Broad Street Review, The Podcast

In this episode of the Broad Street Review Podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with Susan McKey, a seasoned actor involved in Hedgerow Theatre's production of 'Fly Me to the Moon.' They discuss Susan's extensive experience in theater, the dynamics of the play, the challenges of rehearsals, and the themes of loneliness and connection that resonate throughout the performance. The conversation high...

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with Nell Bang-Jensen, CEO and producing director of Fringe Arts, as they reflect on her first year in the role. They discuss the importance of Fringe Arts in supporting new and experimental work, the growth of the festival, and the significance of community engagement in the arts. Nell shares insights on the challeng...

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with director Damien Figueras about Curio Theater's upcoming production of 'Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.' They discuss Figueras's background in sound design, the rehearsal process, the unique comedic adaptation of Dracula, and the collaborative nature of theater in Philadelphia. The conversation highlights the enduri...

In this engaging podcast episode, host Darnelle Radford speaks with Kaisheem Fowler-Bryant about his journey as a new artist in Philadelphia and his involvement in the production of 'FIRE,' a play centered around the life and works of Wallace Thurman. They discuss the significance of Thurman's contributions to literature and theater, the challenges and joys of bringing a new work to life, and the...

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with Kendyll Young and Grant Struble, founders of the Relic Theatre Company, about their journey in establishing a new theater company in Philadelphia. They discuss the challenges and excitement of starting a theater, the importance of branding, the current landscape of theater, and the need for community support. The...

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford engages with Anna Snapp, a performer at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, discussing her production 'I Found the Sun Will Rise Tomorrow.' They explore Anna's artistic journey, the evolution of her work, and the healing power of performance. The conversation delves into the importance of audience engagement, the role of direc...

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with Aaron Pang, a storyteller and performer whose production 'Falling, a Disabled Love Story' was featured in the 2025 Philly Fringe Festival. They discuss Aaron's multifaceted identity, his approach to storytelling, and the unique challenges and experiences of presenting disability in art. The conversation explores...

In this episode of the Broad Street Review Podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with playwright Daniel Neer about his new work, 'Dachau for Queers,' which explores the historical context of a psychiatric hospital in California that incarcerated gay men. The conversation delves into themes of empathy, self-acceptance, family dynamics, and the importance of community support within the LGBTQ+ exper...

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with performance artist John Michael about his work, particularly his production 'Spank Bank Time Machine.' They discuss the themes of grief, loss, and the importance of addressing societal issues such as addiction and mental health through art. John Michael shares his personal experiences and the impact of his perfor...

Today on the podcast, Tina Brock drops in to talk about the IRC FringeArts offering, Painting Churches by Tina Howe. On Stage at Theatre Exile through September 21st. Here is my interview with Tina Brock for Painting Churches. Described as “... beautifully written... a theatrical family portrait that has the shimmer and depth of Renoir portraits... ” by The New York Times, Tina Howe’s 1984 Pulitze...

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford welcomes guests Will and Mike to discuss their journey in creating the play 'Dogberry and Verges Are Scared' for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. They explore the collaborative nature of theater, the challenges of producing a new work, and the excitement of engaging with audiences. The conversation highlights the importance...

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford celebrates the 10th season with guest Chris Davis, discussing the evolution of his work, the current state of the arts, and the significance of theater in today's society. They explore the challenges faced by artists, the importance of community engagement, and the resilience of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Chris shares...

Join host Darnelle Radford as he sits down with Ang Bey, also known as Rayne, to discuss her innovative play "New Heaven, New Earth." This episode delves into the creative process behind adapting Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" into a modern narrative that explores themes of identity, power, and cultural legacy. ABOUT NEW HEAVEN, NEW EARTH On the edge of empire, Cleopatra battles a soothsayin...

Today on the podcast: Director, Amina Robinson drops in to talk about the Interact Theatre Company production in collaboration with Theatre In The X of ON MY DEEN by Antu Yacob, commissioned as part of The Philly Cycle, on stage through June 28th. Here is my interview with Amina Robinson for ON MY DEEN. ON MY DEEN by Antu Yacob directed by Amina Robinson (Fat Ham, Once On This Island, Intimate App...

