And Consequence of Sound said, “The tracks are energetic and pummeling, but theyʼre also subtly fueled by serious issues.”
Tuesday, March 15th (2016)
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell (Writers / Musicians – “Bright Star”)
Legendary actor Steve Martin is best known for his comedic roles on “Saturday Night Live” and in such films as “The Jerk”, “Three Amigos”, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”, “Parenthood”, “My Blue Heaven”, and “Father of the Bride.” He is also a Grammy-winning, lifelong banjo player who has dedicated recent years to musical projects more than Hollywood productions. Edie Brickell is a Grammy Award winner who has enjoyed a decades-long recording career as both a solo artist and a front woman, most notably for the the New Bohemians, which released its debut album in 1988. Since the pair connected over music at a party a few years back, their collaboration has produced the albums “Love Has Come For You”, “So Familiar”, and “Steve Martin And The Steep Canyon Rangers Featuring Edie Brickell Live.” Martin and Brickell also wrote the musical “Bright Star”, which had its world premiere at San Diego’s Old Globe in 2014 and a special engagement this past winter at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. “Bright Star” – which has now made its way to Broadway – is inspired by a true event and tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 40s. When successful literary editor Alice Murphy meets an ambitious young soldier just home from World War II, their connection inspires Alice to confront her past. Together they discover a stunning secret with the power to transform their lives. The New York Times calls “Bright Star”, “Broadwayʼs new shinning achievement.” And Variety says that “Bright Star” is a “gorgeous anthem to optimism.” “Bright Star” debuts on Broadway at the Cort Theater on March 12th.
Shirley MacLaine (Author – “Above the Line: My Wild Oats Adventure”)
Shirley MacLaine, is an American film, television and theater actress, singer, dancer, activist, and author. She has won an Academy Award, five Golden Globe Awards, an Emmy Award, and two BAFTA Awards. MacLaineʼs career has spanned six decades and she has starred in such films as “The Apartment”, “The Turning Point”, “Terms of Endearment”, “Steal Magnolias”, “Postcards from the Edge”, and “In Her Shoes.” In MacLaineʼs latest film, “Wild Oats”, she plays Eva, who accidentally receives a life insurance check for $5 million instead of $50,000. Eva and her best friend, played by Jessica Lange, take the money and head out for the adventure of a lifetime. “Wild Oats” has no set release date. MacLaine wrote a book – “Above the Line: My Wild Oats Adventure” – about her experience filming the movie. In the book she chronicles the ups and downs of the production of “Wild Oats.” Her agent told her not to get on the plane, the cast constantly changed, there were problems with the financial backing, and there were unpredictable shooting schedules, but the film still intrigued MacLaine. “Wild Oats” was shot in the Canary Islands and scholars have long theorized that the islands are the remnants of the lost continent of Atlantis. MacLaine believes that she lived a past life on Atlantis. Kirkus Reviews states, “The author’s insider’s portrait of the moviemaking world sparkles. . . MacLaine is wickedly honest about moviemaking, sincere and enthusiastic in describing her beliefs, and welcoming in the skepticism of others—it’s all refreshing and fun.” And The National said, “Always seeking to grow and learn, she examines the concept of being aware of where you have been and where you are going – ask questions, embrace the laws of cause and effect, let your imagination roam free. You never know where itʼs going to take you.” “Above the Line: My Wild Oats Adventure” was released on March 1st and is available now.
Gustavo Dudamel (Conductor – Los Angeles Philharmonic)
Gustavo Dudamel is a Venezuelan conductor and violinist, and is the music director of the Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Dudamel began his tenure as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic on September 28, 2009 with a rehearsal of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony that included the Los Angeles Master Chorale and representatives of eight community-based choruses. The orchestra announced the extension of Dudamel’s contract through the end of the 2018–2019 season, including the orchestra’s 100th year anniversary. The Los Angeles Philharmonic is an American orchestra based in Los Angeles, California. It has a regular season of concerts from October through June at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and a summer season at the Hollywood Bowl from July through September. Music critics have described the orchestra as the most “contemporary minded”, “forward thinking”, “talked about and innovative”, “venturesome and admired” orchestra in America. Stephen will interview Dudamel and a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic will follow.
