Halloween Special: Jack the Ripper
Wicked Stage Podcast
In this special Halloween crossover episode, the Wicked Stage Podcast joins forces with the Fish 'N' Brits Podcast to delve into the infamous mystery of Jack the Ripper. The episode explores the historical context of the Whitechapel murders, examines different suspects including Joseph Barnett, John Pizer, and even the legendary Sergeant Boston Corbett, and discusses the sensational impact of the media at the time. With a detailed analysis of the canonical five victims and a review of modern theories, the podcast offers an in-depth look into one of the most captivating unsolved cases in...
info_outline
The First Annual Floozy Awards
Wicked Stage Podcast
The First Annual Floozy Awards - Celebrating a Year of Stories, Laughs, and True Crime In this special episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia celebrate the one-year anniversary of their true-crime podcast 'Life Upon the Wicked Stage' by presenting the first annual Floozy Awards. The hosts discuss various memorable episodes from the past year, highlighting their favorite moments, one-liners, shocking twists, and unproblematic men. Categories include 'Biggest Thumb,' 'Creepiest Old Man,' 'Most Unproblematic Man,' 'Best One-Liner,' 'Best Fringe Show You Didn't Ask For,' and more. They also...
info_outline
Rust: Tragedy on Set
Wicked Stage Podcast
This podcast episode, featuring hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia, delves into the tragic on-set shooting that occurred during the filming of the movie 'Rust' on October 21, 2021. The hosts discuss the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of cinematographer Helena Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza by a live round discharged from a revolver handled by actor Alec Baldwin. They highlight the safety failures, including inappropriate handling of firearms by the armorer, amateurish safety protocols by assistant director David Halls, and the broader procedural lapses. The episode...
info_outline
Broadway Butterfly: NYC Corruption, Tammany Hall, and Vivian Gordon
Wicked Stage Podcast
In this episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the true crime story of Vivian Gordon, also known as the Broadway Butterfly. The podcast explores her life, her involvement in the seedy underworld of 1920s and 30s New York, and the events leading up to her mysterious murder. The story includes her early life, attempts to escape the showgirl lifestyle, her ultimate entanglement in organized crime, blackmail schemes, and a tragic end that coincides with a significant political scandal involving New York City Mayor Jimmy Walker. The narrative also touches on the corruption within the...
info_outline
Before Bogie and Bacall: The Battling Bogarts
Wicked Stage Podcast
In this episode hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the tumultuous relationship of Hollywood legends Humphrey Bogart and Mayo Method. Known as the 'Battling Bogarts,' their marriage was marked by public brawls, violence, and Mayo's increasing paranoia and alcoholism. The episode covers Bogart's rise to fame, Method's early career, and their eventual split after Bogart falls in love with Lauren Bacall on the set of 'To Have and Have Not.' The hosts also explore themes of attachment styles, spousal abuse, and the concept of battered husband syndrome. The episode highlights how Bogart...
info_outline
Nobody Joins a Cult: NXIVM
Wicked Stage Podcast
This episode delves into the notorious NXIVM cult, uncovering its malicious inner workings and the harrowing experiences of its members. Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia shine a light on the guise of self-improvement sold to recruits, the manipulative strategies employed by leader Keith Raniere, and the distressing ordeals faced by those involved, including forced labor, branded rituals, and sexual abuse. The episode also exposes the roles played by high-profile members and the eventual legal downfall orchestrated by brave whistleblowers. Plus a bonus PSA "Are YOU in a cult?" 00:00...
info_outline
A Very Special Interview Episode: What Would Matt Palm Do?
Wicked Stage Podcast
In this episode, Jen, Ashley, and Olivia from the 'Wicked Stage' podcast interview Matt Palm, a notable writer and critic for the Orlando Sentinel. They discuss Matt's extensive focus on arts and culture, specifically his unique experiences covering the 'Basquiat art scandal' at the Orlando Museum of Art. Matt shares his journey, from his start as a theater and arts critic to handling the complexities of reporting on federal investigations. The conversation highlights the critical role of journalism, the challenges of balancing fair critique with community support, and the intricacies of...
info_outline
The Grift of De Groft
Wicked Stage Podcast
This episode of the podcast dives into a controversial and gripping true crime story in the art world. Hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia discuss the case of 25 alleged Basquiat paintings displayed at the Orlando Museum of Art. The episode explores the dubious provenance of these paintings, their eventual seizure by the FBI, and the downfall of art museum director Aaron De Groft. Despite expert warnings and a shady backstory involving a defunct authentication committee, the museum presented the works as authentic. The story culminates in a massive scandal with the unmasking of the forger and De...
info_outline
Cursed Curtains: The Haunting of Macbeth
Wicked Stage Podcast
In this episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the mysterious and spooky history of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, often referred to as 'The Scottish Play' due to its infamous curse. The program begins with a listener discretion warning due to descriptions of violence. The trio, dressed in eclectic outfits inspired by theater green rooms, discuss the history and superstitions surrounding the play, its historical context, and notable accidents and strange occurrences that have plagued its productions. They explore the potential origins of the curse, including King James I’s...
info_outline
Superman is Dead: The Suspicious Death of George Reeves
Wicked Stage Podcast
In this episode of 'Life Upon the Wicked Stage,' hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the suspicious death of George Reeves, the original Superman. The episode explores the night of Reeves' death, the controversial ruling of his demise as a suicide, and the complex web of relationships and events leading up to his passing. The hosts uncover shady findings, including suspicious accidents and potential motives related to Reeves' breakup with his long-term lover, Tony Manix, and his engagement to Leonora Lemon. The episode also highlights a deathbed confession by Tony Manix and various...
info_outlineIn this episode, actors Olivia, Jen, and Ashley begin with light-hearted introductions, discussing their star signs, hairstyles, the weather, quirky personal details, and favorite desserts. The conversation transitions into a mesmerizing narrative about the haunted Annie Russell Theatre in Winter Park, Florida, offering historical insights about the actress Annie Russell, her career, health, and personal life. The hosts share chilling stories of ghosts and paranormal events within the theatre. The episode briefly teases next week's discussion on actress Nell Gwynn and her royal affair. Additionally, the hosts reveal an upcoming deep dive into the fascinating 'language of the fan,' stirring excitement for future episodes.
00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk
00:25 Meet the Hosts
00:53 Bang Styles and Merch Ideas
01:29 Better Than Sex Restaurant
02:49 The Fan and Menopause
03:50 Spooky Season and Halloween
07:10 Annie Russell Theater History
09:22 Annie Russell's Early Life
12:14 Annie Russell's Acting Career
23:41 Annie Russell's Later Years
37:48 The Haunted Annie Russell Theater
38:37 Theater Ghost Stories
39:25 Annie's Seat and the Golden Retriever
41:43 Disembodied Applause and Other Hauntings
42:58 Annie's Dressing Room and the Open Door
45:13 Apparitions and the Painted Message
48:05 The Electrocution Incident of 1962
52:27 Personal Ghost Encounters
56:41 Dark Spirits and the Hanging Incident
01:01:16 Final Thoughts and Future Topics