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PRODUCTION HISTORY
Speaking of Stories is an extraordinary marriage of great
literature and theater. Since 1995, audiences have gathered to
hear superb short stories performed by professional actors.
Look
here
for a list of the stories we've
read at past performances.
A Celebration of Stories
- Monday May 11, 2009
A collection of divergent literary tales from the proven masters of the short story and some exciting newcomers, including
Isaac
B. Singer,
Ethan Coen and K. Kvashay-Boyle, the daughter of famed author T.C. Boyle,
and John Updike performed by Christina Allison, K. Kvashay-Boyle, James
Read and Tim Matheson.
Tasty Tales
-
Monday April 20, 2009
Savory stories about food and drink. A delectable mix serving literary tastes to please the lover of
wine and cuisine including stories by Alice McDermott, Roald Dahl, Anthony Lane and Anthony
Bourdain,
performed by Henry Brown, Pamela Dillman, Bradford Dillman and Katie
Thatcher.
Cinematic Inspiration
- Monday March 30, 2009
An evening of stories that inspired great films ranging from Million Dollar Baby
to indy favorite No Bikini featuring performances by George
Backman, Dan Gunther, Tom Hinshaw and Nancy Kawalek.
Stories of Life
- Monday February 23, 2009
The memoir, one of today’s favorite literary genres, takes center stage.
Authors recreate truthful or embellished experiences from youth to old age
and from the comic to the poignant including stories by Tobias Wolff,
Tennessee Williams, David Sedaris and Susan Chiavelli
Nothing But Laughs
- Monday January 12, 2009
literary tales full of humorous twists and turns with stories by Ian Frazier, Richard
Brautigan, David Schickler and special appearances by T.C Boyle and Jay
Thomas
Sweet Dreams -
October 3 & 4, 2008
a nostalgic journey back to
the bedtime stories of your youth, complete with cookies and milk. Speaking of Stories takes you back to the magic of bedtime stories with a performance of classic fairy tales brought to life. Artistic Director
Maggie Mixsell and long-time Santa Barbara theater legend George Backman have collaborated on this has entertaining journey for all ages. Mr. Backman will be joined on stage by a stellar cast including
Christina Allison,
Emma-Jane Huerta and
John
Knox-Johnston.
Beastly Fiction - May 19, 2008
featuring a reading by Linda Purl
Linda
Purl will
headline our journey into the animal kingdom. Whether it’s man’s best friend
or the call of the wild these fun and poignant stories will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Santa
Barbara authors will be represented by
Saral Burdette & Jim Alexander.
Adventures On The Road - April 28, 2008
featuring a reading by Emmy winner Jay Thomas
The celebration of cars and travel is an American pastime that offers reflections on our feelings about togetherness, escape, pride, obsession and family. These literary adventures include tales by Santa Barbara authors Susan Gulbransen & David Starkey.
Speaking of Tobias Wolff
- March 31, 2008
We celebrate the writing of Tobias Wolff, one of our great contemporary masters of the short story, best known for his dazzling memoirs
This Boy’s Life and In Pharaoh’s Army. We will be performing stories from his newest collection
Our Story Begins, including Mr. Wolff reading Her Dog.
Longing & Infidelity
- March 3, 2008
Love stories that fall outside and beyond “happily ever after.” unrequited love, lost loves, cheating loves.
Nothing But Laughs
- January 21, 2008
A night of humorous stories, including an appearance by T.C. Boyle reading one of his uniquely amusing tales
Speaking of Dad - May 21, 2007
A tribute to fathers, including stories both touching and hilarious. Featuring Jerry Kroll, Christina Allison, Joe Velasco, and Sage Parker Lang.
Tales from the New Yorker Magazine - April 30, 2007
A night of wit and wisdom from stories that debuted in one of America's greatest sources for new fiction. Featuring Allison
Coutts-Jordan, Henry Brown, Ed Romine, Devin Scott and Charles de L'Arbre.
Speaking of Baseball - March 26, 2007
A night to celebrate, and occasionally poke fun at, America's greatest pastime. Featuring Irwin
Appel, Leslie Gangl Howe, Suzi Bodine, Tom Hinshaw and Tony Miratti.
Tales of Romance - February 13, 2007
Just in time for Valentine's Day, this is a perfect night to celebrate love in its many forms. Including readings from Faline England, John Fink, Dan Gunther and
T.C. Boyle.
