ABOUT THE PODCAST
Broad Street Review Podcast - Broad Street Review, Philly's home for arts, culture, and conversation, an online arts and culture journal covering the greater Philadelphia area.
Hosted By: Darnelle Edwin Radford
Today on the podcast:
Director, Amina Robinson drops in to talk about the Interact Theatre Company production in collaboration with Theatre In The X of ON MY DEEN by Antu Yacob, commissioned as part of The Philly Cycle, on stage through June 28th. Here is my interview with Amina Robinson for ON MY DEEN.
ON MY DEEN
by Antu Yacob
directed by Amina Robinson
(Fat Ham, Once On This Island, Intimate Apparel, The Color Purple)
June 6-28, 2025
World premiere, commissioned as part of The Philly Cycle (A new three-part play commission project. Sponsored by THE WILLIAM PENN FOUNDATION)
ON MY DEEN was written about and with Philadelphia’s Black Muslim Community.
West Philly. Spring 1962. Faye Ann has just joined the Nation of Islam, setting her life on a whole new path. Her best friend, Michael, would like to be a lot more than friends, but the two can’t seem to agree on religion, politics, or even what makes a good pie. Over the passing decades, personal circumstances and cultural upheavals bring Faye Ann and Michael together as much as they keep them apart. Can these would-be lovers find each other while seeking their own paths to peace?
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://interacttheatre.org and https://theatreinthex.com
Today on the podcast:
Co-Director Steve Pacek stop say to talk about the Arden Theatre Company musical production of RENT, by Jonathan Larson. Here is my interview with Steve Pacek for Arden’s production of RENT.
ABOUT RENT
At the end of the millennium, a group of bohemians in the East Village struggle with love, loss, and gentrification amidst the AIDS crisis. In this exciting new production, Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award™ and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical will transform the Haas Stage and shake the rafters with the iconic chords of “Seasons of Love,” “I’ll Cover You, ” and the thrilling, soaring score that is RENT!
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://ardentheatre.org
Learn more about Steve Pacek: https://www.stevepacek.com
Today on the podcast:
Ross Beschler drops in to talk about the Wilma Theater production, A Summer Day by Jon Fosse (Yuan FoSa), directed by Yury Urnov. Onstage through June 29th. Here is my interview with Ross Beschler for A Summer Day.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://wilmatheater.org/event/asummerday/
Today on the podcast:
Playwright, R. Eric Thomas and Director, Ontaria Kim Wilson, drop in to talk about the Regional Premiere of “Glitter In The Glass”.
Chelle, a Black mid-career artist, has written a check that she's not sure her talent can cash. When the city of Baltimore takes down the Confederate monument in the park across the street from her childhood home, she has an idea. She'll apply for a grant to create a piece to replace it. Caught between the past, the present, and the future, Chelle, portrayed by Jennifer Kidwell, is catapulted into a journey that takes her back before the Middle Passage and out beyond the bounds of this planet.
“Wildly funny and thought-provoking” (CTX Life Theatre), Glitter in the Glass by multi-award winning playwright, R. Eric Thomas, is about liminal spaces, and a world on the cusp of exploding.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://theatreexile.org
Today on the podcast:
KC MacMillan, Owen Corey and Tyler Elliot, stop by to talk about the Inis Nua and Tiny Dynamite co-production of SQUARE GO, coming of age comedy builds to an emotional conclusion about masculinity, friendship, and fathers and sons. Here is my interview with KC, Owen and Tyler for SQUARE GO.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://inisnuatheatre.org/show/square-go
Today on the podcast:
Jordan Dobson and Adam Chandler-Berat stop by to talk about the East Coast Premiere of SMALL BALL, a surreal, magical, musical about basketball and teammates only six inches tall? On stage at Philadelphia Theatre Company. Here is my interview with Jordan and Adam for SMALL BALL.
Today on the podcast:
Cat Ramirez and Daniel Park drop by to talk about SPACE OPERA, a roleplaying, theatrical spectacle taking place over several days from Obvious Agency. Here is my interview with Cat and Daniel for SPACE OPERA.
ABOUT OBVIOUS AGENCY
Obvious Agency creates interactive, experiential art that ranges from the personal, to the institutional, to the ridiculous. Blending theatrical and digital arts, we create spaces where participants can co-create their own experiences through first-hand exploration of the worlds we create. Always serious, always silly, we believe that by helping create and define culture, we can create systemic and interpersonal change.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Today on the podcast:
Susan Chase drops in to talk about her upcoming production, “Mother’s Day - A theatrical Homage to the Women Who Made Us”. Here is my interview with Susan Chase for “Mother’s Day”.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.theatreexile.org/renters-in-exile/susan-chase
Today on the podcast:
Producing Artistic Director, Deborah Block drops in to talk about Theatre Exile’s 28th season with more to come. Here is my interview with Deborah Block of Theatre Exile.
