October 2024 - NEohioPAL - lists.neohiopal.org

Auditions for The Amen Corner at Weathervane Playhouse
by Melanie Pepe 23 Oct '24

23 Oct '24

Weathervane Playhouse is thrilled to announce auditions for The Amen Corner, a powerful and moving play by James Baldwin, directed by Terrence Spivey, with musical direction by Glenn Brackens. Audition Dates: * Thursday, October 10: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. * Friday, October 11: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. * Callbacks: Sunday, October 13: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (if necessary) Show Run: January 9 - January 26, 2025 Character Breakdown: All roles are intended for Black actors. From the complex and spiritual Margaret Alexander to the fiery Sister Moore, The Amen Corner offers incredible opportunities for actors to dive into rich, emotionally charged characters. We’re also looking for powerful vocalists to make up the congregation. Key Roles: * Margaret Alexander (Late 40s-50s): Pastor struggling with faith, family, and her congregation. * Luke (Late 40s-50s): Margaret’s estranged, ill husband. * David (18): Margaret’s son is torn between his parents and his own dreams. * Odessa (Late 30s-40s): Margaret’s loyal sister. * Sister Moore (Late 50s-60s): A leader in the church who challenges Margaret. Congregation Members Wanted! Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass vocalists are needed. Experience with the Gospel is a plus but not required. Be prepared to sing 12 measures of a song of your choice. What to Prepare: * Actors: Please prepare a 2-3 minute dramatic monologue. * Singers: Prepare 12 measures of a song (Gospel preferred but not required). * Be ready to move and read from the script. Bring a headshot, resume, and your rehearsal availability calendar. Rehearsal Schedule: Begins November 12 with a break for the holiday season. Rehearsals will generally be Sundays through Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tech rehearsals are mandatory starting January 4. We can't wait to see you at the auditions!

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Why Every Actor (and Human!) Should Study Improv
by Houde School Of Acting 23 Oct '24

23 Oct '24

Hey, actors! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, studying improv can be a total game-changer—and not just for your acting career, but for LIFE! Here’s why we at *Houde School of Acting *think diving into the world of improv could be the best decision you make: - *Be in the Moment:* Improv teaches you how to truly live in the now. On stage, there’s no script to fall back on, so you’re constantly sharpening your listening skills and learning to respond, not just react. That’s not only gold for your acting but also for conversations IRL! - *Boost Your Auditions*: Ever gotten thrown a curveball at an audition? Improv gives you the confidence to roll with it and make bold, creative choices on the fly. Casting directors LOVE actors who can think on their feet and adapt to unexpected situations! - *Team Player Extraordinaire: *Improv is all about collaboration. You’ll learn the magic of saying “yes, and…” to your scene partners, which makes you a joy to work with on set. You become someone who can elevate a scene, not just in a scripted show but in any group setting. Who doesn’t want to be the person everyone loves working with? - *Creative Superpowers Unlocked:* Improv flexes your creative muscles in a BIG way. You’ll discover new characters, scenarios, and emotional beats that might never come up in a traditional acting class. This spontaneity leads to breakthroughs both in your performance and in the way you see the world! - *Life Skills for the Win:* Improv isn’t just for actors! It makes you more adaptable, improves your communication, and even teaches you how to laugh at mistakes. Whether you’re navigating a tough day or a surprise twist in life, improv has your back! So, if you want to take your acting to the next level (or just have a blast while learning life-changing skills), grab an improv class this November at Houde School of Acting and get ready to say YES to new opportunities. Register today: https://www.houdeschoolofacting.com/classes <https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.houdeschoolofacting.com%2F…> Check out the schedule of all our classes! *In-Person Classes* • Meisner: Mondays 6:30-8:30pm ET • On Camera Commercial & Industrials: Wednesdays 4:30-6pm ET • Meisner: Wednesdays 6-8pm ET • On Camera Audition: Sundays 5-7pm ET • Improv: Sundays 7-9pm ET *Online Classes* • Meisner: Mondays 1-3pm ET and 6-8pm ET • Script Analysis: Mondays 7-9pm ET • Meisner: Tuesdays 5-7pm, 7-9pm, and 10pm-12am ET • Meisner: Wednesdays 6-8pm ET • Meisner: Thursdays 12-2pm and 5-7pm ET • Meisner Small Group: Thursdays 3:30-5pm ET • Improv: Thursdays 7pm ET • The Business of Acting: Fridays 7pm ET Sign up for your class today and start growing as an actor—virtually or in person! Register now: https://www.houdeschoolofacting.com/classes <https://www.houdeschoolofacting.com/classes?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR36N3…> Not sure yet? Try a FREE class audit to see if we’re the right fit for you! Sign up here: https://www.houdeschoolofacting.com/contact-1 <https://www.houdeschoolofacting.com/contact-1?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0a…> Let's bring your passion to life this November!

