S1 Ep.3: “Face the Music” with Cynthia Nixon and Salli Richardson-Whitfield
Feb 8, 2022
auto_awesome
Cynthia Nixon and Salli Richardson-Whitfield join hosts to discuss decision-making behind a complex episode and production. They share a serendipitous shot that created a beautiful moment on screen. The podcast also explores the industries booming during the Gilded Age, like railroads and newspaper/journalism, and the struggles faced by people of color in high society. Excitement about Broadway actors and a preview of the next episode are shared.
Working with a talented cast brought beautiful moments to the screen in 'The Gilded Age.'
Finding the right balance between pace and historical accuracy allowed the show to strike the perfect balance.
Deep dives
The complex dynamics of power and relationships between Ada and Agnes
Ada and Agnes have a complicated sisterly relationship where Ada is the more subservient sister, always trying to smooth things out. Ada sees Marion's arrival as an opportunity to protect and guide her, something she feels was lacking in her own life. Ada is sweet and innocent, but there is a subtle cleverness to her. Despite her subordinate position, Ada has a depth of understanding that others often overlook.
The challenges and joys of working with the cast
The Gilded Age boasts an incredible cast, many of whom have a background in theater. Working with such talented professionals made the job easier for director Sally Richardson Whitfield. The actors brought a level of skill and experience that made the scenes come alive. It was a collaboration where actors trusted the director and the director respected the work of the actors, resulting in beautiful moments on screen.
The balance between pace and attention to detail
The Gilded Age is a fast-paced show, but it also pays attention to historical accuracy and etiquette. The challenge for the director was finding the right balance between keeping the pace of the show while ensuring that the audience could catch all the details. Finding the right moments to open up the world and appreciate the beauty, complemented by witty dialogue and comedic moments, allowed the show to strike the perfect balance.
The significance of food and costumes
Food plays a significant role in the show, with beautiful meals and attention to detail in the presentation. The costumes are meticulously designed and built, capturing the essence of the characters. Wearing the costumes helps the actors embody their characters more fully, and the attention to detail in the garments evokes the time period authentically. The challenge of wearing a corset all day was counteracted by breaks and adjustments to maintain comfort.
In part one, hosts Alicia Malone (TCM) and Tom Meyers (The Bowery Boys) recap this week’s episode and discuss the industries that were booming at the time, for example, railroads, newspaper/journalism, and “magic lantern shows.”
In part two they are joined by Cynthia Nixon (Aunt Ada Brooke) and director Salli Richardson-Whitfield to discuss the decisions made off-screen to bring together such a complex episode and overall production. Find out which shot wasn’t planned, but happened serendipitously to create a beautiful moment on screen.
Watch The Gilded Age on HBO Max, and subscribe to The Official Gilded Age Podcast so you don’t miss an episode.