Token Theatre Friends: Recent Episodes
Broadway Podcast Network
A community of BIPOC theater enthusiasts offering opportunities for theatre lovers to discover and engage with the works of artists we love. We bring a fresh perspective to the performing arts, exploring new work from underserved artists in our weekly web series and podcast, as well as our features and reviews. We don’t talk about representation, we are representation.Become a contributor on Patreon at www.patreon.com/tokentheatrefriends.
In this episode, Jose talks to the duo behind Repair, a play making its premiere via streaming at StudioWorks. Writers Michael Marrero and Julio Trinidad (who also stars in the play) talk about the process of writing together, creating a unique NY story, and the joy of bringing theater to people's homes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to Matías De La Flor, who talks about his work in Lerner & Loewe's Camelot and getting to play a Latino Lancelot. De La Flor also shares what it was like landing his first Broadway job out of school and why he's interested in coaching actors in two languages. Coming up on August 4th, De La Flor will join Jaime Lozano & The Familia at Lincoln Center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to four of the composers who will be featured in 4xLatiné at Latiné Musical Theatre Lab. Anna Deeny Morales of Zavala Zavala, Nico Raimont of Como Correr, Erlina Ortiz of Silueta, and Felipe Vásquez-Encamilla of Divergentes talk about the joys of creating musical theatre, how their passion for the form began, and share their experience working in the Lab. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to two of the artists behind Epic Players' production of Into the Woods. Music Director Shane Dittmar and Executive & Artistic Director Aubrie Therrien talk about the company's mission of providing opportunities for neurodivergent and disabled people, as well as the joys and challenges of taking on a show as beloved as Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to multidisciplinary artist Migguel Anggelo about his album English with an Accent and the eponymous theatrical piece he'll present at Lincoln Center in early December. The vibrant artist shared his insights on working with ideas from his dreams, Paloma Faith & Lady Gaga, and the importance of finding collaborators you love, like the brilliant Jaime Lozano. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to The Bengsons about Sovereignty Hymns, a series of spirituals they wrote in which they address a woman's right to choose when it comes to reproductive liberty. The Hymns were first released by La Jolla Playhouse shortly after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the summer of 2022. Driven by powerful personal stories and The Bengsons' exhilarating compositions, the songs became the alarm that reminds us that, as Abigail says, artists can be first responders. As always, a conversation with Abigail and Shaun is a balm for the soul, so enjoy and bask in their wisdom and light. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to actors Linedy Genao & Brandon Espinoza who starred as Gloria and Emilio Estefan in On Your Feet! at Paper Mill Playhouse. They discuss the different paths they took to become actors and what they learned playing the real-life couple. Genao, who was recently cast as the lead in Bad Cinderella shares how she puts her banking skills to good use in theater, and Espinoza shares what it was like growing up onstage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to actors Avanthika Srinivasan & R.J. Foster currently playing the leads in a revised Candida by Gingold Theatrical Group. The actors talk about falling in love with performance, starring in new works vs. revivals, as well as the ways in which they say goodbye to characters after a production ends its run. The play directed by David Staller runs through Nov. 19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to members of the Belgian troupe FC Bergman. The boundary-pushing collective are bringing their majestic "300 el x 50 el x 30" el to BAM in Brooklyn this month. They talk about the ways in which they combine cinema and theater, some of their influences, and how this work, which they created a decade ago, speaks to them today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to playwright Octavio Solis. Solis' new play, Scene with Cranes is having its world premiere at REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater ) in Los Angeles. The poetic work deals with the aftermath of a tragedy that shatters a family. Solis speaks about how the play was inspired by Jean Sibelius and of the lessons his characters teach him as they come alive on the page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Isabel speaks to Ramita Ravi, actor and dance captain in Bhangin' It. The La Jolla Playhouse musical, written by Mike Lew and Rehana Lew Mirza, with music and lyrics by Sam Willmott and Deep Singh, made its world premiere in San Diego from March 20th - April 17th, 2022. Ramita speaks on how the show's process makes space for South Asians and consultancy in theater, and how she challenges the "starving artist" trope by creating ARTSWRK, the professional network for artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to performer Jackie Burns. The actor is currently starring in a musical adaptation of A Walk on the Moon where she plays Pearl, a woman grappling with her life choices during the summer of 1969. Burns, known for her roles in If/Then and Wicked, talks about her love for the 1999 film that inspired the musical, as well as what it feels like to return to the stage in the era of Covid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to clarinetist Anthony McGill and trombonist Weston Sprott, who also run Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program (MAP). The program is designed to recruit students from underrepresented communities in an effort to increase diversity in classical music. To celebrate the program's 30th anniversary, the students and faculty have put together a special concert at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine on May 14. McGill and Sprott talk about what drew them to classical music (and their instruments of choice) as children, as well as why they like teaching and what they have learned from their students. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to Fernanda Santos. The trailblazing, multilingual writer is known for her powerful journalism and intimate storytelling. Now she's also a musical writer with ¡Americano! which tells the real-life story of Tony Valdovinos, a young man who discovers he's undocumented and fights to remind people why he belongs in the US. Santos spoke about the kind of stories that draw her, as well as the immigrant saudade that comes with being split between two worlds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to playwright Michelle Kholos Brooks about her play H*tler's Tasters (we reviewed the first New York production in 2018), her tragicomic look at the young women who were ready to give their lives for the infamous Nazi führer. As the play returns to New York stages, Kholos Brooks speaks about her research and the fascinating grey areas in which her characters exist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to composer Jaime Lozano about his career and upcoming performances. On April 15, Lozano will take the stage at Lincoln Center's American Songbook series with Songs by an Immigrant, featuring music from his acclaimed song cycle performed by Latinx guest artists. Lozano also spoke about his process, what he wants young composers to know, and shared his passion for cooking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to the director and cast of 7 Minutes. The Waterwell production is a translation of Stefano Massini's play, making its American debut at HERE Arts from March 17 - April 10, 2022. Director Mei Ann Teo speaks about what drew them to the play, while actors Nicole Ansari, Jojo Brown, and Ebony Marshall-Oliver comment on what it's like to work in an ensemble constituted exclusively by BIPOC women. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to playwright Eliana Pipes. Her play Dream Hou$e is in the midst of a rolling premiere in Atlanta, Connecticut, and Maryland. In Dream Hou$e, sisters Patricia and Julia deal with the recent death of their mother as they are left to decide whether they should sell their childhood house or not. Pipes talks about how the gentrification of her childhood neighborhood inspired her to write the play, as well as showcasing female characters onstage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to actor Marjan Neshat, one of the stars of English. The play by Sanaz Toossi takes place in a classroom in Iran, where the students prepare to take the TOEFL, in order to prove their proficiency in English. When she was eight years old, Neshat and her parents moved from Iran to the United States where she found a way to embrace the new culture through her love of performing. In the play, she stars as a teacher who constantly reminds her pupils to speak in "English only," but unlike her strict character, Neshat has proven to be an incredible performer across mediums. Some of her notable parts in television and film include her roles in Quantico, RoboCop, and Almost in Love, one of the projects she confessed to being proudest of. Neshat also speaks about returning to the stage following the theater shut down, her love of process, and starring in back-to-back-to-back plays on the same season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks with recording artist/actor Mia Pinero. Pinero is currently starring in Dipika Guha's Yoga Play at PlayMakers Repertory in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The actor speaks about what draws her to the characters she plays. Later this spring, Pinero will release her first solo album. Growing Up is a collection of songs that showcase Pinero's eclectic tastes and interests. From Childish Gambino, to Sondheim, and John Mayer, Pinero's melodious voice takes the listener on a journey from her childhood to today. She explained how she came up with a setlist that fulfilled her needs while paying tribute to the people she loves the most. Pinero will celebrate the album's release by doing a special performance at Feinstein's/54 Below. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks with playwright Jonathan Payne and director Martin Boross about Addressless. In the digital experience, attendees play a game where they learn about the many causes/consequences of housing insecurity. Boross first staged the show in his native Hungary, where he leads the revolutionary troupe STEREO AKT. Payne joined the project in its transfer to the United States, the two collaborated transatlantically via Zoom and share what that experience was like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks with playwright Martín Bondone and dramaturg Carlos Armesto about Odd Man Out. The site-specific/international co-production takes place in complete darkness, audience members are blindfolded and experience the story of Alberto, a blind artist traveling to Argentina. Armesto and Bondone talk about their backgrounds and how they found their way into making theater, as well as the importance of creating works that defy expectations of what a play should be like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to world renowned soprano Laquita Mitchell. This month she stars in On Site Opera's Lesson Plan, an adaptation of Georg Philipp Telemann's Der Schulmeister which takes place on Zoom. During the pandemic, in addition to performing, Mitchell has hosted a series of conversations with artists and thinkers she admires, which in addition to being a delight, are often enlightening. Mitchell spoke about what she's learned, seen, and heard during the last two years, and briefly touched on upcoming projects.
