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Around the Sun (audio drama)

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Around the Sun: An Episodic Audio Drama
Series-level art for Around the Sun
Presentation
GenreRadio Play
Created byBrad Forenza
Length10-15 minutes per episode
Production
ProductionBest Version of Yourself, LLC
No. of seasons4
No. of episodes30
Publication
Original releaseOctober 21, 2021 (2021-10-21)
Related
Websitearoundthesunpodcast.com

Around the Sun: An Episodic Audio Drama is a scripted podcast series. Each anthology episode pairs two characters in a short scene that addresses a specific social issue.[1] Production began during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.[2]

Production

[edit]

Around the Sun is written and produced by Brad Forenza. The first season was co-produced by Suzanne Ordas Curry and Brian Dashew and launched via the Broadway Podcast Network in October 2021.[3] In September 2022, Forenza and Adassa announced on NPR Illinois that a second season would premiere that autumn.[4]

Season 1 (2021-22)

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Season 1: Urban Dwellers premiered on October 21, 2021, via the Broadway Podcast Network,[5][6] with episodes taking place throughout New York City.[7] A special video version of Episode 8: "The Museum," starring Forenza and Vincent Pastore, was produced as an addendum to the season.[8]

Season 1: Episode Guide
Episode Title Starring Synopsis Themes
101 Park Bench Marsha Mason,[9] Austin Pendleton[10] Manhattanites consider their future marriage, retirement
102 Subway Car Sally Struthers,[11] Ryan Wotherspoon Happenings on the 1 train commitment, existential panic
103 Off-Broadway Lilli Cooper,

Veanne Cox

Fellow theatricals meet at a crossroads friendship, ambition
104 Red Light Dolores Catania,[12] David LaRosa A sex worker stays wary on a professional date destiny, purpose
105 Upper West David Alan Basche, Alysia Reiner[13] College professors discover the unexpected parenting, thwarted plans
106 Apothecary Christine Nagy,[14] BD Wong A woman explores Eastern medicine infertility, heartache, intercultural connection
107 Wall Street Joanna Bonaro, Maureen Van Zandt[15] Neighbors root for their home teams reciprocity, coercion
108 The Museum Brad Forenza,

Vincent Pastore[16]

A janitor confronts an uninvited guest childhood memory, acceptance
109 Marathon François Clemmons[17] A runner tackles the NYC Marathon development, aging, life course approach
110 Be Here Now Marsha Mason,

Austin Pendleton

A cosmic reunion occurs the afterlife, infinity

Season 2 (2022-23)

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Season 2: Desert People premiered on October 26, 2022, via the Broadway Podcast Network.[18][19] The season featured a new cast, with episodes unfolding in and around the American Southwest.[20] Episodes 6 and 10 starred three-time Oscar nominee Piper Laurie in her last credited roles.[21][22]

Season 2: Episode Guide
Episode Title Starring Synopsis Themes
201 Red Earth Realty Adassa,[23] Richard Kind[24] A retiree trades New York City for life in the desert serenity, ambition
202 Fallout Girls Caroline Aaron, Jennie Kwan[25] Two Earth Warriors contemplate their fate compassion fatigue, protest
203 Area 51 Taylor Purdee,[26] Bruce Vilanch[27] Military personnel have different interpretations of their oath hierarchy, value conflicts
204 Off the Reservation Richard Kline, Jennie Kwan A father chases his youth at a desert music festival empty nest syndrome, dissociation
205 Mirage Mindy Cohn,[28] Taylor A. Purdee A hydroponic farm says goodbye to its first intern youth, sustainability
206 Coyotes Piper Laurie A grandmother regales her grandson with natural stimuli intergenerationality, grandparenting
207 Lonely Planet Mindy Cohn, Bruce Vilanch Two Trekkies ponder life beyond their convention unrequited love, suspension of disbelief
208 After the Apocalypse Caroline Aaron, Richard Kline An estranged husband and wife confront each other running away, rejection
209 Borrowed Land Adassa, Richard Kind A semi-retired realtor enforces her "no refunds or exchanges" policy role reversal, balance
210 Intelligent Life Brad Forenza,[29] Piper Laurie On their return trip, two aliens reflect on their visit to "miserable" planet Earth (posthumously dedicated to the memory of Piper Laurie[30]) perspective, the human condition

Season 3 (2023-24)

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Season 3: Pinecones premiered on October 18, 2023, via the Broadway Podcast Network. The Season 3 announcement was confirmed by cast member Jai Rodriguez on WPIX television.[31] The season features a mostly new cast with two performers (Forenza and Clemmons[32]) returning to the project in new roles. The final episode includes an original song written by series creator Brad Forenza and interpreted by François Clemmons.[33]

In a first for the series, Pinecones follows a single story arc,[34] with each episode offering a different conversation between varying members of an extended family (along with members of their local community). The narrative takes place in an undisclosed mountain town in the American Northeast during the winter holiday season. It makes literal and thematic references to Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life.

