Broad Street Review, The Podcast

Join us as we explore the vibrant Philadelphia theater scene through the eyes of the Bruce sisters. They share their journey, the importance of accessibility, and their love for live performances, from community shows to Broadway stars. Discover how they keep the arts alive and engaging for everyone, regardless of barriers. Join us as we explore the vibrant world of theater, discussing recent productions, favorite shows, and the importance of supporting the arts. Our guests share their insights on the power of storytelling, the impact of theater on community, and upcoming events to watch for.Chapters00:00 Celebrating Women's History Month05:23 Accessing the Arts: Overcoming Barriers10:51 Engaging with Local Artists and Productions16:39 Theater as a Personal Journey22:15 Inspiring the Next Generation of Theatergoers27:51 The Beauty of Imperfection in Live Theater30:32 The Importance of Understudies in Theater32:24 The Impact of Seeing New Talent34:20 The Value of Local Theater Productions37:13 Celebrating Long-Standing Relationships in Theater38:38 The Role of Community in Supporting the Arts40:32 Accessibility and Transportation to Arts Events43:07 Memorable Performances and Their Lasting Impact44:37 The Joy of Theater Productions46:23 Exploring Unique Storytelling in Plays47:36 Emotional Impact of Performances49:53 Mental Health Themes in Theater53:23 Highlighting Female Directors56:23 The Power of New Works in Theater58:15 Fringe Festival and Emerging Talent01:00:16 Connecting Through Theater: A Journey to Edinburgh01:02:05 Anticipating Upcoming Productions: Excitement for March01:03:55 Exploring New Theatrical Experiences: Jelly's Last Jam01:05:43 The Importance of Community in Theater01:06:53 Engaging with Emerging Voices in Theater01:07:58 Reflections on Theater Experiences and Expectations01:10:00 The Power of Theater: Finding Meaning in Every Performance01:11:51 Nostalgia and the Impact of Classic Productions01:14:13 Closing Thoughts: The Joy of Sharing Theater Experiences RESOURCESTheater 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/ 

In this episode of the Broad Street Review Podcast, host Darnelle Radford welcomes director Morgan Green to discuss the Philadelphia Theatre Company's adaptation of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. They explore the shared leadership model in Philadelphia theatre, the unique interpretations of the cast, and the relevance of the play in today's society. The conversation delves into character analysis, choreography, and the audience's engagement with the production, highlighting the emotional and political themes that resonate with contemporary issues.A Bold and Modern New AdaptationCaesarAdapted by Tyler Dobrowsky From Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare Directed by Morgan GreenWhat 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 GREENPTC: 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/

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with actors Brandon Tyler and Max Lynch about their upcoming production of 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise' by Ken Ludwig. The conversation delves into the characters, the historical context of World War II, and the emotional depth of the story, which is based on real letters exchanged between the two main characters. They discuss the rehearsal process, the significance of letter writing in building connections, and the parallels between past and present relationships. The episode concludes with reflections on what audiences can take away from the production.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests02:19 Exploring 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise'05:09 Character Insights and Rehearsal Process09:59 Thematic Connections to Modern Relationships16:05 Audience Expectations and Emotional Moments22:59 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysKen Ludwig's Dear Jack, Dear LouiseDirected By Peter Reynolds
 February 11 - March 1, 2026Regional 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 JackFOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://hedgerowtheatre.org

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford welcomes the cast and director of 'Jesus Hopped the A Train' to discuss the themes, characters, and relevance of the play. The conversation explores the journey of the characters, the impact of community and accountability, and how the play resonates with current social issues. The guests share their personal experiences with the material and the importance of storytelling in theater.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Season 1003:58 Introduction to Jesus Hop the A Train05:37 Character Insights and Table Read Reactions09:14 Exploring Themes of Redemption and Accountability14:42 Relevance of the Play in Today's Society21:17 Community, Power, and the Role of Money25:58 Character Development and Personal Growth28:15 Final Thoughts and Audience TakeawaysJesus Hopped the “A” TrainA 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 EbersoleCAST:Carlos Jiga - AngelJon Owens - LuciusMonica Guest - Mary JaneBrandon Tabb - ValdezEric Jarrell - D’AmicoFOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://thestagecrafters.org/production/jesus-hopped-the-a-train/

In this episode of the Broad Street Review Podcast, host Darnelle Radford welcomes playwright Phaedra Michelle Scott to discuss her upcoming world premiere production, Plantation Black, presented by Interact Theatre Company. The conversation delves into Phaedra's background, her motivations for writing the play, and the unique structure that allows for multiple beginnings and endings. They explore the rehearsal process, the dynamics of the cast, and the importance of audience engagement. Phaedra emphasizes the significance of storytelling in understanding identity and legacy, while also addressing the challenges faced by Black Americans in connecting with their history. The episode concludes with details about the production and Phaedra's excitement for sharing her work with audiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:57 Phaedra's Background and Journey to Playwriting02:37 Exploring Identity and Family History05:36 The Importance of Storytelling in Understanding History08:29 Overview of 'Plantation Black' and Its Inspiration11:16 The Unique Structure of 'Plantation Black'13:44 The Rehearsal Process and Collaboration with the Cast16:26 Engagement and Audience Experience in Theater19:17 Themes of Safety and Representation in Storytelling21:26 The Power of Storytelling and Audience Engagement26:32 Exploring Unique Storytelling Techniques27:42 Art as a Reflection of Society28:53 Connecting with Family and Ancestry33:54 The Importance of Momentum in TheatreTwo 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 [email protected] or call 215-568-8079.