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In this episode, Jose speaks to playwright Mike Lew and actor Gregg Mozgala about Teenage Dick. The high-school-set play is a hilarious adaptation of Richard III in which Mozgala plays the title Dick, a young man who exacts revenge on those who have bullied and mocked him for his cerebral palsy. Lew and Mozgala talk about returning to the stage, how they found humor in one of the Bard's darkest plays, and what it means to be a working parent in theater. This production of Teenage Dick is a co-production between Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co., Huntington Theatre Co., and The Pasadena Playhouse (where it will be streaming from Feb. 1 - 17) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode Jose speaks to playwright Jocelyn Bioh and director Saheem Ali, who star in the documentary "Reopening Night" (available on HBOMax from Dec. 20). The film by Rudy Valdez follows the talented troupe led by Bioh and Ali who brought back Shakespeare in the Park following the Covid-19 theater shutdown. Bioh and Ali look back at their thrilling summer and reflect on how their artistry has been informed by the pandemic and share their wishes for theater in 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to actor Ilda Mason, who is making her big screen debut in Steven Spielberg's sumptuous retelling of West Side Story. Mason talks about how she ended up starring in four different versions of the beloved musical, as well as her upbringing in Panamá. Mason is also an artist in residence at Abingdon Theater Company and spoke about the joy she feels when she is collaborating with other artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose speaks to the creative minds behind "Black Feminist Video Game." In the play, Jonas, a biracial teenager with autism, learns about feminism through a classic video game. Playwright Darrel Alejandro Holnes talks about discovering a safe space in gaming. Director Victoria Collado explains how the digital world lent itself to an immersive theatrical experience. "Black Feminist Video Game" is a production by The Civilians, with a rolling digital premiere at 59E59, Center Theatre Group, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Brittani and Alexi review Shadow/Land at the Public Theater. The show explores the relationship between a mother and daughter who are forced to stay in New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina engulfs the city. Both Brittani and Alexi agree that the piece is part play, part poem as they recite their favorite lines. The poetic language clearly outlined the systemic barriers that put black people's lives at risk during Hurricane Katrina. You can listen to the play for free here. The friends also reviewed 'A' (What The Black Girl Found While Searching For God) by Taji Senior. The show follows the protagonist's intimate and vulnerable journey towards understanding her identity as a black woman. The play is the latest episode released by The Parsnip Ship and can found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Alexi and Murtada talk about the March on Broadway organized by the Actor’s Equity Association. They discuss the need for systemic reform to prevent future manifestations of abusive behavior within the theatre industry. Both hope that this reckoning is just the beginning of an industry-wide effort towards transformational change. The friends also review the film Limbo directed by Ben Sharrock and the play Honduras written by Sara Farrington. Both pieces portray the experiences of immigrants and asylum seekers leaving their homeland and establishing their lives in new countries. Limbo takes a whimsical approach that Murtada likens to Waiting for Godot, whereas Honduras tells the stories of 3 Honduran mothers in very much the same style as Anna Deveare Smith’s one-woman show Fires in the Mirror. Limbo opens in theatres April 30th and Honduras will be available to stream May 3rd-8th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Alexi and Juan review Romeo Y Julieta at The Public Theater. The show’s bilingual translation reminded Alexi of the chismes in his family spilling the tea (some might say he himself is the chisme). Both agreed that maybe it was best to leave behind the old English and bring this Shakespeare classic into a full Spanish telenovela setting. The friends also reviewed Twenty-Six by Ang Bey. The show was part of Jouska Play Works New Play Showcase at Simpatico Theatre. Juan points out that these characters are MESSY, but nothing less is expected as the play provides an unvarnished view of what it means to figure out your gender identity and sexual orientation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Ayanna and Alexi get in their feels as they reminisce over the last in-person shows they each saw before the pandemic began 1 year ago (for most of us). They have high expectations for the first season of in-person shows and make one request: NO musicals about pandemics please! That means no theatrical adaptation of Michael Bay’s Covid-19 drama, Songbird. The Friends review Monuments, a short film directed Sara Aniqah Malik in collaboration with Donmar Warehouse in the U.K. The film features the oral histories of BIPOC youth in London as they recount their experiences with racism. Ayanna gushes over the production of Simply Sondheim at the Signature Theatre and tells us how “Being Alive” takes on new meaning in light of the pandemic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose talks to Saheem Ali and Ricardo Pérez González. The director and playwright discuss their bilingual adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Now titled Romeo y Julieta, the audio-play transforms Verona into a sonically layered version of Latin America. The star-crossed lovers are played by Juan Castano and Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o. Ali talks about the first time he saw Nyong'o as Juliet almost two decades ago, while Pérez González recounts how the Spanish of San Juan, Puerto Rico shaped the adaptation. The two also discuss what it was like to work on a script remotely, and why audience members ought to let the beauty of the Spanish language wash over them. Even if they don't exactly know what the words mean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's been one year since theaters shut down all over the world. We're all still processing our new reality in different stages. The way to commemorate this strange anniversary couldn't be one of just sadness over what we lost or admiration at the perseverance of artists. Instead, we thought our tone should reflect what's mostly in our hearts: gratitude. This is the first episode in a series called "Thank You Theater-makers." We talk to artists who have been experimenting with new mediums, rediscovering skills, or realizing untried dreams. We talk to artists who have been holding space for their mental health and experiencing grief. We talk to artists who gave us their gift in new ways, and to those who we are sending love to, while they resume the practice of their craft. We begin this series with one of our favorite guests, Daniel K. Isaac. The versatile actor who has charmed us with his warmth and immense love for theater. Over the past year he has showcased his natural talent as a playwright and delighted us on social media with his book recommendations. We talk to Isaac about returning to his TV work on Billions, and what's next for him as a writer. Thank you, Daniel <3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose talks to Tony winner André De Shields. The legendary performing activist talks about his upcoming performance as Frederick Douglass in Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory. The piece is part of Flushing Town Hall's Black History Trilogy, a celebration of Black History Month. During the conversation, De Shields speaks about the clash of evolution and history, and his role as a messenger. He also talks about the circularity of history and the spirits of the theatre. It's a delightful talk emboldened by De Shields' charm and wisdom.
