YARN

Seating Mr. Pacino

Story by: John Morogiello
Recorded: February 2009, New York, NY
Music: Marc Ribot
Music Coordination: Jeff Golick

Broadcast February 8, 2010 on KUT-FM's "O'Dark 30" (Austin, TX).  Chosen by PRX as a January 2010 "News Station Pick of the Month."

It's only his second week on the job as house manager at a major American regional theater, and an icon of the modern cinema is paying a visit.  That's when the embarrassing incident occurs, one which the house manager must clean up -- quickly, quietly, and literally -- putting every one of his newfound skills to the test.

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(7:21)

John Morogiello is a Playwright in Residence with the Maryland State Arts Council.  For more on his work, click here.  Producer's note:  John first told me this story seventeen years ago when we were working on a play together in DC.  I've never forgotten it, and sought him out specifically so we could record it for Yarn.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

The Bakers of Butter Lane

Featuring the voices of:  Maria Baugh, Linda Lea, and Pamela Nelson
Recorded: February 2009, New York, NY
Music: Django Reinhardt; Pink Martini

Is there such thing as a recession-proof product in a downward-sliding economy?  Three vets of the corporate world are banking on the cupcake as today's luxury item of choice, and that the secret to building a better confection lies somewhere between traditional Southern baking and the stylish sophistication all New Yorkers secretly crave.

Featured by PRX as a News Station Pick for April 2009.  Broadcast April 4, 2009 on WILL-AM's "Sidetrack" (Urbana, IL) and March 19, 2009 on WAMC-FM's "Midday Magazine" (Great Barrington, MA).

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(8:20)

Butter Lane is located at 123 East 7th Street in New York City.  You can read more about the bakery here.  Photo by Lisa Zullig.