Broad Street Review Podcast - Broad Street Review, Philly's home for arts, culture, and conversation, an online arts and culture journal covering the greater Philadelphia area.
Today on the podcast:
Artistic Director Seth Rozin and Co-Director J Paul Nicholas stop by to talk about the Interact Theatre American Premiere of MORENO by Pravin Wilkins. On stage through November 24th. Here is my interview with Seth Rozin and J Paul Nicholas for Moreno.
by Pravin Wilkins
November 1-24
American Premiere!
When Kaepernick kneels, will he?
2016. The NFL has been shaken by Colin Kaepernick’s controversial decision to take a knee during the national anthem to protest against police brutality. Superstar running back Luis Moreno, who is all about his game – and his paycheck -- has joined a new team with championship aspirations. But America’s leadership is changing, and when a painful new reality hits close to home, Luis is forced to ask whether politics have a place on the field, and if he is willing to risk his career to take a stand for his own community.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://interacttheatre.org
Today on the podcast: Simone Lawrence stops by to talk about the upcoming event, The Coronation: An All-Black Drag King Show and Art Exhibition. Featuring Philadelphia black drag kings. A celebration of black excellancé. Here is my interview with Simone Lawrence for The Coronation.
CYRUS K. STRATTON
From the Haus of Stratton’s, this King is known for his 80s & 90s excellancé and showing us the moves needed to win your hearts all over the dance floor. Cyrus comes clutch from hosting and having involvement in multiple amateur drag shows and Drag King events in Philadelphia.
https://mulletcreativeservices.com/products/the-coronation-show-ticket
https://metrophiladelphia.com/the-coronation-all-black-drag-king-philly/
A NEW PERFORMANCE BY MORGAN BASSICHIS
WITH ORIGINAL MATERIAL BY FRANK MAYA
DIRECTED BY SAM PINKLETON
MUSICAL RECREATIONS BY NATASHA JACOBS
SCENIC RECREATION BY ELI WOODS HARRISON
October 25–26, 2024
In a desperate attempt to prove they can think about someone other than themself, Morgan Bassichis revisits queer comedian, musician, and performance artist Frank Maya’s 1987 show, Frank Maya Talks. Maya was among the “first out gay comedians on network television” and on the precipice of mainstream success before his death from AIDS-related complications in 1995. This new “solo” performance humbly attempts to ensure Maya’s legacy is no longer overlooked while also resolving the bottomless queer search for laughter in times of crisis and for fame and father figures and intense attachment dynamics no matter how fleeting.
https://www.morganbassichis.com/
MORGAN BASSICHIS (They/Them) is a comedian, musician, and writer who has been called “a tall child or, well, a big bird” by The Nation and “fiercely hilarious” by The New Yorker. Their past performances include A Crowded Field (Abrons Arts Center, 2023), Questions to Ask Beforehand (Bridget Donahue, 2022), Don’t Rain On My Bat Mitzvah (co-created with Ira Khonen Temple, Creative Time, 2021), Nibbling the Hand that Feeds Me (Whitney Museum, NYC, 2019), Klezmer for Beginners (co-created with Ethan Philbrick, Abrons Arts Center, NYC, 2019), Damned If You Duet (The Kitchen, NYC, 2018), More Protest Songs! (Danspace Project, NYC, 2018), and The Faggots & Their Friends Between Revolutions: The Musical (co-created with TM Davy, DonChristian Jones, Michi Ilona Osato, and Una Aya Osato, New Museum, NYC, 2017).
A contemporary and surprising adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic tale of horror FRANKENSTEIN, adapted and directed by Dave Ebersole. This fresh re-imagination will be staged in the historic Lathem Hall on Widener University’s campus for a limited engagement from October 10-20.
Lightbooth Blackout is partnering with The Lone Brick Theatre Company at Widener University to produce an original adaptation of Frankenstein this October.
This fresh re-imagination will be staged in the historic Lathem Hall on Widener University’s campus. Our production fuses Mary Shelly’s text and early stage adaptations with modern dialogue, an amazing cast, and an original score that will be played live throughout the show.
FOR MORE INFROMATION:
FRANKENSTEIN
https://lightboothblackout.com/
The Lone Brick Theatre Company
https://lonebricktheatre.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lonebricktheatreco/?checkpoint_src=any
Local Playwright, Erlina Ortiz drops in to talk about the Philadelphia Premiere of “La Egoista” directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo on stage at Philadelphia Theatre Company in association with Edgewood Entertainment. Here’s my interview with Erlina Ortiz for the Philadelphia Premiere of La Egoista.