Wednesday, March 16th (2016)
Theo James (Actor – “Allegiant”)
Theo James, is an English actor known for portraying Jed Harper in “Bedlam” and Walter William Clark, Jr. in the crime drama “Golden Boy.” Jamesʼ latest film is “Allegiant”, which is part of the film adaptations of Veronica Roth’s dystopian sci-fi novels, “The Divergent Series.” He plays Tobias “Four” Eaton, in which he serves as a co-viewpoint character, who takes part in escaping from Chicago with other characters to find out about his surroundings and arrives at the Bureau of Genetic Welfare. “Allegiant” has had mixed critical reviews. The Guardian said, “Big but boring, expansive but cheap-looking, Allegiant spins in place, waiting for next year’s Ascendent to come along and offer resolution.” But SciFiNow praised the movie saying, “The special effects are classy, and an improvement on the often weightless Insurgent. The film also benefits from the fact that, for once, none of it takes place in the characters’ minds.” “Allegiant” opens in theaters and IMAX on March 18th.
Jussie Smollett (Actor – “Empire”)
Jussie Smollett is an American actor, singer, and photographer. Smollett began his acting career as a child, co-starring in the films “The Mighty Ducks” and Rob Reiner’s “North.” On television, he starred alongside his five real-life siblings in the short-lived ABC sitcom “On Our Own” from 1994 to 1995. Smollett currently plays Jamal Lyon — a gay musician who struggles to gain his father’s approval—opposite Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard on the Fox hit primetime drama series “Empire.” Smollett is also a singer-songwriter who co-wrote the songs “I Wanna Love You” and “Youʼre So Beautiful” on “Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1.” Smollett guests stars in two episodes of WGN Americaʼs “Underground”, which stars his sister, Jurnee Smollett-Bell. Smollett is an activist for causes such as HIV/AIDS prevention and has lent his voice to the Black Lives Matter movement. Season two of “Empire” returns to Fox on March 30th.
Laurie Anderson (Performance Artist – “Heart of a Dog” and “Language of the Future: Letters to Jack”)
Laurie Anderson is an American experimental performance artist, composer and musician who plays violin and keyboards and sings in a variety of experimental music and art rock styles. Anderson is a pioneer in electronic music and has invented several devices that she has used in her recordings and performance art shows. Anderson wrote and directed the 2015 documentary “Heart of a Dog”, which reflects on the deaths of her husband Lou Reed, her mother, and her beloved dog. “Heart of a Dog” received its digital premiere with The Criterion Collectionʼs release of the film in the United States on March 1st for an exclusive engagement on iTunes and VUDU, through March 29th. “Heart of a Dog” includes musical excerpts from several of her pieces, such as “The Lake”, “Flow”, “Beautiful Pea Green Boat”, and “Rhumba Club.” On March 4th, 5th, and 6th, Anderson performed her new multimedia work, “Language of the Future: Letters to Jack” at The Kennedy Center, which features stories about love and power, the artist’s own correspondence with JFK, and a few of Anderson’s classic stories. She will perform “Letters to Jack” again in St. Paul, MN on March 19th.
Thursday, March 17th (2016)
William H. Macy (Actor – “Shameless”)
William H. Macy is an American actor, screenwriter, teacher, and theater director, who has won two Emmy Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. His films include “Pleasantville”, “Mr. Hollandʼs Opus”, “Boogie Nights”, “Wag the Dog”, “Magnolia”, “Cake”, “Room”, and “Fargo”, which celebrated its 20 anniversary on March 8th. Macy is a national ambassador for the United Cerebral Palsy Association. Since 2011, Macy has starred on Showtimeʼs comedy series “Shameless.” He plays Frank Gallagher, the father of six children, who is a deadbeat alcoholic, drug addict, and morally-deficient freeloader who relies on schemes and stealing to barely get by. “Shameless” is a remake of the British series by the same name and is set in Chicagoʼs Canaryville neighborhood on the South Side. “Shameless” is currently in its sixth season and airs on Showtime on Sundays at 9:00pm.