Speaking of Humor - January 22, 2007
A night of nothing but laughs--what could be better than an evening of fun and silly stories? Featuring the talented storytelling voices of Joe Spano, Robert Lesser, Rudolph
Willrich, and George Backman.
Stories from the Edge - September 22 & 23, 2006
An exciting and insightful night of storytelling intended for mature audiences. Featuring the honest, original an astute storytelling voices of Joe Treasure, Susan Chiavelli, John Luca, and Saral Burdette. Susan Chiavelli's story is read by E. Bonnie Lewis.
An Afternoon with Lynn Mamet
- August 27, 2006
playwright, screenwriter, novelist & short story author, currently Supervising Producer and writer on the hit CBS series The Unit. The afternoon includes an interview by David Starkey (host of The Creative Community), brief readings from his work, and audience questions.
An Afternoon with Andrew Klavan - July 30, 2006
crime/suspense novelist whose work includes Don't Say a Word and True Crime. The afternoon includes an interview by David Starkey (host of The Creative Community), brief readings from his work, and audience questions.
An Afternoon with Barry Spacks - June 25, 2006
Poet Laureate of Santa Barbara. The afternoon includes an interview by David Starkey (host of The Creative Community), brief readings from his work, and audience questions.
Speaking of T.C. Boyle - May 22, 2006
a night of nothing but T.C. Boyle, including stories from his latest collection, Tooth & Claw. Starring Joe Spano, Charles de L'Arbre, Joseph Velasco, Julie Pearl and T.C. Boyle
Families on Family - April 24, 2006
a selection of stories about families, with a twist--some of the performers are family. Starring Irwin Appel, Susan Appel, and Saral Burdette.
Reflections on a Wedding Cake - March 24, 2006
a group of great authors were given an assignment--to write a story where a wedding cake appears at least once--these stories are the result. Starring Christopher Lloyd, Annabeth Gish, Faline England, Dan Gunther, and James Read.
Tales from the South - February 27, 2006
tales from our great southern storytelling tradition. Starring Christina Allison, Rudy Willrich, George Backman, and Charles de L'Arbre
Speaking of Humor - January 23, 2006
a night of nothing but laughs--what could be better than an evening of fun and silly stories? Starring Tom Hinshaw, Rich Hoag, Nancy Kawalek, Tony Miratti, and Robert Lesser.
Holiday Chestnuts - December 9 & 10, 2005
Our popular Christmas show returns with readings by Tony Miratti and Ed Romine! Tony performs Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris and Ed brings to life The Christmas Memory by Truman Capote.
Twice Told Tales - October 28, 29 & 30, 2005
Speaking of Stories teams with the Robin Cox Ensemble to present a unique performance, combining talented musicians and actors. Fairy tales-modern and classic-take on a new life when they are set to original music composed by Robin Cox. Starring Irwin Appel, Matt Tavanini and Katie Thatcher.
Speaking of Sci-Fi - September 16 & 17, 2005
Superman, Flash Gordon, Mysterious Traveler, and X Minus 1. Starring Devon Bell, Hunter Bodine, Jon Koons, and Chris Turner.
An Afternoon with
Bevelye Hyman Fead - August 28, 2005
author of I Can Do This: Living With Cancer, Tracing A Year Of Hope
An Afternoon with Santa Barbara Authors - July 24, 2005
Hear Catherine Ryan Hyde (author of Pay It Forward,) Fran Davis and
Susan Chiavelli, discuss their writing, careers, and the experience of having their stories performed by Speaking of Stories
An Afternoon with Thomas Steinbeck - June 26, 2005
screenwriter and novelist. The afternoon includes an interview by David Starkey (host of The Creative Community), brief readings from his work, and audience questions.
Speaking of Non-Fiction - May 23, 2005
an evening of true stories. Starring Rudy Willrich, Saral Burdette, Jennifer Shepard, Ed Romine, and Irwin Appel.
Santa Barbara Authors - April 18, 2005
stories by local authors in the Santa Barbara community. T.C. Boyle, Jay Thomas, Susan Keller, and Julie Pearl.
Irish Stories -March 21, 2005
stories from and about Ireland. Starring Christina Allison, George Backman, Charles de L'Arbre and Joe Spano
Speaking of Ron Carlson - February 21, 2005
an evening dedicated to the writings of Ron Carlson. Starring Geraint Wyn Davies, Ron Carlson, Nancy Kawalek, Henry Brown and James Read. Musical interludes by Konrad Kono.