And, stick around until the end to find out how you can win tickets to the next Theatre Exile production, Glitter In The Glass by R.Eric Thomas.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://theatreexile.org
In this engaging podcast episode, host Darnelle Radford speaks with Deanna Wright, an actress involved in the Quintessence Theater's production of Reckless Romance, featuring Midsummer Night's Dream and Antony and Cleopatra. Deanna shares her journey from Florida to Philadelphia, her experiences in the theater, and her reflections on playing the iconic roles of Cleopatra and Oberon. The conversation delves into the challenges and joys of acting, the significance of gender roles in Shakespeare's works, and the personal growth that comes from embodying such powerful characters. In this conversation, DeAnna S. Wright discusses her experiences portraying iconic characters Oberon and Cleopatra, reflecting on the creative process, the importance of costume design, and the power of theatricality. She shares insights on personal growth, audience engagement, and the limitless possibilities that come with embracing one's artistic journey.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://quintessencetheatre.org
Today on the podcast:
We continue our annual coverage of the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and the 2025 The Arts Affair, May 15th at REC Philly. Here is my interview with members of the PVLA for The Arts Affair.
Oh, before we get started, stay tuned until the end of the podcast to learn how you can win two tickets to this year’s The Arts Affair on May 15th.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://pvla.org
Today on the podcast:
CJ Higgins drops in to talk about Theatre Philadelphia’s 8th Annual Philly Theatre Week. This year’s event run from April 3 - 13th. Here is my interview with CJ Higgins for Philly Theatre Week.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.phillytheatreweek.com
Today on the podcast:
Artistic director, John Jarboe (she/her) stops by to talk about the Bearded Ladies Cabaret production of “BEARDS ON ICE”. This event laces up for a fracking good time. Here is my interview with John Jarboe for BEARDS ON ICE!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Today on the podcast:
Angel Sigala drops in to talk about The Hedgerow Theatre U.S. Premiere of Nora: A Doll’s House by Stef Smith, Directed by Emma Gibson. Here is my interview with Angel Sigala for Hedgerow Theatre’s Nora: A Doll’s House.
Nora: A Doll’s House follows Nora, the perfect wife and mother. She is dutiful and beautiful and always has everything in its proper place. But when a secret from her past comes back to haunt her, Nora’s life quickly unravels. Over the course of three days, Nora must fight to protect herself and her family or risk losing everything.
Smith’s adaptation takes place in distinct time periods across 100 years of history, highlighting how women’s struggles for independence have evolved but remain connected. Each version of Nora faces challenges within her marriage and personal life, confronting the limits imposed by the societal norms in each of the three eras. The overlapping narratives reveal the parallels and contrasts between our collective past and present, illustrating the complex nature of a woman’s freedom and choice. As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses how Nora navigates love, power, and identity in her quest for self-discovery and autonomy.
Following a recent run in the Broadway production of Susan Stroman’s New York, New York, regional actor Angel Sigala (they/he) makes their Hedgerow debut playing Daniel, a family friend of Nora and her husband Thomas.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION:
A ground-breaking ninety-minute new musical, Night Side Songs explores the intimacy of illness, mortality, and the incredible dignity of caregivers through the story of Yasmine Holly, a fictional character informed by interviews with real doctors, hospital staff, and patients, many from right here in Philadelphia. Night Side Songs is a musical convergence which reflects and celebrates Philly’s “eds and meds” community with humor, grace, and profound empathy. The production will tour local hospitals, community centers, and places of worship for two weeks before its run at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Directed by Artistic Director Taibi Magar. Night Side Songs is supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.
Taibi Magar is an Artistic Director of Philadelphia Theatre Company. As a freelance director, her most recent credits are We Live in Cairo (A.R.T. world premiere, upcoming at New York Theatre Workshop), The Half-God of Rainfall (New York Theatre Workshop and A.R.T.), Macbeth in Stride (co-direction with Tyler Dobrowsky), Help (The Shed), and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Signature Theatre and A.R.T., Lortel Award Best Revival). Other New York credits include Capsule by Whitney White and Peter Mark Kendall (Under the Radar Festival/The Public Theater, co-directed with Tyler Dobrowsky), Blue Ridge starring Marin Ireland and The Great Leap starring BD Wong (Atlantic Theater Company); Is God Is (Soho Rep, 2018 Obie Award;) Master (The Foundry); and Underground Railroad Game (Ars Nova, Obie Award). Regional: CTG, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre, Alley Theatre, The Guthrie Theater, and Seattle Repertory Theatre, among others. International: Hamburg Festival, Edinburgh Festival, Malthouse Theatre (Melbourne), and Soho Theatre (London). MFA: Brown University.
