Join us as we explore the vibrant art scene in Philadelphia with Conrad Benner, founder of Streets Department, a platform dedicated to documenting and promoting public art for over 15 years. Discover insights about community-led projects, the impact of murals, and the future of urban art and media.

Timestamps:

00:04 - Introduction and overview of Philadelphia’s thriving art scene

01:17 - Conrad’s role and daily work with Streets Department

02:30 - The podcast journey and collaborations with WHYY and ROHOM

03:44 - Discussing the importance of long-form conversations and media independence

06:27 - Social media strategies: humor, virality, and community storytelling

07:47 - Supporting artists and public art through independent platforms and Patreon

11:45 - Highlights of key projects and impactful moments over 15 years

13:01 - The influence of community-led murals and public art programs

14:00 - The success of the 24/7 transit petition and its impact

15:02 - Public transit challenges and advocacy in Philadelphia

16:53 - Broader issues: taxes, infrastructure, and city funding

18:10 - The power of urban planning and rail infrastructure in Philadelphia

19:34 - The significance of murals and community stories in public spaces

21:14 - Future aspirations: writing a book and expanding public art projects

24:30 - Upcoming mural projects celebrating LGBTQ+ leaders in the Gayborhood

29:23 - The enduring importance of storytelling, conversation, and community engagement

About Streets Dept

Founded as a photo-blog in January 2011, Streets Dept has grown into a multi-platform showcase of Philadelphia public art and public space. We discover and celebrate commissioned and non-commissioned art on the streets and in the public spaces of Philadelphia. And sometimes we also curate it! We believe deeply that the public space has a profound effect on us as individuals and on our city as a whole, and our purpose is to explore how all of us build and use public spaces creatively. You can find our work here on the blog, across social media (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Threads), on our Patreon, in our publications, on our monthly walking tours, and, of course, on the streets.

Streets Dept was the winner of the Philadelphia Geek Award for ‘Geek Culture Journalism’ (2011); named one of the ‘Best Blogs for Travellers’ by The Guardian (2013); beat out the one-and-only Gritty to win of the ‘Never Delete Your Account‘ award at the first annual Billy Penn awards, The Billies (2019); and has been notably mentioned by Time Magazine (2011), Encyclopedia Britannica (2012), Instagram (2014), Mashable (2015), Thrillist (2016), Philadelphia Style Magazine (2016), Philly Voice (2016), Highsnobiety (2017), Curbed National (2017), Travel + Leisure (2018), Artblog (2019), South Philly Review (2021), 6 ABC (2021), Philadelphia Museum of Art (2021), Philadelphia Gay News (2022), Philadelphia Magazine (2022), The Philadelphia Inquirer (2023), NBC’s 1st Look (2023), and The New York Times (2023), among others! 

About Conrad Benner, Founder/Editor

Conrad Benner is the Founder/Editor of StreetsDept.com. A Fishtown, Philadelphia born-and-raised photo-blogger, curator (Streets Dept Walls and Mural Arts Philadelphia), and podcaster (WHYY’s Art Outside), Conrad’s work explores the art of our public spaces and the artists who create it. 

Resources & Links:

Streets Department

Mural Arts Philadelphia

Connect with Conrad Benner:

• Instagram

Follow us and our links here: 

https://bio.site/em3ry

Takeaways

Celebrating Lin-Manuel's music

Community involvement in performances

Chapters

00:00 Mandy's Journey with Orchestras

02:06 Celebrating Lin-Manuel's Music

03:55 The Rehearsal Process

05:48 Community Engagement and Local Talent

07:02 The Joy of Performing

08:31 Inspiring the Next Generation

09:45 The Power of Storytelling

12:27 Reflections on 'In the Heights'

LINKS:

EVERYTHING I KNOW - Mandy Gonzalez sings Lin-Manuel Miranda

https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/rent-our-spaces/special-events-and-performances/everything-i-know

ABOUT MANDY GONZALEZ
https://mandygonzalez.com/

Mandy Gonzalez on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/mandy.gonzalez/

Follow us and our links here: 
https://bio.site/em3ry

Takeaways

The Philadelphia theater community is accessible and offers diverse opportunities for actors and artists.

The production of 'Can't Forget About You' by InisNua Theatre Company was a unique and engaging experience for both the actors and the audience. Uncomfortable conversations in a play can be impactful and thought-provoking.

The life of a working actor involves flexibility, uncertainty, and the need for community support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Season Highlights
01:04 Embodiment of Characters: Wilbur and Beyond
02:38 Adam Howard's Path to Philadelphia Theater
03:58 The Philadelphia Theater Scene: Opportunities and Community
08:46 InisNua Theatre and International Plays
10:01 Introduction to 'Can't Forget About You'
12:07 Themes of Family, Love, and Humor in the Play
15:51 Stage Design and Choreography in Theater
18:26 Audience Engagement and Memorable Moments
22:13 Family Dynamics and Personal Growth
25:56 Upcoming Projects and Future Opportunities
30:45 Supporting Arts in Philadelphia
32:30 The Actor's Life: Flexibility, Challenges, and Rewards
35:18 Reflections on Pride and Artistic Journey
36:34 Closing Remarks and Future Conversations

CONNECT WITH ADAM HOWARD:
https://www.instagram.com/adamdouglashoward/

Learn More About InisNua Theatre Company and "Can't Forget About You": https://inisnuatheatre.org/show/cant-forget-about-you-0

Follow us and our links here: 
https://bio.site/em3ry

Takeaways

Balancing entertainment and depth

The impact of personal experiences on writing The transformative power of tiny steps

The importance of community and connection

Chapters

00:00 Life Post-Fat Ham

06:06 The Philadelphia Theater Scene

15:11 Response to Arden's Presentation of Good Bones

22:51 Creating an Anthology and Writing Process

28:10 The Transformative Power of Tiny Steps

35:52 Generational Shifts and Legacy

43:29 The Formula for a Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play

LINKS:

Philadelphia Theatre Company - https://philatheatreco.org

Wilderness Generation Play - https://philatheatreco.org/wilderness-generation

Fat Ham by James Ijames - https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/james-ijames

Blanca Zizka - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blanca_Zizka

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jwijames/

Website - https://www.jamesijames.com

James’ Plays - https://www.jamesijames.com/the-plays

Follow us and our links here:

https://bio.site/em3ry

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Women's History Month

05:23 Accessing the Arts: Overcoming Barriers

10:51 Engaging with Local Artists and Productions

16:39 Theater as a Personal Journey

22:15 Inspiring the Next Generation of Theatergoers

27:51 The Beauty of Imperfection in Live Theater

30:32 The Importance of Understudies in Theater

32:24 The Impact of Seeing New Talent

34:20 The Value of Local Theater Productions

37:13 Celebrating Long-Standing Relationships in Theater

38:38 The Role of Community in Supporting the Arts

40:32 Accessibility and Transportation to Arts Events

43:07 Memorable Performances and Their Lasting Impact

44:37 The Joy of Theater Productions

46:23 Exploring Unique Storytelling in Plays

47:36 Emotional Impact of Performances

49:53 Mental Health Themes in Theater

53:23 Highlighting Female Directors

56:23 The Power of New Works in Theater

58:15 Fringe Festival and Emerging Talent

01:00:16 Connecting Through Theater: A Journey to Edinburgh

01:02:05 Anticipating Upcoming Productions: Excitement for March

01:03:55 Exploring New Theatrical Experiences: Jelly's Last Jam

01:05:43 The Importance of Community in Theater

01:06:53 Engaging with Emerging Voices in Theater

01:07:58 Reflections on Theater Experiences and Expectations

01:10:00 The Power of Theater: Finding Meaning in Every Performance

01:11:51 Nostalgia and the Impact of Classic Productions

01:14:13 Closing Thoughts: The Joy of Sharing Theater Experiences

 RESOURCES

Theater Philadelphia - https://theaterphiladelphia.org/ 

Art Reach - https://artreachphila.org/ 

Quintessence Theatre Group - https://quintessencetheatre.org/ 

Philadelphia Theater Company - https://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/ 

Philadelphia Theater Company - https://www.philadelphiatheatercompany.org/ 

Lantern Theater Company - https://www.lanterntheater.org/ 

Azuka Theatre - https://azukatheatre.org/ 

Theatre Exile - https://theatreexile.org/ 

Edinburgh Festival Fringe - https://www.edfringe.com/ 

Hedgerow Theater - https://hedgerowtheatre.org/ 

 GUEST LINK:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dembrucegals/ 

A Bold and Modern New Adaptation

Caesar

Adapted by Tyler Dobrowsky
From Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Directed by Morgan Green

What would you do to protect your home?

Shakespeare’s classic political tragedy is reborn as a gripping contemporary thriller in this bold new adaptation by Tyler Dobrowsky. Caesar stays true to Shakespeare’s original language but trims the story to its leanest, most urgent core—cutting to the heart of ambition, authoritarianism, and the cost of protecting democracy.

Brutus, a principled Roman senator, joins a conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar, fearing the rise of tyranny. But once the deed is done, the fragile dream of liberty spirals into violence, unrest, and civil war. As alliances shift and Rome descends into chaos, the play asks: Who gets to hold power? And at what price?

Running just 95 minutes, Caesar is fast-paced and fiercely relevant, inviting audiences to draw parallels between ancient Rome and the political tensions of our world today.

In a season about what it means to be home, Caesar asks: who gets to shape the future of a nation? And what are we willing to risk to defend the place—and people—we love?

ABOUT MORGAN CLAIRE GREEN

PTC: Debut. Off-Broadway: Five Models in Ruins, 1981, LCT3; Staff Meal, Playwrights Horizons; School Pictures, Playwrights Horizons. Regional: Hilma (Opera), Eternal Life Part 1, School Pictures, Fat Ham (digital; Pulitzer Prize for Drama), Wilma Theater. Additional premieres include Five Models in Ruins and The Karamazovs (film). Awards: Obie Award. Leadership: Co-Artistic Director of Philadelphia’s Tony Award–winning Wilma Theater, where she has directed numerous world premieres and new theatrical collaborations.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/caesar/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

02:19 Exploring 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise'

05:09 Character Insights and Rehearsal Process

09:59 Thematic Connections to Modern Relationships

16:05 Audience Expectations and Emotional Moments

22:59 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Ken Ludwig's Dear Jack, Dear Louise

Directed By Peter Reynolds

February 11 - March 1, 2026

Regional Premiere. 

A love story begins when two strangers meet by letter during World War II. U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, begins writing to Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City, hoping to meet her someday, if the war allows. Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig tells the joyous, heart-warming story of his parents’ courtship during World War II, and the results are anything but expected.

Max Lynch as Louise
Brandon Tyler as Jack

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://hedgerowtheatre.org

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season 10

03:58 Introduction to Jesus Hop the A Train

05:37 Character Insights and Table Read Reactions

09:14 Exploring Themes of Redemption and Accountability

14:42 Relevance of the Play in Today's Society

21:17 Community, Power, and the Role of Money

25:58 Character Development and Personal Growth

28:15 Final Thoughts and Audience Takeaways

Jesus Hopped the “A” Train

A young man with little hope, Angel, has shot a cult leader for brainwashing his best friend; his confession to the public defender then cripples Angel’s defense when the cult leader dies. Ironically, while in The Tombs, the serial killer in the next cell sparks Angel’s spiritual conversion.

Directed By: Dave Ebersole

CAST:

Carlos Jiga - Angel

Jon Owens - Lucius

Monica Guest - Mary Jane

Brandon Tabb - Valdez

Eric Jarrell - D’Amico

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://thestagecrafters.org/production/jesus-hopped-the-a-train/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:57 Phaedra's Background and Journey to Playwriting

02:37 Exploring Identity and Family History

05:36 The Importance of Storytelling in Understanding History

08:29 Overview of 'Plantation Black' and Its Inspiration

11:16 The Unique Structure of 'Plantation Black'

13:44 The Rehearsal Process and Collaboration with the Cast

16:26 Engagement and Audience Experience in Theater

19:17 Themes of Safety and Representation in Storytelling

21:26 The Power of Storytelling and Audience Engagement

26:32 Exploring Unique Storytelling Techniques

27:42 Art as a Reflection of Society

28:53 Connecting with Family and Ancestry

33:54 The Importance of Momentum in Theatre

Two centuries after a murky agreement binds a Civil War era plantation family to the enslaved people working the land, the white and Black Prioleau descendants must finally determine who is the rightful heir.

A cast of six actors play both the Civil War and present-day characters, and each night the play begins at a different point in the timeline when a cast member spins a drum bearing the names of all the scenes in the play.

PLANTATION BLACK’s innovative structure evokes the way history repeats itself, and the (sometimes) random ways we learn about our national and personal history.

PLANTATION BLACK has six potential starting points. About 20 minutes before each performance, we will pull a ball from the raffle drum to see where we'll start. If you want to return for the chance to see the play start in a different place (no guarantees!), you can purchase a $12 return ticket at boxoffice@interacttheatre.org or call 215-568-8079.

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of Yellow Bicycle

02:27 Community Engagement and Support

05:25 Navigating the Challenges of Theater Production

08:08 Lessons Learned in Venue Management

10:47 The Importance of Business Acumen in the Arts

13:43 Building a Collaborative Artistic Community

16:29 The Journey of Creating a Theater Space

19:08 Fringe Theater Masterclass Overview

21:49 The Value of Diverse Skills in Theater

24:27 Engaging with the Audience and Community

27:18 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

The original yellow bicycle was a vintage Schwinn rescued from an LA landfill. It served as a commuter bike, camera dolly, and grip truck during YBC founder Joshua Crone’s first two years in Hollywood. When actors came by the studio they would find it parked outside to make room for rehearsal or filming. Over time the yellow bicycle became a signpost, a symbol of the collective: a loose-knit group of theater and film artists committed to doing ambitious work, even under humble circumstances. A group that was going places, even if it meant cycling uphill against the wind. When Crone moved to New York in 2018, the bike stayed behind in Joshua Tree. But its spirit lives on in its successor, a 1975 Raleigh (pictured here at Lyons Falls, NY), and in its namesake: Yellow Bicycle Collective.

As a resident theater company of the new Yellow Bicycle Theater in Center City, Philadelphia, Yellow Bicycle Collective is now a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit corporation committed to producing edgy new writing, experimental reworking of classic plays, and training in all aspects of fringe theater and indie film production. Its mission, as outlined in its Articles of Incorporation, is to enrich, educate and entertain the community by providing unique experiences at the interface of theater and film.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://yellowbicycle.org | https://yellowbicycle.com/  

by Kate Hamill

Adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott

Directed by Abby Weissman

November 26 - December 28, 2025

Step into the heart of the March family, where sisters Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth grow up together amid the American Civil War. Brave, bright, and endlessly imaginative, each sister faces the challenge of balancing her dreams with the weight of society’s expectations. Through moments of laughter, loss, and love, they discover that the true strength of family lies in unity, even when the world around them feels uncertain. Hedgerow presents the regional premiere of playwright Katie Hamill’s fresh adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic featuring live musical accompaniment. This holiday season, gather with your loved ones to celebrate a timeless tale of family, friendship, and the bonds that hold communities together.

Cast
Jo…………………………………...……... Marissa Emerson
Beth……………………………...………….. Olive Gallagher
Laurie…………………………………….…………... Leo Mock
Marmee, Aunt March……... Emily-Grace Murray
Hannah, others……………………….. Katherine Perry
Meg………………………………….... Minou Pourshariati
Mr. Brooks, others……………... James Arthel Reilly
Mr. Laurence, others……………………... Bob Weick
Amy…………………………….. Jameka Monet Wilson

Production Team
Stage Manager Jessica Beaver • Assistant Stage Manager Ella Namour • Scenic Designer/Scenic Charge Sarah Schunke • Lighting Designer Lily Fossner* • Props Manager Kevin Ruehle • Music Director/Sound Designer/Composer Matthew Mastronardi • Costume Designer Leigh Paradise • Intimacy Choreographer Melanie Julian • Fight Director Ilana HuiYa Lo • Costume Shop Manager Elizabeth Hanson • Technical Director Pat Ahearn • Set Builder Karl McClellan • Director of Production Kate Fossner • Audio Description Gina Pisasale

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Artists and Their Roles

02:48 Exploring the Adaptation of Little Women

05:40 The Role of Music in Storytelling

08:07 The Unique Rehearsal Process

11:02 Casting and the Ensemble

13:30 Design Elements and Thematic Representation

19:21 Audience Connection and Emotional Impact

24:43 Personal Reflections and Takeaways

29:55 Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.hedgerowtheatre.org/little-women

Directed By Mya Flood

Curio brings you another Make/Partake Theatre Experience following the great success of JACK AND THE BEANSTALK and THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. For ages 3 and up!

Get in on the action: making props, sound effects, shadow puppets and even controlling the weather. A fun time for all participants and audience members.

Runs: December 20 to 31 (11am and 3pm)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Curio Theatre and Guests

03:30 Maya Flood's Background and Experience

06:52 Exploring Hansel and Gretel: An Immersive Experience

10:39 Planning the Make and Partake Series

14:16 Audience Engagement and Feedback

18:04 The Cast and Their Roles

21:31 Future of Children's Theatre at Curio

25:09 Potential Future Productions and Themes

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://curiotheatre.org

00:00 Introduction and Background of Darnelle Radford

04:37 Darnelle's Journey into Theater

09:08 The Importance of Live Theater

13:33 Theater as a Community Experience

18:21 Challenges in the Theater Industry

23:03 The Future of Theater and New Works

27:33 Darnelle's New Role at Theater Philadelphia

32:05 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

ABOUT DARNELLE RADFORD

Darnelle Radford is a Philadelphia-based theater producer, media entrepreneur, and arts administrator with a significant presence in the local theater community. He is the founder of Represented Theatre Company and Em3ry, a media company that produces podcasts like the Broad Street Review Podcast, Rep Radio, The Business of Theater, A Working Title where he hosts or co-hosts the shows. He is the outgoing Director of Operations at Theatre Exile, South Philadelphia’s only theater company. Radford's work often involves supporting and promoting the arts, including managing technical systems and producing arts-focused content.

