EPISODE 12: The Lou WORLD ORDER
On this episode, Ruth Stage graphic designer Lou Gutowski joins After Dark to talk about his graphic design company, Brand Mark NJ, as well as his position as the Brand Manager at Bubbakoos Burritos. A member of Ruth Stage since 2009, Lou and Matt talk about their friendship and how they met working the concession stand at a Little League baseball tournament back in 1996. The friendship blossomed soon thereafter and led to the formation of a backyard wrestling league in the late 90's called The Lou World Order. Ironically, it helped lay the groundwork for their careers today.
EPISODE 11: LONE STAR
Lone Star has been one of the most successful shows so far for Ruth Stage and on this episode, Chris Loupos, who plays Ray in the production, joins the show. Loupos, a professional photographer, talks about what it was like acting in the Lone Star runs with no previous experience and how his off air relationship with Matt de Rogatis, who plays Roy, was a big reason for the shows success. Also, John Farruggia drops in from Hawaii for more R-Rated content.
EPISODE 9: AUSTIN PENDLETON 2/3
Austin Pendleton has influenced countless actors over his incredible career and in this episode we highlight two more. Matt de Rogatis and Spencer Scott talk with Austin about the role he has played in their development as actors. Much is also discussed about the 2018 production of Wars of the Roses: Henry VI & Richard III as well as the recent passing of Austin's lifelong friend, Olympia Dukakis.
EPISODE 8: AUSTIN PENDLETON 1/3
In this episode living legend Austin Pendleton joins the podcast and takes us through decades of stories from his life long career. From acting to directing to the worst review imaginable, this podcast has it all and is not to be missed!
EPISODE 10: AUSTIN PENDLETON 3/3
It's no secret that Austin Pendleton is one of the most iconic theater personalities in the history of New York City theater. His movie career, however, is equally as impressive. In this final episode of our three parter, Austin takes us on a journey with fantastic stories about his over 40 year film career as well as what it was like to direct the legendary Elizabeth Taylor on Broadway!
EPISODE 7: THEATER Should be cool
Writer, producer and candidate for NYC Mayor!? Yes indeed! On this episode Robert Liebowitz joins the gang. He's a native New Yorker with a story to share and a socially distanced production happening now! The theme of this podcast is: Theater should be and NEEDS to be COOL.
EPISODE 6: RISE OF THE JABRONI'S
The full team assembles at last! Vice Chairman Michael Villastrigo joins the show to talk about his acting career, involvement with the company and his hidden talent, editing podcasts! Also the first segment of Ruth Stage After Dark makes its debut. It's Toe Tag Talez with John Farruggia!
EPISODE 5: RED
Ruth Stage After Dark gets artsy. Literally. Today Matt, Joe and Spencer explore the art world with Ruth Stage company member Jim Kempner! A major topic of discussion includes the first ever show Matt produced; Red by John Logan opposite Jim Kempner. It was staged in Jim Kempner's own art gallery in Chelsea no less!
EPISODE 4: RAFFLEMANIA!
Matt, Joe and Spencer have a HERCULEAN task in front of them: selling $200,000 worth of raffle tickets! If the boys of Ruth Stage can succeed, the show will be fully funded and the company will achieve new heights. But how will they pull this off? Addition ally, on this episode, we're introduced to the dark side of Ruth Stage. Ex-convict and current degenerate, John Farruggia joins the show to talk about his X-rated past and how he is banned from the entire state of Delaware.
EPISODE 3: SORRY, I DON'T SPEAK HUTT
The gang eagerly awaits the approval to move the show to midtown in 2022. However, the agents in charge of handling the process don't have the same sense of urgency as the boys! Also, there's a mole on the inside. Agnes the Deceiver tries to sabotage Ruth Stage but comes up short!
EPISODE 2: PUPPETS?!?!
Matt talks about his producing history as well as some of the unfortunate events that led him to take a break from acting back in 2011. The group decides to make a director change early on in the process after a conversation about puppets. Furthermore, the Covid pandemic has them re-evaluating everything about their upcoming production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Is July 2021 a viable timetable AND will the theatre they are slated to perform in even be there in 6 months?!
EPISODE 1: DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME
In the premiere podcast Matt, Joe and Spencer come out swinging for the fences! The three talk about how they all met and what the behind the scenes process is starting to look like as they get ready to mount Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Off Broadway, in New York City in January of 2022. Early casting problems and frustrations with their then director take the focus in this lead in episode.
EPISODE 13: LIVE! (FROM THE BATHROOM)
Matt talks about the importance of getting the press to his shows when he first started self producing. Drama Desk critic Darryl Reilly drops in and the TheaterScene.net veteran reminisces about his career in New York City as a member of the media as well as that time he was thrown out of an acting class by Austin Pendleton. John breaks in from Hawaii for another "Toe Tag" tale and Spencer broadcasts the entire episode from the bathroom.
EPISODE 14: THE RUTH STAGE SPELLING BEE
Tired of being the "monkey" of Ruth Stage and aware that podcast editor Mike Villastrigo is the driving force behind the jokes, John stays silent no more. After discovering that Mike is not a good speller, John challenges him to a " Toe Tag " Spelling Bee to prove he is not the dumbest member of the group. Joe goes through his Big Daddy wish list for the production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof . Also, the raffle is fast approaching. Someone will win over $40,000 on June 26th!
EPISODE 15: The John Farruggia IQ Test
After losing last week's spelling bee, the boys of Ruth Stage give John Farruggia a chance to redeem himself and lose the title of group monkey. If he can answer five basic IQ questions not only will he no longer be the black sheep of Ruth Stage but he'll officially become a producer of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof! Also, Ruth Stage adds a new member; the lovely and talented Monica Bell. It's the final episode before the $110,000 Raffle Event!
EPISODE 16: THE RAFFLE DRAWING
It's the Raffle for the Arts drawing and a culmination of months and months of hard work. The gang is all together this week at Aamantran Indian Cuisine in Toms River, New Jersey and someone will win over $40,000! Additionally, the fundraiser was a great success as Ruth Stage raises nearly $60,000 towards their upcoming Off Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Tune in now, it's the season finale of Ruth Stage After Dark: Uncensored - Unabridged - Unapologetic!
