11 episodes
Closing the Distance The Audio Drama Initiative
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- Fiction
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5.0 • 17 Ratings
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We’re all watching the news. We’re all doing our part. Some are even putting their lives on the line to contribute. We’re learning how to work from our homes, and we’re contending with lost jobs and the temporary (hopefully) shutdowns of entire industries.
But at the same time, most of us are mourning the loss of something that we might not have even realized we valued so much: our connections to each other. Suddenly, neighbors seem as though they live halfway across the country, and friends and loved one can feel as though they’re millions of miles away. How do we deal with the broad chasms that have opened?
Closing the Distance is a series of ten short pieces that explores the sudden and seemingly uncrossable distance between people caused by our being sheltered in place. In each piece, individuals are faced with a lack of contact they hadn’t anticipated – from loved ones, from their community, from new and emerging relationships, from their way of making a living, etc. In each case, they struggle with the distance until they find some way to bridge it, often with surprising results. Fractious relationships are healed. Unexpected relationships are formed. Essential relationships are sustained.
A portion of the proceeds from Closing the Distance will be donated to two charities that resonate with us as writers and performers: The Actors Fund, which provides essential assistance to those in the entertainment field, and Save Indie Bookstores, which has been set up to help booksellers – such an invaluable part of our communities – stay afloat in these financially challenging times.
Closing the Distance is a series of emotionally resonant pieces. But more than that, it is an opportunity for us to acknowledge what we are missing and to envision a better outcome.
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Episode 0: Introducing Closing the Distance
Golden Globe winner Kathleen Turner introduces the series. Includes the complete version of the theme song, "The In-Between," written by Sam Tsui and Casey Breves and performed by Alex Blue, Casey Breves, and Sam Tsui.
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Episode 1: Neutral Corners starring Sam Tsui
What happens when a relationship ends but circumstances prevent you from splitting? In this touching and illuminating piece by New York Times bestselling author Lou Aronica, a couple has called it quits but are stuck together in an apartment the size of a boxing ring. How do you navigate a relationship when you're confined to neutral corners? YouTube star Sam Tsui brings this tale to life.
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Episode 2: Being Seen starring Kathleen Turner
When you've built your entire life around being seen, how do you deal with circumstances that force you to stay out of view. In New York Times bestselling author Tawni O'Dell's poignant and funny piece, a self-described trophy wife comes to terms with seeing herself in a new way while in quarantine and seeing her life in new ways when the virus hits home. Golden Globe winner Kathleen Turner lifts this story from the page in heartbreaking ways.
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Episode 3: Social Distancing starring William Hurt
The pain of distance can come without any notice. In Mitchell Maxwell's touching and insightful story, a man who has faced social distancing for longer than he ever wanted finds a way forward in the darkest times. Academy Award winner William Hurt brings this tale stunningly to life.
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Episode 4: The Man Who Couldn't Google starring Jason Alexander
People need other people – sometimes in ways they never considered. In New York Times bestselling author Tawni O'Dell's tender and humorous story, a man who sees himself as an island comes to terms with how much he misses human contact when he suddenly finds himself unable to find his glasses. Tony and Grammy winner Jason Alexander imbues this story with remarkable energy and touching vulnerability.
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Episode 5: Working from Home starring Kelli O'Hara
Mothers have always needed to excel at dozens of roles at a moment's notice. And these days, their responsibilities have somehow grown greater. In New York Times bestselling author Tawni O'Dell's emotionally charged story, a woman needs to navigate between working from home, educating her child, and creating a soft landing for her daughter's missed birthday party. Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara transports us to the heart of this story.
Customer Reviews
Can’t wait for season 2
This is my most shared podcast. Love these little gems.
Fabulous!
I’ve enjoyed every episode. Kathleen Turner was so tremendously effective in her portrayal of a trophy wife. The ending truly took my breath away. Bravo!
Wow
Beautiful
The fate of the common man
Gifted writing and haunting song
Kathleen Turner makes my heart skip a beat
Thank all for this work of art