| Joe DiPietro Interview | ||
| Conscience | ||
|
||
| Interview by Ross Anthony | ||
|
I spoke with Joe DiPietro who wrote "Conscience." The play runs in Long Beach, CA at International City Theatre from August 28 through September 13, 2026.
From the Press Release: International City Theatre presents the Los Angeles premiere of Tony Award®-winning playwright Joe DiPietro’s fast-paced drama about trailblazing Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, whose “Declaration of Conscience” speech became a defining act of political courage. Directed and produced by caryn desai, Conscience runs August 28 through September 13, with low-priced preview performances on August 26 and 27. Sharon Gardner stars as Smith opposite Jon Root as McCarthy. The cast also features Dylan Wittrock as Smith’s longtime personal aide, William Lewis, Jr., and Hollis Alexandra Dohr as Jean Kerr, McCarthy’s devoted young assistant who later became his wife. Fast-paced and emotionally charged, Conscience explores political courage, personal conviction and the personal cost of speaking truth to power. It also highlights Smith’s groundbreaking role as a woman in American politics. She was the first woman elected from Maine to Congress and later to the U.S. Senate and, in 1950, the only woman serving among the Senate’s 96 members. Reflecting on Smith’s defining moment, DiPietro says her speech remains one of the most remarkable events in modern political history. “It was an electrifying moment, not only because a member of the Senate had criticized McCarthy when he was at the height of his power, but because Smith was a moderate conservative and a fellow Republican. They were in the same party, and she still had the guts to go against him.” Directed by caryn desai, 2026 performances take place August 28 through September 13.
International City Theatre (@ Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center) is walking distance from Shoreline Village. Go early and enjoy the day strolling the shoreline, visiting the aquarium, circling the lighthouse, enjoying the view of the Queen Mary. So much to see, all within walking distance. Research your parking options before you go. |
||
|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
Copyright © 1998-2025 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also helps others tell their stories with words and video. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books, thoughtful experienced help telling your stories through words or video, or to schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Dig into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow. |
