BSR PODCAST | BLOG | ARCHIVES
BSR_S10E05 - Spank Bank Time Machine - John Michael
In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with performance artist John Michael about his work, particularly his production 'Spank Bank Time Machine.' They discuss the themes of grief, loss, and the importance of addressing societal issues such as addiction and mental health through art. John Michael shares his personal experiences and the impact of his performances on audiences, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in the face of tragedy. The conversation also touches on the role of audience participation and the significance of Narcan in combating the overdose epidemic. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the transformative power of art and the responsibility of artists to engage with pressing social issues.
MESSAGE FRON JOHN MICHAEL:
As a professional artist, I believe it's important to talk finances, and at this moment, the show is making $500, which is 50% of the costs to be here. Other Ways you can support my work:
Contribution to my venmo link here.
Tax-deductible contributions can be found here
Buy a Narcan Time Machine t-shirt at this link here
A personal introduction to Universities, health organizations, or philanthropists who might want to book or support the young adult play. Check out this trailer for the young adult play here. Please reach out to me for copy/more information about the show's impact individually for you to forward to interested parties.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/spank-bank-time-machine/
BSR_S10E04 - Painting Churches - Tina Brock
Today on the podcast, Tina Brock drops in to talk about the IRC FringeArts offering, Painting Churches by Tina Howe. On Stage at Theatre Exile through September 21st. Here is my interview with Tina Brock for Painting Churches.
Described as “... beautifully written... a theatrical family portrait that has the shimmer and depth of Renoir portraits... ” by The New York Times, Tina Howe’s 1984 Pulitzer Prize-nominated play is a provocative exploration of the parent-child relationship, art and aging. The IRC production features Kirsten Quinn as Mags Church, the successful artist and daughter of Fanny and Gardner Church, who returns home with a life-changing announcement to the chaos of her parent’s impending move from their lifelong home in Boston’s Beacon Hill. John Zak plays Gardner Church, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet facing dementia after a lifetime devoted to intellectual and creative pursuits. Tina Ann Brock plays Fanny Church, Gardner’s wife and Mags’ quirky mother, who has a penchant for ostentatious hats and criticizing her daughter’s choices in life. The trio explores their changing dynamic relationship over the span of several days.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/painting-churches-by-tina-howe/
BSR_S10E03 - Dogberry and Verges are Scared - Mike and Will
In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford welcomes guests Will and Mike to discuss their journey in creating the play 'Dogberry and Verges Are Scared' for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. They explore the collaborative nature of theater, the challenges of producing a new work, and the excitement of engaging with audiences. The conversation highlights the importance of support from the artistic community and the evolution of their script through various readings and workshops. As they prepare for their upcoming performances, they reflect on the creative process and the joy of bringing new stories to life.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/dogberry-and-verges-are-scared/
BSR_S10E02 - The Presented - Chris Davis
Today, Chris Davis returns to talk about the 2025 FringeArts offering, The Presented, a refreshed take on his 2018 performance of the piece. Here is my interview with Chris Davis for The Presented.
The Golden Age of Theater has ended: grants canceled, theaters shuttered, universities gone bankrupt. Amongst the wrecked landscape comes The Presented. First performed in Philly Fringe 2018, and later Edinburgh 2019, Chris Davis’ The Presented has been updated to address the challenges of making art in 2025 asking: where do we go from here?
The Presented follows Chris, a struggling artist working concessions at a movie theater, who finds himself spiraling into a surreal subconscious journey triggered (naturally) by popping popcorn. On his quest to confront artistic failure and doubt, Chris meets a parade of strange and compelling characters: a disgraced 19th-century actress, a volatile fringe producer, and a very large bear, among others. With wit, physicality, and an always theatrical flair, Davis explores what it means to be a “chosen” artist in today’s world - and why that pursuit might drive you to madness.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/the-presented/