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In this episode, Andrew and Brittani celebrate carnival and discuss their favorite soca musicians. This leads them to imagine, and cast, a soca-driven Broadway show. Make it happen, producers! Then they review two pieces. First they talk about iN-Hale MEGA VEE's reading of All Boys Aren't Blue, by George M. Johnson. This is followed by a review of Judas and the Black Messiah, a biopic of Fred Hampton, the revolutionary socialist and chairman of the Black Panther Party in Chicago, who was murdered by the FBI at age 21. This is followed by an interview with Kwame Kwei-Armah, the playwright/performer who is also the Artistic Director of the Young Vic in London. The three talk about their Caribbean heritage and wonder why it's taking so long for the "dam to break" when it comes to producing works by Black artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kathlynn and Jose commemorate Valentine's Day. Last time they reviewed two dark romances and promised to find happy endings for V-Day. First, they talk about Malcolm and Marie on Netflix, leading Kathlynn to ask: why is this billed as a romantic drama? Following that, they talk about The Gay Divorcees, a band of real-life divorcees, who put together a visual album about how their marriages fell apart. Ah, l'amour... Jose talks to writer/performer Ryan J. Haddad about his melancholy Hi, Are You Single? A one-person show inspired by his experiences as a gay man with a high sex drive and cerebral palsy. The play is available to stream at Woolly Mammoth Theatre through the month of February. Jose and Ryan spoke about gay bars, Grindr, I Love Lucy, and specific word choices we make on dating apps.
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In this episode, Alexi and Jose go Gaga over J.Lo at the Inauguration. This leads Jose to ask: why are official ceremonies always so somber? This is followed by their review of Adrienne Kennedy's Etta and Ella on the Upper West Side. Furthermore, they talk about On Site Opera's The Beauty That Still Remains, a collection of operas delivered by mail. Jose interviews Miranda Gohh and Rashad V. Chambers of Theatre Producers of Color. A new initiative that seeks to train BIPOC producers over ten weeks. Jose talks to them about what it takes to be a producer, which leads to anecdotes about the shows that made them love theater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Kathlynn and Jose start by looking back at the attack on the Capitol by white supremacists. Furthermore, the way in which theatrical elements can be put at the service of terrorists. After that, they review two shows. First, they discuss Shotgun Players' production of Loy A. Webb's The Light. They follow this with a review of 1993, an audio drama by Finkle produced by the Keen Company. Jose interviews Heather Christian and Joshua William Gelb. They are the composer and director/performer, respectively, behind Send Me the Sacred Face. The show explores the life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Gelb plays her, in drag. Christian speaks about the way in which digital theater lacks ritual. Gelb gives insight into directing and performing from inside his closet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our last episode of 2020 is jam-packed with goodies. First up, Ayana and Jose review a new digital production of Meet Me in St. Louis, and an audio version of A Christmas Carol. Next, Jose speaks to Animals playwright Stacy Osei-Kuffour, and director Whitney White, about the process of transforming their original vision into an audio play. This is followed by Ayana and Jose unveiling their favorite shows of the year. In addition, following a TTF tradition, we hear from some of our favorite artists as they reveal the art that made 2020 memorable for them.
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In this special episode, Jose talks to Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty, the composers behind beloved musicals such as Ragtime, Once on This Island, and Anastasia. During the pause provoked by the pandemic, the duo went to their archives to put together a new album called Legacy: Two Song Cycles. The double album features previously unreleased demos split into two song cycles. The first is called 1859: A Farmer's Diary and features vocals by Jason Danieley and the great, late Marin Mazzie. The second, A Boy With a Camera, was inspired by photographs taken by Ahrens' father in the 1950s. It features vocals by Steven Pasquale and Sarah Uriarte Berry. The duo talked about why some songs never make it to the final version of the musical, and talk about what it means to look back at 37 years of work together. The episode includes a special appearance by Juju Nieto, a Dramaturgy student at Carnegie Mellon University who had some questions for the legendary music makers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose talks to Nicholas Rodriguez about his upcoming appearance in Sondheim Unplugged, at Feinstein's/54 Below (Dec. 26). As well as the lessons he's learned in 2020, how he's acquired new skills in order to perform online, and his realization that there exist two kinds of people in the world. The star of Tarzan and One Life to Live, reflects on a year where he learned that it was OK to slow down. He also shared his experience doing the Whole30 and looking forward to Christmas tamales. The actor will next appear in Some Enchanted Evening at Paper Mill Playhouse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Alicia and Jose talk to Chad Austin and Bianca Marroquín. As the artistic director of Abingdon Theatre Company, Austin conceived the #IWILL campaign, meant to remind theatre makers who can't be onstage right now, about the importance of hope. He recruited renowned artists, including Marroquín, to come up with reassuring messages that warm the heart and raise the spirit. Marroquín was the first Mexican woman to play a Broadway lead, she has starred as Roxie Hart throughout the years in Chicago. She spoke about her love for the role and her admiration for Chita Rivera, who she played in Fosse/Verdon. Plus Alicia and Jose review The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special starring drag superstars Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme, as well as the Hip Hop Nutcracker, streaming at Baltimore Center Stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose talks to Broadway icon Norm Lewis about his new Christmas show at Feinstein's/54 Below. Unlike years past, audience members can't gather at the famed nightclub to be serenaded by Lewis. So he's doing the next best thing by crafting an intimate evening filled with beloved holiday classics. As well as Lewis' own takes on what makes "a Christmas song." The show premieres on Dec. 17 and will be streamable from Dec. 18 - 31. The star of Dessa Rose and Porgy and Bess, goes deep into his song selection process and explains his love for his band. He also reveals what's in his letter to Santa this year, and shares his heartfelt wishes for our world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Alexi and Jose review The Wilma’s recent production of Heroes of the Fourth Turning. Which they compare to an episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Alexi even matches each Heroes character to a ROBH cast member. The two also discuss their love for Clarice Lispector when reviewing the digital world built for a production of Inside the Wild Heart. The Friends also spoke with Tony-nominee Robert O’Hara and Sullivan Jones about their involvement in the latest audio production of A Streetcar Named Desire, as part of the Williamstown Theatre Festival with Audible. O’Hara directed the show and Jones starred as Mitch. Both have previously worked together on Slave Play, which received 12 Tony nominations earlier this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode Jose and Kelly review Ryan Murphy's adaptation of The Prom (now in select theaters, Dec. 11on Netflix) and discuss how the Hollywood cast fares compared to the Broadway company. Kelly also discusses digital quest Thickett and The Mad Ones Engine. Jose talked to the multitalented Alexandra Silber about the cast recording of Einstein's Dreams and her novels. He also discussed the surprising romanticism of Google Earth with You Are Here creator Marike Splint, and did a segment in Spanish with Denisse Estefany Mendoza of ¡Niños Show Up! