The folks at the Institution Theater often stage shows based on existing pop culture franchises (they've done Firefly: The Musical, live episodes of South Park, and they'll be performing live improvised Dr. Who shows in November), so they’re no strangers to the cease and desist letter.
Their most recent, and nicest, came from the producer of This American Life, who apologetically asked if the Institution could change the name of its storytelling and variety show inspired by the public radio series. Its original name, This American Live, was so similar-sounding that people were calling the staff of This American Life to order tickets.
So, after a little discussion between the Institution and the producers of the radio show, a new title was settled upon: Not This American Life, which seemed to be a clear and accurate description of the show and which also mirrors the name of the "host" character, which is Not Ira Glass.
Like the show that inspired it, Not This American Life features a different theme every week, and includes storytelling, interviews, and a mixture of script and improvisation.
- Not This American Life
- Fridays in November at 8 p.m.
- The Institution Theater, 3708 Woodbury Drive