Season 3: Episode Guide
Episode Title Starring Synopsis Themes
301 Prologue Estelle Parsons[35] Family matriarch, Bibi, ponders a lifetime on her mountain introspection, later life
302 Advent Season 3 ensemble Bibi's family angles for an unexpected holiday reunion family dynamics, winter holidays
303 Cold Snap Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Jai Rodriguez[36][37] Andrew and Kyle face two different kinds of tundra family planning, grief
304 Snow Bunnies Judy Gold, Terry Hu[38] Will divine intervention reach the Snow Bunny Skate before Paula and Jay? hormones, adolescence, menopause
305 Xmas Past Robert Funaro,[39] Cady McClain[40] Childhood friends, Grace and Max, strive to see each other in a new light first loves, functional substance abuse
306 Blue Squares Season 3 ensemble The Pinecone family says goodbye to Bibi expectations, closure
307 Mountaintop François Clemmons,[41] Brad Forenza,

Estelle Parsons[42]

Spike catches his bus to enlightenment, with natural memories in tow personal growth,

metamorphosis

Season 4 (2024)

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In 2024, a series epilogue (Artists Within) was announced via a documentary-style profile of its voice actors.[43][44] All three epilogue cast members identify as writer-performers and/or theater-makers and all have been recognized by the Drama Desk Awards. Epilogue episodes are set amidst the constellations, addressing the expanses of the universe.

Season 4: Episode Guide
Episode Title Starring Synopsis Themes
401 Eternal Flames Gretchen Cryer,

Joe Gilford

Andromeda the Maiden wants to connect with Perseus monogamy, eternity
402 Sister Stars Gretchen Cryer,

Sarah Saltzberg

Sister stars in Orion's Belt work to change their lot in life patriarchy, liberation
403 Gods and Demigods Joe Gilford,

Sarah Saltzberg

Zeus wants the Mirror Ball, but Hermes needs a break artistic success vs. commercial success

Reception

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Since its initial debut, Around the Sun has become an award-winning drama, receiving both international film festival and internet entertainment honors. These include:

  • Two Cutting Room International Film Festival awards (Best Scripted Podcast/Audio Drama for Brad Forenza, 2021; Best Scripted Podcast Ensemble, 2021)
  • Five Indie Series Awards nominations and one win (Best Actress: Audio Fiction for Mindy Cohn, 2023)
  • Two Venus on Broadway International Film Festival Awards (Best Scripted Podcast for Brad Forenza, 2024; Best Podcast Ensemble, 2024)[45]