Darnelle has also worked in cultural organizations such as The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Art Museum, Freedom Theatre, Historic Philadelphia, Inc., The College of Physicians of Philadelphia and the COVID Containment Division of The City of Philadelphia’s Health Department.

Darnelle studied Multimedia and Web Design at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and Arts Administration at New York University.

ABOUT THEATRE PHILADELPHIA

Theatre Philadelphia unites, celebrates, and promotes the Philadelphia region's diverse and growing theatre community. We lead efforts that expand audiences and engage the public to participate in this community's work. Theatre Philadelphia envisions an equitable and inclusive region that champions and nurtures local artists. We aim to raise our city’s profile as a world-class city and enrich the lives of Philadelphia-area citizens.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://theatrephiladelphia.org/about-theatre-philadelphia

NOV 19, 2025 - JAN 4, 2026

ABOUT TREVOR MARTIN

Trevor Martin is a versatile actor, singer, and musician currently based in NYC. Described as a “classically-trained baritone, perfect for the Golden Age of musical theater,” Trevor has made a comfortable home both in the operatic and musical theater genres. He was winner of the prestigious Lotte Lenya Competition sponsored by the Kurt Weill Foundation in 2019, and was selected as a quarterfinalist for the American Traditions Competition for 2021.

Most recently, Trevor performed in two back-to-back productions of My Fair Lady as Henry Higgins — one with Union Avenue Opera, and the other at Ivoryton Playhouse. Earlier this year, he made his role debut as Dan Goodman in Next to Normal with Revival Theatre Company and as Nick/Low Righteous Brother in Beautiful at Riverside Theatre. Last year he performed the role of Thomas Andrews in Titanic with North Shore Music Theatre and in two back-to-back productions of Carousel as Billy Bigelow — one with Intermountain Opera Bozeman, and the other at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton, FL.  He opened the Global Tour of Jack O’Brien’s production of The Sound of Music as Captain Von Trapp in 2022 and 2023 and made his Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra debut as Commander Harbison in their concert performance of South Pacific, as well as covering Nathan Gunn as Emile and Nick Adams as Lt. Cable.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

02:26 Exploring the Joy of Performing Pirates of Penzance

05:58 Trevor's Journey from Music to Theater

08:38 Thematic Elements of Pirates of Penzance

11:32 The Humor and Social Commentary in the Show

15:43 Rehearsal Dynamics and Cast Interactions

18:55 Audience Reactions and Engagement

24:29 The Impact of Live Theater in a Digital Age

29:13 Trevor's Future Projects and Experiences in Philadelphia

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://www.quintessencetheatre.org/pirates

A CHRISTMAS STORY The Musical

Book by JOSEPH ROBINETTE · Music and Lyrics by BENJ PASEK and JUSTIN PAUL · BASED ON THE MOTION PICTURE A Christmas Story and on the book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by JEAN SHEPHERD

NOW – JANUARY 4, 2026

RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS 20 MINUTES INCL. INTERMISSION

get tickets

A CHRISTMAS STORY The Musical is Broadway’s musical comedy gift! A boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas, a Red Ryder BB Gun. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, the dogs stealing the turkey, a cranky department store Santa and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. Based on the classic movie, this musical captures holiday wonder with funny and heartfelt songs, show-stopping dancing, a pair of mischievous dogs, delicious wit and a heart of gold!

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://walnutstreettheatre.org/season/show/a-christmas-story-2025 

Theatre Horizon presents Wishing to Grow Up Brightly, a genre-defying new musical co-created by Amanda Morton (The Color Purple, A New Brain, Into the Woods, Broadway’s Maybe Happy Ending, Gutenberg! The Musical! and KPOP) with longtime collaborator Theatre Horizon’s multi-time Barrymore Award-winning Interim Artistic Director Matthew Decker (The Few, A New Brain, Into the Woods, Broadway’s upcoming La La Land), Josh Totora, and Brenson Thomas. In this surreal and heartfelt story, South Korean adoptee Amanda Newton returns to her white childhood home after her father's death. There, she discovers her father's preserved memories through a futuristic service called reMemorex, launching her on a time-bending

journey through grief, identity, sitcom nostalgia, and long-silenced questions. Morton, a three-time Barrymore Award recipient for Outstanding Music Direction for productions at Theatre Horizon and Wilma Theater, inspired this story, and Decker directs. Wishing to Grow Up Brightly has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. Performances run November 5 to November 23, 2025.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://theatrehorizon.org

1 Pound 4 Ounces
written & performed by Khalil Munir
directed by Amina Robinson
World Premiere | October 22 - November 2, 2025 - EXTENDED THROUGH NOVEMBER 9!

Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake
Produced by Azuka Theatre & Simpatico Theatre

Through a tour-de-force tap performance, live music, and impassioned storytelling, Khalil shares his true tale of growing up and beating the odds in Philadelphia. This triumphant story of hope reveals the transformative power of art to change lives.

Honorary Producers
Lyndsey & Kevin McCormick

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://azukatheatre.org

WISHING TO GROW UP BRIGHTLY

Book by Amanda Morton, Matthew Decker & Brenson Thomas

Music by Josh Totora

Lyrics by Amanda Morton and Josh Totora

Directed by Matthew Decker

A bold new musical inspired by the real-life story of Amanda Morton (The Color Purple, Broadway’s Gutenberg! The Musical!, KPOP), co-created with longtime collaborator and Theatre Horizon co-founder Matthew Decker, alongside Josh Totora and Brenson Thomas. After the death of her father, Amanda Newton—a Korean-American adoptee—returns to her childhood home to help her mother pack up. There, she discovers a trove of his preserved memories, created by a tech company called reMemorex, and is pulled into a surreal and intimate journey through loss, identity, and the questions that have quietly shaped her life. As Amanda searches for connection in the fragments he left behind, she begins to confront a deeper longing: how do you create a sense of home when it was taken from you before you even knew what it was?

Wishing to Grow Up Brightly has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://theatrehorizon.org

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
02:37 Susan McKey's Journey in Theater
05:10 Exploring 'Fly Me to the Moon'
07:58 Rehearsal Dynamics and Challenges
10:24 Character Dynamics and Relationships
13:01 Themes of Loneliness and Connection
15:24 The Role of Humor in Serious Topics
17:41 Audience Experience and Expectations
20:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Susan McKey and co-star Marcia Saunders star as Loretta and Francis, two cash-strapped community care workers, are on their way to another routine visit to their patient, Davey McGee, a lonely man dedicated to his newspaper, horse races, and memories of Frank Sinatra. The day takes an unexpected turn for poor Davey, as Jones spins a sharply funny tale exploring what happens when ordinary people are tempted with extraordinary (if not slightly outrageous) opportunities.

“Fly Me to the Moon is a play about making the wrong decisions and then making the right ones,” shared Gibson. “As with all good farce, Marie Jones has crafted two credible characters that we can’t help but fall in love with. While the play does speak to economic hardship and senior loneliness, what impresses me is the way Jones finds humor in their desperation. What charms me most about this play, however, is its optimism. The belief that, despite your circumstances, your life might just get better, Frank Sinatra might sing to you, or maybe your horse will finally come in.”

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://hedgerowtheatre.org

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fringe Arts and Nell Bang-Jensen

02:12 Reflecting on a Year at Fringe Arts

04:06 The Importance of Fringe Festivals

06:30 Supporting Artists and Workshops

08:29 Navigating the Festival Landscape

11:04 The Role of Community in the Arts

14:19 Festival Growth and Audience Engagement

15:29 Curated vs. Neighborhood Festivals

17:54 Thematic Hubs and Community Engagement

20:35 Challenges with Non-Traditional Spaces

23:29 The Future of Fringe Arts

25:59 Feastival: A Culinary and Arts Experience

28:16 Planning for the Future of Fringe Arts

33:51 Community Needs and Artist Support

35:59 The Future of Festivals in Philadelphia

38:56 Funding Challenges in the Arts

39:48 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

ABOUT NELL BANG-JENSEN (CEO and Producing Director of FringeArts)

Nell Bang-Jensen is a Philadelphia-based theater maker and the newly appointed Artistic Director of Theatre Horizon  She has created four full-scale, original works, in addition to directing and producing for many of Philadelphia’s major theater institutions, including Philadelphia Theatre Company, the Wilma, Pig Iron, and the Painted Bride.  Nell is a recipient of a  2019 Map Fund Award, a Next Stage Director’s Fellowship from the Drama League (2019), a  Thomas J. Watson Fellow (2011-2012), a Frank 5 Fellow for the Aydelotte Foundation (2017), and a participant in the Leadership U: One-on-One program, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and administered by Theatre Communications group; a national fellowship given to eight individuals who TCG believes are the core and future of theater.   In October 2018, American Theatre magazine named her one of six "theatre workers to know" across the nation.

FOR MORE ABOUT FRINGE ARTS: https://fringearts.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Curio Theater and Dracula

02:27 Damien Figueras: The Multi-Hyphenate Artist

05:16 The Unique Approach to Dracula

08:10 The Humor and Modern Resonance of Dracula

11:03 Rehearsal Process and Creative Collaboration

13:25 Design Elements: Blending Classic and Modern

16:17 The Cast: Bringing Characters to Life

18:52 The Enduring Appeal of Dracula

21:37 Personal Favorites and Future Aspirations

24:22 Closing Thoughts and Audience Engagement

DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS is a Bram-new comedy you can really sink your teeth into. Filled with clever wordplay and anything-goes pop culture references, it’s a 90-minute, gender-bending, quick-changing, laugh-out-loud reimagining of the gothic classic, perfect for audiences of all blood types.

Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen

Directed by Damien Figueras

Previews: October 15, 16, 17 at 8pm

Opens: October 18 at 8pm

Runs: October 22 to November 1 at 8pm

(Two matinee performances at 3pm)

Recommended for ages 13 and up due to mature humor.

Warning: There will be some strobe lighting and haze/fog effects.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://curiotheatre.org

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://www.quintessencetheatre.org/  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Relic Theatre Company

02:51 The Journey of Starting a Theater Company

05:45 Building a Foundation: Early Steps and Challenges

08:22 The Importance of Branding and Identity

11:21 Navigating the Current Theater Landscape

13:53 Funding and Sustainability in Theater

16:41 Casting and Team Dynamics

19:40 The Creative Process and Production Insights

22:31 Community Engagement and Support

25:07 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 play, Spring Awakening opened on Broadway to mass acclaim in 2006, and has not lost an ounce of relevancy since. Exploring themes of sexuality, women’s reproductive rights, mental health, and the consequences of intellectual repression, the musical celebrates and mourns the invariable struggles young people face. With a blend of gritty, rock-infused melodies and poetic, poignant lyrics, the musical offers a raw and unflinching look at the journey into adulthood.

October 9-26, 2025

Christ Church Neighborhood House - 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

At the Relic Theatre Company, we believe great theater has the power to change the lives of both the audience who experiences it and the artists who create it. But this power is only manifested when the work is relevant, passionate, and financially accessible. We aim to produce a wide range of plays and musicals that embody these three principles while utilizing the rich artistic landscape of Philadelphia as our greatest resource.

Music Director - Jake Collins

Choreographer - Julianna Babb

Associate Producer / Dramaturg - Lizzie Newcomb Gumla

Costume Designer - Asaki Kuruma

Asher Vaglica - Production Stage Manager

Lighting Designer - Bless Rudisill

Scenic Designeer - Chris Haig

Assistant Stage Manager - Ronnie Hernandez

Props Designer - Emily Schuman

Sound Designer - Larry Fowler

Fight Director - J. Oliver Donahue

Director - Robi Hager

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://relictheatre.org 

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Philadelphia Fringe Festival

02:04 Anna Snapp's Artistic Journey

04:05 The Evolution of 'I Found the Sun Will Rise Tomorrow'

08:30 The Impact of Performance on Healing

14:20 Shifting Perspectives: From Victimhood to Empowerment

18:42 The Role of Direction in Artistic Expression

22:00 Engaging with the Audience: The Emotional Connection

27:32 Self-Discovery Through Art

32:54 The Importance of Checking In with Oneself

I FOUND THAT the SUN WILL RISE TOMORROW

Anna Snapp boldly shares the deeply personal, painful, and earth-shattering details of her long-term battle with chronic disease, mental illness, and sexual trauma in “one of the bravest performances [I] have seen in a long time.” (“I Found That the Sun Will Rise Tomorrow is a Brave Emotional Rollercoaster” - All About Solo). Snapp takes the audience through her atypical and agonizing coming-of-age story through the lens of being a young woman who was forced to put a terrifying puzzle together without the picture on the front of the box.

About the Artist

Anna Snapp is a Philly-based actor, writer, and content creator whose work has been seen at festivals and companies including but not limited to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Off-Broadway on Theatre Row at The United Solo Theatre Festival, the Capital Fringe in Washington, D.C., New York Shakespeare Exchange, The Brick Theater, Irish Heritage Theatre, Blunt Ensemble, and Rising Sun Performance Company, and various medical establishments nationwide. She studied at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, Temple University, and at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. She has a deep passion for creating art for social change, eliminating stigma surrounding mental illness, and transforming the healthcare system from within through the telling of her experiences with health crises that changed her life forever.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/i-found-that-the-sun-will-rise-tomorrow/ 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aaron Pang and Falling

02:41 Aaron's Identity and Storytelling Style

05:32 The Creative Process Behind Falling

08:06 Audience Reception and Expectations

11:02 Challenging Ableism in Theater

13:53 The Role of Disability in Performance

16:38 Experiences at the Edinburgh Festival

19:22 Cultural Differences in Audience Reactions

22:09 Adapting Stories for International Audiences

25:00 The Importance of Vulnerability in Storytelling

27:27 Future Plans for Falling

30:24 What Artists Need to Shine

ABOUT AARON PANG

An Oakland native, Aaron Pang is just a guy telling stories to any one who will listen. A first generation child of Chinese immigrants, a choir boy, a tech guy, and a disabled person, Aaron hopes his stories will inspire others to embrace their multi-faceted identities.

ABOUT FALLING - A DISABLED LOVE STORY

One accident, two stories: one you’ve heard a thousand times, one you’ve never heard before. Falling is an uncomfortably sexy and hilariously vulnerable stumble through Aaron’s misadventures searching for love, lust, and life after disability.

Come to see if he falls on stage or if he falls in love!

Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Most Thought Provoking Show - The Scotsman

“sweet, sharp, and provocative.” - The Guardian

“an intelligent original.” - The Stage

“a tidal wave of good vibes” ★★★★★ - The Neurodivergence Review

“Bold, intimate, and constantly subverting our expectations” ★★★★★ - FringeReview

“stunning” ★★★★ - The List

“unmissable” ★★★★ - Theatre Weekly

“tender, intimate, and uncompromising... and very VERY funny” ★★★★ - Broadway Baby

★★★★ - EdFringe Review

★★★★ - Indiependent

★★★★ - ThreeWeeks

★★★★ - LondonTheatre1

★★★★ - The RealChrisparkle

EdFringe ‘25 - Brighton Fringe Excellence Award - RUNNER UP

EdFringe ‘25 - Birds of Paradise Exceptional Theatre Award - Shortlist

EdFringe ‘25 - NBC Writing Award - Shortlist

Hollywood Fringe ‘25 Top of Fringe - Nominee

Hollywood Fringe ‘25 Best Comedic Theater - Nominee

Hollywood Fringe ‘25 Movie Club Award - WINNER

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/falling-a-disabled-love-story/  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Play and the Artist

02:05 Exploring the Themes of 'Dachau for Queers'

06:02 The Creative Process Behind the Play

11:58 Family Dynamics and Identity

18:14 Community and Empathy in the LGBTQ+ Experience

24:00 The Importance of Storytelling in Art

DACHAU FOR QUEERS 

Workshop Production of a New Play by Daniel Neer

Directed by Ted Gorodetzky

Produced by The LAB 

It’s 1970, and runaway Jonah Goodson is confined at California’s notorious Atascadero Psychiatric Hospital. His “sickness”? Homosexuality. Navigating a psychotropic maze of barbaric treatments, he encounters the most unlikely guides – but are they real or imagined?

Gruesomely referred to as Dachau for Queers, the maximum-security forensic institution Atascadero Psychiatric Hospital was widely renowned for its experimental therapies of electrical and pharmacological shock treatments subjected upon inmates to "cure" them of their perceived sexual deviations. The fictional Jonah Goodson, estranged from his family and adrift in 1970’s San Francisco, gets caught in the belly of that beast and wrestles with his jumbled mind to carve a journey out. At times shockingly brutal and at others comically surreal, Daniel Neer’s new play is an innovative odyssey punctuated by surprising characters, leaps of fantasy, and heartfelt truths.

