Every actor yearns to stretch, proving their range of capabilities with each role. For superstars like Barbra Streisand and Sylvester Stallone, that desire also means transcending the "persona" that made them stars in the first place. In this episode, our silver screen icons trade the big studio picture for something resembling the emerging independent film scene that exploded in the late 80s - auteur character studies, artistically told with limited budgets but bountiful grit. For many, these films provide an opportunity for a new cinematic voice to be heard; for established performers like Streisand and Stallone it's a shot at reinvention, culminating in that ultimate sign of approval: an Academy Award.

Join theatre professor Kirk Vichengrad and entertainment journalist Matthew Chernov on a fascinating and unexpected exploration of the atypical performances by our legends in their respective Oscar-bait films, "Nuts" and "Cop Land."

We look forward to hearing from you on our social media accounts! You can find us at @BabsAndSly on Facebook, X and Instagram, or via email at BabsAndSly@gmail.com. And we invite you to subscribe to the podcast to stay informed about new episodes and other surprises.

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Show Theme Music composed and provided by Brian Kinler.

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