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode Jose and Juan Michael speak with Donja R. Love, the award-winning Afro-Queer playwright about why authentic representation is essential. In each of his plays, Love centers the lives of Black, Queer, and HIV positive lives. They show viewers what it means to love in a time of slavery (Sugar in Our Wounds), to hide in plain sight (Fireflies), to process one's grief (one-in-two), and to embrace vulnerability (soft). During the discussion, Donja spills the tea on what motivates him, his love for Black people, and on how he handles anyone stuck in "the sunken place". He also speaks about helping others tap into their own creative voices through "Write it Out", a 10-week virtual playwriting program that he conceived specifically for artists living with HIV. Their work premieres on December 1st, World AIDS Day in a virtual presentation produced by National Queer Theatre. Donja is excited for everyone to see the brilliance that he helped nurture and encourages everyone to register for the free showing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode Jose talks to Grace McLean, the composer and star of In the Green, a musical about medieval saint Hildegarde Von Bingen, a composer, exorcist. and doctor of the church who spent most of her childhood in a tower. The cast recording is out now, you can stream it wherever you get your music, or you can buy a CD version as well (those will be released later this year). Grace spoke about the new subject she's been fascinated in during quarantine, shared insight on her writing, and what it was like to give voice to a woman who challenged societal and religious norms on what women were supposed to do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jose talks to playwright Victor I. Cazares about their limited series Pinching Pennies with Penny Marshall: Death Rituals for Penny Marshall, in which the legendary filmmaker comes to life as a financial advisor sharing her wisdom with OnlyFans content creators via Zoom. Cazares also talks about the pop culture that formed them, and how they have created a space for themselves in a field that suggests they are not Latinx or queer enough for the kinds of works being produced. Cazares speaks about form and how it relates to a medium, and discusses some of their favorite telenovelas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode, it's Jose's turn to rant about the Tony Awards and the nominators' petty snub of The Lightning Thief. The Friends also talk about American Utopia, which is the filmed version of David Byrne's Broadway show of the same name. It's currently on HBO. The Friends surprised themselves by really enjoying the show even though they're not the biggest Byrne fan. This week's guests are playwright Chisa Hutchinson (Proof of Love) and actor Aunjanue Ellis (When They See Us, Lovecraft Country). They talk about the film they made together, which is based on one of Hutchinson's plays: The Subject, about a white documentary filmmaker who makes a movie about Black teenagers. It raises questions about whether it's possible to be neutral in the face of oppression, and what it makes to be a witness. Here are the links to the things discussed in this episode:
American Utopia by David Byrne on HBO
The Subject, which is still looking for a distributor and is on the film festival circuit. You can currently watch it on the Twin Cities Film Festival website until Oct. 31 and at the Naples Film Festival site until Oct. 25.
Two harrowing things that were mentioned but we won't link to: That Kevin Carter photo of the African toddler and the vulture. Darnella Frazier's video of George Floyd's murder.
When They See Us, a miniseries by Ava DuVernay
Proof of Love by Chisa Hutchinson
This week's Patreon shoutout: the International Theatermakers Award, presented by the Playwrights Realm for artists in America on an O-1 visa. To find out if you're eligible for the award, fill out the preliminary eligibility survey here by Sunday, November 1 at 11:59PM EST.
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In this episode Jose talks to Michael Breslin, Patrick Foley and Cat Rodríguez, the creative minds behind Fake Friends, a new theatre/media company where they explore their love for pop culture, theatre and politics, through genre-bending pieces that combine multimedia with "traditional" theater. Their latest project is Circle Jerk, a hilarious commentary on white gays and cancel culture, which they are streaming live from Oct. 18 through Nov. 7th. Jose talked to Michael, Patrick and Cat about criticism, YouTube influencers, creating theatre during a worldwide pandemic, and Fellini. Here are links to the things mentioned in this episode:
The official website for Fake Friends.
The official website for Circle Jerk, which runs from Oct. 18 - Nov 7th.
Contrapoints, the YouTuber Michael Breslin describes as "John Waters and a philosophy seminar at a college)
This American Wife produced by Next Door at New York Theatre Workshop in 2018.
Federico Fellini's Satyricon.
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This week, Diep delivers a rant about the Tony Award nominations, and why it all feels anti-climactic. This week the Friends welcome one of their favorite people: Heidi Schreck. Schreck was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for her play What the Constitution Means to Me, which ran on Broadway in 2019. Now that play has been filmed and will be released on Amazon Prime Video on Oct. 16. Schreck drops by to talk about the current state of our democracy, becoming a new mom (of twins!), and why it's so hard to film theater.
Here are links to the things mentioned in this episode:
Karen Olivo's reaction to being nominated for a Tony Award.
What the Constitution Means to Me on Amazon Prime.
What the Constitution Means to Me script, published by Theatre Communications Group
This week's Patreon shoutout: Nicole, who recently created a virtual theatre company called The Masked Collective. They have a new play festival next weekend (October 23rd and 24th at 7PM EST). The play festival will be livestreamed on Facebook and will be available for a week after. Says Nicole: "We're not charging for admission but encourage people to donate to our Venmo instead @Masked-Collective, as that's how we'll be paying the artists involved."
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On this week’s episode, the Friends react to the Lincoln Project’s ad that compares the president to Evita. It’s called Covita. It’s pretty terrifying. Then they review two shows-turned-movies/TV. The first is Ryan Murphy’s film version of The Boys in the Band, the 1968 play by Mart Crowley, which chronicles the lives of gay men living in New York City pre-Stonewall. It’s on Netflix. Then they talk about The Goes Wrong Show, which is based on The Play That Goes Wrong by Mischief Theatre, which ran on Broadway 2017 to 2019. The show on Amazon Prime This week’s guests are Eva Noblezada (Hadestown) and Tony winner Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Once on This Island). Eva is starring in Yellow Rose, a new film about an undocumented teenager whose mother is taken away by ICE. Lea plays her aunt. The two actors talk about their love of video games, how they’re both actually a bit introverted, and how they’re making money during quarantine. Here are links to the things mentioned in this episode:
The Lincoln Project's Covita ad; it's terrifying.
The Boys in the Band on Netflix
The Goes Wrong Show on Amazon Prime
Harriett D. Foy told us she's a fan of The Play That Goes Wrong, here's our interview with her.
Fires in the Mirror, which Michael Benjamin Washington starred in; he's also in Boys in the Band and doesn't get nearly enough to do.
Get our virtual movie tickets to Yellow Rose here.
The original song Eva Noblezada sings in Yellow Rose.
Eva's podcast: The Amarillo Project.