Today on the podcast:
TS Hawkins, Gabrielle Corsaro and author Tina Strawn talk about the Angel Pirate Production “the Are We Free Yet? project”. An elevated stage reading based on the book Are We Free Yet? The Black Queer Guide to Divorcing America. Here is my interview with AngelPirate Productions for “the Are We Free Yet? project
The Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl is an annual event that brings together book lovers and supports independent bookstores in the city. The idea for the crawl came from the organizer's experiences with similar events in other cities. Last year, the crawl had over 100,000 people access the Google map created for the event. This year, there are 34 participating bookstores. The crawl not only promotes bookstores but also creates a sense of community and discovery as participants explore different neighborhoods and find new books and recommendations. The conversation explores the Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl and the importance of supporting local bookstores. The guests discuss their own bookstores, Multiverse Philly and Binding Agents, and the unique experiences they offer. They also share their love for books and the joy of reading. The conversation highlights the value of book clubs and the sense of community they provide. The guests discuss the upcoming Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl and the special events and discounts that will be available. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting independent bookstores and the role they play in fostering a love of reading and building community.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://phillybookstorecrawl.com
John's autobiographical museum exhibition "The Rose Garden" is now on view at the Fabric Workshop + Museum through Sept. 29. https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org/pressreleases/fwm-presents-john-jarboe-the-rose-garden/
The stage version, "Rose: You Are Who You Eat," makes its DC debut June 5-23 at Wooly Mammoth. https://www.woollymammoth.net/productions/rose-you-are-who-you-eat/
The Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts return to the podcast with the 2024 PVLA The Arts Affair. We learn about PVLA’s year and meet the artists participating in the event. Here is our interview with PVLA for The Arts Affair.
The BSR podcast hosts, Alaina Johns and Josh Herron, discuss their experience attending three solo shows in Philadelphia: 'Johnny Depp: A Retrospective on Late Stage Capitalism' by Jenna Kuerzi and Val Dunn, 'Catholic Guilt' by Kelly McCaughan, and 'Good Person' by Brett Ashley Robinson. They provide their thoughts on each show, highlighting the themes, performances, and audience interactions. They also reflect on the progression of the shows from a focus on a famous person to a specific individual to a more introspective exploration. The hosts commend Theater Exile for supporting local artists and recommend attending the shows.
Today on the podcast, Sabriaya Shipley Theatre Philadelphia’s Executive Director, stops by to talk about Philly Theatre Week, running April 4 - 14th. Here is my interview with Sabriaya Shipley.
In this conversation, Darnelle Radford interviews artistic director Alex Burns about Quintessence Theater Group's love and war season, with a focus on the production of Macbeth.
Today on the podcast: Guest Artist, Jeffrey L. Page continues artistic relationships with Philadelphia Theatre Company’s production of “Cost Of Living” by Martyna Majok. Here is my interview with Jeffrey L. Page for PTC’s Cost Of Living.
Today on the podcast, Amanda Jensen, Co-Founder of Paperdoll Ensemble, drops in to talk about the 2023 FringeArts offering, The Pecking Order, a 70s-inspired tragicomedy highlighting the absurdity of women’s rights being thrust back in time. Here is my interview with Paperdoll Ensemble for The Pecking Order.
IN THEIR SILENCE
(formerly, They'll Neglect to Tell You)
by TS Hawkins
directed by Reva Stover
September 15-October 1 *limited engagement
Click here for Sept. 15th - 24th; tickets available at FringeArts!
Click here for Sept. 29th - Oct 1st; tickets available at Allens Lane!
ABOUT THE PLAY
Grace is a burgeoning therapist. Merci dangles for freedom at the bottom of a bourbon glass. College sweethearts and newlyweds, they elope to Philadelphia for a fresh beginning. Stumbling into polarizing landscapes, they struggle in the margins of heart and home.
Listen to the Moodlist on Spotify!
Read about Grace & Merci's journey!
CAST
(She/They) Sabriaya Shipley as GRACE
Jaylyn Anderson as MERCI
Jameka Monet Wilson as THE CITY
CREATIVE & CREW
(They/Them) TS Hawkins - Playwright, Dramaturg, & Marketing Coordinator
Reva Stover - Director
(He/Him) Josh Hitchens - Allens Lane Art Center Artistic Director, Stage Manager, Sound Designer, & Costume Manager
CJ Higgins - Intimacy Director
Sabrena Wishart - Set Designer
Siobhan Ehresmann - Lighting Designer
Megan Edelman - Prop Management
SPONSORS
Dorothy Lewis-Hawkins, Black Theatre Alliance of Philadelphia, and Prime Act Media LLC
FRINGE RECOMMENDS:
Cannonball - https://www.cannonballfestival.org
Hum N’ Bards - http://www.humnbards.com
Mind The Gap - https://fringearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0S6e00000h3ZATEA2
Links:
TS POETICS: https://www.tspoetics.com/2022/09/events-in-their-silence-by-ts-hawkins.html
ALLENS LANE ART CENTER: https://allenslane.org/theater/
TIX at Allens Lane: https://allenslane.org/theater/
TIX at FRINGE ARTS: https://phillyfringe.org/events/in-their-silence/
The Wilma Theater and TCG Books present: Fat Ham (James Ijames in conversation with Amina Robinson, featuring a performance by Anthony Martinez-Briggs).