Melissa Rauch (Actress – “The Bronze”)
Melissa Rauch is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Dr. Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz on the CBS sitcom “The Big Bang Theory.” Her latest project is the movie “The Bronze”, which she stars in and co-wrote with her husband. Rauch plays Hope Annabelle Greggory, a spoiled and largely forgotten Olympic medalist who takes action when a promising young gymnast threatens her status as a local celebrity. “The Bronze” had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2015. The movie has not received critical acclaim. “The Bronze is a strident comedy made in accordance with the sole guiding principle of, when it doubt, go even more vulgar.,” proclaims The Hollywood Reporter. And The New York Post states, “A mean-spirited and largely witless satire of an Olympic gymnast who has Kerri Strug’s grit but Tonya Harding’s personality.” “The Bronze” opens in theaters on March 18th.
Isaac Mizrahi (Fashion Designer – “Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History”)
Isaac Mizrahi is an American fashion designer, TV presenter, and creative director of Xcel Brands. He is best known for his eponymous fashion lines. Mizrahi is getting ready for his first major museum show. “Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History” is the first museum exhibition to focus on the influential American fashion designer, artist, and entrepreneur. The exhibition explores Isaac Mizrahiʼs unique position at the intersection of high style and popular culture. While best known for his clothing designs, Mizrahiʼs creativity has expanded over a nearly three decade career to embrace acting, directing, set and costume design, writing, and cabaret performance. Spanning his first collection in 1987 to the present day, “An Unruly History” weaves together the many threads of his prolific career, juxtaposing work in fashion, film, television, and the performing arts. “Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History” opens on March 18th at the Jewish Museum in New York City.
Friday, March 18th (2016) [Rerun]
March 8, 2016 – Helen Mirren, J.J. Abrams, DMA’s
Better Know a Guest – March 14 – 18, 2016
Welcome to Better Know a Guest, your weekly guide to the wonderful and diverse array of personalities appearing on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ each week.
Stephen kicks off this week with the quick-witted and hilarious Brit we all love – John Oliver! On the guest roster weʼve got the World #1 Golfer, Broadway musical collaborators Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a famous fashion designer, and an assortment of actors and actresses. Thursday is St. Patrickʼs Day, which Iʼm sure Stephenʼs Irish heart is looking forward to. Erin go bragh!
Which guest(s) are you looking forward to? Join in the conversation and let us know in the comment section. Don’t forget to take our weekly poll!
Monday, March 14th (2016)
John Oliver (Host – “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”)
John Oliver is an English comedian, political commentator, television host, and occasional actor. He has worked extensively with Andy Zaltzman; their body of work includes hundreds of hours of satirical podcasts and radio broadcasts, including series such as Political Animal, The Department, and The Bugle. Oliver had a recurring role on the NBC comedy “Community” as Dr. Ian Duncan, a psychology professor. Oliver was a correspondent on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” from 2006 to 2013. During the summer of 2013, he guest hosted “The Daily Show” for eight weeks, which earned him high critical acclaim. He was soon offered a deal with HBO to host his own show, “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”, which premiered on HBO in the spring of 2014. The show takes a satirical look at news, politics, and current events. His work on the show led to Oliver being named on the list of Time Magazineʼs “100 Most Influential People” in 2015. Oliver’s comedic commentary has been credited with helping influence U.S. legislation, regulations, court rulings, and other aspects of U.S. culture, which has been dubbed “The John Oliver Effect.” The latest Bugle podcast was on March 11th and available for download. Currently in its third season, “Last Week Tonight” airs Sundays on HBO at 11:00PM.
