Broad Street Review, The Podcast

LITTLE WOMENby Kate HamillAdapted from the novel by Louisa May AlcottDirected by Abby WeissmanNovember 26 - December 28, 2025Step 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 WilsonProduction 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 PisasaleChapters00:00 Introduction to the Artists and Their Roles02:48 Exploring the Adaptation of Little Women05:40 The Role of Music in Storytelling08:07 The Unique Rehearsal Process11:02 Casting and the Ensemble13:30 Design Elements and Thematic Representation19:21 Audience Connection and Emotional Impact24:43 Personal Reflections and Takeaways29:55 Closing Thoughts and Final ReflectionsFOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.hedgerowtheatre.org/little-women

HANSEL & GRETEL written by Paul KuhnDirected By Mya FloodCurio 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)Chapters00:00 Introduction to Curio Theatre and Guests03:30 Maya Flood's Background and Experience06:52 Exploring Hansel and Gretel: An Immersive Experience10:39 Planning the Make and Partake Series14:16 Audience Engagement and Feedback18:04 The Cast and Their Roles21:31 Future of Children's Theatre at Curio25:09 Potential Future Productions and ThemesFOR MORE INFORMATION: https://curiotheatre.org

Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Darnelle Radford04:37 Darnelle's Journey into Theater09:08 The Importance of Live Theater13:33 Theater as a Community Experience18:21 Challenges in the Theater Industry23:03 The Future of Theater and New Works27:33 Darnelle's New Role at Theater Philadelphia32:05 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsABOUT DARNELLE RADFORDDarnelle 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 PHILADELPHIATheatre 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

Launch your holidays by celebrating a beloved model of a modern major comedic opera! On his 21st birthday, a dashing young pirate apprentice prepares to finally be freed from servitude. Arriving back on land for the first time, he plans to live a dutiful and honorable adulthood. But there’s a snag - check his birth certificate! A bevy of local beauties,  conscientious pirates and their King, a wily and witty old waiting woman, an incompetent madcap Major General, a troop of troglodyte policemen, and a parade of ingenious paradoxes all portend to make Quintessence your delightful winter destination! NOV 19, 2025 - JAN 4, 2026ABOUT TREVOR MARTINTrevor 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests02:26 Exploring the Joy of Performing Pirates of Penzance05:58 Trevor's Journey from Music to Theater08:38 Thematic Elements of Pirates of Penzance11:32 The Humor and Social Commentary in the Show15:43 Rehearsal Dynamics and Cast Interactions18:55 Audience Reactions and Engagement24:29 The Impact of Live Theater in a Digital Age29:13 Trevor's Future Projects and Experiences in PhiladelphiaFOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://www.quintessencetheatre.org/pirates

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Arno Radford interviews young actor Raphael Sommer, who plays Ralphie in the Walnut Street Theater's production of A Christmas Story, the musical. Raphael shares his journey into theater, balancing school and performances, and the support he receives from his family. He discusses his audition process, favorite musicals, and the joy of performing live. The conversation highlights the importance of imagination in theater and the excitement of the holiday season.A CHRISTMAS STORY The MusicalBook 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 SHEPHERDNOW – JANUARY 4, 2026 RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS 20 MINUTES INCL. INTERMISSIONget ticketsA 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