Lea Salonga's PBS concert on Nov. 27.
Patreon shoutout: Luisa Lyons, who is building a database of stage musicals that have been legally filmed and publicly shared, plus there's a podcast: www.filmedlivemusicals.com. Welcome fellow theater podcaster!
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This week the Friends experienced two shows. One was an immersive play for one person for Portaleza by David Israel Reynoso/Optika Moderna, presented by La Jolla Playhouse. The prompt is: Send a message to a person in your life who has died. It's supernatural and kind of sci-fi. Then they review something more high-budget but also similarly technical: Romantics Anonymous, a new musical from Emma Rice, Christopher Dimond, and Michael Kooman. It was live-streamed straight from London's Old Vic Theatre and it was fully staged! The musical is about two socially awkward chocolate makers who fall in love. What do the Brits know that we don't about beating COVID and getting theater back? This week's guests are playwrights Luis Alfaro (Mojada, Oedipus El Rey) and Alexis Scheer (Our Dear Dead Drug Lord), in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The two playwrights talk about theater as alchemy and magic, and how to find your voice as a writer, even when that voice is weirder than everyone around you. Here are links to the things discussed this episode.
Portaleza by David Israel Reynoso/Optika Moderna, presented by La Jolla Playhouse
Romantics Anonymous, a new musical from Emma Rice, Christopher Dimond, and Michael Kooman
This Los Angeles Times piece about Luis Alfaro and Mojada, his riff on Medea.
This Q&A with Alexis Scheer about the weekly book club she's hosting with SpeakEasy Stage Company.
This week's Patreon shoutout: Diana Burbano, who's gathering monologues for a Zoom reading series she's producing called Breath of Fire, with Latina Theater Ensemble in collaboration with Protest Play Project. If you're a Latinx writer, you can submit your original monologues here.
The transcript for this episode will be available at a later date. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode, the Friends talked to musician and actor Josh Groban (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812), who is about to release a new album called Harmony in November. But before that happens, he's doing a series of live virtual concerts, where he will be performing new songs and taking requests from his back catalogue. The first of those concerts on Oct. 3 will be Broadway themed so get your show-tune requests ready now! Groban called in to talk about creating music and finding faith during the pandemic. Here are links to the things they talked about this week:
The Bail Project
Romantics Anonymous by Emma Rice, Christopher Dimond, and Michael Kooman—presented at the Old Vic.
Josh Groban's newest song: "Your Face."
A classic Groban song: "You Raise Me Up."
A very prescient Groban song, written by the late Adam Schlesinger: "End of the Movie."
Info about Groban's next livestream concerts
This week's Patreon shoutout: Mike Sablone, whose company the Warehouse Theatre in Greenville, S.C., are doing a Zoom piece called Objectivity. It's a Zoom seminar run by a "famous" decluttering expert that doesn't go as planned. It's part seminar, part interactive show, and part musical. It runs Sept. 30-Oct. 17. Break a leg, Mike!
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This week, the Friends talk about two shows. First they discuss Murder at River Crossing Book Club from Live In Theatre Company, which is an interactive murder mystery where the audience get to interrogate witnesses and try to figure out, who killed the richest woman in town? It's real-life Clue! Then the Friends discuss this year's Miscast, MCC Theater's annual gala, where actors perform songs from shows they would never be cast in. Whose performance did the Friends love most? Find out! This week's guest are actor Denis O'Hare (True Blood, American Horror Story) and director Lisa Peterson (The Waves, Light Shining in Buckinghamshire). The two are longtime friends who collaborated on the award-winning An Iliad and The Good Book. They've figured out to still collaborate with an ocean between them and the newest fruits of their partnership is the new virtual experience: What the Hell Is a Republic Anyway? Beginning live on Sept 22, and going until after the election, Peterson and O'Hare will explore the parallels between the fall of Rome and America today. Here are links to the things mentioned in the episode:
Murder at River Crossing Book Club from Live In Theatre Company
Miscast, MCC Theater's annual gala
Kelli O'Hara's Miscast performance
Katrina Lenk's Miscast performance
What the Hell Is a Republic Anyway?
Lisa Peterson's next project: It Can't Happen Here, a four-part radio play about the spread of Facism in America
Denis O'Hare's next projects: American Gods on Starz and The Nevers on HBO.
Shoutout to our Patreon patron Garlia Cornelia, founder and producing artistic director of Blackboard Plays, one the founding producers of the Obie Award winning Harlem9. She's also a line producer at the Public Theater, and has been creating in quarantine. Keep up the great, creative work Garlia!
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This week, the Friends weren't able to record an intro together. But their guest is pretty epic. They welcomed Tony-winning actor/writer John Leguizamo, who is now adding director to his resume. He's starring in and directing a new film, Critical Thinking, where he plays a chess teacher who helps inspires a group of low-income Black and Latinx high-schoolers to national chess championship victory. Leguizamo drops by to talk about the film, Latin History for Morons (currently on Netflix), and his ongoing work to advance Latinx representation in film and theater. Here are links to the things discussed in this episode.
Critical Thinking
Latin History for Morons
Leguizamo recommends that you all read: 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann
That NPR interview where Leguizamo talked about being heckled by racist audience members
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This week, the Friends react to the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards and the sudden death of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman (who was also a playwright!). Then they discuss their experiences at Here We Are, a series of one-on-one plays produced by Theater for One where an actor performs, just for you! It's playing until Sept. 24. Then Shaun Bengson and Abigail Nessen-Bengson, of the musical duo The Bengsons, call in. They're the duo behind the musicals Hundred Days and The Lucky Ones, and they've created a new work about their lives in quarantine called The Keep Going Song. They also appeared on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert, like NBD. The Bengsons discussed how they've managed to create not just new songs but a whole visual album for it, and what white artists can contribute to this racially charged time. Here are links to the things mentioned in this episode:
Lady Gaga's masked performance at the VMAs.
Deep Azure, the play written by Chadwick Bosement (someone produce it so we can see it!)
Chadwick Boseman's last tweet telling us all to vote.
In the Penal Colony by Miranda Haymon
The Keep Going Song by the Bengsons, produced by Actors Theatre of Louisville
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The Friends took a break last week because Diep was out of town. But this week, they're coming back in time to talk about the Tony Awards. It's happening! And the Friends have opinions about what the awards ceremony should look like this year. This week's guest is actor Daniel K. Isaac, who is a recurring character on the Showtime television show Billions. But did you know that Isaac is a big theater nerd? He has multiple binders and drawers dedicated to all the playbills he's collected over his 11 years in NYC and he shares some of his favorites, plus gives tips on how he could afford to buy theater tickets when he was still a struggling artist. Here are links to things the Friends talked about this episode:
What theater stuff Daniel K. Isaac has been up to in quarantine: a 24 Hour plays monologue, Pride Plays, the Homebound Project, and BD Wong's Songs From an Unmade Bed.
Isaac's [ UNTITLED GAY SEX & CONVERSION THERAPY PLAY ]
Some of Isaac's favorite theater memories: Our Town directed by David Cromer, Brief Encounter at St Ann’s Warehouse, Circle Mirror Transformations by Annie Baker, Awake and Sing from National Asian American Theater Company, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 when it first premiered at Ars Nova, Scenes From a Marriage directed by Ivo Van Hove.