Jordan Spieth (World #1 Golfer)
Jordan Spieth is an American professional golfer on the PGA Tour and is currently the World #1 Golfer in the Official World Golf Rankings. He is a two-time major winner and the defending FedEx Cup champion. Spieth won his first major at the 2015 Masters Tournament with a score of 270 (−18), earning him $1.8 million. At 22 years old, Spieth is the youngest U.S. Open champion since Bobby Jones in 1923. Spieth started this year by winning the Hyundai Tournament of Champions; his score of −30 was not only a personal best, it was also only the second time a player reached −30 in a PGA Tour tournament. The Jordan Spieth Charitable Fund provides awareness and financial assistance to special needs children, military families, and youth golf. “…the fact that he’s young and plays golf with enormous skill only begins to explain the collective fascination. What really gets us, fans and media alike, is the maturity. He speaks with the wisdom and perspective of someone with fifty years of experience, and he never seems to deviate.,” says Esquire Magazine.
New Order (Album – “Music Complete”)
New Order are an English rock band formed in 1980, currently consisting of founding members Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert, alongside newer members Phil Cunningham and Tom Chapman. By combining post-punk with an increasing influence from electronic dance music, New Order became one of the most critically acclaimed and influential bands of the 80s. Their tenth studio album, “Music Complete”, features guest vocals from Elly Jackson of La Roux, Iggy Pop, and Brandon Flowers. A third single from the album, the track “Singularity”, will be released on March 18th. “Having largely eschewed the heavy guitars that weighed down much of their output for the past decade, New Order embrace electronics again on ʻMusic Completeʼ, conjuring the kind of synth washes and house-y piano runs that could have easily pulsed across their records during their mid-’80s heyday, making for what is arguably the most refined record theyʼve released since 1989ʼs ʻTechnique.ʼ,” states Pitchfork. And Consequence of Sound said, “The tracks are energetic and pummeling, but theyʼre also subtly fueled by serious issues.”
Tuesday, March 15th (2016)
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell (Writers / Musicians – “Bright Star”)
Legendary actor Steve Martin is best known for his comedic roles on “Saturday Night Live” and in such films as “The Jerk”, “Three Amigos”, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”, “Parenthood”, “My Blue Heaven”, and “Father of the Bride.” He is also a Grammy-winning, lifelong banjo player who has dedicated recent years to musical projects more than Hollywood productions. Edie Brickell is a Grammy Award winner who has enjoyed a decades-long recording career as both a solo artist and a front woman, most notably for the the New Bohemians, which released its debut album in 1988. Since the pair connected over music at a party a few years back, their collaboration has produced the albums “Love Has Come For You”, “So Familiar”, and “Steve Martin And The Steep Canyon Rangers Featuring Edie Brickell Live.” Martin and Brickell also wrote the musical “Bright Star”, which had its world premiere at San Diego’s Old Globe in 2014 and a special engagement this past winter at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. “Bright Star” – which has now made its way to Broadway – is inspired by a true event and tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 40s. When successful literary editor Alice Murphy meets an ambitious young soldier just home from World War II, their connection inspires Alice to confront her past. Together they discover a stunning secret with the power to transform their lives. The New York Times calls “Bright Star”, “Broadwayʼs new shinning achievement.” And Variety says that “Bright Star” is a “gorgeous anthem to optimism.” “Bright Star” debuts on Broadway at the Cort Theater on March 12th.
