This American Life: Live at BAM Poster

This American Life: Live at BAM 2014

★ 8.14 votes109 min📅 2014-06-20

This American Life: Live at BAM (2014) transforms the iconic radio show's signature storytelling into a dazzling live spectacle unlike anything before.

Director: Seth Lind

Cast

Ira Glass
Ira Glass
Host
Mike Birbiglia
Mike Birbiglia
Self
Sasheer Zamata
Sasheer Zamata
Self
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Narrator
Lindsay Mendez
Lindsay Mendez
Naomi
Stephin Merritt
Stephin Merritt
Himself (Musical Guest)
James Ransone
James Ransone
David
Anthony Ramos
Anthony Ramos
Justin Laboy
Josh Hamilton
Josh Hamilton
Joshua
Joshuah Bearman
Joshuah Bearman
Narrator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is This American Life: Live at BAM (2014) about?

This 2014 live performance reimagines the beloved radio show's stories through theater, opera, and comedy. Host Ira Glass and a star-studded cast transform everyday narratives into bold, unexpected artistic experiences onstage.

Who directed This American Life: Live at BAM?

Seth Lind directed this ambitious live production, bringing the radio show's stories to vibrant life on the Brooklyn Academy of Music's stage.

Who stars in This American Life: Live at BAM?

The show features Ira Glass, Mike Birbiglia, Sasheer Zamata, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lindsay Mendez, and Stephin Merritt among nearly 50 performers.

Is This American Life: Live at BAM (2014) worth watching?

For fans of creative storytelling and live performance, this is a must-see. The blend of comedy, music, and drama makes it a unique experience, even without a formal rating. If you love fresh takes on familiar formats, it's worth tracking down.

How long is This American Life: Live at BAM?

The runtime is 109 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About This American Life: Live at BAM (2014) — A Wild Live Performance Where Stories Meet Art

This American Life: Live at BAM (2014) transforms the iconic radio show's signature storytelling into a dazzling live spectacle unlike anything before. Directed by Seth Lind, the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Opera House became a playground for nearly 50 performers—actors, musicians, comedians, and dancers—all under the guidance of host Ira Glass. The night unfolded as a daring experiment, blending journalism with opera, theater, and Broadway musicals, while spotlighting hilarious comedy from Mike Birbiglia and Sasheer Zamata, soulful songs from Stephin Merritt, and electrifying dance from Monica Bill Barnes & Company. The result is a vibrant collision of genres that captures the raw energy of live performance.

The atmosphere crackles with unpredictability, as familiar podcast narratives twist into unexpected artistic forms. Whether it's a political story reimagined as a grand opera or a personal essay turned into a one-act play, the show revels in creativity. With Glass's sharp wit and the ensemble's fearless energy, This American Life: Live at BAM delivers an unforgettable night where storytelling transcends its usual boundaries.