{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6927a48ecaf6efa703dbae9e/6927a4ac44d46fbcb2a99d74?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Gregory Maguire (Wicked) feat. Eric Williams and Eden Espinosa","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/6927a48ecaf6efa703dbae9e/9db5a5acd796476fdbbb950e6a531b6f.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this special episode, host <b>Jason Blitman</b> dives into the world of <em>Wicked</em>. Joined by legendary author <b>Gregory Maguire</b>, Guest Gay Reader is comedian and host of <em>That’s a Gay Ass Podcast</em>, <b>Eric Williams</b>, and <em>Gays Reading</em>’s first Guest Gay Icon, Broadway powerhouse <b>Eden Espinosa</b>, they discuss the impact and legacy of this iconic story. From insider stories and unforgettable riffs to deep conversations about identity, friendship, and self-acceptance, this episode is a celebration of all things <em>Wicked</em>. Perfect for fans of the musical, lovers of literature, and anyone who has ever felt like an outsider finding their place in the world.<br/><br/><b>Gregory Maguire</b> has written quite a few books for adults, including <em>Wicked</em>, which inspired the Broadway play and the two-part movie. He’s also written several dozen books for children, the more recent titles being<em> What-the-Dickens</em>, <em>Egg &amp; Spoon</em>, and <em>Cress Watercress</em>, a <em>Boston Globe</em>–<em>Horn Book</em> Honor Book.<br/><br/><b>Eric Williams </b>is an actor, comedian, and podcast host based in Los Angeles. His podcast “That’s A Gay Ass Podcast” was recently named<a href='https://www.glamour.com/story/best-podcasts-2023'> “One of the Best Podcasts To Listen To</a>” by Glamour Magazine. Guests include Dan Savage (‘Savage Love’), Bowen Yang (‘SNL’), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (‘Modern Family’), Jinkx Monsoon (‘Rupaul’s Drag Race’), Joel Kim Booster (‘Fire Island’), and more.<a href='https://www.linktree.com/gayasspodcast'> Listen here</a>. Eric also hosts the popular “That’s A Gay Ass Live Show,” a variety competition show that has been featured in the <em>Netflix Is A Joke Fest</em>, <em>New York Comedy Festival</em>, and multiple sold out engagements in New York and LA. You can read more about the podcast and live show in<a href='https://variety.com/2024/digital/podcasts/thats-a-gay-ass-podcast-eric-williams-sexual-awakenings-1235984433/'> Variety</a> (brag).<br/><br/><b>Eden Espinosa </b>is most recognized for her portrayal of Elphaba in <em>Wicked</em> on Broadway and in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other credits: originating the title character in <em>Brooklyn the Musical</em>, Flora in <em>Flora the Red Menace</em>, and Maureen in the closing company of <em>Rent</em> on Broadway. She also originated Sadie Thompson in <em>Rain</em> at the Old Globe Theater and portrayed Eva Peron in <em>Evita</em> at TPAC and Studio Tenn. Recently, she originated Tamara De Lempicka in <em>Lempicka</em>, earning her a Tony Award nomination. @edenespinosa</p><p><a rel=\"payment\" href=\"https://gaysreading.substack.com/\">Support the show</a></p><p><a href='https://allstora.com/pages/gays-reading-book-club?utm_source=host_jasonblitman&amp;utm_medium=host&amp;utm_campaign=gays_reading&amp;utm_content=podcast_ig_bio'><b>BOOK CLUB!</b></a><b><br/></b>Sign up for the Gays Reading Book Club <a href='https://allstora.com/pages/gays-reading-book-club?utm_source=host_jasonblitman&amp;utm_medium=host&amp;utm_campaign=gays_reading&amp;utm_content=podcast_ig_bio'><b>HERE</b></a> <br/>December Book: <em>Like Family</em> by Erin O. White</p> <p><b>SUBSTACK!</b><br/><a href='https://gaysreading.substack.com/'>https://gaysreading.substack.com/</a></p> <p><b>MERCH!</b><br/><a href='http://gaysreading.printful.me'>http://gaysreading.printful.me</a></p> <p><b>WATCH!</b><br/><a href='https://youtube.com/@gaysreading'>https://youtube.com/@gaysreading</a><br/> <br/><b>FOLLOW!</b><br/>Instagram: <a href='http://www.instagram.com/gaysreading'>@gaysreading</a> | <a href='https://www.instagram.com/jasonblitman'>@jasonblitman</a><br/>Bluesky: <a href='https://bsky.app/profile/gaysreading.bsky.social'>@gaysreading</a> | <a href='https://bsky.app/profile/jasonblitman.bsky.social'>@jasonblitman</a><br/><br/><b>CONTACT!</b><br/><a href='mailto:hello@gaysreading.com'>hello@gaysreading.com</a></p>","author_name":"Jason Blitman"}