Written by Daniel Neer
Directed by Ted Gorodetzky
Cast:  Tristan Jenis, Lois Sach*, Neena Boyle, Ted Gorodetzky*, Avery Leach
(*appearing courtesy AEA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/dachau-for-queers/

Chapters

* 00:00 Introduction to the Philly Fringe Festival and John Michael's Work

* 02:27 The Inspiration Behind 'Spank Bank Time Machine'

* 05:12 Exploring Identity and the Role of Art in Healing

* 08:12 The Importance of Addressing Difficult Topics in Art

* 10:49 Navigating the Challenges of Performance Art

* 13:39 The Role of Narcan in the Community and Its Stigma

* 16:01 The Impact of Overdose Epidemic on Society

* 18:29 The Personal Connection to the Overdose Crisis

* 21:23 The Role of Artists in Addressing Social Issues

* 24:12 The Mechanics of Performance and Audience Engagement

* 26:54 Reflections on the First Performance and Artistic Growth

* 29:38 The Journey of 'Spank Bank Time Machine' and Its Evolution

* 32:43 Engaging the Audience with Narcan

* 35:39 Embracing the Unwanted in Performance

* 37:19 The Bystander Effect and Audience Participation

* 39:32 The Influence of Taylor Mac

* 41:47 Theater's Role in Addressing Loneliness

* 44:37 The Power of Audience Participation

* 46:03 Navigating the Theater Landscape

* 47:53 Sex Positivity and Public Health Advocacy

* 50:12 The Impact of Sharing Names

* 52:59 Funding and Support for Artistic Work

Spank Bank Time Machine

Queer Fantasia Time Travel Adventure with trauma clown John Michael - it's Angels in America meets Snakes on a Plane, but with DRUGS! Time travel with John Michael and receive free lifesaving NARCAN time machines: learn how to go back in time after an overdose.

“A celebration of life, ... Big belly laughs.... Art never dies!” ★★★★★ —Free Press

“It’s fun, raunchy, outrageous, touching, and incredible. Easily my favorite show at the entire festival.” —UMFM

"A whirlwind of a journey delivered at a breakneck pace — full of gay sex, drugs, and charismatic performer John Michael in a mankini. A human example of the cost of the opioid epidemic.” —Orlando Sentinel

“Wild, Raw, and quite Moving. Not everyone attending Fringe may be ready for Spank Bank Time Machine” —The League of Cincinnati Theatres

"John Michael hits the stage like a popper-powered hurricane... If only one life is saved by his harrowing audience-participation Narcan demonstration, this carefully crafted yet bravely unbound show was worth it." —Orlando Weekly

**We will have leftover NARCAN KITS, and if you want more to proliferate, please text me at 773-263-9284. Additionally, consider getting involved with Prevention Point Philadelphia

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/

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.

Painting Churches production designers include Set Designer Dirk Durossette; Sound Designer Andrew Nelson, Lighting Designer Eric Baker, Projection/Media Designer Mark Williams, and IRC resident Costume Designer Erica Hoelscher/IRC Producing Artistic Associate. Megan Coyle is the Stage Manager. Tina Ann Brock, IRC’s Producing Artistic Director, and Peggy Mecham of the Irish Heritage Theatre, direct.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/painting-churches-by-tina-howe/ 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Season 10

01:05 Meet the Guests: Will and Mike

02:22 The Journey of Creating a Play

05:33 The Importance of Collaboration in Theater

11:11 Navigating the Current Climate for Artists

14:44 First Performance and Audience Reactions

18:55 The Evolution of the Script

25:00 The Role of Support and Collaboration

27:52 Closing Thoughts and Ticket Information

Dogberry and Verges Are Scared is a pants-pissingly funny new comedy that follows everyone's third favorite pair of Shakespearean clowns as they blunder through the events of Much Ado About Nothing and beyond.Their friendship and their wits will be tested as they attempt to foil Don John's evil plot, save Fair Hero's wedding, and hopefully earn a few ducats while they’re at it. Borrowing from the rich theatrical history that traces its roots from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead to Waiting for Godot to the storied stages of the vaudeville circuit.

This rolling world premiere, produced in partnership with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, hopes to shed new light on familiar characters by mixing a modern comedic sensibility and exciting new scenes with a light sprinkling Shakespeare’s own words, words, words. It’s chock full of easter eggs for people with a season subscription to the Folger and the perfect gateway drug for those who think “iambic pentameter” is a model of Buick. Starring Philadelphia theater legends Scott Greer and Anthony Lawton, Dogberry and Verges Are Scared is bursting with heart, highbrow comedy, vaudevillian gags, and... dancing? Only 10 performances. Do not miss this play!

Slippery Trout Productions was formed in 2025 by Michael Doherty and Will Mobley. They are two clowns that have no business running a business.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/dogberry-and-verges-are-scared/

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating a Decade of Podcasting

02:51 The Evolution of 'The Presented'

05:25 Art in a Changing Political Landscape

08:01 The Golden Age of Theater: A Distant Memory?

10:33 The Importance of Art in Society

13:39 The Resilience of the Fringe Festival

16:03 The Future of Live Theater

18:43 Engaging the Community with Art

21:25 The Role of Awareness in Theater Attendance

24:23 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

FROM THE CREATOR OF ONE-MAN NUTCRACKER, AND THE 40-YEAR-OLD BALLERINO

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.

Running approximately 50 minutes and directed by MK Tuomanen, The Presented is a genre-bending, laugh-out-loud examination of rejection, ambition, and the darkly funny terrain of the creative mind. Whether you're a fellow artist or just someone who's ever dared to dream big, this show will resonate... and possibly convince you to choose a more stable career.

"the kind of innovative spirit that the Fringe was originally created to showcase."
- The List ★★★★

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/the-presented/

ABOUT NEW HEAVEN, NEW EARTH

On the edge of empire, Cleopatra battles a soothsaying Crocodile in this revisionist, Afrocentric adaptation of Shakespeare's “Antony and Cleopatra”. Written by Rayne, directed by Shamus, with live music by Karen Smith, "new heaven new earth” is an allegory that blends ancient history with poetic futurism. When peace demands war, what will you become, and for whom?

After an over-sold, one-night showing at Philly Theatre Week, "new heaven new earth" continues its development through Philadelphia Theatre Company's Text and Dramaturgy Cohort at Cannonball.

Join us for two, developmental staged-readings of this new play commissioned and produced by Shakespeare in Clark Park with Upstream Performance Collaborative and Cannonball. 

Rayne the Playwright
Kishia Nixon* as Cleopatra
Ross Beschler* as Marc Antony
STARFIRE as Charmian & Crocodile
Adam Howard as Octavius et al
Jo Vito Ramírez* as Enobarbus et al
Katherine Perry as Octavia et al

Live Original Music by Karen Smith
Stage Management by Randi Alexis Hickey*

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://phillyfringe.org/events/new-heaven-new-earth/ 

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?

In this engaging podcast episode, host Darnelle Radford speaks with director Amina Robinson about her journey in theater and the world premiere of 'On My Dean.' They explore the themes of the play, which serves as a love letter to Islam, and discuss the importance of authenticity and cultural sensitivity in theater production. Amina shares her personal connection to the story, rooted in her father's experiences, and highlights the dynamic nature of the creative process in theater. In this conversation, Amina Robinson and Darnelle Radford discuss the intricacies of staging a new play that explores Muslim identity and community. They delve into the importance of cultural sensitivity in storytelling, the evolution of the play, the dynamics of the cast, and the challenges faced during the production process. Amina shares her personal connections to the themes of faith and representation, highlighting the significance of portraying authentic narratives in theater. The conversation culminates in an invitation for audiences to experience the play, emphasizing its unique storytelling and cultural relevance.

Chapters

* 00:00 Introduction to Amina Robinson and On My Dean

* 09:03 Exploring the Themes of On My Dean

* 12:04 The Writer's Journey and Authentic Representation

* 14:58 Cultural Sensitivity in Theater Production

* 17:08 Cultural Sensitivity in Storytelling

* 18:44 The Evolution of the Play

* 20:09 Cast Dynamics and Community Representation

* 21:52 Challenges of Last-Minute Casting

* 24:21 Personal Connections to Faith

* 25:36 The Importance of Faith in Daily Life

* 27:27 Representation in Media

* 29:00 Memorable Moments in the Play

* 31:32 The Structure of the Play

* 33:34 The Significance of New Plays

* 34:54 Invitation to Experience the Play

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://interacttheatre.org and https://theatreinthex.com

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

A SUMMER DAY

BY JON FOSSE
TRANSLATED BY SARAH CAMERON SUNDE
DIRECTED BY YURY URNOV

June 10–29, 2025

Experience the haunting beauty of Norwegian playwright Jon Fosse’s A Summer Day, directed by inventive Co-Artistic Director Yury Urnov (Mr. Burns, Minor Character, 12th Night) in a production that delves into the depths of human connection, memory, and existential longing. Is there one day in your past you keep replaying again and again? When do we start spending more time in the past than in the present? Through Fosse’s poetic language and Urnov’s innovative direction and immersive visual design, audiences are transported into an epic and intimate world where past and present intertwine, inviting reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the eternal search for meaning. Often referred to as a modern-day Ibsen, Fosse won a Nobel Prize in Literature in 2023 – one of the few playwrights to ever receive that honor – and is rarely produced in the United States.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Wilma Theater and A Summer Day

02:40 The Hothouse Experience and Ensemble Work

11:30 Exploring the Play: A Summer Day

17:24 Themes of Love, Loss, and Memory

20:30 Language and Communication in A Summer Day

24:30 The Power of Language and Exaggeration

26:41 Character Dynamics and Intrusions

29:58 Memory and Identity in Relationships

32:00 Understanding and Misunderstanding in Society

36:45 Introspection vs. Action

39:32 Replaying Moments and Learning from the Past

44:53 The Essence of A Summer Day

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://wilmatheater.org/event/asummerday/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Glitter in the Glass

02:59 The Journey of Ontario Wilson

05:59 Eric Thomas: The Playwright's Perspective

09:01 Exploring Identity Through Names

12:02 Thematic Depth of Glitter in the Glass

14:55 Cultural Reflections and Black Utopias

17:51 Baltimore: A City of Contrasts

21:06 Community and History in Black Spaces

24:05 Generational Wisdom and Fear

27:01 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

29:32 Symbols and Their Meanings

32:50 The Impact of the National Museum of African American History

35:44 The Importance of Storytelling

40:41 Art as a Reflection of Identity

44:37 Confronting the Past

51:11 The Role of Empathy in Understanding History

54:57 The Call to Action for Art and Community

Written by R. Eric ThomasMay 29, 2025 — June 22, 2025

Directed By: Ontaria Kim Wilson

Opening Night: June 5, 2025

Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

120 minutes including 10 minute intermission 

THIS SHOW CONTAINS THE USE OF THEATRICAL FOG 

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  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Square Go

01:22 Exploring the Premise of the Play

03:41 Thematic Depth and Character Exploration

10:30 Audience Engagement and Immersive Experience

15:49 Reflecting on Adolescence and Vulnerability

19:32 Rehearsal Dynamics and Creative Collaboration

23:32 Dialect Work and Authenticity

29:45 Takeaways and Audience Impact

By: Kieran Hurley and Gary McNair

Directed By: Kathryn MacMillan

MAX - Owen Corey

STEVIE - Tyler Elliot

Being a smart arse in class has put daydreamer Max in the crosshairs of the school bully–he’s been challenged to his first ‘square go,’ or after-school fight. But while hiding out in the school bathrooms with his best mate, Stevie, it’s his own demons he must wrestle with first. This high-octane coming of age comedy builds to an emotional conclusion about masculinity, friendship, and fathers and sons.

Our all-new Philadelphia premiere follows smash-hit, sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and across the world. 

From Scotland

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://inisnuatheatre.org/show/square-go

Book and Lyrics by Mickle Maher
Music by Merel van Dijk and Anthony Barilla
Directed by Taibi Magar & Tyler Dobrowsky
Commissioned and Co-Produced by
Daryl Morey, Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations

Philadelphia loves sports, so why not a sports-themed musical? Step into the surreal, magical world of Small Ball, where melancholy journeyman basketball player Michael Jordan (no, not that Michael Jordan) has recently started playing in the international league with the Lilliput Existers – as in Lilliput, from Gulliver’s Travels. With teammates who are only six inches tall, the team’s fortunes, and the post-game press conferences, rest on Michael’s shoulders. Small Ball is an off -beat musical delight, commissioned and co-produced by Daryl Morey, President of Basketball Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers. Directed by Co-Artistic Directors Taibi Magar and Tyler Dobrowsky. An East Coast Premiere.

Content Advisory: Small Ball contains strong language, adult themes, and surreal humor. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Adam Chandler-Berat - PIPPIN

PTC: Debut. Broadway: Next to Normal (original cast); Peter and the Starcatcher (original cast); Amélie (original cast); Saint Joan (revival). Off-Broadway: The Jonathan Larson Project; I Can Get It for You Wholesale; Assassins; The Fortress of Solitude (Lortel Award nomination); Rent; Fly by Night; How to Load a Musket; Nantucket Sleigh Ride; Zorba; Titanic. Regional: A New Brain, Barrington Stage Company; Sunday in the Park with George, Huntington Theatre Company; The Year to Come, La Jolla Playhouse. Film: Delivery Man. TV: Gossip Girl (HBO Max); Veep; Elementary; The Good Wife; Doubt; The Code; NCIS: New Orleans; Soundtrack.

JORDAN DOBSON, MICHAEL JORDON

PTC: Night Side Songs. Broadway: Bad Cinderella (Prince Sebastian, OBC); Hadestown (Orpheus); A Beautiful Noise (Shilo, OBC); West Side Story (Tony, dir. Ivo van Hove). Tour: Rent (Angel), Japan Tour. Regional: Hair, Signature Theatre and Two River Theater; Austen’s Pride, Into the Woods, ACT of Connecticut; The Wanderer, Paper Mill Playhouse; Cabaret, Gypsy, Arden Theatre Company; The Color Purple, Theatre Horizon. Film: Maestro (William), dir. Bradley Cooper; Closing Night (Jericho). More: @jordandobson_.

00:00 Introduction to Obvious Agency and Space Opera

10:56 The Development Journey of Space Opera

19:58 Understanding Space Opera: Concept and Gameplay

30:12 Audience Engagement and Accessibility in Space Opera

Space Opera is an innovative and radical combination of tabletop roleplaying games, democratic organizing practice, and theatrical spectacle, testing your very ability to work together in order to thwart existential consequences. Planets revolt, wonders appear, governments crumble, and you roll the dice. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance!

June 14th, 21st, and 28th of 2025 pull up a seat and see how, in adrienne marie brown's words, "science fiction is simply a way to practice the future together."

Director - Cat Ramirez

Stage Manager- Kel Fleming

Game Designers- John Bezark, Ari Gass, Daniel Park, Dain Saint

Performer/Facilitators- Joseph Ahmed, Matthew Armstead, KC Legacion, Sulu LeoNimm, Anthony Martinez-Briggs, Jackie Soro, Sam Rise

Production Designers- doug greene, Harbour Edney, Evelyn Langley, Taj Rauch, Dain Saint

Hospitality and Care Coordinators- Karen Orrick, Vanessa Ogbuehi, Uriah Bussey

Community Partnerships Manager- Marisol Rosa-Shapiro

Circles Administrator- Evelyn Langley

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:

https://obvious-agency.com  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mother's Day and Artistic Journey

03:00 Susan's Undoing: A Personal Journey Through Cancer

06:00 The Role of Music in Theatrical Productions

09:00 Performing in New York: Overcoming Fear and Finding Community

11:58 Audience Engagement and Relatability in Performance

14:56 The Challenges of Self-Producing Theatre

17:58 Procrastination and the Creative Process

20:47 Unexpected Acceptance: A Journey to the United Solo Festival

23:00 Festival Experience and Artist Support

25:05 Reflections on Artistic Changes

28:06 Engaging the Audience with Visuals

30:02 Historical Context of Mother's Day

33:56 Thematic Depth of the Play

39:01 The Impact of COVID on Creativity

40:54 A Call to Action for Audiences

ABOUT MOTHER’S DAY - A Theatrical Homage To The Women Who Made Us

Mother’s Day is both a memoir of one mother, and an homage to ALL mothers. Veering from sentimental to skeptical, from harrowing to hilarious, Mother’s Day celebrates the women who made us. It is especially dedicated to those mothers who are no longer with us, except in our memories and our dreams.

"Mother's Day is ultimately passionate and illuminating, inspiring viewers to revisit their own relationships with their mothers." (Lehigh Valley Stage 4/9/25)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.theatreexile.org/renters-in-exile/susan-chase

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Theater Exile and Season Overview

01:13 Exploring the Production of 'Red'

06:59 Highlighting 'Philly Grit' and Community Engagement

11:36 The Importance of Collaboration in the Arts

16:10 Upcoming Events: Exile a Go Go

22:14 Final Show of the Season: 'Glitter in the Glass'

27:22 Navigating Challenges in the Arts Community

Thank you to our guest(s), Deborah Block for joining us on today’s podcast.

TICKET GIVEAWAY!

THEATRE EXILE has provided a pair tickets to their next event GLITTER IN THE GLASS.  If you would like a chance to win, visit our website and join our mailing list by MAY 15, it’s that simple. On  MAY 16th, we will announce the winner on social media.

The Broad Street Review Podcast is An Em3ry Production. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, visit us online at em3ry.com

Get involved with Broad Street Review. Head on over to our website at www.broadstreetreview.com to find out how. While you’re there, help keep us running and click “Donate” at the top. There, you can also find our social media links. Thank you for your part in keeping the conversation going.

Chapters

* 00:00 Introduction to Reckless Romance

* 03:03 Deanna Wright: A Journey to Philadelphia

* 05:56 The Road to Reckless Romance

* 09:11 Exploring the Characters: Cleopatra and Oberon

* 12:01 The Impact of Gender Roles in Shakespeare

* 15:09 Creating Oberon: A Personal Journey

* 19:50 The Gift of Performance

* 22:15 Costume Design and Character Embodiment

* 25:40 The Power of Theatricality

* 28:45 Engaging the Audience

* 30:15 Reflections on Personal Growth

* 34:30 Embracing Limitless Possibilities

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://quintessencetheatre.org

Thank you to our guest(s), DeAnna Wright for joining us on today’s podcast. The Broad Street Review Podcast is An Em3ry Production. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, visit us online at em3ry.com

Get involved with Broad Street Review. Head on over to our website at www.broadstreetreview.com and click “Get involved” at the top. While you’re there, help keep us running and click “Donate” to find out how. There, you can find our social media links. Thank you for your part in keeping the conversation going.

