Podcast Summary: "New Year's Theatre Resolutions with MickeyJoTheatre and Aeron James"

Episode Details:

• Title: New Year's Theatre Resolutions with MickeyJoTheatre and Aeron James
• Host/Author: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey Jo)
• Guest: Aeron James
• Release Date: January 26, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey Jo welcomes his fiancé, Aeron James, for a special discussion titled "New Year's Theatre Resolutions." The duo delves into their theatrical goals for 2025, aiming to enhance their engagement with the global theatre scene. The episode is a blend of personal aspirations, professional objectives, and insightful conversations on fostering a deeper connection with theatre.

Mickey Jo [00:00]: "Hello to you if you are listening on podcast platforms. My name is Mickey Jo. I am obsessed with all things theatre, as is the special guest joining me today, my stagey fiancé, Aeron James."

Overview of Resolutions

Mickey Jo and Aeron James each present six theatre-themed resolutions for the year. These resolutions are not rigid goals but rather aspirations they hope to achieve, fostering growth and deeper involvement in the theatre community.

Mickey Jo [00:32]: "Things we want to do a little bit more of. [...] We have each written down six theatrical themed resolutions on pieces of paper and then we put them into Elphaba's hat."

Resolution 1: Book the Last Show

Their first resolution emphasizes the importance of securing tickets for a show's final performances to ensure they don't miss out due to sold-out shows or exorbitant prices.

Mickey Jo [02:00]: "Book that last show. [...] Especially for those limited runs."

Aeron James [02:40]: "It's good for making sure you don't double book it as well where you're like, oh no, I'd actually."

Resolution 2: Utilize the Mezzanine App

Aeron introduces Mezzanine, an iOS app designed for tracking theatre shows, connecting with friends, and engaging with a community of theatre enthusiasts. This resolution aims to maintain consistent tracking of their theatrical experiences throughout the year.

Aeron James [04:50]: "Mezzanine is an app that is on iOS devices and you basically can track all the shows that you see. [...] It's really cool because it'll create a map of all the theaters that you've been to."

Mickey Jo [07:01]: Shares a humorous anecdote about mistakenly being ranked high on Mezzanine due to their online activity, highlighting the app's integration with social media.

Resolution 3: Visit Another Broadway Theater

The couple aims to explore at least one new Broadway theater each year, gradually working towards visiting all Broadway venues. They discuss the challenges of accessing certain long-running shows and the excitement of experiencing performances in different theaters.

Aeron James [09:12]: "We are getting really close to having been to every single Broadway theatre."

Mickey Jo [11:53]: "To visit another Broadway theater this year."

Resolution 4: Explore More UK Theatres

Recognizing their limited visits to certain UK theaters like the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and the National Theatre, Mickey Jo intends to deepen their engagement with these institutions. Aeron emphasizes the significance of regional theaters and their contribution to the UK's vibrant theatre landscape.

Mickey Jo [12:00]: "To visit the RSC and the National Theatre. [...] It needs a little bit more planning."

Aeron James [14:02]: "We're better at seeing plays on Broadway than we are over here, probably."

Resolution 5: See Theatre in a New Country

Expanding their horizons, the couple plans to experience theatre in at least one new country. Their focus is on diverse regions, including Europe, Scandinavia, and potentially Asia, to appreciate different cultural interpretations of theatrical productions.

Aeron James [33:53]: "To see theatre in a new country. [...] We've been to Germany twice before, but I've never seen theatre there."

Mickey Jo [35:02]: "I want to see theatre in Amsterdam again this year. [...] Something in the Scandinavias."

Resolution 6: Support More New British Musicals

Aeron is passionate about championing emerging British musicals. This resolution involves attending workshops, readings, and supporting new composers and productions, particularly those associated with initiatives like Beam—a two-day musical theatre conference in Birmingham.

Aeron James [38:06]: "To support more new British musicals, and I've included beams, workshops, etc."