The Expecting, a new horror show on Quibi that Isaac is in that will premiere this fall.
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This week, the Friends talk about Godspell at Berkshire Theatre Group, the first musical to be performed in from of a live audience using union actors. There's a lot of plastic involved, and masks on stage, which is admirable but they can't help but wonder: Who would want to risk their health to go see a show right now? Then, the Friends review a show that is safe, the Zoom tarot readings currently being presented from Strange Bird Immersive, a Houston-based company that specializes in escape rooms. They can't do escape rooms but their actors are doing tarot readings online which are actually quite unnerving and accurate. This week's guest is actor Harriett D. Foy, who is currently playing the ultra-religious Patrice in P-Valley on Starz, a new show written by playwright Katori Hall based on her play Pussy Valley. Foy talks about reading mean Tweets online and the upcoming virtual play she's doing to celebrate the centennial of women's suffrage: Finish the Fight by Ming Peiffer, which will premiere on Aug. 18 and is produced by The New York Times, and is about the unsung women of color who helped win women the right to vote. It will be available after the 18th for you to view whenever. Here are links to things the Friends talked about this episode:
Godspell at Berkshire Theatre Group
Tarot readings from Strange Bird Immersive
Finish the Fight by Ming Peiffer
The House That Will Not Stand by Marcus Gardley (Harriett D. Foy was FIRE in it)
P-Valley on Starz, about the people who work in and around a Black-owned strip club in the South
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This week, the Friends open the show by talking about Black is King, Beyoncé's new visual album, and folklore, the new album by Taylor Swift that was written and released during quarantine. They talk about how these albums use storytelling as their primary driver, and what other artists can learn about producing during quarantine. And why are the Friends talking about music? That's because their guest this week is Tony winner BD Wong, who is releasing a visual album of his own (his "gay Lemonade" if you will). Wong and his husband videographer Richert Schnorr have created 18 music videos, set to the theatrical song cycle Songs from an Unmade Bed. It is about the inner musings and romantic life of a gay man living in New York City. The videos will stream at 8 pm EST on Monday, August 10, as a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Songs From an Unmade Bed first premiered in 2005 and was created by Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning lyricist and librettist Mark Campbell with 18 composers: Debra Barsha, Mark Bennett, Peter Foley, Jenny Giering, Peter Golub, Jake Heggie, Stephen Hoffman, Lance Horne, Gihieh Lee, Steven Lutvak, Steve Marzullo, Brendan Milburn, Chris Miller, Greg Pliska, Duncan Sheik, Kim D. Sherman, Jeffrey Stock and Joseph Thalken. Support Token Theatre Friend's Patreon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Friends discuss two audio plays: Richard II by Shakespeare and Julia Pastrana by Shaun Prendergast. Richard II was presented by the Public Theater and WNYC, and starred André Holland as the king and Miriam A. Hyman as his foe Henry Bolingbroke. It's still available to download. Julia Pastrana is produced by Amphibian Stage Co. and is about the ugliest woman in the world. It's based on a true story and is meant to be listened to in the dark. How immersive! The Friends discussed what worked about the productions, does race matter when it's radio and how audio plays can give you the ASMR tingles. This week's guest is playwright Clare Barron, who was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for drama for her play Dance Nation. Barron just wrote a new short play called What This Will Be Like When It's Over, for a new theater journal called The Flashpaper. It's about dating during the pandemic. She and the Friends got into a deep discussion about sex and dating, and how Barron is able to get ultra-personal in her plays without feeling self-conscious. Also, she talked about that time she had sex onstage. There's some very frank talk of sex, with some expletives thrown in, so please if listen on your headphones if these subjects are sensitive to you or anyone around you. Here are links to things the Friends talked about in this episode.
Free Shakespeare on the Radio: Richard II
Julia Pastrana at Amphibian Stage Co. (available through July 30)
A review of I'll Never Love Again by Clare Barron
The Flashpaper: a new theater journal featuring writings from theater artists, including Clare Barron
The script for Dance Nation by Clare Barron
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This week, the Friends discuss immigration, or rather, how immigration is portrayed on the stage. First off is a review of The Copper Children by Karen Zacarías, a play that was performed at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and is now being streamed by the theater. It's about a fight between white people and Mexicans in 1904 Arizona, throwing into question the arbitrary-ness of citizenship and whiteness. Then the Friends interview playwright (and FX's The Americans staff writer) Hilary Bettis. Her play, 72 Miles to Go is also about family separation, following a Mexican-American family who is torn apart when the mother, Anita, is deported to Mexico. Bettis talks about how the way we're living now in quarantine is not too different from how families who have been torn apart are living, like communicating via phone calls and not being able to touch each other. She also talks about the new Kilroys List, which annually spotlights under-produced plays by women and non-binary folks. This year, the List is a tribute to all of the shows by marginalized people who were cancelled. Here are links to things the Friends talked about in this episode.
Jose's interview with Karen Zacarías about The Copper Children and how it was partially inspired by her grandfather.
The Copper Children stream (through July 22)
The new Kilroys List
More info about Hilary Bettis' "batshit" play Alligator
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Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda's epic (and very expensive) musical has moved from the stage to screen thanks to Disney+. A musical as big as Hamilton deserves a big discussion, a cabinet battle, if you will. The Friends are joined by actor and composer Heath Saunders, and theater critic Kelundra Smith. They discuss how Hamilton hits differently in 2020 than it did in 2015 when it premiered, how it's OK for art to be problematic, and whether Hamilton could win the Oscar. This episode was recorded on June 6. Here are links to things the Friends talked about in this episode.
This Vox article about why Hamilton is historical fanfiction
John Leguizamo's Latin History for Morons on Netflix
Comedian Katherine Ryan's bit about Hamilton's woman problem
Heath's really smart article about racism in Broadway musicals
What Kelundra thought of Hamilton when she first saw it in 2018
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The Friends recorded on June 7. This week is a very special episode because there's not one, but TWO, podcast episodes. In the planning for this week, Diep and Jose realized that they had too much content and they didn't want to cut any of it. So this week will be a two-parter. Part one is an interview with George Salazar and part two will be a discussion of Hamilton on Disney+. George Salazar is the beloved actor behind Be More Chill on Broadway. He also starred in a buzzy revival of Little Shop of Horrors in 2019, opposite MJ Rodriguez. Salazar has been doing a lot during his COVID: he sang in a Pride virtual concert in June and hosted his own weekly talk show (which he's currently revamping and planning on bringing back). He came onto the podcast to talk about the upcoming Night of a Thousand Judys concert and his late-in-life love for Judy Garland. Plus, Salazar also talks about why he criticized the Tony Awards on Twitter. Here are links to things that Friends talked about in this episode.