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.

In this episode, host Darnelle Radford engages with representatives from the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (PVLA) to discuss the upcoming Arts Affair, a significant fundraising event for the organization. The conversation covers the PVLA's recent developments, the challenges faced by artists in the current political climate, and the importance of supporting the arts community. The guests share insights on the evolving landscape for artists, the unique entertainment planned for the Arts Affair, and the organization's commitment to recognizing contributions within the arts community. Listeners are encouraged to engage with PVLA and support emerging artists through attendance and donations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Arts Affair

02:12 Year in Review: PVLA's Progress and Challenges

04:42 Navigating the Current Political Climate

09:03 The Evolving Landscape for Artists

14:09 The Excitement of the Arts Affair

15:01 New Venue and Entertainment Highlights

18:25 Curating a Unique Experience

21:53 Recognizing Contributions: Awards and Acknowledgments

25:01 Engagement Opportunities with PVLA

30:00 The Importance of Supporting Emerging Artists

Thank you to our guest(s), THE PHILADELPHIA VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS for joining us on today’s podcast.

TICKET GIVEAWAY!

THE PVLA has provided a pair tickets to their next event The Arts Affair.  If you would like a chance to win, visit our website em3ry.com and join our mailing list by May 1st, it’s that simple. On May 2nd, we will announce the winner on social media.

The Broad Street Review Podcast is An Em3ry Production. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, visit us online at em3ry.com

Get involved with Broad Street Review. Head on over to our website at www.broadstreetreview.com to find out how.

While you’re there, help keep us running and click “Donate” at the top. There, you can also find our social media links. Thank you for your part in keeping the conversation going.

00:00 Introduction to Philly Theatre Week

03:01 The Process of Organizing Theatre Week

06:00 Participation Trends in Theatre Week

09:08 Kickoff Celebration Details

11:57 Diverse Offerings in Theatre Week

15:11 Workshops and Community Engagement

18:01 Memorization Skills and Their Importance

22:22 Exploring Philly Theater Week

24:17 Highlighting Exciting Events and Shows

27:49 Remounts and Fundraisers in Focus

30:26 Innovative Productions and New Musicals

32:44 Family-Friendly and Community-Oriented Shows

35:11 Theater Philadelphia's Ongoing Initiatives

39:11 Supporting the Arts and Community Engagement

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.PhillyTheatreWeek.com

What's more impossible: solving the climate crisis or teaching drag queens to ice skate?

Watch us do BOTH in Beards On Ice! This hour-long icecapade comes in two dazzling variations: fun for the whole family and PG13 (a little more edge). Featuring resources from Philly’s climate justice organizations and a free skate after the show, it’s sure to be a “fracking” good time.

Produced by The Bearded Ladies Cabaret | In partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department

March 15 & 16, 2025 at Tarken Ice Rink

March 22 & 23, 2025 at Laura Sims Skate House

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

https://beardedladiescabaret.com/

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:https://www.hedgerowtheatre.org

ABOUT ANGEL SIGALA

Born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico until coming to the United States at age 11, Angel has always had the itch to be a performing artist with his biggest dream to perform on Broadway.

Angel always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps (who also shares a love for dance) and began dancing at the age of 6. With training in various dance styles including latin, Mexican folklore, jazz, tap, and ballet, dance has always been one of Angel’s first loves. He has performed as a dancer for Grammy and 5-time Latin Grammy winning artist Lila Downs, as well as dancing in the Philadelphia Mexican Independence Day Festival, among various other dance performances.

Angel began singing at age 12 in his middle school choir. His love for singing and musicals both blossomed at that age, and Angel continued to perform with theatre camps and school musicals. In 2018, Angel graduated from Temple University’s Musical Theatre and Acting programs, and has been professionally performing, choreographing, and teaching since graduation. Angel has worked at various regional theatres including Arden Theatre Company, People’s Light, Theatre Exile, and InterAct Theatre Company.

FOR MORE ABOUT ANGEL SIGALA
https://www.angelsigala.com

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/

BY INUA ELLAMS
DIRECTED BY LINDSAY SMILING

February 11 – March 2, 2025

Nigerian-born British poet and playwright Inua Ellams blends Yoruba and Greek mythologies into an incredible story of a demigod-turned-NBA superstar in The Half-God of Rainfall. The epic poem follows a half-Nigerian mortal, half-Greek God named Demi, who possesses extraordinary powers yet is burdened by the expectations of his lineage. Demi’s powers grow as he leaves his West Nigerian village for the bright lights of the NBA, where he emerges as an all-world talent driven by passion, power, and destiny. Under the directorial vision of Wilma Co-Artistic Director Lindsay Smiling, (recently seen on stage in Fat Ham and My Mama and the Full-Scale Invasion) The Half-God of Rainfall features the HotHouse Acting Company and explores the intersection of patriarchy, imperialism, and American basketball.

Suli Holum (she/her) received a Helen Hayes nomination for her role in The Wilma’s My Mama and the Full Scale Invasion (co-produced with DC’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co). Co-Founder Pig Iron Theatre Company and Stein | Holum Projects (SHP). Awards: Drama Desk Award, TCG/Fox Resident Actor Fellowship, Barrymore Award, Independence Fellowship, NEFA Touring Grant. Solo performance: Chimera and The Wholehearted (SHP) presented by FringeArts, HERE/Under the Radar, La Jolla Playhouse, Center Theatre Group (LA), Z Space and The Gate (London). In development: The Woman Question, Pew supported commission for Peoples’ Light with HotHouse member Melanye Finister. Wilma: Romeo and Juliet, Dance Nation, Minor Character, Cherry Orchard, Twelfth Night. Off-Broadway: Hot and Throbbing (Signature Theater); Regional: Born Yesterday (Arena Stage); International: A Doll’s House (FringeArts/Oslo Opera House); TV/Film: Baby Grief, The Fourth Wall, Ghostlight, Law & Order SVU, Mare of Easttown. 

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://wilmatheater.org/event/thehalfgodofrainfall/ 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hammer-and-nails-tickets-1138645131239 
camdenrep.com
(856) 438-8430

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/ 

About EgoPo’s 2024-25 Queer Revolutions

EgoPo’s 2024-2025 season celebrates some of the century’s most influential Queer plays and theater artists that have had a lasting impact on our culture. EgoPo’s first mainstage production is a new version of The Drag by Mae West, directed by Rebecca Wright, devised and developed with AZ Espinoza and Thomas Choinacky. EgoPo’s next mainstage production will be Turds in Hell by the Ridiculous Theatrical Company's Charles Ludlam and Bill Vehr, directed by Dane Eissler. The Drag will open on January 31, 2025 with Turds in Hell opening on April 11, 2025. We end the season celebrating the queer nightlife community with Philly is Burning: A Pride Gala. June 8th, enjoy an exquisite chinese banquet by the fabulous Jane Guo, a silent auction and performances from top Philly drag, ballroom and burlesque performers.

Takeaways

Mae West wrote 'The Drag' in response to negative portrayals of gay people in other plays.

The collaborative process involved discussions about contemporary queer experiences.

The rehearsal room is a space for diverse voices and feedback.

Choreography plays a crucial role in expressing queerness in the production.

The production aims to create a party-like atmosphere for the audience.

The cast is composed of talented queer and trans individuals.

The play engages with both historical and contemporary queer narratives.

The production seeks to inspire empathy and understanding in the audience.

The design elements will evoke a vibrant and colorful aesthetic.

The conversation around the play includes reflections on politics and identity. 

Chapters

00:00 The Origins of Mae West's 'The Drag'

06:02 The Ensemble Experience: Voices in the Room

11:57 Visual and Thematic Elements of the Production

18:03 Audience Expectations and Experience

24:01 Future Conversations and Audience Takeaways

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://egopo.org/thedrag

written & performed by Chris Davis

directed by MK Tuomanen

choreography by Campbell Tosney

sound design by Adriano Shaplin

lighting design by Krista Smith

narrated by Severin Blake

You know the Nutcracker the ballet, but what if the ballet was performed by only one man? If the daughter Marie, little boy Fritz, creepy uncle Drosselmeyer, the mice, the Sugar Plum fairy, were all channeled through one actor. Chris Davis is proud to bring you One-Man Nutcracker, a re-telling of the original E.T.A. Hoffman Nutcracker Story and the Ballet.

One-Man Nutcracker returns to Philadelphia after a sold-out run in Germany in the Thespis Festival 2024.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://www.realchrisdavis.com/

Frank Capra’s beloved holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Capturing the charm and warmth of the original story, actors portray multiple roles and create live sound effects to bring George Bailey’s uplifting journey to life. This production - featuring Christopher Patrick Mullen and Brian Anthony Wilson; and directed by Pete Pryor (the team behind A Christmas Carol Comedy) - offers a unique, immersive experience that celebrates the enduring message of hope and community.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://www.hedgerowtheatre.org

Starring Barrymore Award Winner Amanda Schoonover*

Created by Brenna Geffers

Run time - 60 minutes with no intermission

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

Amanda Schoonover is thrilled to be making her Shakespeare in Clark Park debut with her long time collaborator Brenna Geffers.  Amanda is best known as the sassy eavesdropping Waitress on the GLAAD nominated Dispatches From Elsewhere on AMC where she co-starred opposite Jason Segel, Sally Field, and Andre (3000) Benjamin.  She is a two-time Barrymore Award recipient and 9-time nominee, as well as being a Jilline Ringle Solo Performance Program Artist in Residence at 1812 Productions for our show The It Girl and an F. Otto Haas Emerging Artist Finalist. Film/Television: Candy Cane Lane with Eddie Murphy, NBC’s Do No Harm opposite Phylicia Rashad and HBO's Perry Mason. Regional Theatre: Arden Theater Company; Theatre Exile; Pig Iron; Lantern Theater; Azuka; Simpatico; Hedgerow; People's Light. 

Brenna Geffers (she/her) is a theatre-maker and director based in Philadelphia. She is the co-founder of Die-Cast, along with Thom Weaver. Die-Cast is an artist collective that creates new, immersive, and site-specific work. She has created over two dozen pieces around the country with Die-Cast. She serves as the literary and casting director for PlayPenn's 2025 New Play Development Conference. She has created work and directed for local companies, including the Wilma, Theatre Exile, Revolution Shakespeare, EgoPo, Philadelphia Artist Collective, and Tribe Of Fools, to name a few. Regional credits include Spectrum Theater Ensemble, Troy Foundry Theatre, Winnipesaukee Playhouse, and Provincetown's international Tennesee Williams Festival. She has been nominated for Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding New Play, as well as the Harney Award for Best Adaptation of a graphic novel. She earned her MFA at Temple U. @diecast.philly 

BY BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS
DIRECTED BY MORGAN GREEN
A CO-PRODUCTION WITH WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATRE COMPANY

Set in 2023, Jacobs-Jenkins’ witty and moving dark comedy focuses on five friends who reunite 20 years after graduating from a high school in Prince George's County, outside of Washington, D.C. Known as the "Multi-Ethnic Reject Group," the group was once bonded by their outsider status and the traumas of their teenage years. Gathered on a porch ahead of their high school reunion, they reminisce about their younger selves over adult jungle juice and pot as they each reveal how their lives have unfolded since graduation. As the evening continues, they drink, fight, play a truth game, and lament the disappointments of their adult lives. Throughout the evening, they are haunted by a mysterious otherworldly figure that inhabits each character, forcing them to confront the possibility that their past actions may have sealed their present fates irrevocably.

Jordan Bellow - Emilio

Sarah Gliko - Katelyn

Alana Raquel Bowers - Ursula

Taysha Marie Canales - Kristina

Jaime Meseda - Francisco/Simon

In this episode, host Darnelle Radford engages with Taysha Canales to discuss the Wilma Theatre's production of 'The Comeuppance' by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. They explore themes of parenting, community support, character dynamics, and the importance of kindness in the context of the play. Taysha shares her experiences balancing motherhood with her acting career, the significance of the theater community, and the unique challenges of performing in different cities. The conversation delves into the play's exploration of human connections and the impact of the pandemic on personal relationships. In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Taysha Canales explore the intersection of theater and politics, audience engagement, and the impact of uninterrupted storytelling. They reflect on personal connections to high school, the importance of streaming options for accessibility, and the profound themes of life and death presented in the current production. The discussion concludes with thoughts on the future of theater and the joy of sharing experiences with others.

Thank you to our guest(s), Taysha Marie Canales for joining us on today’s podcast. The Broad Street Review Podcast is An Em3ry Production. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, visit us online at em3ry.com

Get involved with Broad Street Review. Head on over to our website at www.broadstreetreview.com and click “Get involved” at the top. While you’re there, help keep us running and click “Donate” to find out how. There, you can find our social media links. Thank you for your part in keeping the conversation going.

by Pravin Wilkins

November 1-24

American Premiere!

When Kaepernick kneels, will he?


2016. The NFL has been shaken by Colin Kaepernick’s controversial decision to take a knee during the national anthem to protest against police brutality. Superstar running back Luis Moreno, who is all about his game – and his paycheck -- has joined a new team with championship aspirations. But America’s leadership is changing, and when a painful new reality hits close to home, Luis is forced to ask whether politics have a place on the field, and if he is willing to risk his career to take a stand for his own community.

Cast

Frank Jimenez* - LUIS MORENO

Charvez Grant* - EZEKIEL WILLIAMS

Abdul Sesay* - CRE’VON GARCON

Gabriel Elmore* - DANNY LOMBARDO

* appearing courtesy of a contract agreement with Actor’s Equity Association

In this podcast episode, host Darnelle Radford engages with directors Seth Rozin and J. Paul Nicholas to discuss the Interact Theater Company's production of 'Moreno' by Praveen Wilkins. The conversation explores the play's timely themes surrounding social change, the complexities of its characters, and the dynamics of influence within the context of sports and politics. The directors share insights into the character development, the authenticity of the dialogue, and the audience's reception of the play, particularly in relation to current events. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the vital role of theater in promoting social change, fostering empathy, and building community. They emphasize the importance of understanding diverse perspectives through performance and the value of audience engagement, particularly through talkbacks. The discussion highlights how theater can reflect societal issues and encourage critical thinking among citizens. The speakers also share insights on the current state of theater and its relevance in today's world, concluding with a call to action for audiences to participate in the ongoing conversation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://interacttheatre.org

CYRUS K. STRATTON

From the Haus of Stratton’s, this King is known for his 80s & 90s excellancé and showing us the moves needed to win your hearts all over the dance floor. Cyrus comes clutch from hosting and having involvement in multiple amateur drag shows and Drag King events in Philadelphia.

https://mulletcreativeservices.com/products/the-coronation-show-ticket

https://metrophiladelphia.com/the-coronation-all-black-drag-king-philly/

WITH ORIGINAL MATERIAL BY FRANK MAYA

DIRECTED BY SAM PINKLETON

MUSICAL RECREATIONS BY NATASHA JACOBS

SCENIC RECREATION BY ELI WOODS HARRISON

October 25–26, 2024

In a desperate attempt to prove they can think about someone other than themself, Morgan Bassichis revisits queer comedian, musician, and performance artist Frank Maya’s 1987 show, Frank Maya Talks. Maya was among the “first out gay comedians on network television” and on the precipice of mainstream success before his death from AIDS-related complications in 1995. This new “solo” performance humbly attempts to ensure Maya’s legacy is no longer overlooked while also resolving the bottomless queer search for laughter in times of crisis and for fame and father figures and intense attachment dynamics no matter how fleeting.

https://www.morganbassichis.com/ 

MORGAN BASSICHIS (They/Them) is a comedian, musician, and writer who has been called “a tall child or, well, a big bird” by The Nation and “fiercely hilarious” by The New Yorker. Their past performances include A Crowded Field (Abrons Arts Center, 2023), Questions to Ask Beforehand (Bridget Donahue, 2022), Don’t Rain On My Bat Mitzvah (co-created with Ira Khonen Temple, Creative Time, 2021), Nibbling the Hand that Feeds Me (Whitney Museum, NYC, 2019), Klezmer for Beginners (co-created with Ethan Philbrick, Abrons Arts Center, NYC, 2019), Damned If You Duet (The Kitchen, NYC, 2018), More Protest Songs! (Danspace Project, NYC, 2018), and The Faggots & Their Friends Between Revolutions: The Musical (co-created with TM Davy, DonChristian Jones, Michi Ilona Osato, and Una Aya Osato, New Museum, NYC, 2017). 

Lightbooth Blackout is partnering with The Lone Brick Theatre Company at Widener University to produce an original adaptation of Frankenstein this October.

This fresh re-imagination will be staged in the historic Lathem Hall on Widener University’s campus. Our production fuses Mary Shelly’s text and early stage adaptations with modern dialogue, an amazing cast, and an original score that will be played live throughout the show.

FOR MORE INFROMATION:

FRANKENSTEIN

https://daveebersole.com/ 

https://lightboothblackout.com/

The Lone Brick Theatre Company

https://lonebricktheatre.weebly.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/lonebricktheatreco/?checkpoint_src=any 

Written by Erlina Ortiz

Directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo

In association with Edgewood Entertainment

A Philadelphia Premiere

Josefina is a stand-up comic from Philadelphia coming to terms with the recent death of her mother, as well as her sister’s sudden illness, just as her comedy career is taking off. Written by Philadelphia’s own Erlina Ortiz, Co-Artistic Director of Power Street Theatre, this funny and touching new play features sidesplitting stand-up as it explores sisterhood, caregiving, and the search for balance between career and family. La Egoísta is a comedy about being selfish in pursuit of your dreams but selfless with the people you love. Winner of the National Latine Playwrights Award. A Philadelphia premiere.

