Gossip columnist Liz Smith. She’s just written a memoir called “Natural Blonde” (Hyperion) about her dealings with the rich and famous throughout her career. Smith boasts that she’s the highest paid print journalist in the world. He bylined column has appeared daily since 1976 and is syndicated to millions of readers in over 70 newspapers. She was recently named a “Living Landmark” by the Landmarks Conservancy of New York.
Comedian Marc Maron. His hit one man show in Manhattan, “Jerusalem Syndrome,” is described as a “poetically paranoid rant on corporate culture and the quest for spiritual fulfillment.” Maron has appeared on David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and was the host of Comedy Central’s “Short Attention Span Theater.” He appears in Cameron Crowe’s new film, “Almost Famous.”
Actresses Joan Allen (Pat Nixon in “Nixon,” “The Ice Storm,” “Pleasantville” and the upcoming film “The Contender”) and Laurie Metcalf (a regular on TV’s “Norm”, longtime co-star of “Roseanne”).
Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The actor-driven theatre is known for its ensemble acting, and cutting-edge acting style. It’s members include John Mahoney (Martin Crane on “Frazier”), John Malkovich, Kevin Anderson and four actors whom we’ll hear from: First, founding members Gary Sinise (films: “Mission to Mars,” “Apollo 13,” “Of Mice and Men,”) and Terry Kinney (a regular on HBO’s “Oz”).
Dr. Lynn Ponton is a psychiatrist who specializes in treating troubled teenagers and their parents. Her new book is “The Sex Lives of Teenagers: Revealing The Secret World of Adolescent Boys and Girls” (Dutton). In the book, Ponton uses case studies to take a look at the role of sexuality in adolescent development, and the conflicting messages teenagers receive about sexuality.
Judith Wallerstein is an expert on the effects of divorce on children and is the co-author of the new book “The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce” (Hyperion) which is based on a 25 year study following the lives of children whose parents had divorced. The book explores how the divorce of their parents decades ago continues to affect them into adulthood. She is also the founder of the Judith Wallerstein Center for the Family in Transition
Artistic director for the Houston Ballet, Ben Stevenson. He’s been with the ballet for over 25 years, turning it into a premiere dance company. The New York Times’ dance critic said of Stevenson, (he) “is one of the most original figures in the development of regional ballet in America.” Stevenson’s own choreography for the Houston ballet include the full length works: “Swan Lake,” “Cinderella,” “Peer Gynt,” “Dracula,” and “Cleopatra.” Stevenson is a native of Britain.
Principal dancer for the Houston Ballet, and the first African-American to be a principal dancer, Lauren Anderson. She began studying at the ballet’s academy at the age of 7, and working with Stevenson at the age of 11 when he was hired by the ballet. Stevenson choreographed “Cleopatra,” for her.
Dr. Zahi Hawass (ZA-hee HA-WAAS), Director of excavations at the ancient cemetery at Bahariya Oasis, 200 miles outside Cairo. Known as “the Valley of the Golden Mummies,” this area in Egypt has yielded over 100 mummies just in the last year. Hawass will talk about these recent archaeological discoveries. Hawass also lead the teams that discovered the tombs of the workmen who built the pyramids. His new book is called “Valley of the Golden Mummies” (Harry N. Abrams Inc.) Hawass is currently a visiting professor at University of California at Los Angeles.
Actor Greg Kinnear (kin-EAR). He plays a soap opera star in the new film “Nurse Betty.” Kinnear’s other films include “As Good As It Gets” (for which he was nominated for an Academy Award) and “Sabrina.” Kinnear got his start as host and executive producer of “Talk Soup” on E! Entertainment. Later he hosted his own late-night talk show, “Later with Greg Kinnear.”
Composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. He was mentored by Oscar Hammerstein, and went on to revolutionize musical theatre. His first major success was writing lyrics for “West Side Story.” Sondheim wrote the lyrics for “Gypsy.” He composed the music and wrote the lyrics for “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music,” “Sweeny Todd,” “Sunday in the park with George,” and “Into the Woods.” In 1954 he wrote the musical “Saturday Night” but it wasn’t performed for 40 years. There’s a new cast recording of it.
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews recordings by two countertenors: a collection of religious music for solo voice by Vivaldi performed by German born Andreas Scholl (on Decca) and “Serenade” (Virgin Classics) by American David Daniels.
The United Nation’s High Commissioner for Human rights, Mary Robinson, and former president of Ireland. She’ll discuss the murders last week of three UN human rights workers in West Timor.
Senator and former presidential candidate John McCain. His book, “Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir” (Harper Perennial) is now out in paperback. He’ll discuss his years as a POW, his bid for the presidency, and his endorsement of George W. Bush.