Night of a Thousand Judys
Sundays on the Couch with George
George Salazar's tweet thread about the Tony Awards
George Salazar and MJ Rodriguez perform "Suddenly Seymour" on the James Corden Show
Diep's essay about Little Shop of Horrors (that Salazar read and loved)
Adopt a State with Vote Save America (Salazar has adopted Florida)
Salazar's Instagram account where he posts a lot of stories
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The Friends recorded on June 29. They open the show by talking about Zoom plays, what's been working about them, what hasn't been working, and things they've seen on Zoom that they love. Then they talk about two shows they've seen. First, To My Distant Love from On Site Opera, an opera done over the telephone (remember those?). Then they talk about a play they watched on BroadwayHD: Pipeline by Dominique Morisseau, about a Black mother who is worried about how her son is doing in school, and how the play really benefited from multiple viewings. This week's guest is Taylor Reynolds, who is one of the artistic leaders of the Obie-winning Movement Theatre Company in New York City. She talks about how the company was created (to provide opportunities for young artists of color) and what they're doing now: giving love to designers who are out of work, and don't have Zoom plays to keep them creative. Reynolds is also a director, whose work on Plano by Will Arbury blew both of the Friends' minds when it played Off-Off Broadway last year. She also talks about how she wraps her head around super-weird theater. Here are links to things that Friends talked about in this episode.
To My Distant Love from On Site Opera
Pipelineby Dominique Morisseau
Hit Play from the New York Neo-Futurists
Diana Oh’s My H8 Letter To The Gr8 American Theatre
Tartuffe from Moliere in the Park
Sing Street's Facebook concert
Desire: A Sankofa Dreamby Maria Bauman-Morales
Token Theatre Friends's interview with Mirirai Sithole
The Movement Theatre Company's 1Move Program
Planoby Will Arbury
What to Send Up When It Goes Downby Aleshea Harris
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The Friends recorded on June 23 where they discussed the news that Broadway will not be back until January 2021 (at least). They also went into a deep dive on 2666 by Seth Bockley and Robert Falls—a five-hour play adaptation of the Roberto Bolaño novel, that is currently available to stream for free at the Goodman Theatre's website. Then they hop on a Zoom call with Raúl Esparza, where Jose manages to hide his excitement and act like a professional. The four-time Tony nominee has been doing a lot of virtual theatrical experiences, including hosting the Stephen Sondheim birthday special, Take Me to the World, and doing a monologue from his kitchen. Esparza talks about getting type-casted and how he hopes the theater of the future will be cheaper. This weekend, he will be doing a live reading of the comedy Tartuffe, produced by Molière in the Park. Here are links to things that Friends talked about in this episode.
2666 at the Goodman Theatre
The Guardian: "Barcelona opera reopens with performance for more than 2000 potted plants"
Kotaku: "Pokémon Plush Toys Gather To Watch Korean Baseball"
Broadway News: "Broadway shows expected to remain closed through early January"
Tartuffe from Moliere in the Park
Seared by Theresa Rebeck at MCC Theater.
Raúl Esparza doing a 24-Hour Play monologue
Take Me to the World: Stephen Sondheim's 90th Birthday Celebration
Lindsay Mendez's Tony Awards acceptance speech
Mixed Blessings at the Coconut Grove Playhouse
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The Friends sat down and recorded over Skype on June 14 and talked about "We See You White American Theatre," an open letter that got more than 50,000 signatures (including from a bunch of celebrities) and what can be done to solve racism in the American theater. Then they whistle a happy tune and discuss The King and I. They watched a video of the 2015 Broadway revival and talk about how it's problematic but they love it anyway, and how they would improve The King and I. #YourFavesAreProblematic Their guest this episode is actor April Matthis, who was the star of the play Toni Stone by Lydia Diamond, and who's been up for every acting award in New York City for her performance. This Obie-winning star has also been in Gatz by Elevator Repair Service, and she called in to discuss Playing on Air, a theater podcast where she acted in short plays by Dominique Morisseau and Ngozi Anyanwu, and trying to create theater in the time of COVID-19.. Here are links to things that Friends talked about in this episode.
The We See You White American Theatre letter.
Washington Post: "When black people are in pain, white people join book clubs."
Montana Levi Blanco's Instagram video about racism in the theater.
Rachel Chavkin's apology to Montana Levi Blanco.
Diep's article about the American musical's obsession with Asians.
Playing on Air: website/iTunes
Night Vision by Dominique Morisseau: website/iTunes
G.O.A.T. by Ngozu Anyanwu: website/iTunes
The Skin of Our Teeth at Paper Chairs Theatre Company.
Ronald Peet doing the 24-Hour Plays.
April Matthis doing the 24-Hour Plays.
2666 by Roberto Bolaño at the Goodman Theatre.
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The Friends sat down and recorded over Skype on June 8. They discuss the recent discovery that Broadway theater owners the Nederlanders gave over $150,000 to the 2016 Trump presidential campaign and why we should care. Plus, they talk about two theater productions that were filmed: Pass Over by Antoinette Nwandu (available on Amazon Prime) and American Son by Christopher Demos-Brown (available on Netflix). They compare and contrast police brutality as portrayed by a Black playwright versus a white playwright. Their guest this episode is Jasmine Batchelor, whose film The Surrogate is out for virtual release starting June 12. Batchelor discusses how the film opened her eyes to inequality for disabled people and what's it like for your mom to be played on screen by Tony winner Tonya Pinkins. Here are links to things that Friends talked about in this episode.
This Tweet about the Nederlanders.
This Change.org petition to make the Apollo Theatre a Broadway house.
Karen Olivo's Instagram post where she commits to not performing in a Nederlander theater.
This profile of Christian Cooper in the New York Times.
The Dear White American Theater petition.
Jasmine Batchelor's op-ed for Talkhouse.
A directory of local bail funds that you can donate to.
Our friends at Broadway Radio, who made a sizable donation to Token Theatre Friends.
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On the first episode of the newly revamped Token Theatre Friends podcast, the Friends sat down and recorded over Skype on June 1. They discussed Black Lives Matter and the protests that have erupted around the world around the murder of George Floyd and police brutality. They also discuss how different brands have released statements to support BLM, including Broadway shows and theater companies across the country, though some of these statements have been better than others. At the end of the episode, they also chat about what they’ve been up to in quarantine and their opinions about virtual theater. So buckle up because the girls are back in town! Here are links to things that Friends talked about in this episode.
Article: What It Feels Like to Be Shot by a Rubber Bullet
Tweet: What the Constitution Means to Me
Statement: The Public Theater
Statement: Wicked
A spreadsheet of theaters that have not spoken up (created by Marie Crisco, a former line producer at the Public Theater)
Article: Rewatching Sex and the City During a Pandemic
Life on Earth from This is Not a Theatre Company
The New York Neo-Futurists podcast
She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen at the University of Maryland
Amazon Prime film: Pass Over by Antoinett Nwandu
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This pre-pandemic conversation with the exciting helmer behind 'Endlings' and radical stagings of 'Ragtime' and 'Carmen' holds hope for the art form.
Jose talks to the playwright about her (now closed) show 'Endlings' and to Wai Ching Ho, who starred in it.
Jose talks with the 'Wicked' star, currently doing a cabaret residency and soon to star in the musical 'Lempicka.'
Jose talks to Mamie Parris and Mauricio Martínez, stars of 'Unmasked: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber' at Paper Mill Playhouse.