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Mary Bridget Davies ROCKS Beck Center for the Arts
by Julie Gilliland 23 Oct '24

23 Oct '24

Beck Center For The Arts Announces Tony Nominee(r), Mary Bridget Davies Live In Concert Featuring Songs from Janis To Alanis and Returning As The Narrator In Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Lakewood, OH - Beck Center for the Arts is<https://www.beckcenter.org/> thrilled to once again shine the spotlight on Mary Bridget Davies, beloved local superstar and Tony nominee(r). Beck Center will present Mary Bridget Davies and her band in a T.J. Armand, Carl H. Paiva JP, and Bev Ragovoy production of Mary Bridget Davies Live In Concert: Janis to Alanis in the Senney Theater on Friday, November 15, and Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 8:00 p.m., promoting her new compilation album Don't Compromise Yourself<https://open.spotify.com/album/1QTV2ub8U1hZwdT0MysXzq?si=BpvleHCOS3Stnn5BFG…>. Mary Bridget Davies also returns to star in Beck Center for the Arts' production as The Narrator in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat<https://www.beckcenter.org/shows/joseph2>, after a sold-out run last holiday season in Lakewood. Fresh off the limited-run performing her Tony Award(r) nominated role as Janis Joplin in London's West End, the critics were wowed by her mind-blowing performance and wrote: "An absolute powerhouse of a performer," Theatre & Tonic, "She oozes star power," What's On Stage, and "Mary Bridget Davies is astonishing as the legendary soul-stirring singer," London Theatre. Her new concert is a dynamic musical journey celebrating such iconic artists as Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Melissa Etheridge, Alanis Morissette, and other iconic female musical artists. Featuring hit songs such as "Piece of My Heart," "The Best," "You Oughta Know," and many more, Mary's dynamic show and powerful vocals are sure to rock the Senney Theater! Tickets are $49 per person, plus a $5 per ticket service fee, and go on sale Saturday, October 19, 2024 at noon at BeckCenter.org<https://www.beckcenter.org/professional-theater> and 216-521-2540. Purchase the concert and musical tickets in the same sales transaction and receive a discount of $5 off each ticket for each production at 216-521-2450. This offer is not good on prior sales or multiple discounts. Beck Center for the Arts is also thrilled to boast the return of Mary Bridget Davies as The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Running December 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025, in the Senney Theater, this musical is guaranteed to bring the whole family together to enjoy all genres of music and a brilliantly colorful production. The 2024 production sold out and broke all box office records. This beloved musical features lyrics by Tim Rice and music inspired by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Musical Director, Larry Goodpaster, alongside Director Scott Spence, create a hit for all ages on the Senney Theater stage. Lauren Marousek delivers eye-catching choreography. This compelling family-friendly musical is irresistibly entertaining. Patrons go on the journey of the trials and triumphs of Joseph, the favorite son of father Jacob. If only his brothers agreed! Artistic Director and director of the return of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Scott Spence, presenter of Janis to Alanis stated, "It brings us such joy to be able to continue to share the immense talents of this Artist. Having just returned from a wildly successful London run as Janis Joplin (reprising her Tony-nominated performance) we are thrilled to have Mary Bridget in concert for these two nights only!" Running December 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025, in the Senney Theater, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat runs on the additional dates of THURSDAYS December 12 at 7:30 pm, December 19 at 7:30 pm, 2024, and January 2, 2025. Saturday, December 7, is 2:30 pm ONLY; Saturday, December 14, is 2:30 pm ONLY; Saturday, December 21, is 2:30 pm ONLY; Saturday, December 28, 2024, is 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm; and Saturday, January 4, 2025, is 2:30 pm ONLY. Tickets on sale now at BeckCenter.org.<https://www.beckcenter.org/shows/joseph2> Ticket prices range from $41 (adults), $37 (for seniors 65 and older), $20 for students with valid ID, and $15 for children between five and 12 years of age. A $3 service fee per single ticket will be applied at the time of purchase. Adults and seniors save $5 off theater tickets when they use promo code SON before Nov 27, 2023. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Preview performance is 7:30 p.m. the Thursday before opening night, with general admission seating for just $15. Smart Seats are available for each performance at just $15 per person. Recommended for ALL ages (5 years old and older). For more information on Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, please visit beckcenter.org. Purchase the concert and musical tickets in the same sales transaction and receive a discount of $5 off each ticket for each production at 216-521-2450. This offer is not good on prior sales or multiple discounts. "Jubilant... What keeps the show alive is its delight in simple storytelling, the bounce of Tim Rice's lyrics and the merry eclecticism of Andrew Lloyd Webber's score, which embraces country and western, calypso, French Chanson and Elvis-style rock... There is wit in Lloyd Webber's willingness to try different styles and in Rice's verbal dexterity." - Michael Billington, The Guardian This musical is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. All performances are at theaters inside Beck Center for the Arts, located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, just ten minutes west of downtown Cleveland. Free onsite parking is available. For more information, visit beckcenter.org. For those who crave more Mary Bridget Davies tunes in their life, they can purchase her album, Don't Compromise Yourself, here.<https://orcd.co/marybridgetdavies> Beck Center for the Arts is proud to be a part of Northeast Ohio's professional theater landscape, operating under a letter of agreement with Actors' Equity Association. We are a Small Professional Theater (SPT) based on the number of seats, number of our performances, and the maximum weekly hours of work we provide to actors. We produce every show on our stages by choosing the play, casting and rehearsing it, building the sets, props, and costumes, directing and performing the live music, and designing lights and sound. We proudly utilize regional resources and talent. Beck Center for the Arts also offers arts education for all ages, skill levels, and abilities with classes and lessons in music, dance, visual arts, and theater, as well as creative arts therapies. Financial assistance is offered for qualified applicants so that these programs can be enjoyed by all.

