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05 Jun 2026
46m

Alan Cumming / Angela Lansbury

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Fresh Air

The Tony Awards serve as the backdrop for revisiting iconic performances by Alan Cumming and Angela Lansbury, two legends of the stage. Cumming reflects on his multi-decade evolution as the Emcee in *Cabaret*, emphasizing the role's physical demands and its Brechtian function as a guide through the encroaching darkness of Nazi Germany. Angela Lansbury offers insights into her portrayal of Mrs. Lovett in *Sweeney Todd*, describing the character as a complex, amoral accomplice who balances murderous intent with warmth. Beyond these theatrical retrospectives, the program features a critique of recent horror films *Back Rooms* and *Obsession*, highlighting how low-budget, internet-originated projects are reshaping cinematic expectations. These segments collectively examine the intersection of performance, character development, and the shifting landscape of modern entertainment.

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