This week Jose records a live episode with the playwrights behind 'Ain't No Mo' and 'Stew.'
Jose talks to the musical theatre star about her upcoming Carnegie Hall concert and her self-care practices between shows.
Jose talks with 'Slave Play's' Irene Lucío, and gathers 2019 reflections from Young Jean Lee, Aleshea Harris, Jaime Lozano, and others.
Jose speaks to playwright Donja R. Love and actor Leland Fowler of one in two, a new play about HIV among the Black community.
The Friends interview the 'Hamilton' star, who is back onstage in a musical version of 'Cyrano.' Plus reviews of 'Tina' on Broadway and a provocative new 'Evita,' and a special announcement!
The Friends welcome the writer of 'Slave Play,' 'Daddy,' and 'Black Exhibition' to talk about sex and social media.
The 'Orange is the New Black' actress discusses learning how to dance for 'for colored girls....' at the Public Theater. Plus reviews of 'Moulin Rouge,' 'Little Shop of Horrors,' and 'Soft Power.'
The Friends interview the actress who's been playing Judy on and off for six years in 'Chasing Rainbows.' Plus reviews of Halloween shows, including one where they get blindfolded, and a discussion of the discussion around cell phones in the theatre (meta!).
The 'Hamilton' actor on why depictions of gay men living normal lives are important. Plus reviews of 'Freestyle Love Supreme' and the 'Judy' movie.
The actor/director and choreographer drop by to discuss how women oppress each other and how make it stop. Plus the Friends discuss 'Betrayal' on Broadway and whether it's wise to masturbate at the theatre.
The Friends talk to two actors about 'As Much as I Can,' a new musical extravaganza about the contemporary HIV/AIDS crisis; plus reviews of 'Hercules,' 'Felix Starro,' and 'Make Believe.'
The Friends take a road trip to see 'Into the Woods,' in actual nature, and talk to Britney Simpson, the production's Baker's Wife; plus reviews of 'Sea Wall/A Life' and 'Bat Out of Hell.'
The Friends talk to the 'On Your Feet!' star about why he advocates for Latinx composers and for racial justice; plus discussions of Hannah Gadsby's 'Douglas' and 'Six.'
'Come From Away' is celebrating its 1,000th performance on Broadway and its cast members come in to celebrate; plus reviews of 'Midsummer: A Banquet,' 'Mojada,' 'The Rolling Stone,' and the 'Cats' trailer.
The Friends talk to the actors of 'Hadestown' plus reviews of 'Toni Stone' and 'Unmaking Toulouse-Lautrec.'
This week, stars of 'The Prom' and 'A Strange Loop' discuss staying positive in show business and queer representation. Plus the Friends review 'Frankie and Johnny,' 'The Secret Life of Bees,' and 'In the Green.'
The Friends interview NYC's Public Advocate, react to the Tony Award results, and share thoughts on 'Octet,' 'Little Women,' and 'Nomad Motel.'
The Friends talk to the creators of 'Underground Railroad Game,' which is back in NYC; plus reviews of an all-female 'Mac Beth,' 'BLKS,' and 'Continuity.'
The Friends talk to the star of the original 'Next to Normal' about her newest one-woman show. Plus, reviews of 'Caroline, or Change,' 'Paul Swan is Dead and Gone,' and 'Tootsie.'
The Colombian director discusses her new play ‘17 Border Crossings,' plus reviews of 'The Cradle Will Rock,' 'The Pain of My Belligerence,' and 'Mrs. Murray's Menagerie.'
The founder of the Philly-based Lightning Rod Special discusses their newest show, 'The Appointment,' plus reviews of 'What the Constitution Means to Me' and 'Plano.'
The playwright discusses making her Broadway writing debut with 'Ain't Too Proud,' plus the Friends review 'Kiss Me, Kate' and 'La Celestina.'
The first Asian American Christine in 'Phantom of the Opera' discusses how she got into theatre, plus a review of 'Daddy' by Jeremy O. Harris.
The prolific Broadway performer talks about singing pop music versus singing show tunes, plus the Friends review the new Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater musical.
On this week's episode, the Friends talk about Japanese American identity, review Fiasco's 'Merrily We Roll Along,' and talk about trying to date when you see four shows a week.
The Tony-nominated actor and Waterwell cofounder discusses immigration, Middle Eastern representation, and creating civically engaged work.
The Friends host a live show at BroadwayCon, where they talk with Max Vernon and Diana Oh about queer representation and making non-traditional theatre.
The Friends look back on their favorite shows of 2018, and have an announcement about BroadwayCon!
Telly Leung discusses 'Aladdin' and being a Broadway leading man, plus the Friends review holiday shows---and realize they may be too cynical for holiday shows.
The team behind the Off-Broadway hit 'Usual Girls' discuss female sexuality and unrealistic beauty standards. Plus, the Friends review 'King Kong' on Broadway.
The two artists discuss performative wokeness in 'The Thanksgiving Play' at Playwrights Horizons. Plus the Friends review Michael Urie's performance in 'Torch Song' on Broadway.
This week, the Friends discuss Daniel Fish's stripped-down revival of the R&H classic and review 'Lifespan of a Fact' on Broadway (starring Daniel Radcliffe).
The singer/songwriter talks about his musical 'Black Light,' currently running through the end of the year Off-Broadway.
The Friends interview the star of NBC's 'The Good Place' on his new play 'Travisville,' and whether theatre critics go in the Good Place or the Bad Place.
On this episode, the Friends review the newest play by Theresa Rebeck, and interview Daphne Rubin-Vega and Gizel Jimenez.
This week, an interview with Tony nominee Laura Osnes about why she's fascinated by Disney princesses, a review of 'Collective Rage' by Jen Silverman, and a debate about what makes a good movie-to-musical adaptation.
This week, the Friends interview Joe Iconis about 'Be More Chill' and teenagers, and review the 'Twelfth Night' musical and 'Straight White Men.'
For the first time on the show, the Friends leave New York City, and travel to the Fisher Center at Bard College and Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, with guests Erin Markey and Robyn Kerr. Conclusion: The Friends need to get out more.
It's a 'Once on This Island' extravaganza! The Friends go backstage to the Tony-winning show and meet the cast and crew (and the goats). Plus reviews of 'Teenage Dick' and 'Fairview.'
Jose Solís and Diep Tran interview the author of 'The Vagina Monologues' about her new 'Fruit Trilogy,' and discuss new plays by Dominique Morisseau and Nilo Cruz.
This week, it's "My Fair Lady" ($97+) versus "Dance Nation" ($59+). Plus an interview with Eva Noblezada.
Plus actor Gregg Mozgala talks about why non-disabled actors need to stop playing disabled roles.
This week, it's 'Mean Girls' ($119+) vs. 'Symphonie Fantastique' ($35+). Plus, the Friends chat with Hall in her apartment.
On this episode, it's 'Angels in America" ($200+) vs 'Yerma' (40+). Plus, 'The Great Comet's' Grace McLean drops by to discuss music-making and angry women.
This week, Diep and Jose saw 'Escape to Margaritaville' and 'Amy and the Orphans' and picked which one they would see again (if they had to pay for it). Plus actor André Holland drops by!