Speaking of Humor - January 24, 2005
an evening of nothing but laughs! Starring Suzanne Bodine, Tom Hinshaw, Tony Miratti, Sylvia Short and Robert Lesser.
Speaking of Sci Fi - November 12 & 13, 2004
an evening of classic radio plays on a science fiction theme, with live on-stage sound effects. Starring by Eric Davidson, Faline England, Megan Hickey, David Miller, and Jason Uliasz. Live sound effects by Chris Turner.
Speaking of Family -May 24, 2004
Family was the theme for tonight's entertainment with stories ranging from touching to hilarious, incorporating the work of Santa Barbara Authors, Barbara Parker Robinson and John F. Luca. Starring Karyl Lynn Burns, James O'Neil, Christina Allison, Richard Jones, E. Bonnie Lewis and John F. Luca.
April in Paris - April 26, 2004
this evening's stories were based in and around the magical city of light. Starring Meredith McMinn, Will McFadden, Eric Davidson, Richard Hoag, and Jeff Mills.
Point & Counterpoint - March 22, 2004
an evening of sweet and bittersweet tales performed by a wealth of home-grown talent in Allison Coutts-Jordan, Faline England, John Fink, Nancy Nufer & Rudy Willrich.
A Night of Mystery - February 16, 2004
with an appearance by critically acclaimed Author, Sue Grafton. Also starring Joanna Barnes, Charles de L'Arbre, Sage Parker and Don Margolin.
Twists & Turns - January 26th, 2004
featured the work of local Authors, Joyce Perrin and the late, Bert O. States. Starring Saral Burdette, Simon Williams, Jerry Kroll, George Backman, Gretchen Evans, and Brian Hansen.
Holiday Chestnuts - December 8, 2003
headlined by Jay Thomas alongside local performers, Tony Miratti, Jon Koons, Katie Thatcher, Christina Allison and the musical talent of Konrad Kono.
Sus Narrativas - November 21 & 22, 2003
Sus Narrativas our Spanish language program, featured performances by Leo Cabranes-Grant who also directed this production, Luis Moreno and Melinda Yao.
May 19, 2003 - Joe Spano of Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue fame headlined the cast in the final show of the season with Rudy Willrich, Susan Keller and newcomers, Jerry Kroll and LaFern Watkins.
April 28, 2003 - TV & Film legend, Anne Francis returned to our stage to star in this performance. Also starring Henry Brown, Nancy Kawalek, and Edward Giron.
March 24, 2003 - David Rasche from the hit movie, Just Married, lead this performance alongside John Carlos Frey, Julie Pearl, Tony Miratti and Karin delaPena.
February 24, 2003 - Kevin Dobson of Kojak and Knots Landing fame starred with Pamela Bellwood, Harry Lennix, Kevin Kearns and Mark Bennington.
January 20, 2003 - Reading from her latest novel, Standing in the Rainbow, Fannie Flagg headlined alongside, George Backman, Rae Allen, Robert Lesser and Heidi Harrison.
Holiday Chestnuts - December 9, 2002 Holiday Chestnuts & Some Surprises this year starred Linda Gray and Geraint Wyn Davies.
Sus Narrativas - November 22 & 23, 2002
Sus Narrativas featured Santa Barbara Film Festival Pheonix Prize winner (2002) - John Carlos Frey together with performances by Leo Cabranes-Grant who also directed this production, Carlos Velasco, Luis Moreno and Melinda Yao.
Speaking of Jazz - November 3, 2002
Speaking of Jazz was presented in conjunction with KCLU and was a fusion of music and narrative based on the theme of Jazz under the Musical Direction of Peter Clark.
Speaking of Fathers - June 15, 2002
Speaking of Fathers was presented in collaboration with and as a benefit for the Fatherhood Coalition. Tim Matheson, Gordon Clapp, James Read, Aaron Kipnis and John Densmore created a powerful ensemble for this celebration of fathers.
May 20, 2002 - Christina Pickles starred along with Speaking of Stories' favorites
Rudy Willrich and Nancy Kawalek for this final performance of the 2002 season.
April 22, 2002 - Speaking of Stories presented a very special performance as a tribute to the Henrietta Marie slave ship exhibit tour arriving in Santa Barbara. Robert Guillaume lent his talents for this unique ensemble event.