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Donald Trump and his Gang of Fascists
by Joseph Milan 23 Oct '24

23 Oct '24

I'd like to thank Fred for posting his important warning about this election. There's no avoiding politics, my creative, artistic, valued friends. It will not avoid you. If you read that accurate article from Heather Cox Richardson, study real history, or have been paying attention over the last 10 years, we are running a very possible risk of repeating the history described in that piece, only with powerful modern upgrades. Some of you, I know, have experienced authoritarianism, but most of us, including myself, have been fortunate enough to have been insulated from the dictatorial trends evident in many nations across the world, through our lives and at this very moment. That insulation is breaking down with the return of the billionaire-financed Trump campaign and the self-serving cowards in *HIS* Republican Party, including every sitting Republican in Ohio. He has taken total control of that Party through ignorance, denialism, threats, and fear, just like in 1930s Germany, and in every dictatorial regime in the world today. The old GOP has collapsed. Despite the massive lasting damage he has done to our government and society during his first term, this time, unlike the last, after having exorcized all resistance, he has a very willing, technologically and financially powerful and loyal team to implement their vision of societal control. This includes you and your abilities, your creations, your artistic freedoms, your associations, and your very identities. Much of it was unabashedly shared in a document named "Project 2025." Despite Trump's claims, (lies) of disassociation, many of his team contributed to it. Already in his last term the 3 SCOTUS Justices and numerous other federal justices he seated were recommended by the Project 2025 Team: The Heritage Foundation and Federalist Society. Our very power to vote is already suppressed. It will eventually be 'managed' by them, and turned into a sham to protect them. Through delay tactics and the demands of the election schedule the law and courts can not help us before this election. They eventually will if we elect those that accept personal and societal responsibility, and grant them the power to enforce the law. Indeed Trump's first orders of business will be to destroy the charges against him and pardon and/or promote anyone for anything who displays proper loyalty and obedience to him. *Voting for candidates in the Democratic Party is the only current way of stopping their advance.* Please don't pass up your chance to exercise your power this election. Ohio is their most valued trophy. Their continued success depends on them conquering just a few more states just like ours, but you can fight back. We protected Reproductive Rights but the job isn't nearly finished. Ohio is still a critical Battleground. Just as it's their trophy and their model for other states, it will be a huge victory for democracy and our collective artistic and creative freedom when they lose Ohio! Vote "*YES*" on Issue 1 to make Ohio's elections fair. Don't be misled by the "NO" signs! Vote "*YES*" on Issue 55 to continue the funding of Cuyahoga's Arts and Culture. Vote for *Donnelly, Stewart, and Forbes *on the Ohio Supreme Court Obviously, vote for *Kamala Harris and Tim Walz* for US President. Vote for *Sherrod Brown* for US Senate Vote for your *Democratic Party* incumbents and challengers everywhere. Thank You, Thanks Fred, and Thank Yourselves, Joseph Milan