Shirley MacLaine (Author – “Above the Line: My Wild Oats Adventure”)
Shirley MacLaine, is an American film, television and theater actress, singer, dancer, activist, and author. She has won an Academy Award, five Golden Globe Awards, an Emmy Award, and two BAFTA Awards. MacLaineʼs career has spanned six decades and she has starred in such films as “The Apartment”, “The Turning Point”, “Terms of Endearment”, “Steal Magnolias”, “Postcards from the Edge”, and “In Her Shoes.” In MacLaineʼs latest film, “Wild Oats”, she plays Eva, who accidentally receives a life insurance check for $5 million instead of $50,000. Eva and her best friend, played by Jessica Lange, take the money and head out for the adventure of a lifetime. “Wild Oats” has no set release date. MacLaine wrote a book – “Above the Line: My Wild Oats Adventure” – about her experience filming the movie. In the book she chronicles the ups and downs of the production of “Wild Oats.” Her agent told her not to get on the plane, the cast constantly changed, there were problems with the financial backing, and there were unpredictable shooting schedules, but the film still intrigued MacLaine. “Wild Oats” was shot in the Canary Islands and scholars have long theorized that the islands are the remnants of the lost continent of Atlantis. MacLaine believes that she lived a past life on Atlantis. Kirkus Reviews states, “The author’s insider’s portrait of the moviemaking world sparkles. . . MacLaine is wickedly honest about moviemaking, sincere and enthusiastic in describing her beliefs, and welcoming in the skepticism of others—it’s all refreshing and fun.” And The National said, “Always seeking to grow and learn, she examines the concept of being aware of where you have been and where you are going – ask questions, embrace the laws of cause and effect, let your imagination roam free. You never know where itʼs going to take you.” “Above the Line: My Wild Oats Adventure” was released on March 1st and is available now.
Gustavo Dudamel (Conductor – Los Angeles Philharmonic)
Gustavo Dudamel is a Venezuelan conductor and violinist, and is the music director of the Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Dudamel began his tenure as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic on September 28, 2009 with a rehearsal of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony that included the Los Angeles Master Chorale and representatives of eight community-based choruses. The orchestra announced the extension of Dudamel’s contract through the end of the 2018–2019 season, including the orchestra’s 100th year anniversary. The Los Angeles Philharmonic is an American orchestra based in Los Angeles, California. It has a regular season of concerts from October through June at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and a summer season at the Hollywood Bowl from July through September. Music critics have described the orchestra as the most “contemporary minded”, “forward thinking”, “talked about and innovative”, “venturesome and admired” orchestra in America. Stephen will interview Dudamel and a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic will follow.
Wednesday, March 16th (2016)
Theo James (Actor – “Allegiant”)
Theo James, is an English actor known for portraying Jed Harper in “Bedlam” and Walter William Clark, Jr. in the crime drama “Golden Boy.” Jamesʼ latest film is “Allegiant”, which is part of the film adaptations of Veronica Roth’s dystopian sci-fi novels, “The Divergent Series.” He plays Tobias “Four” Eaton, in which he serves as a co-viewpoint character, who takes part in escaping from Chicago with other characters to find out about his surroundings and arrives at the Bureau of Genetic Welfare. “Allegiant” has had mixed critical reviews. The Guardian said, “Big but boring, expansive but cheap-looking, Allegiant spins in place, waiting for next year’s Ascendent to come along and offer resolution.” But SciFiNow praised the movie saying, “The special effects are classy, and an improvement on the often weightless Insurgent. The film also benefits from the fact that, for once, none of it takes place in the characters’ minds.” “Allegiant” opens in theaters and IMAX on March 18th.
Jussie Smollett (Actor – “Empire”)
Jussie Smollett is an American actor, singer, and photographer. Smollett began his acting career as a child, co-starring in the films “The Mighty Ducks” and Rob Reiner’s “North.” On television, he starred alongside his five real-life siblings in the short-lived ABC sitcom “On Our Own” from 1994 to 1995. Smollett currently plays Jamal Lyon — a gay musician who struggles to gain his father’s approval—opposite Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard on the Fox hit primetime drama series “Empire.” Smollett is also a singer-songwriter who co-wrote the songs “I Wanna Love You” and “Youʼre So Beautiful” on “Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1.” Smollett guests stars in two episodes of WGN Americaʼs “Underground”, which stars his sister, Jurnee Smollett-Bell. Smollett is an activist for causes such as HIV/AIDS prevention and has lent his voice to the Black Lives Matter movement. Season two of “Empire” returns to Fox on March 30th.
