Ada Leverson News Today

In this episode, actress Zoe Wanamker describes the difference between starring in a play on Broadway vs. the West End, and how her American family came to be considered British theater royalty. Zoe also discusses why, of all her work, she will always be most recognized for her role in Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone.

First lines are telling.  “I was born in New York City on a Monday” James Brown sings over a pulsing bass line in “Down and Out in New York City.”  “The Cisco kid was a friend of mine,” War proclaims in “The Cisco Kid,” followed by a funky harmony between a flute, sax and harmonica.  “I knew a man, Bojangles,” Nina Simone narrates in “Mr. Bojangles,” her singing voice lovely and deep: “And he danced for you/ In worn out shoes.”  Setting. Character. Action. These ...