Mickey Jo [41:18]: "I spent that one day at Beam. [...] If I recognize any of the ones that I saw pitched at Beam this year, I'm going to be so like my little Beam babies."

Resolution 7: See More Plays

While predominantly focused on musicals, Mickey Jo acknowledges the need to diversify by attending more plays. This resolution aims to balance their theatre experiences, ensuring that non-musical productions receive their attention and coverage.

Mickey Jo [47:36]: "To see more plays, which I'm so embarrassed even to write down because I'm Mickey Jo Theatre, I'm not Mickey Jo Musicals."

Aeron James [51:37]: "It's a good conversation to be had. [...] I'm trying to convince people who don't like plays, who have never seen a play that this is the perfect gateway play."

In-Depth Discussions and Insights

The episode doesn't just list resolutions; it delves into the reasoning and motivations behind each goal, offering listeners a window into Mickey Jo and Aeron James's passion for theatre.

Balancing Personal and Professional Goals

Both hosts discuss how their personal relationships and professional commitments influence their theatre-going habits. They emphasize the importance of shared interests in maintaining a harmonious relationship, especially when one partner might not be as enthusiastic about theatre.

Mickey Jo [01:00]: "We're pretty aligned on our theater going, which is handy because we go with each other all the time."

Leveraging Technology for Theatre Engagement

The introduction of the Mezzanine app showcases their commitment to integrating technology into their theatre experiences. Aeron highlights the app's features, such as tracking shows, connecting with friends, and mapping theaters globally, which can enhance their and others' engagement with theatre.

Aeron James [05:04]: "If you want to find me on Mezzanine, it's just my name, but all some of our friends are on there, like, yeah, Kate. And a lot of content creator friends."

Expanding Horizons Beyond the West End and Broadway

Their resolutions reflect a desire to explore beyond the traditional epicenters of theatre. They discuss the importance of regional theaters in the UK and the U.S., recognizing the unique productions and opportunities these venues offer.

Aeron James [09:12]: "We are getting really close to having been to every single Broadway theatre."

Mickey Jo [17:48]: "They're doing a lot of really good outreach with new audiences and with new media and with young audiences."

Championing New Talent and Productions

Aeron's commitment to supporting new British musicals underscores their role in fostering emerging talent. By attending workshops and community projects, they aim to be active participants in the development and success of new theatrical works.

Aeron James [38:09]: "I want to ensure that I'm going back to like my hometowns and going there and helping to support a local theater."

Encouraging Broader Theatre Appreciation

Mickey Jo and Aeron James express a desire to make theatre more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. By sharing their experiences and pushing themselves to explore different types of productions, they hope to inspire others to appreciate the diverse forms of theatre.

Mickey Jo [22:15]: "I want to focus on doing the homework. [...] I'm gonna have a movie night where we watch the two Bruno El films that Here we are."

Aeron James [51:37]: "It's a very different type of side to theatre."

Concluding Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Mickey Jo and Aeron James encourage listeners to set their own theatre resolutions. They invite their audience to share goals and engage with them through social media platforms, fostering a community of theatre enthusiasts committed to growth and exploration.

Mickey Jo [55:01]: "I hope that you enjoyed listening to those. Make sure that you comment with your own theatre resolutions."

Aeron James [55:54]: "Bye bye."

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Theatre Attendance: Prioritizing shows' closing weeks and first previews to ensure access.
• Technological Integration: Utilizing apps like Mezzanine to track and engage with theatre experiences.
• Geographical Expansion: Exploring Broadway and UK theatres beyond familiar venues, and venturing into international markets.
• Support for Emerging Talent: Actively participating in workshops and supporting new musicals through platforms like Beam.
• Diversifying Theatre Consumption: Balancing the focus between musicals and plays to cultivate a well-rounded appreciation.

This episode serves as an inspiring guide for theatre lovers aiming to deepen their engagement and broaden their theatrical horizons in the coming year.