Laurie Anderson (Performance Artist – “Heart of a Dog” and “Language of the Future: Letters to Jack”)
Laurie Anderson is an American experimental performance artist, composer and musician who plays violin and keyboards and sings in a variety of experimental music and art rock styles. Anderson is a pioneer in electronic music and has invented several devices that she has used in her recordings and performance art shows. Anderson wrote and directed the 2015 documentary “Heart of a Dog”, which reflects on the deaths of her husband Lou Reed, her mother, and her beloved dog. “Heart of a Dog” received its digital premiere with The Criterion Collectionʼs release of the film in the United States on March 1st for an exclusive engagement on iTunes and VUDU, through March 29th. “Heart of a Dog” includes musical excerpts from several of her pieces, such as “The Lake”, “Flow”, “Beautiful Pea Green Boat”, and “Rhumba Club.” On March 4th, 5th, and 6th, Anderson performed her new multimedia work, “Language of the Future: Letters to Jack” at The Kennedy Center, which features stories about love and power, the artist’s own correspondence with JFK, and a few of Anderson’s classic stories. She will perform “Letters to Jack” again in St. Paul, MN on March 19th.
Thursday, March 17th (2016)
William H. Macy (Actor – “Shameless”)
William H. Macy is an American actor, screenwriter, teacher, and theater director, who has won two Emmy Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. His films include “Pleasantville”, “Mr. Hollandʼs Opus”, “Boogie Nights”, “Wag the Dog”, “Magnolia”, “Cake”, “Room”, and “Fargo”, which celebrated its 20 anniversary on March 8th. Macy is a national ambassador for the United Cerebral Palsy Association. Since 2011, Macy has starred on Showtimeʼs comedy series “Shameless.” He plays Frank Gallagher, the father of six children, who is a deadbeat alcoholic, drug addict, and morally-deficient freeloader who relies on schemes and stealing to barely get by. “Shameless” is a remake of the British series by the same name and is set in Chicagoʼs Canaryville neighborhood on the South Side. “Shameless” is currently in its sixth season and airs on Showtime on Sundays at 9:00pm.
Melissa Rauch (Actress – “The Bronze”)
Melissa Rauch is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Dr. Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz on the CBS sitcom “The Big Bang Theory.” Her latest project is the movie “The Bronze”, which she stars in and co-wrote with her husband. Rauch plays Hope Annabelle Greggory, a spoiled and largely forgotten Olympic medalist who takes action when a promising young gymnast threatens her status as a local celebrity. “The Bronze” had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2015. The movie has not received critical acclaim. “The Bronze is a strident comedy made in accordance with the sole guiding principle of, when it doubt, go even more vulgar.,” proclaims The Hollywood Reporter. And The New York Post states, “A mean-spirited and largely witless satire of an Olympic gymnast who has Kerri Strug’s grit but Tonya Harding’s personality.” “The Bronze” opens in theaters on March 18th.
Isaac Mizrahi (Fashion Designer – “Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History”)
Isaac Mizrahi is an American fashion designer, TV presenter, and creative director of Xcel Brands. He is best known for his eponymous fashion lines. Mizrahi is getting ready for his first major museum show. “Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History” is the first museum exhibition to focus on the influential American fashion designer, artist, and entrepreneur. The exhibition explores Isaac Mizrahiʼs unique position at the intersection of high style and popular culture. While best known for his clothing designs, Mizrahiʼs creativity has expanded over a nearly three decade career to embrace acting, directing, set and costume design, writing, and cabaret performance. Spanning his first collection in 1987 to the present day, “An Unruly History” weaves together the many threads of his prolific career, juxtaposing work in fashion, film, television, and the performing arts. “Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History” opens on March 18th at the Jewish Museum in New York City.
Friday, March 18th (2016) [Rerun]
March 8, 2016 – Helen Mirren, J.J. Abrams, DMA’s