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NOW CLOSED - the posting of replies to the Heather Cox Richardson Article
by Fred Sternfeld 23 Oct '24

23 Oct '24

Dear Subscribers, The purpose of my forwarding the Heather Cox Richardson essay yesterday was to help define the stakes for our Arts Scene, and Country, with the choice of candidates in the upcoming election. The vast majority (around 10:1 ratio) of you that replied privately to me, or who posted to the list, were supportive of that. Some were not supportive and accused me of flaming, or found the post offensive or disgusting. Or, that it goes against the purpose of the list. In the Neohiopal mission statement one of the stated purposes is "*to provide an easy way for performing artists to hear about goods, services and topics that may be of interest." *This topic certainly was "of interest" to artists. NEOHIOPAL FAQS LINK. <https://fredsternfeld.com/neohiopal-faqs-22/> All of you, of course, are entitled to your opinions and I respect that. That's why a sampling of a variety of points of view were approved and sent through. *It seems a good time to close down this topic so no more replies to the post about Heather Cox Richardson’s 10/21/2024 essay will be approved and sent.* Thanks for your participation in the Northeast Ohio Arts scene! Warm Regards, Fred Sternfeld Neohiopal Ltd. Owner and Administrator Theatre Director / Producer / Educator Website <http://www.fredsternfeld.com/> Neohiopal Owner / Administrator Website <https://fredsternfeld.com/new-neohiopal-main-22/>

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NEED VOLUNTEER ROLE PLAYERS/ACTORS FOR A MASS CASUALTY TRAINING in CLEVELAND, OH
by Traumatic Players of Cleveland LLC 23 Oct '24

23 Oct '24

We are looking for 20 Volunteers to play victims in an active shooter scenario in a hospital setting, This will be in conjunction with a Hospital System in Cleveland, OH. Exact location will be given once your participation is accepted by coordinators, but will be held in the Cleveland, OH Area. Time: 7AM to 10AM Date: 11/4/24 What is expected: You will be playing as a victim in an active shooter scenario. You will be given a specific injury and will be moulaged. Please wear clothing that can be ripped, torn and bloodied. Please be directable and you will be expected to check your ego at the door. This is an important training for the learners and responders. We are enhancing their experience by making the scene and scenario look and feel real. If you are interested and available please CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP <https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948ADA72BA7FBC61-52530388-active> Further details once signed up. Questions? Concerns? Contact Colleen Drews, Executive Director of Traumatic Players of Cleveland at traumaticplayers(a)gmail.com Take care, Colleen L Drews Executive Director Traumatic Players of Cleveland LLC Volunteer Victims Coordinator and Trauma Training Environment Expert for WSCERT www.traumaticplayers.com Find Us on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/TraumaticPlayers/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel> (216)410-6671 traumaticplayers@gmail. com <traumaticplayers(a)gmail.com> *Amateurs practice so they get it right. Professionals practice so they don't get it wrong!*

