Welcome to episode 46 of 2 Grooms 1 Plot! A podcast where two life-long storytellers talk about stories!

Today, we welcomed back our good friend Rebecca to help us breakdown ‘Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale,’ which is a musical inspired by the Lord of the Rings story by J.R.R. Tolkien. The musical follows the same general premise of the movies, with some… interesting… twists and changes. There is a WHOLE lot to unpack with this one.

‘A Musical Tale’ has had 3 productions prior to coming to Chicago. It was originally performed in Toronto in 2006, London in 2007, and Berkshire, UK in 2023. The production has changed drastically over the course of its run, being scaled down for 2023’s show and beyond. The musical was written by Shaun McKenna & Matthew Warchus, with music by A.R. Raham, Varttina, and Christopher Nightingale.

Moments of the Week!:

Pavi: 1:13 - 1:54 - What We Do In The Shadows

Rebecca: 1:54 - 3:57 - Task Master

Colin: 3:57 - 7:15 - It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Your Hosts:

Pavi Proczko is an audiobook narrator (Defiance of the Fall, Edens Gate), Writer (Brugum’s Labyrinth, The Nightly), Actor and Singer (Chicago Shakespeare theater, Paramount Theater, Chicago Fire), and Game Master (D&D).

Colin Funk is a Childhood Development Expert (Erikson Institute), Teacher (Stages Chicago), Actor and Singer (Porchlight Music Theater, Metropolis Theater), and Crafter (knitting, cross stick, Embroidery, watercolors).

“With our unique lenses, we talk about a specific piece of storytelling each episode: What works? What doesn’t? And the magic moments of story!”

Pavi & Colin are married and live in Chicago. ❤️

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW us for more!

@2Grooms1Plot

Welcome to episode 45 of 2 Grooms 1 Plot! A podcast where two life-long storytellers talk about stories!

Today, we’re breaking down the 7th and FINAL episode of the 2024 series, ‘Mary and George.’ We will take a deep dive into this episode and then at the series as a whole.

This series has been a wild ride! Let us know what you thought of this new format where we broke down a whole series episode-by-episode!

Moments of the Week!:

Colin: 1:12 - 4:36 - Rachel Bloom 1 Woman Show ‘Death Let Me Do My Show’

Pavi: 4:36 - 10:10 - Lord of the Rings: The Musical

Your Hosts:

Pavi Proczko is an audiobook narrator (Defiance of the Fall, Edens Gate), Writer (Brugum’s Labyrinth, The Nightly), Actor and Singer (Chicago Shakespeare theater, Paramount Theater, Chicago Fire), and Game Master (D&D).

Colin Funk is a Childhood Development Expert (Erikson Institute), Teacher (Stages Chicago), Actor and Singer (Porchlight Music Theater, Metropolis Theater), and Crafter (knitting, cross stick, Embroidery, watercolors).

“With our unique lenses, we talk about a specific piece of storytelling each episode: What works? What doesn’t? And the magic moments of story!”

Pavi & Colin are married and live in Chicago. ❤️

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW us for more!

@2Grooms1Plot

Welcome to episode 44 of 2 Grooms 1 Plot! A podcast where two life-long storytellers talk about stories!

On today’s episode of 2 Friends* 1 Plot, we welcomed a new guest, Rebecca! Unfortunately Colin had to sit this one out :( but we called in Rebecca to help give her insights to today’s breakdown, Tar! Tar is a 2022 drama film starring Cate Blanchett as Lydia Tar, a world-renowned conductor who is facing accusations of misconduct. Tar premiered at the Venice Film Festival and won over 60 awards and was referred to by most critics as the movie of the year in 2022.

Moments of the Week!:

Pavi: ‘Rick & Morty’ - Rick meeting his old flame, Unity. 1:43-4:38

Rebecca: ‘Sound Medicine’ - book about sound healing that Rebecca found out her late mother was also reading. 4:38-7:10

Your Hosts:

Pavi Proczko is an audiobook narrator (Defiance of the Fall, Edens Gate), Writer (Brugum’s Labyrinth, The Nightly), Actor and Singer (Chicago Shakespeare theater, Paramount Theater, Chicago Fire), and Game Master (D&D).