March 25, 2002 - Both George Gaynes and Louise Latham headlined this 2002 Season Performance performing alongside Karin delaPena.
February 25, 2002 - Speaking of Stories 7th season began with Actor David Rasche headlining.
December 3, 2001 - Our Annual Holiday Chestnuts and Some Surprises! starred author T.C. Boyle and actor Anthony Zerbe.
May 21, 2001 - Speaking of Stories closed the 2001 season with a host of favorites including Rudy Willrich and George Backman together with Karin delaPena.
April 16, 2001 - Pictures! Speaking of Stories was proud to present John Cleese in a sold out show of Fine Actors Performing Great Short Stories.
March 19, 2001 - Speaking of Stories 2nd installment in the 2001 season was a huge success as local actors read delightful stories.
February 19, 2001 - Speaking of Stories began the 2001 season with a bang, as Anne Francis joined the cast in presenting Fine Actors Performing Great Short Stories.
December 4, 2000 - Speaking of Stories' annual Holiday Chestnuts & Some Surprises, starring Jill Eikenberry & Michael Tucker at the Lobero Theatre.
November 12, 2000 - Speaking of Stories celebrated Jewish Book Month with Elliott Gould via video and other selected readings accompanied by live music.
September 23, 2000 - United with KCLU, Speaking of Stories presented Jazz & Blues: Stories &
Music.
July 10, 2000 - Speaking of Stories' Sus Narrativas was a big success at Center Stage Theatre.
May 15, 2000 - Actress of stage and Screen, Christina Pickles lead this evening's performance.
April 10, 2000 - An evening of stories performed by Lazer Schlomkowitz, Laurel Barnett and Helena Hale.
March 13, 2000 - George Backman, Josette di Carlo, Orlando Bonner and Joe Velasco brought tales to life in March.
February 21, 2000 - Acclaimed Author Fannie Flagg headlined the start of Speaking of Stories' 2000 season.
December 31, 1999 - Speaking Of Stories celebrated the millennium (in English) also at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
December 31, 1999 - Speaking Of Stories' holiday version of Sus Narrativas, (great family literature in Spanish). Presented at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
December 6, 1999 - Second Annual Speaking Of Stories' Holiday Chestnuts & Some Surprises, featuring Emmy-winning actress Jane Seymour and James Keach.
October 9th, 1999 - Presentation, in collaboration with the SB Symphony, to celebrate the life of St. Francis of Assisi. 7:00pm at the Mission.
September 18, 1999 - Santa Barbara News Press (A New York Times Company) Books and Authors Festival, featuring T. C. Boyle reading his own works.
September 9, 1999 - Speaking Of Stories Presentation at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art to celebrate the Burghley House Exhibit.
September 8, 1999 - Presentation to 400 students at Ventura's Moorpark College.
August, 1999 - Presentation to the Braille Institute.
August 17, 1999 - Santa Barbara City College Presentation and Workshop for faculty.
July 12, 1999 - Sus Narrativas, Spanish Language Presentation at Santa Barbara's Victoria Hall at 8:00.
May 10, 1999 - This evening's performance included the work of critically acclaimed, Santa Barbara based Author, T.C. Boyle.
May 2, 1999 - A Sunday afternoon of stories with Neil Simon & others as a benefit performance for the Sylvia Gilbar Reading Fund. Neil read selections from "Rewrites" and a work in progress.
April 12, 1999 - April's show presented stories read by Henry Brown, George Castelle, Allison Coutts and William York Hyde.
March 15, 1999 - Performers included George Backman, Leslie Gangl, E. Bonnie Lewis, Moira Quirk and Gloria Rossi.
February 15, 1999 - Screen legend, Joanna Barnes kicked off the season reading Edna O'Brien's Long Distance.
December, 1998 - First Annual Holiday Chestnuts and Some Surprises, this one as a tribute to Christmas Unity. Starring Jeff Bridges, this was a warm and funny celebration of the holiday season from the point of view of many different cultures.
October, 1997 - An Evening of Stories of the Holocaust by Ida Fink as a tribute to Anne Frank. A moving and provocative staged reading of this remarkable survivor's extraordinary writings.
July, 1996 - A Pastiche Tribute to Henri Toulouse-Lautrec to coincide with the Museum of Arts HTL exhibit. A fun hour of stories, music, song, dance and slides depicting the time in which Lautrec lived and painted.
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