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And Then There Were None Opens 10/25 at Aurora!
by services＠auroracommunitytheatre.com 23 Oct '24

23 Oct '24

And Then There Were None Oct 25 - Nov 16, 2024, Fri & Sat 7:30pm Directed by Emily Polcyn The story begins when eight disparate guests arrive at an isolated mansion located on an island off the coast of Devon, and are tended to by two married domestics who prepared the house for their arrival. During the first evening a gramophone recording accuses all ten people of past crimes that went unpunished by the law. Soon they start dying one at a time, and the remaining guests deduce that the murderer is one of their own. CAST LIST VERA CLAYTHORN: Dallas Stark PHILLIP LOMBARD: Vince Stilitano JUSTICE WARGRAVE: Thomas Love GENERAL MACKENZIE: Bob Maddox EMILY BRENT: Susan Stein MRS. ROGERS: Katie Hintz MARSTON: Louis Schwartz FRED NARACOTT: Steve Johnson WILLIAM HENRY BLORE: Anthony Damcott DR. ARMSTRONG Mike Pitt ROGERS: Gwen Baker Tickets available today at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=auct&pr=1

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FINAL WEEKEND with INDUSTRY DISCOUNT for Seat of the Pants' GRAND CONCOURSE!
by Craig Joseph 23 Oct '24

23 Oct '24

"This is one kitchen where you should definitely spend a couple of hours." (Christine Howey, *Cleveland Scene*) Seat of the Pants' season opener, GRAND CONCOURSE, by Heidi Schreck, ends its run with performances this weekend on Friday and Saturday, October 25th and 26th at 7:30 PM, and on Sunday, October 27th at 2:30 PM. Tickets range from $20-$32 and can be purchased at grandconcoursesotp.eventbrite.com; as a theatre professional, use the code INDUSTRY to receive $3 off your tickets. Since the show is being performed in a commercial kitchen, seating is limited, so advanced purchase is highly recommended. Don't miss this opportunity to see a compelling story with some fascinating acting staged creatively! Get your tickets now!

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE- MILLENNIAL THEATRE COMPANY TO HOLD AUDITIONS FOR THE PROM THIS THURSDAY AND SATURDAY!
by The Millennial Theatre Company 23 Oct '24

23 Oct '24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 23, 2024 *MTC to Hold Auditions for The Prom!* *Youngstown, Ohio *- The Millennial Theatre Company (MTC) is holding auditions for *The Prom.* Auditions will be held Thursday, October 24 from 6-9pm at The Youngstown Playhouse and Saturday, October 26 from 12-3pm at the Youngstown Playhouse. Auditioners will be asked to travel to a secondary location after their vocal audition to complete a dance call (Collingwood Center in Campbell). Auditioners should prepare a 30-60 second cut of a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided on Saturday only, and a bluetooth speaker will be provided both days. Seeking a diverse cast of actors and dancers ages 15+. Roles available for both adults and teens. The roles of Emma, Dee Dee and Barry have been filled but all other roles are open. Please come prepared to move and do a cold reading. Headshot and resume are encouraged, but not required. *The Prom* tells the story of four eccentric Broadway stars who are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever. Directed by Joe Asente with Music Direction by Ryan Lamb and Choreography by Danielle Mentzer. The Prom will run two weekends at the Youngstown Playhouse January 3-5 & 10-12. Rehearsals will run weeknights from 6-9:30pm in Youngstown starting in early November. More information can be found at millennialtheatre.org. Questions can be sent to millennialtheatrecompany(a)gmail.com.