Colin Funk is a Childhood Development Expert (Erikson Institute), Teacher (Stages Chicago), Actor and Singer (Porchlight Music Theater, Metropolis Theater), and Crafter (knitting, cross stick, Embroidery, watercolors).

“With our unique lenses, we talk about a specific piece of storytelling each episode: What works? What doesn’t? And the magic moments of story!”

Pavi & Colin are married and live in Chicago. ❤️

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW us for more!

@2Grooms1Plot

Welcome to episode 43 of 2 Grooms 1 Plot! A podcast where two life-long storytellers talk about stories!

On today’s episode, we continue our summer series breaking down each episode of the show, ‘Mary & George.’ In the 6th episode of the series, ‘The Queen Is Dead,’ Following Raleigh's execution, the English revolt and Queen Anne dies, but the Palace is too debt-ridden to afford her state funeral. George empathizes with Prince Charles, and together they convince King James to open Parliament for the first time in six years to address higher taxes and peace with Spain. Amidst political chaos, Sir Edward seeks to arrest George and Kit, who then flee to Mary for help; George frames Sir Francis for treason with Diego's help in exchange for arranging a marriage prospect for Prince Charles, leading to Sir Francis Bacon's conviction and Sandie's murder with George's permission.

Your Hosts:

Pavi Proczko is an audiobook narrator (Defiance of the Fall, Edens Gate), Writer (Brugum’s Labyrinth, The Nightly), Actor and Singer (Chicago Shakespeare theater, Paramount Theater, Chicago Fire), and Game Master (D&D).

Colin Funk is a Childhood Development Expert (Erikson Institute), Teacher (Stages Chicago), Actor and Singer (Porchlight Music Theater, Metropolis Theater), and Crafter (knitting, cross stick, Embroidery, watercolors).

“With our unique lenses, we talk about a specific piece of storytelling each episode: What works? What doesn’t? And the magic moments of story!”

Pavi & Colin are married and live in Chicago. ❤️

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW us for more!

@2Grooms1Plot

Welcome to episode 42 of 2 Grooms 1 Plot! A podcast where two life-long storytellers talk about stories!

On today’s episode, we take a look at ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: The Musical.’ MGGE takes us to Savannah, Georgia. Known for its southern charm, but beneath the polite exterior, its quirky residents harbor secrets and motives. When affluent antiques dealer Jim Williams is accused of murder, his sensational trial reveals hidden truths and blurs the lines between good and evil, prompting Lady Chablis and other locals to transform the city.

The true-crime bestseller and its memorable characters are brought to life in a new musical adaptation by MacArthur "Genius" grantee Taylor Mac, Tony Award winners Jason Robert Brown and Rob Ashford, and choreographer Tanya Birl.

Your Hosts:

Pavi Proczko is an audiobook narrator (Defiance of the Fall, Edens Gate), Writer (Brugum’s Labyrinth, The Nightly), Actor and Singer (Chicago Shakespeare theater, Paramount Theater, Chicago Fire), and Game Master (D&D).

Colin Funk is a Childhood Development Expert (Erikson Institute), Teacher (Stages Chicago), Actor and Singer (Porchlight Music Theater, Metropolis Theater), and Crafter (knitting, cross stick, Embroidery, watercolors).

“With our unique lenses, we talk about a specific piece of storytelling each episode: What works? What doesn’t? And the magic moments of story!”

Pavi & Colin are married and live in Chicago. ❤️

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW us for more!

@2Grooms1Plot

Welcome to episode 41 of 2 Grooms 1 Plot! A podcast where two life-long storytellers talk about stories!