In this special in-person and live-streamed book launch event, James Ijames will discuss his Pulitzer-winning play Fat Ham, which premiered in a digital production at The Wilma and will return to the Wilma for a live production in the Fall of 2023. Mr. Ijames will be in conversation with Amina Robinson, director of The Wilma's upcoming production. Anthony Martinez-Briggs, who played Tio in the original production and will reprise the role this Fall, will perform a monologue from the play.
Live-streaming provided by the event's Media Sponsor, Broad Street Review.
LINKS:
The Wilma Theater - https://wilmatheater.org
Theater Communications Group - https://tcg.org
Broad Street Review - https://broadstreetreview.com
Get a copy of Fat Ham: https://indiepubs.com/products/fat-ham/
To watch the Live-Stream on TCG’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/eXIOJOk7zC0
Today on the podcast, the recording of the May 25th BSR event, The Power of Food Media: A conversation with Kae Lani Palmisano and BSR. This panel was moderated by Associate Editor, Kyle V. Hiller. Here is the recording of The Power of Food Media: A Conversation with Kae Lani Palmisano and BSR.
(PVLA) will celebrate a milestone 45th anniversary during this year’s annual benefit celebration The Arts Affair 2023 on Wednesday, June 7th from 6-9pm at University of the Arts’ Hamilton Hall. Featuring live performances by local artists, visual art, and awards for both Volunteer Attorney and Law Firms of the Year, the event will highlight PVLA’s deep dedication to Philadelphia’s arts & cultural community.
LOCATION: Dorrance Hamilton Hall, University of the Arts, 320 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
DATE: Wednesday, June 7, 6-9pm
TICKETS: $45 (artists, students, nonprofit and public interest employees), $125 (general admission), $200 (general admission x 2), or tickets can be purchased to sponsor artists; ie. Sponsor 1 Artist ($45), Sponsor 2 Artists ($90), Sponsor 4 Artists ($180)
Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-arts-affair-2023-tickets-522560531617
More about PVLA: https://PVLA.org
_______________________________________
IG: @PhillyVLA
Twitter: @PhillyVLA
FB: @phillyvolunteerlawyersforthearts
LinkedIn: @Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
BlackStar Film Festival: https://www.blackstarfest.org/festival/
August 2-6, 2023
Kimmel Center
The Women's Coalition for Empowerment, Inc. https://www.TheWCE.org, and our upcoming event:
Philadelphia Juneteenth Wine & Arts Festival - https://Juneteenth-Wine-Art.eventbrite.com
Saturday, June 17, 2023, | 1pm - 6pm | Cherry Street Pier
ABOUT ABANDON
Luella is alone – haunted by the ghost of her son. Joshua is alone – kicked out of his house by his brother. One winter night these two people collide. Luella is looking for redemption; Joshua is looking for family. By the next morning, these two lonely souls are meshed together into an American Family in its truest sense. A world premiere by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright James Ijames, Abandon is sometimes violent, sometimes healing; with a gossamer veil that separates the worlds of the living and the dead, and shame and acceptance.
Melanye Finister (Luella, she/her) is an artist and resident company member at People’s Light, a member of Wilma Hothouse, and an artistic advisory board member at PlayPenn. People’s Light: The Diary of Anne Frank, The Matchmaker, All My Sons, Fences, The Winter’s Tale, Seven Guitars, The Return of Don Quixote, Six Characters in Search of an Author, Something You Did, Fabulation, and The Member of the Wedding. Theatre Includes: Wilma Theater, Arden Theatre Company, Flashpoint Theatre Company, InterAct Theatre Company, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Venture Theatre, Temple Theaters and Walnut Street Theatre. Training: BFA, Carnegie Mellon University.
Brenson Thomas (Gabriel, he/him) is a Black and queer writer, actor, and theatre-maker. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College’s MFA Theatre program, his plays include how i got over, or…red Kool-Aid stains on bubblegum lips; What We Lost & Never Knew; and How We Return, an upcoming commission for Constellation Stage & Screen in Bloomington, IN. Brenson also writes for TV/Film, most recently on Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe’s Twenties on BET. As a performer, Brenson has collaborated with Tony Award Winner Stew, Raja Feather Kelly, Lightning Rod Special in The Appointment (FringeArts/Next Door at NYTW; Barrymore Nominee for Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical), Arden Theatre Company in the world premiere of R. Eric Thomas’ Backing Track, and Into the Woods, and with 1812 Productions for This is the Week That Is: 2020, and the Wilma Theater. When he’s not hunched over his laptop crying about blank Google docs, Brenson enjoys long walks around his beloved Philly, doing bad accents, smashing patriarchal white supremacist structures, and Beyoncé.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://theatreexile.org/shows/abandon/