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PLEASE read this regarding an existential threat...
by Fred Sternfeld 23 Oct '24

23 Oct '24

Hello Everybody, As you know, we normally try to keep the Neohiopal list to items that are more obviously performing arts related and away from politics. I would argue that the possible election of certain politicians are an existential threat to free speech and therefore an existential threat to the arts. So I pass this article from Heather Cox Richardson to you. "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Fred ------------------------- >From Heather Cox Richardson <https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/about>... October 21, 2024 (Monday) On Saturday, September 7, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump predicted that his plan to deport 15 to 20 million people currently living in the United States would be “bloody.” He also promised to prosecute his political opponents, including, he wrote, lawyers, political operatives, donors, illegal voters, and election officials. Retired chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley told journalist Bob Woodward that Trump is “a fascist to the core…the most dangerous person to this country.” On October 14, Trump told Fox News Channel host Maria Bartiromo that he thought enemies within the United States were more dangerous than foreign adversaries and that he thought the military should stop those “radical left lunatics” on Election Day. Since then, he has been talking a lot about “the enemy from within,” specifically naming Representative Adam Schiff and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, both Democrats from California, as “bad people.” Schiff was the chair of the House Intelligence Committee that broke the 2019 story of Trump’s attempt to extort Volodymyr Zelensky that led to Trump’s first impeachment. Trump’s references to the “enemy from within” have become so frequent that former White House press secretary turned political analyst Jen Psaki has called them his closing argument for the 2024 election, and she warned that his construction of those who oppose him as “enemies” might sweep in virtually anyone he feels is a threat. In a searing article today, political scientist Rachel Bitecofer of The Cycle explored exactly what that means in a piece titled “What (Really) Happens If Trump Wins?” Bitecofer outlined Adolf Hitler’s January 30, 1933, oath of office, in which he promised Germans he would uphold the constitution, and the three months he took to dismantle that constitution. By March, she notes, the concentration camp Dachau was open. Its first prisoners were not Jews, but rather Hitler’s prominent political opponents. By April, Jews had been purged from the civil service, and opposition political parties were illegal. By May, labor unions were banned and students were burning banned books. Within the year, public criticism of Hitler and the Nazis was illegal, and denouncing violators paid well for those who did it. Bitecofer writes that Trump has promised mass deportations “that he cannot deliver unless he violates both the Constitution and federal law.” To enable that policy, Trump will need to dismantle the merit-based civil service and put into office those loyal to him rather than the Constitution. And then he will purge his political opponents, for once those who would stand against him are purged, Trump can act as he wishes against immigrants, for example, and others. Ninety years ago, as American reporter Dorothy Thompson ate breakfast at her hotel in Berlin on August 25, 1934, a young man from Hitler’s secret police, the Gestapo, “politely handed me a letter and requested a signed receipt.” She thought nothing of it, she said, “But what a surprise was in store for me!” The letter informed her that, “in light of your numerous anti-German publications,” she was being expelled from Germany. She was the first American journalist expelled from Nazi Germany, and that expulsion was no small thing. Thompson had moved to London in 1920 to become a foreign correspondent and began to spend time in Berlin. In 1924 she moved to the city to head the Central European Bureau for the New York Evening Post and the Philadelphia Public Ledger. From there, she reported on the rise of Adolf Hitler. She left her Berlin post in 1928 to marry novelist Sinclair Lewis, and the two settled in Vermont. When the couple traveled to Sweden in 1930 for Lewis to accept the Nobel Prize in Literature, Thompson visited Germany, where she saw the growing strength of the fascists and the apparent inability of the Nazi’s opponents to come together to stand against them. She continued to visit the country in the following years, reporting on the rise of fascism there, and elsewhere. In 1931, Thompson interviewed Hitler and declared that, rather than “the future dictator of Germany” she had expected to meet, he was a man of “startling insignificance.” She asked him if he would “abolish the constitution of the German Republic.” He answered: “I will get into power legally” and, once in power, abolish the parliament and the constitution and “found an authority-state, from the lowest cell to the highest instance; everywhere there will be responsibility and authority above, discipline and obedience below.” She did not believe he could succeed: “Imagine a would-be dictator setting