Broad Street Review, The Podcast

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Broad Street Review Podcast - Broad Street Review, Philly's home for arts, culture, and conversation, is an online arts and culture journal covering the greater Philadelphia area.

  1. BSR_S10E29 - Tyrone L. Robinson - Jelly’s Last Jam - BRT

    6D AGO

    BSR_S10E29 - Tyrone L. Robinson - Jelly’s Last Jam - BRT

    Step into the electrifying world of jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton in Jelly’s Last Jam! This Tony Award-winning musical takes you on a thrilling journey through the life, music, and complex legacy of the self-proclaimed inventor of jazz. Told through dazzling choreography, powerful storytelling, and Morton’s iconic music, the show explores his meteoric rise, struggle with identity, and the cultural impact of his groundbreaking sound. As Jelly reflects on his past from the afterlife, he must confront the truths he tried to outrun.

  2. MAR 9

    BSR_S10E28 - DemBruceGals

    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. 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/

  3. FEB 13

    BSR_S10E27 - Morgan Green - CAESAR - PTC

    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 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/

  4. FEB 12

    BSR_S10E26 - Dear Jack, Dear Louise - Hedgerow

    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. 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

  5. FEB 9

    BSR_S10E25 - Jesus Hopped The A Train - The Stagecrafters

    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. 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/

  6. JAN 27

    BSR_S10E24 - Phaedra Michelle Scott - Plantation Black

    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. 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.

  7. JAN 19

    BSR_S10E23 - Joshua Crone - Yellow Bicycle Theater

    In this conversation, Joshua Crone discusses the various programs and initiatives at Yellow Bicycle, a theater space in Philadelphia. He shares insights on community engagement, the challenges of running a small venue, and the importance of planning and research in theater management. Crone also highlights the upcoming Fringe Theater Masterclass, aimed at educating aspiring theater artists on the intricacies of production and collaboration in the arts. 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/

  8. 12/26/2025

    BSR_S10E21 - Little Women - Hedgerow

    LITTLE WOMEN 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

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Broad Street Review Podcast - Broad Street Review, Philly's home for arts, culture, and conversation, is an online arts and culture journal covering the greater Philadelphia area.

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