FOR MORE INFROMATION: https://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org

LINKS:

ARTICLE: https://splashmags.com/index.php/2023/03/la-egoista-review-sisters-forever/#gsc.tab=0 

ACTORS THEATRE of LOUISVILLE - https://www.actorstheatre.org/shows/2022-2023/la-egoista/ 

Erlina Ortiz Wins ATC's 2022 National Latine Playwrights Award - 

https://www.prweb.com/releases/Erlina_Ortiz_Wins_ATC_s_2022_National_Latine_Playwrights_Award/prweb18860394.htm  

the Are We Free Yet? project

based on the book by Tina Strawn

curated, written & directed by TS Hawkins

Through sound and verse, we sojourn in an afro-future encapsulated within a Sunday dinner unpacking decades and dynasties of epigenetic memories. Will the future ever progress against the past? Sauté and serenade with ANTIQUITY and DESTINEÉ as they prepare a table of life, love, and a longing to still be free.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

130PM: Creative Chatback after the matinee reading

7PM: Champagne Celebration to follow the evening reading

CAST/CREW/CREATIVES

Cynda Purnell as ANTIQUITY

Maria Genao Beltre as DESTINEÉ

Jordan Simone reading stage directions

Tina Strawn - author of Are We Free Yet? The Black Queer Guide to Divorcing America (Row House Publishing)

TS Hawkins - playwright, director, curator & dramaturg, marketing manager, and stage manager

AngelPirate Productions - producer

Gabrielle Corsaro - assistant stage manager

Ella Namour - light & sound operator

NaBrayah Jones - still photography

Prime Act Media LLC - videographer

ABOUT THE PLAY

Through sound and verse, we sojourn in an afro-future encapsulated within a Sunday dinner unpacking decades and dynasties of epigenetic memories. Will the future ever progress against the past? Sauté and serenade with ANTIQUITY and DESTINEÉ as they prepare a table of life, love, and a longing to still be free.

ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT & DIRECTOR

TS HAWKINS (they/them) is an international author, performance poet, art activist, playwright, trauma-informed & award-winning educator, and member of the Dramatists Guild. Plays, short works, and books include Seeking Silence, sweet bread peaches (formerly, Cartons of Ultrasounds), Too Late to Apologize, In Their Silence (formerly, They’ll Neglect to Tell You), #RM2B, The Secret Life of Wonder: a prologue in G, AGAIN, #SuiteReality, “don’t wanna dance with ghosts...”, #SuiteTea, the Are We Free Yet? project, Sugar Lumps & Black Eye Blues, Confectionately Yours, Mahogany Nectar, Lil Blaek Book: all the long stories short, The Hotel Haikus, and Becoming Saturn: a collection of rhymes, roses, and resistance. Hawkins’ works and powerful performances have been praised by the Barrymore Awards - Victory Foundation for Excellence in Theatre Education recipient, Philadelphia Magazine - Best of Philly, BroadwayWorld, Philly Voice, NPR, WHYY, WURD Radio, Philadelphia Weekly, Chicago Tribune, The Dramatist, and dosageMagazine. Featured playwriting opportunities include the Frank Moffett Mosier Fellowship for Works in Heightened Language Semifinalist & Dramatists Guild Foundation National Fellowship Finalist for 2024-25. Ongoing interactive projects: TrailOff, Community Capital: an Afrofuturism South Philly Walking Experience, and Becoming Saturn; Hawkins’s first studio poetry album with HawkHatt Music.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TINA STRAWN (she/they) is a joy and liberation advocate, activist, author of Are We Free Yet? The Black Queer Guide to Divorcing America, and the owner and host of the Speaking of Racism podcast. The heart of her work is leading Legacy Trips, immersive antiracism experiences where participants visit historical locations such as Montgomery and Selma, AL, and utilize spiritual practices as tools to affect personal and collective change. Tina has three adult children, an ex-husband, an ex-wife, and an ex-country. She has been a full-time minimalist nomad since February 2020. Tina travels the globe speaking, writing, teaching, and exploring where on the planet she can feel safe and free in her/their queer, Black, woman-identifying body.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.tspoetics.com/2024/07/event-are-we-free-yet-project-by-ts.html

Roger Q. Mason (they/them) is a writer and performer who uses the lens of history to disrupt the biases that divide rather than unite us. Their playwriting has been seen on Broadway (Circle in the Square Reading Series); Off and Off-Off-Broadway; and regionally. Mason’s World Premiere of Lavender Men was lauded by the Los Angeles Times as “evoking the mingled visions of Suzan-Lori Parks, Jeremy O. Harris and Michael R. Jackson.” They are a recipient of the inaugural Catalyst Fellowship, awarded by the Dramatists Guild Foundation, in celebrations of theatre makers whose work impacts social justice and civic change through art. 

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/the-duat

The inspiration for the work came in 2018 when Jarboe, at age 33, came out as trans to her family back home in Michigan, saying she uses she/her pronouns. What happened next would trigger a new gender journey for the artist: John’s aunt revealed that John not only had a twin sister in the womb, but that John consumed her: “You ate her. That’s why you are the way you are.” She began constructing a musical shrine to the consumed twin, named Rose, in both a stage performance and museum exhibition that welcomes audiences into a “feast of gender” through song, storytelling, and a full plate of wordplay.

John's autobiographical museum exhibition "The Rose Garden" is now on view at the Fabric Workshop + Museum through Sept. 29. https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org/pressreleases/fwm-presents-john-jarboe-the-rose-garden/

The stage version, "Rose: You Are Who You Eat," makes its DC debut June 5-23 at Wooly Mammoth. https://www.woollymammoth.net/productions/rose-you-are-who-you-eat/

A WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW GEORGES
WORDS BY KATE SCELSA
MUSIC BY ROBERT M. JOHANSON
DIRECTED BY MORGAN GREEN

June 4–23, 2024

The early 20th century queer mystic and artist Hilma af Klint channeled hundreds of paintings through messages from otherworldly forces, hoping to communicate the mysteries of the universe. Only recently rediscovered and hailed as one of the first-ever abstract artists, she worked in obscurity during a time that was not yet ready to receive her message. This contemporary opera – with a score that mixes genres including opera, rock, pop, and musical theater– wrestles with the hubris and humility that fueled one woman’s spiritual quest.

Kate Scelsa – BOOKS: “Fans of the Impossible Life” (HarperCollins, 2015 Indie Next and Junior Library Guild pick), “Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches”(HarperCollins), “Luminary” (Simon&Schuster), “The Mortal Year” (forthcoming from Abrons). THEATER: “Everyone’s Fine With Virginia Woolf” (published by Dramatists Play Service, produced by Elevator Repair Service), New Georges 2017 Audrey Resident, Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation grant recipient for playwriting, performing member of Elevator Repair Service Theater since 2002 (“Gatz,” “The Sound and the Fury,” “The Select”). MUSIC: The Witch Ones (eponymous album) in collab with Robert M. Johanson and Gavin Price. For Mom.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HILMA AF KLINT: https://wilmatheater.org/blog/dramaturgy-hilma/

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://wilmatheater.org/event/hilma/

Music by Stephen Flaherty

Directed By: Amina Robinson

Assistant Director

Mariah Ghant

Choreographer

Devon Sinclair

Music Director

Gina Giachero

Cast

Chabrelle Williams (Mama Euralie)
Christopher Faison (Tonton Julian/Servant)
Nadia Ra’Shaun (Ti Moune)
Ethan B. Walker (Daniel)
Sydney Banks (Andrea)
Tiara Greene (Asaka)
Ryane Nicole Studivant (Erzulie)
Jessica Johnson (Papa Ge)
Curtis Wiley (Agwe)
Olivia Fowler (Little Girl)
Miles Davis Tillman (Armand/Chorus)
Taylor J. Mitchell (Storyteller/Chorus)
Jamie Powell (Storyteller/Chorus)
Eliana Pinckney (Storyteller/Chorus)

In search of her place in the world with guidance from the island gods, Ti Moune, a fearless young woman of the French Antilles, risks it all on a remarkable journey to reunite with the one who has captured her heart. Exhilarating and irresistible, Once on This Island is a radiant musical reminding audiences that a beautiful story simply told has the power to help us weather the storm and allow our spirits to sing.

The conversation covers the themes of resilience, culture, community, love, and the haves and have-nots. It also delves into the journey of bringing the production to the stage, the impact on the audience, and the specific details and themes within the show.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://ardentheatre.org

The pressing requests from the community include legal representation, contractual understanding, and enforcement. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities artists face when navigating contracts and legal agreements. It emphasizes the importance of understanding contracts, negotiating terms, and protecting one's rights. The speakers discuss the fear of missing opportunities, the tension between getting work out and protecting it, and the need for artists to value their own worth. They also highlight the role of lawyers in demystifying legal language and advocating for artists. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the upcoming Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts Annual Arts Affair event.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://phillytheatreweek.com

Ross Beschler - Eddie

Gianna Castro - Jess

Rachel Handler - Ani

Christian Prentice - John

Jeffrey L. Page (director), an Emmy-nominated director and choreographer celebrated for his dynamic theater and dance direction, earned the Douglas and Ethel Watt Critics’ Choice Award for his vibrant choreography in the 1776 Broadway Revival. Collaborating with icons like Beyoncé and influencing productions from Memphis to Ain’t Misbehavin’, Page’s work resonates globally. His film credits include Making Micheaux (director) and Freedom(choreographer). Academically distinguished as the first African American to receive The Juilliard School’s Marcus Institute Fellowship, Jeffrey also imparts knowledge at Harvard and The New School. As the leader of Movin’ Legacy, Page’s artistry continues to innovate with projects like The Trojan Women, solidifying his stature in modern performing arts. | @jeffreylpage | www.jeffreylpage.com

Martyna Majok (playwright) was born in Bytom, Poland and raised in Jersey and Chicago. She was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and received a nomination for Best Play at the 2023 Tony Awards for Cost of Living. Other plays include Sanctuary City, Queens, and Ironbound, which have been produced across American and international stages. Other awards include the Obie Award for Playwriting, the Hull-Warriner Award, the Academy of Arts and Letters’ Benjamin Hadley Danks Award for Exceptional Playwriting, the Off-Broadway Alliance Best New Play Award, the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding New Play, the Hermitage Greenfield Prize as the first female recipient in drama, the Champions of Change Award from the NYC Mayor’s Office, the Francesca Primus Prize, two Jane Chambers Playwriting Awards, the Lanford Wilson Prize, the Lilly Award’s Stacey Mindich Prize, the Helen Merrill Emerging Playwright Award, the Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding Original New Play, the Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award, the ANPF Women’s Invitational Prize, the David Calicchio Prize, the Global Age Project Prize, the NYTW 2050 Fellowship, the NNPN Smith Prize for Political Playwriting, and the Merage Foundation Fellowship for The American Dream. Martyna studied at Yale School of Drama, Juilliard, University of Chicago, and Jersey public schools. She was a 2012-2013 NNPN playwright-in-residence, the 2015-2016 PoNY Fellow at the Lark Play Development Center, and a 2018-2019 Hodder Fellow at Princeton University. Martyna is currently writing a musical adaptation of The Great Gatsby, with music by Florence Welch and Thomas Bartlett, and developing TV and film for Plan B, Pastel, and MRC.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/cost-of-living/

PAPER DOLL ENSEMBLE creates devised absurdist tragicomedies that redefine traditional stories of feminine experiences.

THE PECKING ORDER is born out of grief and disbelief after the 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and inspired by the wife and daughters of the supreme court judge who penned the original opinion, Justice Harry Blackmun. This 70s-inspired tragicomedy highlights the absurdity of women’s rights being thrust back in time in typically unpredictable Paper Dolls fashion, and asks provocative questions about unplanned pregnancy, family dynamics, and women’s rights.

Links:

https://paperdollensemble.com/

https://www.patreon.com/ThePaperDollEnsemble

https://phillyfringe.org/events/the-pecking-order/

Recommended:

https://phillyfringe.org/events/citrus-andronicus/

https://phillyfringe.org/events/vile/

https://phillyfringe.org/events/she-was-a-conquistawhore/

(formerly, They'll Neglect to Tell You)

by TS Hawkins

directed by Reva Stover

September 15-October 1  *limited engagement

Click here for Sept. 15th - 24th; tickets available at FringeArts!

Click here for Sept. 29th - Oct 1st; tickets available at Allens Lane!

ABOUT THE PLAY

Grace is a burgeoning therapist. Merci dangles for freedom at the bottom of a bourbon glass. College sweethearts and newlyweds, they elope to Philadelphia for a fresh beginning. Stumbling into polarizing landscapes, they struggle in the margins of heart and home.

Listen to the Moodlist on Spotify!

Read about Grace & Merci's journey!

CAST

(She/They) Sabriaya Shipley as GRACE

Jaylyn Anderson as MERCI

Jameka Monet Wilson as THE CITY

CREATIVE & CREW

(They/Them) TS Hawkins - Playwright, Dramaturg, & Marketing Coordinator

Reva Stover - Director

(He/Him) Josh Hitchens - Allens Lane Art Center Artistic Director, Stage Manager, Sound Designer, & Costume Manager

CJ Higgins - Intimacy Director

Sabrena Wishart - Set Designer

Siobhan Ehresmann - Lighting Designer

Megan Edelman - Prop Management

SPONSORS

Dorothy Lewis-Hawkins, Black Theatre Alliance of Philadelphia, and Prime Act Media LLC

FRINGE RECOMMENDS:

Cannonball - https://www.cannonballfestival.org

Hum N’ Bards - http://www.humnbards.com

Mind The Gap - https://fringearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0S6e00000h3ZATEA2

Links:

TS POETICS: https://www.tspoetics.com/2022/09/events-in-their-silence-by-ts-hawkins.html

ALLENS LANE ART CENTER: https://allenslane.org/theater/

TIX at Allens Lane: https://allenslane.org/theater/

TIX at FRINGE ARTS: https://phillyfringe.org/events/in-their-silence/

In this special in-person and live-streamed book launch event, James Ijames will discuss his Pulitzer-winning play Fat Ham, which premiered in a digital production at The Wilma and will return to the Wilma for a live production in the Fall of 2023. Mr. Ijames will be in conversation with Amina Robinson, director of The Wilma's upcoming production. Anthony Martinez-Briggs, who played Tio in the original production and will reprise the role this Fall, will perform a monologue from the play.

Live-streaming provided by the event's Media Sponsor, Broad Street Review.

LINKS:

The Wilma Theater - https://wilmatheater.org

Theater Communications Group - https://tcg.org

Broad Street Review - https://broadstreetreview.com

Get a copy of Fat Ham: https://indiepubs.com/products/fat-ham/

To watch the Live-Stream on TCG’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/eXIOJOk7zC0

Our own Kyle V. Hiller moderated this conversation with Palmisano, journalist and digital producer Alisha Miranda (The Inquirer, Eater, Billy Penn, Philly Mag, Edible Philly, and more) and Inquirer deputy food editor Margaret Eby.

We’re excited to welcome Palmisano as she launches Power Dining, a podcast and newsletter exploring the power structures, power moves, and power DINE-amics of the world of food.

Links:

https://www.kaelanisays.com/

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-cheesesteaks-philadelphia

https://www.alishainthe.biz/

https://twitter.com/margareteby

https://powerdining.substack.com/

LOCATION: Dorrance Hamilton Hall, University of the Arts, 320 South Broad Street, Philadelphia

DATE: Wednesday, June 7, 6-9pm

TICKETS: $45 (artists, students, nonprofit and public interest employees), $125 (general admission), $200 (general admission x 2), or tickets can be purchased to sponsor artists; ie. Sponsor 1 Artist ($45), Sponsor 2 Artists ($90), Sponsor 4 Artists ($180)

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-arts-affair-2023-tickets-522560531617

More about PVLA: https://PVLA.org

_______________________________________

IG: @PhillyVLA

Twitter: @PhillyVLA

FB: @phillyvolunteerlawyersforthearts

LinkedIn: @Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts

BlackStar Film Festival: https://www.blackstarfest.org/festival/

August 2-6, 2023

Kimmel Center

The Women's Coalition for Empowerment, Inc. https://www.TheWCE.org, and our upcoming event:

Philadelphia Juneteenth Wine & Arts Festival - https://Juneteenth-Wine-Art.eventbrite.com

Saturday, June 17, 2023, | 1pm - 6pm | Cherry Street Pier

Luella is alone – haunted by the ghost of her son. Joshua is alone – kicked out of his house by his brother. One winter night these two people collide. Luella is looking for redemption; Joshua is looking for family. By the next morning, these two lonely souls are meshed together into an American Family in its truest sense. A world premiere by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright James Ijames, Abandon is sometimes violent, sometimes healing; with a gossamer veil that separates the worlds of the living and the dead, and shame and acceptance.

Melanye Finister (Luella, she/her) is an artist and resident company member at People’s Light, a member of Wilma Hothouse, and an artistic advisory board member at PlayPenn. People’s Light: The Diary of Anne Frank, The Matchmaker, All My Sons, Fences, The Winter’s Tale, Seven Guitars, The Return of Don Quixote, Six Characters in Search of an Author, Something You Did, Fabulation, and The Member of the Wedding. Theatre Includes: Wilma Theater, Arden Theatre Company, Flashpoint Theatre Company, InterAct Theatre Company, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Venture Theatre, Temple Theaters and Walnut Street Theatre. Training: BFA, Carnegie Mellon University.