References

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  1. ^ "Interview: Filmmaker/Writer Brad Forenza Talks about Creating his Around the Sun Podcast Series During the Pandemic - A Scripted Series about Social Issues with Known Actor from Stage and Screen". Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  2. ^ "Interview: Filmmaker/Writer Brad Forenza Talks about Creating his Around the Sun Podcast Series During the Pandemic - A Scripted Series about Social Issues with Known Actor from Stage and Screen". Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  3. ^ "Around The Sun | Broadway Podcast Network". October 19, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  4. ^ "Beyond the Mouse speaks to Brad Forenza and Adassa about "Around the Sun"". NPR Illinois. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  5. ^ Spangler, Todd (October 21, 2021). "Jon Favreau Podcast About Solving 'Our Hellish Online Existence' Gets Premiere Date (Podcast News Roundup)". Variety. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  6. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Listen: Marsha Mason, Austin Pendleton, Sally Struthers & More Star in Around The Sun Audio Drama". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  7. ^ "Audio Drama Preview: "Around the Sun" Brings Egot Winners and Nominees Together in an Original Audio Drama". Theatre Reviews Limited. November 4, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  8. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Around The Sun Sets YouTube Premiere Starring Vincent Pastore and Brad Forenza". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  9. ^ Berk, Dr Nancy (February 21, 2022). "Marsha Mason Talks Acting, Directing, Attitude, and Mentoring, Plus Brad Forenza on Plays and Podcasts - Episode 565". Dr. Nancy Berk. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  10. ^ "Austin Pendleton Returns to Broadway in 'The Minutes' - Inside Broadway". iHeart. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  11. ^ "See "All in the Family" Star Sally Struthers Now at 74". www.yahoo.com. November 25, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  12. ^ Menzies, David (November 11, 2021). "'Around the Sun' podcast series from Jersey City resident features quite an ensemble, including RHONJ Dolores Catania". The Jersey Journal. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  13. ^ "The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales". The Theatre Podcast. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  14. ^ Christine Nagy Ep #102, March 16, 2022, retrieved July 15, 2022
  15. ^ Around the Sun - Brad Forenza, Francois Scarborough Clemmons and Maureen Van Zandt, January 12, 2022, retrieved February 3, 2023
  16. ^ Papadatos, Markos (February 4, 2022). "Vincent Pastore of 'The Sopranos' talks about 'Around the Sun' podcast". Digital Journal. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  17. ^ Kenyan (March 20, 2022). "Sunday Inspiration: Dr. François S. Clemmons AKA "Officer Clemmons" From 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood' Talks His Amazing Journey". We Are Entertainment News. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  18. ^ Menzies, David (October 27, 2022). "JC resident's audio drama series 'Around the Sun' returns with voices of familiar stars". The Jersey Journal. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  19. ^ ""Around the Sun" podcast to Release Season 2 Episodes". NewJerseyStage.com. October 27, 2022. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  20. ^ "Brad Forenza's Around The Sun Podcast Season Features the Voices of Richard Kind, Caroline Aaron, Richard Kline, Adassa, Mindy Cohn, Jennie Kwan, Piper Laurie, Taylor Purdee and Bruce Vilanch". Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  21. ^ Bailey, Jeremy (October 14, 2023). "Piper Laurie, Oscar-Nominated 'Carrie' and 'The Hustler' Actress, Dies at 91". TheWrap. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  22. ^ Tenreyro, Tatiana (October 14, 2023). "'Carrie' and 'Twin Peaks' Star Piper Laurie Dead at 91". Parade. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  23. ^ "DDP Today: Episode 263: Interview with Adassa from Encanto and Brad Forenza on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  24. ^ Wild, Stephi. "Listen: Adassa and Richard Kind Kick Off New Season of Brad Forenza's Around The Sun". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  25. ^ Jennie Kwan, California Dreams, Avatar: The Last Air Bender, Around The Sun on The Jim Masters Show, October 24, 2022, retrieved February 3, 2023
  26. ^ Friday Wrap Up Show...Apple Cider Day, Married To a Scorpio Support Day, Mickey Mouse Day!, November 19, 2022, retrieved February 3, 2023
  27. ^ Bruce Vilanch & Brad Forenza from Around the Sun Podcast | Full Interview, October 13, 2022, retrieved February 3, 2023
  28. ^ "Interview: Five Questions for Actress Mindy Cohn - She Talks about her New Role in Brad Forenza's Around the Sun Podcast, The Facts of Life and a New Venture". Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  29. ^ Season 4 Kickoff! François Clemmons, Brad Forenza, and Yolanda!, January 9, 2023, retrieved February 3, 2023
  30. ^ "Broadway Podcast Network - 210. Intelligent Life (Piper Laurie & Brad Forenza)". broadwaypodcastnetwork.com. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  31. ^ "Jai Rodriguez takes a trip 'Around The Sun'". PIX11. October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  32. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Listen: Estelle Parsons, François Clemmons & More Star in Broadway Podcast Network's Around The Sun Podcast". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  33. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Brad Forenza's Around The Sun Wraps Third Scripted Season, With Original Song Interpreted By Francois Clemmons". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  34. ^ Around the Sun with Brad Forenza, September 4, 2023, retrieved September 28, 2023
  35. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Listen: Estelle Parsons, François Clemmons & More Star in Broadway Podcast Network's Around The Sun Podcast". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  36. ^ "Around The Sun Podcast starts Season 3". StageBuddy.com. October 30, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  37. ^ Menzies, David (October 17, 2023). "Go 'Around the Sun' a third time with audio drama podcast from JC resident". The Jersey Journal. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  38. ^ "Terry Hu talks "Zombies 3" and "Around the Sun" with Beyond the Mouse". NPR Illinois. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  39. ^ Papadatos, Markos (November 7, 2023). "Robert Funaro of 'The Sopranos' talks about 'Around the Sun' audio drama". Digital Journal. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  40. ^ Around the Sun featuring Brad Forenza, Robert Funaro and Emmy winner Cady McClain, January 5, 2024, retrieved January 19, 2024
  41. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Brad Forenza's Around The Sun Wraps Third Scripted Season, With Original Song Interpreted By Francois Clemmons". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  42. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Listen: Estelle Parsons, François Clemmons & More Star in Broadway Podcast Network's Around The Sun Podcast". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  43. ^ ""Around the Sun" Anthology Audio Drama Series Announces its Season Four Cast via "Slice of Life" Profile". Theatre Reviews Limited. August 28, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  44. ^ Best Version of Yourself (August 26, 2024). Slice of Life: Artists Within. Retrieved August 31, 2024 – via YouTube.
  45. ^ "Around the Sun (Podcast Series 2021– ) - Awards". IMDb. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
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