Today on the podcast: Co-Director Steve Pacek stop say to talk about the Arden Theatre Company musical production of RENT, by Jonathan Larson. Here is my interview with Steve Pacek for Arden’s production of RENT. ABOUT RENT At the end of the millennium, a group of bohemians in the East Village struggle with love, loss, and gentrification amidst the AIDS crisis. In this exciting new production, Jon...

In this episode, host Darnelle Radford speaks with Ross Beschler about the Wilma Theater's final production of the season, A Summer Day, written by Jan Fosse. They discuss the unique Hothouse ensemble experience, the themes of love, loss, and memory in the play, and the challenges of communication and language in expressing deep emotions. The conversation highlights the importance of ensemble work...

In this engaging conversation, host Darnelle Radford speaks with playwright R. Eric Thomas and director Ontaria Kim Wilson about the regional premiere of 'Glitter in the Glass.' They explore themes of identity, community, and the cultural significance of their work, while reflecting on personal journeys and the importance of storytelling in the Black experience. The discussion also touches on the...

In this podcast episode, host Darnelle Radford engages with the director and cast of Inis Nua Theatre Company's production of 'Square Go.' They discuss the play's premise, themes of adolescence, audience engagement, and the rehearsal process. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability in performance and the unique dialect work that brings authenticity to the characters. The episod...

EAST COAST PREMIERE Book and Lyrics by Mickle Maher Music by Merel van Dijk and Anthony Barilla Directed by Taibi Magar & Tyler Dobrowsky Commissioned and Co-Produced by Daryl Morey, Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Philadelphia loves sports, so why not a sports-themed musical? Step into the surreal, magical world of Small Ball, where melancholy journeyman basket...

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Obvious Agency and Space Opera 10:56 The Development Journey of Space Opera 19:58 Understanding Space Opera: Concept and Gameplay 30:12 Audience Engagement and Accessibility in Space Opera Space Opera  is an innovative and radical combination of tabletop roleplaying games, democratic organizing practice, and theatrical spectacle, testing your very ability to wor...

In this engaging conversation, Darnelle Radford and Susan Chase explore the themes of motherhood, artistic expression, and the challenges of self-producing theatre. Susan shares her personal journey through cancer and how it inspired her work, including her latest play, Mother's Day. They discuss the importance of music in theatre, the fear of performing in New York, and the significance of audien...

In this episode, Darnelle Radford interviews Deb Block, the producing artistic director of Theater Exile, discussing the current season's productions, community engagement, and the importance of the arts. They reflect on the success of the play 'Red', the innovative 'Philly Grit' series, and upcoming events like 'Exile a Go Go' and the final show 'Glitter in the Glass'. Deb emphasizes the need for...

In this engaging podcast episode, host Darnelle Radford speaks with Deanna Wright, an actress involved in the Quintessence Theater's production of Reckless Romance, featuring Midsummer Night's Dream and Antony and Cleopatra. Deanna shares her journey from Florida to Philadelphia, her experiences in the theater, and her reflections on playing the iconic roles of Cleopatra and Oberon. The conversati...

Today on the podcast: We continue our annual coverage of the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and the 2025 The Arts Affair , May 15th at REC Philly. Here is my interview with members of the PVLA for The Arts Affair. In this episode, host Darnelle Radford engages with representatives from the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (PVLA) to discuss the upcoming Arts Affair, a signif...

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Philly Theatre Week 03:01 The Process of Organizing Theatre Week 06:00 Participation Trends in Theatre Week 09:08 Kickoff Celebration Details 11:57 Diverse Offerings in Theatre Week 15:11 Workshops and Community Engagement 18:01 Memorization Skills and Their Importance 22:22 Exploring Philly Theater Week 24:17 Highlighting Exciting Events and Shows 27:49 Remounts and...