Brenson Thomas (Gabriel, he/him) is a Black and queer writer, actor, and theatre-maker. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College’s MFA Theatre program, his plays include how i got over, or…red Kool-Aid stains on bubblegum lips; What We Lost & Never Knew; and How We Return, an upcoming commission for Constellation Stage & Screen in Bloomington, IN. Brenson also writes for TV/Film, most recently on Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe’s Twenties on BET. As a performer, Brenson has collaborated with Tony Award Winner Stew, Raja Feather Kelly, Lightning Rod Special in The Appointment (FringeArts/Next Door at NYTW; Barrymore Nominee for Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical), Arden Theatre Company in the world premiere of R. Eric Thomas’ Backing Track, and Into the Woods, and with 1812 Productions for This is the Week That Is: 2020, and the Wilma Theater. When he’s not hunched over his laptop crying about blank Google docs, Brenson enjoys long walks around his beloved Philly, doing bad accents, smashing patriarchal white supremacist structures, and Beyoncé.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://theatreexile.org/shows/abandon/

THE OTHER GARDENERS by Very Good Dance Theatre

What happens to (y)our gardens when we can no longer tend to them? When do the things and thoughts we leave behind become burdens, and when are they gifts? Can we both be refreshing fountains of reprieve for others, while we remember to pour into ourselves? What to do when our cup runneth over, and what to do when she's dryyyyyy ... we don't know, will you help us find out?

"The Other Gardeners" is a new project created collaboratively by Very Good Dance Theatre by and for Black artists and/or those from African lineage. "Gardeners" playfully (re)imagines what remains of Eden after its more popular residents (Adam & Eve) have moved on, and reminds us that paradise cannot be destroyed, only lost.

This project explores questions around lineage, diaspora(s), liberation, and asks all those in its midst to grapple with which burdens have been placed on them, by who, and how we can shoulder them (together). This is a Black queering of our origin stories, both a prequel and a sequel, and a conjuring of all the auto-biographies that never came to be ... or at least not yet?

Expect sobbing and laughing, remembering and visioning, dreaming and forgetting, and loving and loving and loving.

Come to learn, come to share, come to mourn, come alone (or not), leave together - connected - nurtured, just as gardens should be.

ABOUT THE EVENT:

Cannonball Festival is an independently produced performing arts festival, concurrent with the Philadelphia Fringe, that presents risk-taking independent artists in back-to-back performances next to delicious lounge spaces, fostering creative collisions and community conversation. Learn more at cannonballfestival.org

Miniball Spring keeps the spirit of Fringe rolling April 6-8, 2023, with back to back performances of new works from some of Philly’s best independent artists. Learn more at cannonballfestival.org/miniball

LINKS:

Philly Theatre Week - Theatre Philadelphia

https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/2023-philly-theatre-week

Support Theatre Philadelphia

https://theatrephiladelphia.org/make-a-donation

Support Cannonball Festival | Miniball

https://www.cannonballfestival.org/donate

RECOMMENDED

Paige Phillips - The Tale of The Slaughtered Hog

https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/the-tale-of-the-slaughtered-hog

Your Sunday Best

https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/your-sunday-best

The World

https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/the-world

Annie Wilson - Always The Hour

http://www.theanniewilson.com/always-the-hour-copy

Johnny Depp! (A Retrospective on Late-Stage Capitalism)

FERGIE’S PUB - Second Floor

Join “Johnny Depp”, preteen heart-throb turned wino forever, for a retrospective on every film in his entire career, even the ones we didn’t watch, in order to ask… what happened?

Fresh off an international tour and a lot of rewrites because of a trial, comes a satirical “press tour” that is part ritual and part drunken singalong. Johnny Depp! (A Retrospective on Late-Stage Capitalism) features throwing things at random intervals, “fabulous” prizes, and a celebrity circus we keep tuning in to.

“To watch a show like this recalls the sense of imagination that the Fringe is really all about.” – Broadway Baby

“Johnny Depp: A Retrospective on Late Stage Capitalism is both exactly what you’d expect it to be and also something else entirely.” – Deadline, UK

“We’re all f*cked, enjoy the show.”- Phindie, USA

9 collective international stars! ★★★★★★★★★

Starring Jenna Kuerzi as Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow as Johnny Depp as Late-Stage Capitalism.

LINKS:

Philly Theatre Week - Theatre Philadelphia

https://theatrephiladelphia.org/whats-on-stage/2023-philly-theatre-week

Jenna Kuerzi

http://www.jennakuerzi.com/

Bonnie & Clyde - Media Theatre

https://www.mediatheatre.org/shows-tickets

Support Theatre Philadelphia

https://theatrephiladelphia.org/make-a-donation

Written by Loy A. Webb
Directed by J. Paul Nicholas

Featuring: Ang(ela) Bey and Abdul Sesay

February 2, 2023 — February 26, 2023

“Explosive and Exquisite” – Stage Left

Not every marriage proposal goes as planned. What started as the happiest day of a loving couple’s lives quickly unravels when ground-shifting accusations from the past surface. What The New York Times calls “compelling” and “visceral”, The Light by Loy A. Webb is a real-time rollercoaster ride of laughter, romance, and despair that uncovers how the power of love can be a healing beacon of light.

ABOUT

Dr. Kimmika L. H. Williams-Witherspoon (Dramaturg) PhD (Cultural Anthropology), M.A. (Anthropology), MFA (Theater), Graduate Certificate) Women’s Studies, B.A. (Journalism); is an Associate Professor of Urban Theater and Community Engagement and President of the Faculty Senate at Temple University. Author of Through Smiles and Tears: The History of African American Theater (From Kemet to the Americas) (Lambert Academic Publishing, 2011); The Secret Messages in African American Theater: Hidden Meaning Embedded in Public Discourse” (Edwin Mellen Publishing, 2006), she has had over 34 productions of her plays, her stage credits include over 20 productions, 8 one-woman shows and she has performed poetry in over 120 national and international venues. A contributing poet to 44 anthologies, 11 books of poetry, 9 book chapters, 10 journal articles and 2 books on African American Theater.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://theatreexile.org

BOOKS

Merlin Sheldrake - Entangled Life

https://www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life

Adrienne Maree Brown - Pleasure Activism

https://www.akpress.org/pleasure-activism.html

You Have A  Match - Emma Lord

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250237309/youhaveamatch

TELEVISION

Severance - AppleTV

https://tv.apple.com/us/show/severance/umc.cmc.1srk2goyh2q2zdxcx605w8vtx

Derry Girls - Netflix

https://www.netflix.com/title/80238565

Power Rangers

https://powerrangers.hasbro.com/en-us

Midnight Diner - Netflix

https://www.netflix.com/title/80113541

Support Broad Street Review: https://www.broadstreetreview.com/donate-to-bsr

Para ver el sitio web en español, haga click aquí

November 30 – December 18, 2022

Odd Man Out is a captivating play that takes place in complete darkness. Created by Teatro Ciego (an Argentinian company founded by blind artists) and Theatre C (a groundbreaking immersive theatre company in NYC), this story is told unlike any you’ve ever experienced before. You’ll be led into a pitch-black room by ushers. Inside, you’ll immerse yourself in the life story of Alberto, a blind musician returning to Argentina after years of self-exile. It is, at once, a love story, a musical journey, and a multi-sensory immersion into theatre of the blind.

Performances will be in Spanish on Friday, Dec 2 at 6pm | Sunday, Dec 4 at 6pm Thursday Dec 8 at 7pm | Saturday, Dec 10 at 8:30pm | Wednesday, Dec 14 at 7pm Sunday, Dec 18 at 3pm.

This play takes place at 201 Cedar Street, Bristol, PA 19007.

General Admission. Tickets start at $35.

https://www.brtstage.org/shows/odd-man-out/

stigma surrounding mental illness through storytelling, comes to Philadelphia this fall. The show will be held at the Ambler Theater on October 9, 2022. Performances will feature area community members who live with – or have loved ones living with - mental health challenges or substance use disorders, telling their stories through personal essay, spoken word, poetry, comedy, original music, and dance.

One in five American adults face mental health issues (National Institute of Mental Health), yet the topic continues to carry shame. This Is My Brave aims to end this stigma and silence by celebrating the stories of real people living successful lives with mental health challenges. Since its first show in 2014 in Arlington, VA, This Is My Brave - The Show has featured more than 900 people sharing their stories in over 80 performances across the United States and in Australia.

Philadelphia Show Information:

Ambler Theater

108 E Butler Ave.

Ambler, PA 19002

Sunday, October 9 at 5:00 PM

Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased on This Is My Brave - The Show in Philadelphia's Eventbrite page.

All ticket proceeds will go to the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Taskforce whose mission is to decrease suicides in Montgomery County by increasing suicide prevention awareness, education, training, outreach efforts, and reducing stigma.

It will also be live-streamed and a link will be available.

Visit www.facebook.com/timbphilly for more information.

The RestART Organizations we heard from:

Al-Bustan: Seeds of Culture

Davinci Art Alliance

EgoPo Classic Theatre

Kun-Yang Lin Dancers

Intercultural Journeys

Tiny Dynamite

FUNDERS:

PECO - An Excelon Company

National Endowment for the Arts

Learn more about RestART!

RestART: The Arts are Back!

https://phillyfunguide.com/editorial/restart-the-arts-are-back

It is the mission of Tiny Dynamite to offer audiences new ways to experience theater and artists new ways to create it. We present high-quality plays at modest ticket prices, in an environment that is intimate, social, joyful, and welcoming.

Our principal project is A Play, a Pie and a Pint®, a form of theater that breaks down perceptions that the arts are only for special occasions: we offer inventive short plays, in unexpected spaces, served with food and beverages.

KC MacMillan

PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Kathryn MacMillan (she/her) is a Philadelphia-based theater director and arts leader who has led Tiny Dynamite since 2017. KC has directed nearly 50 productions in the Philadelphia area and beyond; recent productions include Unraveled (off-Broadway: Theatre Row), Romeo and Juliet (Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company); The Comedy of Errors (Dram Tree Shakespeare, Wilmington, NC); Grounded (InterAct); Mrs. Warren’s Profession at Lantern Theater Company, where she was the Associate Artistic Director for eight seasons; and The Revolutionists at Theatre Horizon, where she served as Guest Artistic Director for the 2017/18 season.

KC’s notable productions include recent Barrymore Award nominations for directing (Jane Austen, Abridged, Tiny Dynamite, also co-writer; The Revolutionists, Theatre Horizon); and the critically acclaimed The Beauty Queen of Leenane (named Best Production of the 2012/13 season & Best Director by Philadelphia Weekly, who called her “sensationally gifted”), The Liar (Best Production Honorable Mention that same season), Arcadia (Runner up, Best Overall Production & Best Director by Phindie Independent Critic Awards), Doubt (named one of the Best Plays of 2015 by the Philadelphia Daily News), The Breath of Life (Barrymore Award nomination: Outstanding Overall Production of a Play), The Hothouse (Barrymore nominations for Outstanding Direction & Outstanding Production of a Play), and I Am My Own Wife (Barrymore nominations for Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Production of a Play and winner of the Virginia Brown Martin Philadelphia Award). In 2015, KC was named one of Billy Penn’s Who’s Next: 16 Young Philadelphians Shaping the Arts Scene.

Email: kc@tinydynamite.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://tinydynamite.org

Intercultural Journeys boldly leverages the power of the performing arts to catalyze social change, challenge bias, and create spaces for dialogue and understanding by  presenting culturally diverse voices that celebrate and affirm our shared humanity.

OUR VISION

We imagine a world of more: more welcome, more curiosity, more empathy, and more connection. Where more voices tell our history and shape our future, and we create an inclusive space to be still, to listen, to watch, to dance, and to learn together; Where recognition and respect for one and all are the starting point, and not the finish line, and love drives our journey forward.

Learn more about RestART!

RestART: The Arts are Back!

https://phillyfunguide.com/editorial/restart-the-arts-are-back

Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers (KYL/D) is one of the country’s premier contemporary Asian-American professional dance companies based in Philadelphia. Hailed for its superbly trained dancers and inventive choreography, the internationally-active KYL/D’s ensemble of professional dance artists – trained in the company's unique CHI AWARENESS PRACTICE that is deeply rooted in Asian art forms, contemplative practices and philosophies. Artistic Director Lin's zen-inspired practice of dance manifests in lush works of poetic sensibility that The New York Times says "create and inhabit worlds of their own." Lin draws upon insights from his ongoing research throughout Asia and around the globe, creating a personal movement language that is suffused with strong spiritual underpinnings.

KYL/D has performed around the world, including at the Tanzmesse International Dance Festival (Dusseldorf), Busan International Dance Festival (Korea), Jogia International and AsiaTri festivals (Indonesia), Festival Internacional de Danza in Queretaro (Mexico), Victoria Theatre (Singapore), HsinChu Performing Arts Center (Taiwan). 

In the U.S., KYL/D has performed at Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival, Interlochen Festival, Columbia Festival, Kaatsbaan International Dance, Jacob's Pillow Inside/Out, Dancing in the Streets Festival, the Painted Bride Art Center, the Annenberg Center, the Kimmel Center, the Forrest Theater, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and Philadelphia's City Hall.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://kyld.org

Learn more about RestART!

RestART: The Arts are Back!

https://phillyfunguide.com/editorial/restart-the-arts-are-back

We re-envision the classic canon by re-introducing diverse works and re-bodying existing canonical works to ensure a wide range of voices, bodies and stories are shared on our stages.

We honor and re-awaken these classic texts through a rigorous practice fusing psychological and physical acting and staging.

We curate season-long journeys that foster an inclusive audience space for shared experiences and human connection across cultures and communities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://egopo.org

Learn more about RestART!

RestART: The Arts are Back!

https://phillyfunguide.com/editorial/restart-the-arts-are-back

DVAA permanently moved to 704 Catharine St. in South Philadelphia in 1966. Since then, the building has housed artist studios and exhibitions annually.

In 2015, DVAA hired its first full-time Executive Director to improve the Artist Membership program. DVAA’s Artist Membership program now offers several annual exhibition opportunities for artists and critically engaged programs monthly. To build community within Philadelphia, DVAA has created a Fellowship program for underserved artists, designed an annual community art and science festival called Da Vinci Fest, and installed a permanent mural on our building.

DVAA is housed in a rowhome in the Bella Vista area of South Philadelphia. In an essay by Ricki Sablove they speak about our neighborhood as a part of Philadelphia “that sparkles with the history of its people--a history rich with the music of opera and organ grinders, redolent with the wonderful aromas of Italian cooking, and alive with the dialects brought from faraway places.” Read more about our vibrant neighborhood here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://davinciartalliance.org/

Learn more about RestART!

RestART: The Arts are Back!

https://phillyfunguide.com/editorial/restart-the-arts-are-back

“Al-Bustan,” Arabic for “The Garden,” serves youth and adults of all ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds, while supporting the pursuit and affirmation of Arab American cultural identity and playing a constructive civic role within broader American society.

Mohannad Ghawanmeh: Executive Director

Mohannad is a scholar, cineaste, educator, and culturist intimately at large. A teacher of communication and media for twenty-five years, Mohannad’s instruction has centered on the cinema, for which he has also written, produced, acted, consulted, programmed, and curated. He is co-founder of the Twin Cities Arab Film Festival produced by Mizna. Mohannad curated the first editions of the Arab American National Museum’s film festival and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Italian Film Festival, as well as the series Melnitz Movies at University of California, Los Angeles. Mohannad is well awarded and published, having earned in 2020 his PhD from UCLA in Cinema and Media Studies. His research of the cinema decidedly examines such intersecting fields as governmentality, migration, nativity, religion, theater, music, literature, industrialization, and modernity typically in the mold of cultural history. Born to Palestinian refugees and an immigrant to the United States, Mohannad has also lived in Egypt, Japan, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Mohannad thrives on conjoining education and cultural production, connecting people and places, enriching and inspiring.

To contact Mohannad please email: mg@albustanseeds.org

Learn more about RestART!

RestART: The Arts are Back!

https://phillyfunguide.com/editorial/restart-the-arts-are-back

Over the past six years, the nonprofit organization has hosted performances across the United States and in Australia, including Greenville, SC; Valparaiso, IN (Chicagoland); Denver, CO; Iowa City, IA; Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Los Angeles, CA; Boston, MA; Lewiston, ME; Wheeling, WV; Boise, ID; New York, NY; and beyond. TIMB has been featured on the Today Show: Mind Matters with Carson Daly as well as in The Washington Post and O, The Oprah Magazine, Stage-Directions Magazine, and Health as well as many other publications. In 2019, This Is My Brave launched high school and college pilot programs. 

This Is My Brave, Inc. (TIMB), the national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental illness through storytelling, comes to Philadelphia hosting auditions May 7, 14, and 15, 2022. The resulting performance will be held at the Ambler Theater on October 9, 2022. Performances will feature area community members who live with mental health challenges or substance use disorders, telling their stories through spoken word, poetry, music, dance, and more. No performing experience is necessary. 

Register to Audition: https://calendly.com/thisismybrave-philadelphia (Participants must be age 18+). 

ABOUT JEFFREY L. PAGE

Jeffrey L. Page is an opera and theatre director of both classical and contemporary works. As director and choreographer, he spearheaded the Tokyo production of Memphis, which received four Yomiuri Award nominations, including Best Musical. The first African American to be named the Marcus Institute Fellow for Opera Directing at the Juilliard School, he has also been nominated for an Emmy Award, and won an MTV Video Music Award for his work with Beyoncé. His work was featured on Beyoncé’s “The Formation World Tour,” in her historic Coachella performance, and in two of her HBO specials. Page was the associate creative director for Mariah Carey’s “Sweet, Sweet Fantasy” European Tour, and has been a featured choreographer on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.”  He recently directed MAKING MICHEAUX (Book and lyrics by JESSE L. KEARNEY, JR. Music by ALPHONSO HORNE) for Prospect Theatre in NYC.