out to persuade a sovereign people to vote away their rights,” she wrote in apparent astonishment. Thompson was back in Berlin in summer 1934 as a representative of the Saturday Evening Post when she received the news that she had 24 hours to leave the country. The other foreign correspondents in Berlin saw her off at the railway station with “great sheaves of American Beauty roses.” Safely in Paris, Thompson mused that in her first years in Germany she had gotten to know many of the officials of the German republic, and that when she had left to marry Lewis, they offered “many expressions of friendship and gratitude.” But times had changed. “I thought of them sadly as my train pulled out,” she said, “carrying me away from Berlin. Some of those officials still are in the service of the German Government, some of them are émigrés and some of them are dead.” Thompson came home to a nation where many of the same dark impulses were simmering, her fame after her expulsion from Germany following her. She lectured against fascism across the country in 1935, then began a radio program that reached tens of millions of listeners. Hired in 1936 to write a regular column three days a week for the New York Herald Tribune, she became a leading voice in print, too, warning that what was happening in Germany could also happen in America. In an echo of Lewis’s bestselling 1935 novel It Can’t Happen Here, she wrote in a 1937 column: “No people ever recognize their dictator in advance…. He always represents himself as the instrument for expressing the Incorporated National Will. When Americans think of dictators they always think of some foreign model. If anyone turned up here in a fur hat, boots and a grim look he would be recognized and shunned…. But when our dictator turns up, you can depend on it that he will be one of the boys, and he will stand for everything traditionally American.” In less than two years, the circulation of her column had grown to reach between seven and eight million people. In 1939 a reporter wrote: “She is read, believed and quoted by millions of women who used to get their political opinions from their husbands, who got them from [political commentator] Walter Lippmann.” The reporter likened Thompson to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, saying they were the two “most influential women in the U.S.” When 22,000 American Nazis held a rally at New York City’s Madison Square Garden in honor of President George Washington’s birthday on February 20, 1939, Thompson sat in the front row of the press box, where she laughed loudly during the speeches and yelled “Bunk!” at the stage, illustrating that she would not be muzzled by Nazis. After being escorted out, she returned to her seat, where stormtroopers surrounded her. She later told a reporter: “I was amazed to see a duplicate of what I saw seven years ago in Germany. Tonight I listened to words taken out of the mouth of Adolf Hitler.” Two years later, In 1941, Thompson returned to the issue she had raised when she mused about those government officials who had gone from thanking her to expelling her. In a piece for Harper’s Magazine titled “Who Goes Nazi?” she wrote: “It is an interesting and somewhat macabre parlor game to play at a large gathering of one’s acquaintances: to speculate who in a showdown would go Nazi,” she wrote. “By now, I think I know. I have gone through the experience many times—in Germany, in Austria, and in France. I have come to know the types: the born Nazis, the Nazis whom democracy itself has created, the certain-to-be fellow-travelers. And I also know those who never, under any conceivable circumstances, would become Nazis.” Examining a number of types of Americans, she wrote that the line between democracy and fascism was not wealth, or education, or race, or age, or nationality. “Kind, good, happy, gentlemanly, secure people never go Nazi,” she wrote. They were secure enough to be good natured and open to new ideas, and they believed so completely in the promise of American democracy that they would defend it with their lives, even if they seemed too easygoing to join a struggle. “But the frustrated and humiliated intellectual, the rich and scared speculator, the spoiled son, the labor tyrant, the fellow who has achieved success by smelling out the wind of success—they would all go Nazi in a crisis,” she wrote. “Those who haven’t anything in them to tell them what they like and what they don’t—whether it is breeding, or happiness, or wisdom, or a code, however old-fashioned or however modern, go Nazi.” In Paris following her expulsion from Berlin, Thompson told a reporter for the Associated Press that the reason she had been attacked was the same reason that Hitler’s power was growing. “Chancellor Hitler is no longer a man, he is a religion,” she said. Suggesting her expulsion was because of her old article disparaging Hitler, in her own article about her expulsion she noted: “My offense was to think that Hitler is just an ordinary man, after all. That is a crime against the reigning cult in Germany, which says Mr. Hitler is a Messiah sent by God to save the German people…. To question this mystic mission is so heinous that, if you are a German, you can be sent to jail. I, fortunately, am an American, so I merely was sent to Paris. Worse things can happen….”

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