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Life Upon the Wicked Stage

Life Upon the Wicked Stage

By: Life Upon the Wicked Stage
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 Under the spotlight of arts and entertainment, Jen, Olivia, and Ashley (who are, in fact, three different people) unpack details of “murder, mayhem, and Mame” in sagas of crime, scandal, hauntings, and more!2024 Art Entertainment & Performing Arts True Crime
Episodes
  • A Very Special Interview Episode: What Would Matt Palm Do?

    A Very Special Interview Episode: What Would Matt Palm Do?
    Jul 18 2025
    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 covering a national-level art fraud case as a local journalist. The episode dives deep into the ethics of criticism, the evolution of Matt's career, and the dynamics of the Central Florida arts scene. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:38 Special Guest: Matthew Palm 02:03 Matt Palm's Role and Responsibilities 04:31 Challenges of Being a Critic 09:28 Theme Park Performers and Local Arts 13:27 Social Media and Public Perception 21:21 The Orlando Museum of Art Scandal 49:04 Breaking News and Circus Chaos 51:48 Journalistic Integrity and Responsibility 56:10 Navigating Criticism and Reviews 01:01:40 The Art of Objectivity in Journalism 01:04:16 The Challenges of Live Theater 01:11:38 The Importance of Supporting Journalism 01:19:56 Matt Palm's Personal Artistic Journey 01:29:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • The Grift of De Groft

    The Grift of De Groft
    Jul 11 2025

    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 Groft’s subsequent legal battles, casting a spotlight on the murky underworld of art forgery.

    00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

    00:20 Meet the Hosts

    00:55 Today's Topic: Art World and Forgeries

    01:37 Introducing the Mona Lisa Peacock

    03:01 Art Forgery vs. Artistic Reproduction

    04:43 Basquiat: The Artist and His Legacy

    05:04 The Grift of Degraf: A Local Scandal

    06:06 Basquiat's Life and Artistic Style

    11:01 The 27 Club and Basquiat's Untimely Death

    22:04 The Orlando Museum of Art's New Director

    26:03 The Controversial Basquiat Exhibit

    44:19 Basquiat's Signature and Authentication Issues

    46:33 The FBI's Slow Burn Investigation

    47:14 Thad Mumford's Affidavit and the Orlando Museum of Art

    49:17 Jordana Morris Saggy's Involvement

    01:07:27 The Smoking Gun: FedEx Label

    01:13:45 The Aftermath and Legal Battles

    01:21:43 The Final Twist: Aaron Degraf's Death

    01:29:31 Conclusion and Reflections
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Cursed Curtains: The Haunting of Macbeth

    Cursed Curtains: The Haunting of Macbeth
    Jun 27 2025
    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 demonology and his obsession with witch hunts, touching on the connections to historical witch trials. Additionally, they cite numerous instances of accidents and tragedies linked to Macbeth performances and speculate whether the curse is rooted in superstition, psychological self-fulfillment, or deeper moral and cosmic disturbances. The episode wraps up with a detailed recount of the play's plot, adaptations, famous portrayals, and the rituals used to dispel the supposed curse. Words of caution for those who dare to mention 'Macbeth' in a theater, as the hosts highlight the lingering power of stories in the world of theater. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:15 Meet the Hosts 00:49 Housekeeping and Outfits 03:29 The Scottish Play: Macbeth 07:38 The Curse of Macbeth 14:51 King James and Witchcraft 37:17 Synopsis of Macbeth 40:37 Famous Adaptations of Macbeth 45:45 Sleep No More: An Immersive Experience 50:13 Famous Actors Who Played Macbeth 51:06 Origins of the Macbeth Curse 52:08 Famous Instances of the Macbeth Curse 53:03 The Astor Place Riot 54:51 The Old Vic Production and Other Accidents 57:16 Modern Productions and the Curse 01:07:04 The Curse in Popular Culture 01:09:52 Debunking the Curse 01:23:50 Theater Superstitions and Traditions 01:25:32 Upcoming Episode Teaser: The Grift of Degraf
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    1 hr and 30 mins

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