As a performer, Page was in the original Broadway cast of Fela! and choreographed the Broadway musical Violet starring Sutton Foster. At the Barrington Theatre Company,  Page won a Berkshire Theater Award for Joe Iconis’ Broadway Bounty Hunter. In 2016, he established Movin’ Legacy as an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the ethnology and documentation of contemporary and traditional dance from Africa and the African diaspora. He holds a Master’s of Fine Arts degree, (Theatre Directing) from Columbia University in New York City, and has been awarded the Chuck Davis Emerging Choreographer Fellowship from the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Jeffrey joined Harvard University as a Lecturer in Theater, Dance and Media. Currently, he is preparing to choreograph and co-direct, with Diane Paulus, the upcoming Broadway production of 1776, after premiering at the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard University.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/choir-boy/

RENT - 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour

March 4-6th - Merriam Theater

Directed by Ozzie Jones
Honorary Producers Linda & David Glickstein
Associate Producers Mark  & Tobey Dichter and Gayle & David Smith

Featuring: J Hernandez, Amanda Schoonover, Scott Greer, Daniela Malavé, and Zach Valdez.

Just released from prison, Jackie lives with his childhood sweetheart Veronica and is staying clean with the help from his too-smooth sponsor Ralph D. Things are looking up for Jackie until he spots another man’s hat in their apartment. The Motherf**ker with the Hat by Pulitzer Prize-winner Stephen Adly Guirgis is a fast-paced, brutally funny, foul-mouthed look at modern love, friendship, addiction, and the challenges of adulthood. The Tony Award-nominated show made its Broadway debut in 2011.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://theatreexile.org

Michael Ferris’s work has been exhibited widely throughout the nation at notable institutions including the Elmhurst Art Museum in Illinois; The Bronx Museum in New York; The Queens Museum of Art in New York; ATM Gallery in New York; Katonah Art Museum in New York; de Young Museum in San Francisco, California; and The Illinois State Museums in Illinois. He has received awards from numerous organizations including the New York Foundation for the Arts (2009), The George Sugarman Foundation (2005), and the American Craft Council (2002). Ferris’s work can be found in public collections at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, CA; Illinois State Museum in Springfield, IL; and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR. His exhibitions have been featured in The New York Times, The New York Daily News, and The Chicago Tribune.

Guest-curated by art historian Suzanne Ramljak, the collection will display a dozen of Ferris’s distinctive wood sculptures, related drawings, and painted portraits set in intricately inlaid frames. The exhibition will be available to view from November 5, 2021, through April 24, 2022 at The Center for Art in Wood, 141 N 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://centerforartinwood.org/exhibition/extra-human-the-art-of-michael-ferris/

The Hum'n'bards Theater Troupe is thrilled to be partnering with the brand-new performance venue The Painted Mug Cafe to bring you A Queer Christmas Carol, a retelling of the classic ghost story by Charles Dickens...but this time every character is gay.

On Christmas Eve, notorious miser Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits who vow to make him see the error of his ways. Can Scrooge overcome his greed to become a good person? Is that the real problem here?

Written by: CJ Higgins & Quinton J. Alexander

Directed by: CJ Higgins

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: 

http://www.humnbards.com

https://humnbards.ticketleap.com/a-queer-christmas-carol/

Cameron Kelsall is a core theater critic for Broad Street Review and a regular freelance theater critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer. He is an editor and contributor for the website Exeunt NYC, where he writes about theater in New York at all professional levels. As a freelancer, his byline has appeared in American Theatre magazine, Opera News, Bachtrack, Time Out Philadelphia, Parterre Box, Asbury Park Press, Phindie, and many other publications. He is an active member of the Outer Critics Circle, American Theatre Critics Association, and Music Critics Association of North America, and has participated as a judge for Philadelphia’s Barrymore Awards. He lives in Collingswood, New Jersey.

Follow Cameron: Twitter: @CameronPKelsall

And if you are interested in Wine Collecting - https://vindejerz.com 

A West Philly native writer and interdisciplinary artist, Kyle (he/they) is the associate editor of Broad Street Review, the author of The Recital, and host of the gaming podcast SideQuest Enthusiast.

Alaina Johns, the editor-in-chief of Broad Street Review, is a freelance writer and editor who landed squarely in what everyone says is the worst job of the 21st century. So she makes Philadelphia her classroom, writing about everything from spaceflight to toad migrations. Alaina has been a freelance journalist in Philadelphia since 2007, and specializes in covering arts and culture for publications throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond.

Peppered with "commercials" of the most devilish sort, this show is the culmination of over a year of research, improvisations, writing exercises, and character development. Created almost entirely via Zoom, this digital presentation deals with themes including politics, power, the prison-industrial complex, sex and gardening. 

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://paperdollensemble.com and https://fringearts.com/event/the-wasps-nest/

The Ever Present, a fantastical, family-friendly new play written by award-winning playwright and author R. Eric Thomas, centers on a South Philly vacant lot that turns out to be more than meets the eye. Enter Pashmina Paredes (Kimie Muroya), a neighborhood resident collecting signatures for a petition to prevent the city from selling the lot to a devious developer, Vernal Belch (Pax Ressler). She quickly learns her neighbors all have a special connection to the house that once stood there. Follow a cast of hilarious, Philadelphia-inspired characters for a mystery adventure that spans decades and spins a constellation of awe-inspiring stories. The Ever Present asks the question: “How can we share and preserve our collective history as the world continues to change?”

For each show, guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn seating. The Ever Present was made possible thanks to funding from The William Penn Foundation’s New Audiences New Places Grant, and National New Play Network’s Bridge Program Grant.

Show Dates, Times, & Locations*: September 11-19, 2021

Saturday, September 11, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Columbus Square (1200 Wharton St)

Sunday, September 12, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Dickinson Square (1600 E. Moyamensing Ave)

Wednesday, September 15, 5:30 p.m. at Wharton Square (2300 Wharton St)

Friday, September 17, 5:30 p.m. at Stephen Girard Park (2101 Shunk St)

Saturday, September 18, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. – Columbus Square (1200 Wharton St)

Sunday, September 19, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. – Hawthorne Park (750 S 12th St)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://theatreexile.org

Join us at the Victoria Freehouse in Old City, and you’ll learn the answers to questions like: When was D-Day? What’s that song I’m thinking of? And why are we so mean to ourselves?

But hey! Don’t worry! At this gig, everyone will know the answer to something!

Don’t know Gilligan? Well, that’s because he’s a loser. Gilligan just can’t catch a break! Kicked out of his band “The Gulags.” Ousted from his apartment by ex-girlfriend, Gloria. And completely unable to book a single gig—except this run-down trivia night. But the spotlight is what he wants and he’ll take it where he can get it.

In Gilligan Gigs Again, audiences will learn that loving yourself isn’t always easy, and winning can’t be everything. Drink, laugh and take on trivia questions with this unhinged ginger who’s only trying to get by and get his next gig.

Box Office Information:

https://fringearts.com/event/gilligan-gigs-again/ 

Part video game, part escape room, and part performance, Dragonbutter takes you through multiple themed rooms filled with stunning light and sound arrangements. You and 11 of your companions will need to tackle riddles, hidden doors, and creative challenges leading up to the finale where you will come face-to-face with the “Boss.” Who will get out of the laboratory?

Dragonbutter is recommended for children 13 and older. Performances have a limited capacity of 12 people and will run from July 9 through 26.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.briansandersjunk.com/dragonbutter and https://www.facebook.com/events/263009785619426/ 

WHERE: Old City Jewish Arts Center, 119 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 

WHEN: Opening is First Friday, June 4th, 2021 from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Gallery open Thursdays 4pm - 8pm, Fridays 11am - 5pm, Saturdays 11am - 8pm, and Sundays 11:00am - 5:00pm and by appointment through July 2nd. 

Live gallery performances and artist talk on the evenings of Friday June 25th and July 2nd. Artist talks at 6pm, and Performances at 5:30pm and 7pm. 

An interactive exhibit of images, objects, video, and live performance from the theatrical practice of Logan Gabrielle Schulman and Benjamin Behrend will be presented at the Old City Jewish Arts Center (OCJAC) throughout June, and opens the First Friday of June (6/4) at 5pm. It features filmed performances and multimedia art objects from “the theatre of grief,” a series of four theatrical works created over the last three years in the wake of the Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting in Pittsburgh, PA in 2018. 

Additionally, OCJAC is ecstatic to present an original performance adapted from rituals within Schulman and Behrend’s theatrical practice over four showings, two per night, on Friday June 25th and July 2nd at 5:30pm and 7pm, featuring live musical accompaniment, dance, and puppetry. Between the two performances, at 6pm, there will be a conversation with the performer, artists Schulman and Behrend, and Aleida Garcia, a Philadelphia community leader, victim advocate, and the founder of the National Homicide Justice Alliance. In describing their aims, Schulman said they hope that their works function to both encourage active reflection in the viewer, as well as activate them to move towards justice and common sense gun legislation. “Sadly, gun violence has become so widespread and commonplace in the U.S. that it is almost too easy for someone to move on with their day after learning of an instance of violence,” says Schulman. “These performances and associated visual works seek to force the audience to reckon with the ripple-effect of each and every single loss — how a single family’s existence is irrevocably upended at the loss of a child.” 

Schulman and Behrend’s work prominently features the Golem, a mythical earthen creature from Jewish folk mythology, traditionally understood to be a protector of a persecuted people. In their contemporary take on the fable, “we see the Golem as a failed attempt at solving the problem of violence; what good is a clay hero against a bullet? What good is an old protector against a modern monstrosity?” asks Behrend. In their canon of works, the Golem has been relegated as a shepherd of lost souls, reassigned by G-d to live out the rest of its days in Sheol, the place where the lost souls of the dead are sent, in order to grieve for all the lives it couldn’t save. 

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: http://theatreexile.org

This year, shows include 75 unique virtual performances, theatre films, audio plays, outdoor events, and more - all from Philly-based theaters and artists!

Each show is unique! Whether it's all access or limited availability, an outdoor event or livestream, you'll find details on every show's page about how to register, how to access, and more!

Follow www.phillytheatreweek.com for the latest news, shows, and updates.

How many secrets can one room hold?

Step into this virtual odyssey that combines interactive live theater, gripping storytelling, cinematic illusions, and magic all in one creative hour of surprises.

Theatre Exile invites you to check into ZOO MOTEL, devised by director, designer, and performer Thaddeus Phillips in 2020 as a quarantined experiment that offers a window into what’s possible for live performance — a world where audiences from around the globe can share a mind-bending adventure in the comfort of their own home.

Broadcast live and online from one room in a South American village, ZOO MOTEL takes you on a journey to Spain, Japan, the Mojave Desert, and other parts of the world alongside fellow motel guests. One room, endless possibilities. ZOO MOTEL.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION:

www.theatreexile.org

www.zoomotel.org

Folks can buy tickets at our Eventbrite page here. We've also been compiling pictures of all the dishes we create with our audiences on our Instagram page—@dinner.exclamation.point

About Us: Francesca Chilcote and Connor Hogan are devising artists based in DC and Philadelphia, respectively, who work in alterna-clown (clown how you least expect it). Life-long friends, they share a love for cooking, eating, sharing stories about food, and, most importantly, discussing what they want to eat next. Dinner! represents their combined love of food and theatre. Through this piece, they hope to share their friendship and their love of food with audiences everywhere. 

Contact: dinner.exclamation.point@gmail.com

Briyana D. Clarel – is a Black queer theatre artist, writer, and educator passionate about musical theatre, mangoes, and memoirs. Briyana is the host of A Very Virgo Virtual Show and the founder of The Starfruit Project, a platform supporting radical healing and brilliant growth through creativity. Briyana’s poetry and prose are published in TAYO Literary Magazine, cavity, Black Youth Project, MELANINzine, and print anthologies. As a director, performer, and playwright, they have brought stories to life with the Painted Bride Art Center, Shoe Box Theatre Collective, Theatre Evolve, Dixon Place, Broad Views on Broadway, Cabernet Cabaret ATX, Philly Free Fringe, and more. Their solo show unboxed: a healing debuted at the 2018 OUTsider Festival. Briyana is a 2016 recipient of the Acts of Greatness LGBTQ Youth Community Award, a 2020-2021 Core Playwright with InterAct Theatre Company, and a 2020 Leeway Foundation Arts and Change Grantee. They are one-fourth of Philly sketch comedy team The Rhubarbs and a member of Ring of Keys. Born and raised in South Jersey, Briyana earned an AB in Sociology from Princeton University. They love sleep, ferns, and taro bubble tea. Keep up with their adventures at briyanaclarel.com and @briyanaclarel.

ABOUT DIRECTORS GATHERING and JAM

Directors Gathering serves directors to serve the theatre.

Directors Gathering (DG) is a membership organization that through the power of community consistently provides development, connections, and process-based opportunities for regional theatre directors.

(DG) is committed to creating anti-racist, inclusive, equitable, safe, accessible, and transparent spaces in all facets of our gathering.

JAM is a new approach to JAM. It's not just about the process of the director it's about directing as an experience. Directors can at times feel isolated so JAM this year is about bringing directors together to JAM! We've been affectionately calling JAM a mini residency this year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://directorsgathering.com

Twitter: @DirectorsGather

Instagram: @DirectorsGather

WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY CHRIS DAVIS

DIRECTED BY MARY TUOMANEN

SOUND DESIGN BY ADRIANO SHAPLIN

The Nutcracker is back! Performed live at Plays & Players Theatre and streamed to your living room! Bring a little bit of holiday cheer to you and your family this December with a re-telling of the classic Nutcracker story, performed by only one man! What's Christmas without the Nutcracker?

Marie, little boy Fritz, creepy uncle Drosselmeyer, the seven headed rat king, the Sugar Plum fairy, all channeled through one actor. Chris Davis is proud to bring you One-Man Nutcracker, an unconventional re-telling of the original E.T.A. Hoffman story and Ballet. 

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION:

http://RealChrisDavis.com 

D-Pad, which makes its world premiere at Theatre Exile,  explores the world of independent gaming through the lens of wunderkind developer Alex as she creates something beyond entertainment. Written with humor, thoughtfulness, and humanity, D-Pad follows Alex as she finds herself in a nightmare of production delays, self-doubt, and a rabid fan base. Interactions with real and virtual characters lead Alex into self-isolation as she struggles with family and in her male-dominated industry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 

http://theatreexile.org 

Schulman and Behrend have been collaborating on bold new theater works since 2017, responding to and reflecting on questions of faith, loss, and the pep-zing-zap of life in between.

For Tickets and Information: https://fringearts.com/event/welcome-to-the-shiva-house/

Independent theatre producer: Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, James Jackson is a freelance artist of theatre direction, design, and production; as well as still & motion picture production.

http://raveneyes.com

ABOUT LIGHT THIEF PRODUCTIONS

Light Thief LLC is a production company serving the technical, creative, and equipment needs of business clients in the theatrical, live event, photography, film, advertising, video, and commercial production spaces.

Light Thief on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtED0al8wzDitoOe27zefAg

Brie is an emerging Playwright based in Philadelphia and a member of the Philadelphia Playwright’s Lab, The Foundry. Brie earned her M.A in Theater from Villanova University, where she also served as a Graduate Assistant in the Theater Department. Her play PANCAKE QUEEN received the 2015 Sue Winge Playwriting Award from Villanova University and will be featured in PlayPenn’s 2017 Conference. PANCAKE QUEEN received its first reading as part of the inaugural Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival. It was at Villanova where she also developed her solo show, THE “N” WORD. She served as a Dramaturgy Intern at People’s Light, where she worked on WOODY SEZ. Brie’s works weave the fantastical into socially conscious, historically rooted stories, to illuminate societal issues and barriers around identity, race, class, and gender.

ABOUT PANCAKE QUEEN

In 1893 St. Joseph, Missouri, Nancy Green strives to make peace with her painful past so she may live her future as a free woman. When she finds herself employed by a local miller, Randolph T. Davis, to portray his new, revolutionary merchandising symbol, Aunt Jemima at the Chicago’s World Fair, her past experiences and future dreams collide. As Nancy fights to make a life of her own design, she risks being consumed by Aunt Jemima and the past she wants to leave behind.

Argent Combat is a Philadelphia-based organization of students, performers, choreographers, and instructors of Theatrical Violence and Stage Combat. We are dedicated to promoting safety and fostering the excellence and proficiency of action-oriented entertainment.

Mission Statement

Our objectives are

1.) to uphold these values,

2.) to encourage safe techniques for performers and enthusiasts,

3.) to adapt styles of historical and modern forms of combat to dynamic theatrical performances,

4.) to provide artists with the tools they need to develop confidence in their autonomy,

and 5.) to expand Theatre’s influence by engendering new students and audiences who enjoy the expression of stories and emotions through theatrical violence.

In furtherance of these goals, Argent Combat routinely offers workshops and ongoing classes in a variety of disciplines all over Philadelphia, and members can be found attending Regional and National Workshops all over North America.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

https://www.argentcombat.com/

Now, partnered with director, Shamus Hunter McCarty, we’ve created the company Maladjusted and decided to expand that festival as our company’s first producing event.

Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7pm, join us for a short, digital play. They’ll be streamed right here to Facebook Live. And then on Saturdays at 7pm, join us for a continuing choose your own adventure series where you decide what the characters do next. This story will continue every week, so make sure you keep up with the episodes! Don’t worry, if you can’t catch it live, we’ll leave all our videos posted right here!

We’re so excited to be making art in this hard time. We hope you’ll join us!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.facebook.com/GoingViralFestival/

Philadelphia Photo Arts Center is an artist-focused institution rooted in Philadelphia that supports the study, production, and exhibition of contemporary photographic practices for a broadly diverse audience.

