If Dennis Brown were a weather report, today’s forecast would be: 50% wisdom, 50% experience, accompanied with a strong chance of storytelling. What a privilege to converse with Dennis as we explore his incredible journey through the world of theater and literature, from rubbing elbows with Hollywood legends like Gregory Peck and Jessica Tandy to sharing the stage with up-and-coming talent in St. Louis. He reflects on the heartwarming and sometimes hilarious moments from his years as a theater critic, revealing how he managed to maintain his passion for storytelling while navigating the ups and downs of the theatrical world.

One minute he's recounting the time he interviewed a young playwright, and the next, he’s dropping gems of wisdom about what it means to truly listen and engage with the stories that surround us. Dennis’s unique perspective not only captures the essence of theater but also serves as a reminder of the importance of community in the arts. Who knew that writing and storytelling could be as exhilarating as a rollercoaster ride? Buckle up, because Dennis is here to take us on a thrilling ride through the enchanting world of theater, one story at a time!

[00:00] Meet Dennis Brown

[00:33] Show Welcome and Banter

[01:32] Shaw Quote on Critics

[02:23] Dennis Background and Theater Roots

[03:32] Thesis That Started It All

[05:30] Teaching and Lifelong Learning

[07:51] Breaking Into the Post Dispatch

[09:31] Career Advice Stay Open

[11:17] CBS Speech to Publicist

[12:37] Working With Famous Actors

[15:21] Interviewing Secrets and Stories

[20:20] Sponsor Break and PSA

[22:14] Back to Stage Page and Books

[24:57] How to Be a Theater Critic: Informed Subjectivity

[28:52] Illustrations by Marjorie Williamson

[30:04] Illustration Perfectionism

[31:11] Choosing The Reviews

[33:58] Reviews As Short Stories

[36:18] The Lost Art Of Criticism

[40:03] Hook Meat And Ending

[41:03] Gregory Peck Prep Method

[47:04] GP On The Road

[52:00] Angela Lansbury Favor

[54:23] Final Book Plug Farewell

Takeaways:

Our guest today is Dennis Brown, a super talented storyteller and playwright with some awesome stories to share about his adventures in theater.
We dive into the world of theater history, featuring names like Gregory Peck and Jessica Tandy, and how they left their mark on the industry.
Dennis emphasizes the importance of being informed rather than strictly objective when it comes to theater criticism; it’s all about that informed subjectivity, folks!
The podcast reveals that Dennis' teaching experience keeps him young and in touch with fresh perspectives, highlighting the value of student insights.
We also uncover that writing is a cerebral activity that connects us deeper, and even Gregory Peck had his unique way of learning lines by writing them out!
Finally, we learn about Dennis' new book 'Stage Page', which is packed with reviews that tell more like short stories, celebrating the marvelous St. Louis theater scene.

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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