Daniel and Patrick Lazour are brothers and music theater writers. Projects in development include a musical adaptation of Ritesh Batra’s film The Lunchbox (Lincoln Center Theater) and their show with communal singing, Night Side Songs (Under the Radar, A.R.T./PTC co-production). They wrote original music for Caroline Lindy’s debut feature Your Monster (Sundance 2024) and their movie musical Challenger: An American Dream is being developed with Bruce Cohen Productions and Spark Features. Their original musical We Live in Cairo makes its off-Broadway premiere this Fall at New York Theater Workshop after a world premiere at the American Repertory Theater in 2019, directed by Taibi Magar. Original songs by the Lazours can be heard on their independently released albums: Freres, Flap My Wings (Songs from We Live in Cairo), Beth’s Homemade Cowboy Breakfast and Lullabies. They are Jonathan Larson Grant and Richard Rodgers Award recipients, MacDowell and Yaddo Fellows, and New York Theater Workshop Usual Suspects. They have worked with Noor Theatre Company, Ars Nova and PAC NYC, and are proud teaching artists. Patrick holds a B.A. from Boston College and Daniel holds a B.A. from Columbia University. @frereslazour
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/night-side-songs/
Today on the podcast:
Suli Holum (HERA) stops in to talk about the Wilma Theater production of “The Half-God of Rainfall” by Inua Ellams, directed by Lindsay Smiling. On stage through March 2nd. Here is my interview with Suli Holum for “The Half-God of Rainfall”
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://wilmatheater.org/event/thehalfgodofrainfall/
What everyone agreed on: Two cars collided. One, driven by a Hasidic Jew, veered off the road and critically injured two Black children, one of whom ultimately died. A crowd formed. Police arrived.
What no one agreed on: Anything else.
In the summer of 1991, Crown Heights, NY exploded into three days of violence fed by rumors and competing narratives formed from incomplete facts. In the chaos, some saw anti-Black police bias. Others saw violent anti-Semitism. But playwright Anna Deavere Smith heard the honest voices of a divided national narrative. Join us for this remarkable play that features the real words of more than 20 people, interviewed immediately after the events, speaking honestly, the way we do in private. Let’s listen.
Run time: 2 hours, plus a 15-minute intermission
Content Warning: Fires In The Mirror catalogs reflections of the Crown Heights Riots, a racially-charged conflict that engulfed the New York neighborhood in 1991. This play contains strong language and references to racism, slavery, lynching, antisemitism, sexual violence, and the Holocaust.
Phyllis Johnson (all roles) works in Theater, Film, TV, & Voice Over. Nominated for two NY Innovative Theatre Awards, Phyllis understudied A Naked Girl on the Appian Way/Doug Hughes, Director (Broadway). Recent TV projects include Zero Day (Netflix) starring Robert DeNiro, Equalizer (NBC), Uncoupled (Netflix), Law & Order: Season 22 (NBC), Blue Bloods (CBS), and Pose (FX). Phyllis is a voice actor and has leant her voice to 400+ film/TV episodes including Oscar winners and favorites such as Black Swan, American Gangster, and The Devil Wears Prada. She executive produced the award-winning film I’m Through with White Girls. Phyllis is a graduate of the David Geffen Yale School of Drama where she won the Fox Family Foundation Grant and The Oliver Thorndike Prize.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://brtstage.org/shows/fires-in-the-mirror/
Today on the podcast: Director Rebecca Wright, Playwright AZ Espinoza and Performer/Composer Pax Ressler drop in to talk about the EgoPo production, The Drag by Mae West. This piece has been reworked by Thomas Choinacky and AZ Espinoza. On stage through February 9th. Here is my interview with Rebecca Wright for THE DRAG.
Today on the podcast:
We take a look at the road that brought One-Man Nutcracker to its fifth year on stage for the holidays. Chris Davis, solo artist brings all the magic of the timeless classic as one man in many roles. On stage through December 29th, here is my interview with Chris Davis for One-Man Nutcracker.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://www.realchrisdavis.com/
Today on the podcast:
Tyler S. Elliot stops by to talk about the Hedgerow Theatre production of “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Frank Capra, on stage through December 29th. Here is my interview with Tyler S. Elliot for Hedgerow Theatre’s It’s A Wonderful Life.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://www.hedgerowtheatre.org
Today on the podcast:
Artistic Director, Shamus, stops by to talk about the Shakespeare in Clark Park World Premiere of The Complete Works of Christmas Abridged, created by Brenna Geffers, starring Amanda Schoonover, on stage through December 29th. Here’s my interview with Shamus for The Complete Works of Christmas Abridged.
December 12-19, 2024
She'll be home for Christmas --- home alone that is. It's Christmas Eve and after a tough year one lady is determined to get into the holiday spirits. Armed with eggnog, she's going to binge drink and binge watch every Christmas story available. Elf-help be damned! Who needs loved ones when you have the Hallmark Channel?
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.shakespeareinclarkpark.org/christmas