The director, performer and writer Ben Rimalower discusses the new audio versions of his solo shows Patti Issues, and Bad with Money, available now on Audible.com, his work in the theatre, his childhood obsession with Patti LuPone, the Real Housewives franchise and more, with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, at TheCommentary.ca.

Ben Rimalower is renowned for his performances Off-Off-Broadway, as well as his online writing about the Real Housewives programs. He joins me now to talk about two of his solo shows, Patti Issues, and Bad with Money, both of which are now available on Audible.com. Roven Records has made a commitment to present great American plays via digital media, and they have just published these two shows, both of which demonstrate Mr. Rimalower’s marvelous gifts for storytelling in performance. Patti Issues premiered in 2012 and looks at his lifelong fascination with Patti LuPone, and how the obsession helped him understand the tumultuous relationship with his gay father. The show got great notices, and the word-of-mouth from the various boldfaced names who took in the show was excellent. LuPone also took in the show and thought it was fantastic. At that point, she and Mr. Rimalower had established a working friendship. Bad with Money as the title suggests looks at Mr. Rimalower’s difficulties at staying afloat. It was partially drugs, alcohol and a lavish lifestyle that made him bad at money. I’ll get Ben to tell us about how bad it got and just how he’s managed to get through it all. I’ll also get him to reflect on the stage, his career on and off it, and just what that’s meant for understanding the life he lays bare in these recordings. Ben Rimalower has also contributed to Vulture, Playbill, Out, Time Out New York, FunnyOrDie, Decider, and other outlets. He’s appeared on Real Housewives of New Jersey, Watch What Happens Live, Extreme Makeover and Billy Eichner and Rachel Dratch’s Halloween Adventure. For his work directing and producing Off-Broadway plays and stage acts, The Advocate dubbed him the Midas of Cabaret. Visit www.benrimalower.com as well as @benrimalower on Twitter. These productions were directed by Aaron Mark, and of course visit www.audible.com for download. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Ben Rimalower; Mr. Rimalower, good morning.

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