ABOUT TEN YEARS: TEEN PHOTO ALUMNI EXHIBITION

Philadelphia Photo Arts Center celebrates its 10-year anniversary by featuring creative works by students who participated in the Teen Photo program over the last decade. Alumni were invited to submit their work for the Ten Years: Teen Photo Alumni Exhibition and share how creativity has manifested in their lives and through their photography.

Teen Photo is a free afterschool program for Philadelphia public high school students. From September to May, students are provided with full access to PPAC’s equipment, materials, and teaching staff, as well as a DSLR camera to take home for the duration of the program. Students are divided into four sections and meet weekly with dedicated mentors to share photos, learn technical skills, and go on art museum visits and photo walks. As the teens expand their thinking, both critically and creatively, they build confidence and develop a love of learning that helps them grow in every aspect of their lives. The program has grown from eight students in 2010 to 69 students in 2019. In total, the Teen Photo program has served 260 Philadelphia high school students since its inception.

Ten Years: Teen Photo Alumni Exhibition will feature the work of 27 local artists. The photographs from the exhibition will be printed, mounted and framed by Philadelphia Photo Arts Center. The exhibition will be on display from March 12 – May 2. Proceeds from the sale of the works will be split between the artist and Philadelphia Photo Arts Center.

This exhibition is made possible with the generous support of the Honickman Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://philaphotoarts.org

An Amish couple exhibits an act of unfathomable forgiveness after their two sons are killed in a car accident. Upholding the tenets of their faith, they take in Eric, the wayward young driver of the car. But the accident brings home their eldest daughter, Miri, who was excommunicated five years earlier, and Eric’s presence cracks open the family’s secret history. As the family struggles to cling to their way of life, they are forced to find a way forward inside their insular community, practicing mercy and forgiveness to heal the wounds of the past.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org

In this version of a near future society, prospective parents learn within the first weeks of conception which traits their child will have and what behaviors it is likely to exhibit. With rapid advances in reproductive technology today, modern eugenics is science’s Wild West.

BABEL is produced at Theatre Exile as a part of a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. Other partnering theaters are Unicorn Theatre (Missouri), Contemporary American Theater Festival (West Virginia), Passage Theatre Company (New Jersey), and Florida Studio Theatre (Sarasota, FL). For more information please visit www.nnpn.org.

BABEL was commissioned by National New Play Network with funding from The Smith Prize for Political Theater.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: http://theatreexile.org

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: http://walnutstreettheatre.org

The greatest fairy tale never told comes to life as never before in Shrek The Musical, the award-winning Broadway musical based on the Oscar-winning movie. A reclusive ogre finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess. Throw in a short-tempered wannabe king, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other classic fairy tale misfits, and you've got the makings of a riotously dysfunctional road trip. Featuring all-new songs and outrageous humor, Shrek The Musical is ogre-sized holiday fun for the whole family!

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: http://walnutstreettheatre.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://Philaphotoarts.org

Fostering healing connections between our rich and diverse communities by encouraging openness and dialogue about perspectives on racial prejudice, privilege, inclusion, intersectionality, and bias.

Follow Alaina’s contributions to BSR here: https://www.broadstreetreview.com/authors/alaina-mabaso

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION:

http://walnutstreettheatre.org

The play begins with a knock on the door — the same door that was slammed shut, fifteen years earlier when Nora exited at the end of Ibsen’s play. Nora has returned, and it is she who is knocking. After leaving her husband, children, and the nursemaid, Nora became a successful feminist novelist. The reason for her return is to finalize a divorce from Torvald; she needs him to sign the legal papers. Nora is questioned about what she has been doing — the family thought she might have been dead — and the family and the nursemaid express their recriminations of her.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION

http://ardentheatre.org 

Paige begins her second season at Philadelphia Theatre Company, after spending ten years as Executive Artistic Director at Theatre Aspen in Colorado, where she created a new work festival as well as a professional apprentice program for aspiring students in the field. After years spent as a Broadway performer, she began producing events, television shows and theatre in the U.S. and abroad. Price was the 1st Vice President of Actors’ Equity Association, the national union for actors and stage managers, from 2006-2017 and was first elected to its board in 2000. She is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Theatre Subdistrict Council, which awards cultural arts grants to NYC theatre organizations, a member of The League of Professional Theatre Women and Vice-President of NAMT, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre.  Price is currently a member of the Tony Award Nominating Committee. As a performer, she starred in the original cast of Broadway’s Saturday Night Fever as well as the original cast of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Smokey Joe’s Café. Her professional career encompasses film (All The Right Moves, The News Kids); television, radio, web, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, and national and international tours. In 2017, she stepped back onto the boards to star in Denver’s Curious Theatre production of Sex With Strangers.  Her directing credits include several musical productions, concerts and readings, and she recently directed a live television broadcast starring Kelli O’Hara and Matthew Morrison for the WOWOW network in Tokyo, Japan. Proud Member, AEA.  Associate Member, SDC.

ABOUT SWEAT

Reading, Pennsylvania. A valley town of fiercely proud families who worked for generations in the plants and factories of a thriving county seat. Unions rule, well-paying jobs are coveted and politics are personal. As industries disappear, the men and women of Reading are rendered powerless as they watch their income, legacy and relationships follow suit. Based on Lynn Nottage’s extensive research in Reading, Sweat shares the fear, tragedy and hopefulness of a community being forced to accept inevitable change.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION:

http://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org or http://philatheatreco.org 

http://quintessencetheatre.org

A comedy about Philly Football Fan Frenzy. Fly Eagles Fly is written by Caitlin Weigel (the writer of ToF favorite Fishtown) and co-directed by Terry Brennan (Heavy Metal Dance Fag, Antihero, Two Street) AND Joseph Ahmed (Antihero, Fishtown)

Gwen is a brand new Eagles fan and her office is full of opinions. Copy Mike is a lifelong fan, The Duke calls everyone out as NotRealFans™, and Lara is aghast at Gwen for liking such a #notfeminist thing. Fly Eagles Fly asks: what is fandom, what is community, and how do we reconcile the darker parts of things we love?

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION:

http://tribeoffools.org

An Amherst, Massachusetts, native, Eppchez! (who uses the pronouns ey and eir) has worked with Pig Iron Theatre Company, the Mediums, and other groups with a focus on devising new work. Ey studied theater and writing at Wesleyan University. A playwright, choreographer, director, designer, puppeteer, songwriter, and vocalist, ey is also artistic director/conductor of Alma’s Engine, a process-focused creative ministry and self-producing platform for realizing eir work in music and theater. Among eir works is the album Self-Realized-Nation; A Song Cycle of the Occupation (2013), the original plays Junk Redemption (2012) and They Extract! (2014 and 2016), and a site-specific musical staged in Bartram’s Garden, Train-ing: A Duet (2017).

To read Wendy Rosenfield's review of Hir, click here.

Different disciplines, similar issues

Listen in as moderator and Broad Street Review editor-in-chief Wendy Rosenfield, Art Sanctuary executive director Valerie Gay, PHIT Comedy founder Greg Maughan, Art-Reach executive director John Orr, Headlong Dance Theater co-founder and co-director Amy Smith, and WRTI host, composer, and frequent BSR contributor Kile Smith discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with running an arts-focused business and watching its bottom line.

If you enjoy what you hear and read here at BSR, why not help us meet our arts funding challenges and make a donation or become a Friends of BSR member? Donate here.

"A jazz guy"

Philadelphia audiences already know he's delivered on that promise. Here we discuss the creative process and how Ijames's work was enhanced after development at PlayPenn's new-play conference. We also touch on provocation in art, a playwright's responsibility to their audience, and the Whitney Biennial's Emmett Till controversy. While WHITE traverses some rocky territory, it's very funny. Ijames explains, "I'm a jazz guy, not a blues guy." So what play does Ijames really adore? The answer may surprise you. 

For Wendy Rosenfield's review of WHITE, click here.

Here, we speak with Smith and director Claire Moyer about Inis Nua's production of Swallow. Smith's tale about a trio of lonely adults all in the midst of life-changing events finds a kind of universality in alienation from the modern world. Smith has received an Olivier Award for her play RoadKill and is an associate artist at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland. This is the third play Moyer has directed for Inis Nua. Together they discuss the play's symbolism, getting into the heads of these characters, and the reactions from audiences around the world. 

To read Mark Cofta's review of Swallow, click here.

Swamp things

Goldfinger grew up in rural Florida and, captivated by the region's literature and music, decided the Southern Gothic form was worefully underutilized onstage. The Arsonists, inspired by Sophocles's tragedy Elektra, follows a father-daughter arson team who reside deep in Florida's swamplands. A live band will play during the show and, on certain nights, give concerts afterward. Here, Goldfinger discusses how the play and its predecessors came to be, NNPN's rolling premiere process, and much more.

On the case

MacLaughlin, who arrived in Philadelphia after more than 20 years with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, brought New Paradise Laboratories' (NPL) founding ensemble here in 1996. Some of the company's members have gone on to become this city's most recognizable onstage faces (Lee Ann Etzold, Jeb Kreager, Matt Saunders, Mary McCool), and the company and its members have also seen much success in New York (NPL won an Obie Award for 2000's The Fab 4 Reach the Pearly Gates) and elsewhere. NPL has created roughly one original work per year since its founding, and this year, they've paired with the Free Library and Rosenbach Museum to present Gumshoe. Listen in to learn the difference between fact, fiction, and falsehood, and -- perhaps most importantly -- how to escape a maze.

Expanding vision

Rozin founded InterAct in 1988, and this year marks his 27th season at its helm. The company, always committed to exploring social, political and cultural issues as well as championing new work, left its Adrienne Theater residency last year to build on its vision in a new setting. Rozin hopes the Drake will become a social and artistic hub for the region’s burgeoning “new play” community. The space includes a 120-seat proscenium theatre, a 75-seat black box, and two lobbies. Here, he discusses the reasons behind his company's move, his plans for the future, and much more.

The highlight reel

PlayPenn describes itself as "an artist-driven organization dedicated to improving the way in which new plays are developed. Employing an ever-evolving process, PlayPenn creates a relaxed tension within which playwrights can engage in risk-taking, boundary-pushing work free from the pressures of commercial consideration."

Some of the conference's esteemed graduates and awards include:

MacArthur Fellowship: Samuel D. Hunter (PlayPenn 2010)

Whiting Award: James Ijames (PlayPenn 2013, 2015)

Guggenheim Fellowship: Gabriel Jason Dean (PlayPenn 2013), Jordan Harrison (PlayPenn 2005), J.T. Rogers (PlayPenn 2005, 2009, 2015)

Lilly Award for Playwriting: Lucy Thurber (PlayPenn 2005)

Pew Fellowship: James Ijames (PlayPenn 2013, 2015)

Sky Cooper Prize for American Playwriting: Samuel D. Hunter (PlayPenn 2010), Martin Zimmerman (PlayPenn 2012)

American Theatre Critics Association's Osborn Award: Jonathan James Norton (PlayPenn 2012)

Susan Smith Blackburn Prize: Sheila Callaghan (PlayPenn 2005)

Terrence McNally New Play Award: James Ijames (White, 2015)

Barrymore Award for Best New Play: R. Eric Thomas (Time Is on Our Side, PlayPenn 2015), Michael Hollinger (Ghost-Writer, PlayPenn 2009), Jacqueline Goldfinger (Slip/Shot, PlayPenn 2011)

Top 10 Plays, New York Times: J.T. Rogers (Oslo, PlayPenn 2015; Blood and Gifts, PlayPenn 2009)

Top 10 Plays, Time Magazine: J.T. Rogers (The Overwhelming, PlayPenn 2005)

Mind the gap

About 20 years ago, Dougherty noticed a gap between what she learned in Philadelphia's performance-training programs and the skills she saw in students coming out of a comprehensive independent program in Pittsburgh. She worked and attended graduate school in New York, but when she returned home to Philadlephia, she realized nobody in this city had stepped in during the intervening years to fill that gap. That's where Music Theatre Philly comes in, and Dougherty hopes it will help create this city's next generation of great stage talent.

Step into my parlor

A User's Manual is a solo performance designed to respond to the body's constant manipulation by the architecture that surrounds us. Drawing attention to structures, sounds, textures, and history, each site-specific performance catalogues the memory of its place. In Choinacky's own words, he attempts to make "visible how humans are constantly affected by the surroundings we pass through and by the architecture we build." This interview goes deep into Choinacky's philosophy of creating a performance and considers the spaces we occupy.

In this REP Radio interview, Akeem Davis, who plays Garvey, and Susan Riley Stevens, who plays Goldman, discuss what their characters' lives and actions mean today and how much more relevant they've become since the presidential election. You might even say the world has turned into the show's director's notes! The play is also intensely physical, and the actors discuss how they prepared for their roles, the many contrasts between their characters, and the way those contrasts are highlighted by InterAct's design team. 

Stevens has been acting professionally in Philadelphia since 2001, won a 2007 Barrymore Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in Act II Playhouse's production of Bad Dates. She also happens to be married to another Philly favorite, actor Greg Wood. Davis arrived in Philadelphia in 2011, has appeared on area stages almost constantly since then, and in 2015 won the F. Otto Haas Award for an Emerging Artist.

The Writers Resist movement rapidly coalesced after poet Erin Belieu posted on Facebook, "We will not give in to despair. We will come together and actively help make the world we want to live in. We are bowed, but we are not broken."

Belieu's call for writers to organize local events in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day has already resulted in more than 50 events throughout the United States and around the world, including a flagship New York City event co-sponsored by PEN America, and additional events in Boston, Los Angeles, Oakland, Austin, Portland, Omaha, Seattle, London, Zürich, and Hong Kong.

Stephanie Feldman is one of the Philadelphia rally's organizers, with Alicia Askenase and Nathaniel Popkin. She is also a novelist, and a professor of fiction writing at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania.

Perhaps you recall the dark rhyme, "Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks/When she saw what she had done she gave her father 41." LIZZIE takes a new look at the multiple controversies surrounding the 1892 murder of Borden's stepmother and father. We also talk about the company's trip to Borden's home in Fall River, Massachusetts, the power (or lack of power) of women past and present, an artistic focus for 2017, and what 11th Hour is looking forward to in the new year.

Stay tuned.

Since then, the company has moved to a storefront in Elkins Park's bustling business district, where they offer classes to adults, children, and people with special needs; produce original work; host a long- and short-form improv-based dinner theater with a three-course meal; host the Bright Invention improv ensemble; and offer off-site training programs. Here, Lloyd discusses his new model for arts organizations, the role companies like his serve in their neighborhoods, and the guiding philosophy behind White Pines's "community-based performing arts studio."

Two Walkens, a world premiere, takes a few of Walken’s best-known big- and small-screen appearances, and combines them with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's classic children's book The Little Prince to see if this town really is big enough for the both of them. The show asks the timely question "How do we cope when the world outside gets to be too tough to handle?" Pick your weapon of choice. 

Collins and Meehan are Philly theater veterans, but this is their first creation together.

About A New Brain

Tony Award-winners Finn (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and Lapine (Into the Woods) based this musical comedy on Finn's life threatening battle with a deadly diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation. The show, similarly, explores one man’s quest for a second chance at life. After a children’s television songwriter receives a life-changing diagnosis, he struggles to come to terms with his creative ambitions and family relationships. In an unforgettable performance, Pacek leads a cast of Philadelphia’s top vocalists through this gorgeous musical about how we spend the time we are given.

We also focus on Exile's next production, Rajiv Joseph's Guards at the Taj and tease with the rest of the season, which includes John Pollono's Lost Girls, and Tracey Scott Wilson's Buzzer, It’s always a pleasure to chat with Deb. I hope you are as excited about their 20th season as I am.

Why should Saturday Night Live have all the fun this election cycle? Host Darnelle Radford, Benjamin, and Close give you the local lowdown on how to suck up all the year's dirty politics without getting sick.

Jeff and Melissa are part of the infamous MacArthur family, a family known to take their religious beliefs to the extreme by picketing funerals with their offensive signs and parodies of pop songs. They take their messages — “God hates fags” and “America is doomed” — all over the country and even to the Supreme Court. But when Jeff decides to come to terms with his sexuality his whole life changes. He tries to maintain his faith while his family makes him an outcast. Will his sister, who loves him dearly, be able to pull him back into the fold, or will she finally see that she is really part of a cult fueled by hate?

About Erlina Ortiz

Erlina Ortiz is a self-defined "everything" artist, and Power Street is the perfect avenue for her to explore all her different passions in the theater. Erlina graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in theater and a concentration in acting. She began dabbling in playwriting and directing when she started working with Power Street. The company produced two of her full-length plays in 2013 and 2014, and her newest work, She Wore Those Shoes, which addresses military rape culture, will receive a full production at the Iron Factory in October, 2016. As an emerging Latina-American playwright, Erlina’s voice is unique and important to the growing landscape of theatre in America and will only continue to become more relevant.

The show, a full-length burlesque play, takes a look at present-day politics through the eyes of real-life pirates Calico Jack Rackham, Anne Bonney, and Mary Reed. At this theater-in-the-round and under-the-stars experience, our antiheroes drink, fight, sing, and, yes, strip. The Seven Deadly Seas are an offshoot of the much-loved and dearly departed Cabaret Red Light. Proceeds from this show will help support the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild’s efforts to restore and maintain the historic Tall Ship Gazela and Tug Jupiter.

Into the Absurd featured Beckett's "Rough for Radio II" and Pinter's "Family Voices." In this podcast, Radford and Brock discuss the relevance of a radio play in today's multimedia-saturated environment. They also look at absurdism in the context of today's political climate. It should surprise no one that absurdism is still a pretty good fit in 2016.