How do you break into the entertainment biz? Whether it is the silver screen or the rock 'n' roll stage, getting there is an incredibly hard journey and many more make the trip than those who arrive.
Up-and-coming actors Maura Kidwell (Sirens, Chicago Fire) and Cole Doman (Henry Gable's Birthday Party, opening in Chicago February 26 - March 3 at the Gene Siskel Film Center and Shameless, Season 5) talk about what how they manage the feast or famine nature of the business over Beef Tacos with Pineapple, Red Onion and Cilantro and Cauliflower with Peach Mostarda, Pumpkin Seeds, and Buttermilk Vinaigrette on the most recent episode of The Dinner Party with Elysabeth Alfano on WGN Radio's WGN Plus. Surprisingly, being nice, as well as staying healthy in body and disciplined in mind, plays a big role in how they stay the course.
In this double-feature podcast, talented Roger Moreno, Mike Reda, Ben Darling, Angelo Sakellaropoulos, and Roy Coghill of the band, Ship Captain, Crew, talk about how the love of creating music together overrides the long hours of holding down several jobs just to keep the music afloat. And, they give a live, in-studio, acoustic performance from their new CD! As I don't believe in starving artists, I made sure Beef and Barely was there to supply them with more than enough Cheeseburgers with Chicken Fried Onion Rings to go around.
In a different but similar discussion on The Dinner Party with Elysabeth Alfano podcast, the talk turned to how to get your work noticed in the film world with comedian and actor David Pasquesi (by no means an up-and-comer having starred in dozens of movies to date), Beth Lacke (BLACK-ISH, Mike and Molly, How I Met Your Mother, Chicago P.D., Work It and Happy Hour) and actor and director Jack C. Newell (Open Tables, Close Quarters). Given that Jack's new film, Open Tables, is about finding love over food, it was only fitting that Over Morrocan Spiced Lamb Chili, Grilled Acorn Squash with Burrata and Sage, and Sun Chokes with Baby Kale, Black Garlic Aioli, Almond Butter, and Parmesan from The Dawson, we dished on love, food, movies and the cost of getting an indie film noticed in today's ultra competitive digital age. The screening of Open Tables in Chicago is February 10.
I hope you enjoy these podcasts on stomaching the highs and the lows in the entertainment world.