On today’s episode, we continue our summer series breaking down each episode of the show, ‘Mary & George.’ In the 5th episode of the series, ‘The Golden City,’ as Mary gains more power, her marriage with Sir Thomas deteriorates, while Diego, Count of Gondomar, informs King James of Sir Walter Raleigh's attack on the Spanish in Guiana, which defies a peace treaty. George, now part of the Privy Council, naively supports Raleigh's tales of war and gold, unaware of Raleigh's true intentions, leading to tension as Prince Charles grows more bitter and Queen Anne falls ill. Amidst this political turmoil, George faces the harsh reality of his influence when King James orders Raleigh's execution, and Mary realizes she is losing control over George.

Your Hosts:

Pavi Proczko is an audiobook narrator (Defiance of the Fall, Edens Gate), Writer (Brugum’s Labyrinth, The Nightly), Actor and Singer (Chicago Shakespeare theater, Paramount Theater, Chicago Fire), and Game Master (D&D).

Colin Funk is a Childhood Development Expert (Erikson Institute), Teacher (Stages Chicago), Actor and Singer (Porchlight Music Theater, Metropolis Theater), and Crafter (knitting, cross stick, Embroidery, watercolors).

“With our unique lenses, we talk about a specific piece of storytelling each episode: What works? What doesn’t? And the magic moments of story!”

Pavi & Colin are married and live in Chicago. ❤️

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW us for more!

@2Grooms1Plot

Welcome to episode 40 of 2 Grooms 1 Plot! A podcast where two life-long storytellers talk about stories!

On this monumental 40th episode, we continue our summer series breaking down each episode of the show, ‘Mary & George.’ In this episode, ‘The Wolf and the Lamb,’ after a night together, George is bitten by King James, who is experiencing mood swings, while John nearly drowns in a lake despite not being able to swim. King James travels to Edinburgh, appoints Sir Francis as Keeper of the Seal, and orchestrates the kidnapping of Frances to secure her marriage to John, which is still opposed by Lady Hatton. George and King James reconcile after a series of dramatic events, including the death of Peter and the secret burial of Lord Lennox's heart, leading to John and Frances' unhappy marriage, and Mary's promise to find George a wife.

Your Hosts:

Pavi Proczko is an audiobook narrator (Defiance of the Fall, Edens Gate), Writer (Brugum’s Labyrinth, The Nightly), Actor and Singer (Chicago Shakespeare theater, Paramount Theater, Chicago Fire), and Game Master (D&D).

Colin Funk is a Childhood Development Expert (Erikson Institute), Teacher (Stages Chicago), Actor and Singer (Porchlight Music Theater, Metropolis Theater), and Crafter (knitting, cross stick, Embroidery, watercolors).

“With our unique lenses, we talk about a specific piece of storytelling each episode: What works? What doesn’t? And the magic moments of story!”

Pavi & Colin are married and live in Chicago. ❤️

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW us for more!

@2Grooms1Plot

Welcome to episode 39 of 2 Grooms 1 Plot! A podcast where two life-long storytellers talk about stories!

Today, we took a look at Pixar’s newest movie, Inside Out 2! Inside Out 2 follows the events of the first movie 2 years later. Riley is now entering high school and all of the emotions from Inside Out 1 are there - but this time there are new emotions that have shown up as Riley continues to get older. These new emotions are Envy, Ennui, Anxiety, and Embarrassment. Sit back and enjoy as we break down Inside Out 2 and what makes it stand out alongside its original movie.

Your Hosts:

Pavi Proczko is an audiobook narrator (Defiance of the Fall, Edens Gate), Writer (Brugum’s Labyrinth, The Nightly), Actor and Singer (Chicago Shakespeare theater, Paramount Theater, Chicago Fire), and Game Master (D&D).

Colin Funk is a Childhood Development Expert (Erikson Institute), Teacher (Stages Chicago), Actor and Singer (Porchlight Music Theater, Metropolis Theater), and Crafter (knitting, cross stick, Embroidery, watercolors).

“With our unique lenses, we talk about a specific piece of storytelling each episode: What works? What doesn’t? And the magic moments of story!”

Pavi & Colin are married and live in Chicago. ❤️

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW us for more!

@2Grooms1Plot