Token Theatre Friends

In this episode, Andrew talks to director and performer Maria Friedman about the filmed-for-cinema release of Merrily We Roll Along, which closed on Broadway in 2024. Friedman, whose journey with Merrily We Roll Along dates back to the early 90s, when she played Mary, directed revivals of the show in London and on Broadway. Maria talks to us about her approach to directing the filmed version of th...

In this episode, Jose sits down with Swedish actress Leila Jung, who’s taking on the iconic role of Roxie Hart in Chicago after starring in The Girl from the North Country. They talk about what it’s like to go from Bob Dylan to Kander and Ebb, performing back-to-back musicals set in the Depression era, and how Swedish audiences connect with the language of musical theatre. Leila reflects on the sh...

In every episode, the culture critics at Token Theatre Friends bring their fresh perspectives to the performing arts on their podcast and video series. You can find the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, and Stitcher (look for the all-red logo). The video series* is available on YouTube. The TTF theme song is by Sean Mason (with vocals by Angela Ramos). The video animation is by Brad Ogden, with logos by...

In this episode, Jose talks to actor/singer/educator Diana Pou about her role in Alván Colón Lespier's The Desire of the Astronaut, a poetic sci-fi play premiering at Pregones/PRTT next month. Pou talks about the way scripts and characters, including Astronaut, arrive exactly when they should, how she's putting her classical music training to use, and shares exciting news about other upcoming proj...

In this episode, Andrew and Graceson talk about the film adaptations of two Broadway musicals, which once were films, which once were books. The Color Purple directed by Blitz Bazawule and Mean Girls directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. The friends discuss the changes that were made from the stage versions to the films, the reluctance of studios to commit to selling movie musicals, and...

In this episode, Jose speaks to Julián Fontalvo the multitalented writer and performer of The Imitator, in which he takes audience members on a personal journey where he imitates the voices of over 70 artists. Fontalvo talks about his love for popular music and how songs become part of our lives, as well as exploring the power of music to take us back in time. Fontalvo is performing The Imitator i...

In this episode, Jose is joined by fellow Swifties (and BIPOC Critics Lab alumni) Maria Paz Alegre and Octavia Washington, to discuss Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. The blockbuster concert film, which has grossed over $250 million worldwide, is out on demand and for rental on December 13th (Happy birthday, TayTay!) In addition to being what Jose describes as the greatest experience he's ever had at...

In this episode, Jose talks to actor Aria Shahghasemi about his starring role in Romeo and Juliet at The Curtain in New Jersey. The actor known for his work on various seasons of The Originals and Legacies, speaks about why he wanted to return to the stage, as well as how his inner "Shakespeare dork" informs his performance as Romeo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jose talks to the duo behind Repair, a play making its premiere via streaming at StudioWorks. Writers Michael Marrero and Julio Trinidad (who also stars in the play) talk about the process of writing together, creating a unique NY story, and the joy of bringing theater to people's homes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jose speaks to Matías De La Flor, who talks about his work in Lerner & Loewe's Camelot and getting to play a Latino Lancelot. De La Flor also shares what it was like landing his first Broadway job out of school and why he's interested in coaching actors in two languages. Coming up on August 4th, De La Flor will join Jaime Lozano & The Familia at Lincoln Center. Learn more about yo...

In this episode, Jose speaks to four of the composers who will be featured in 4xLatiné at Latiné Musical Theatre Lab. Anna Deeny Morales of Zavala Zavala, Nico Raimont of Como Correr, Erlina Ortiz of Silueta, and Felipe Vásquez-Encamilla of Divergentes talk about the joys of creating musical theatre, how their passion for the form began, and share their experience working in the Lab. Learn more ab...

In this episode, Jose speaks to two of the artists behind Epic Players' production of Into the Woods. Music Director Shane Dittmar and Executive & Artistic Director Aubrie Therrien talk about the company's mission of providing opportunities for neurodivergent and disabled people, as well as the joys and challenges of taking on a show as beloved as Woods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...

In this episode, Jose speaks to playwright/director Colette Robert of The Cotillion. Robert talks about the significance of seeing Black women represented onstage, how she approaches writing vs. directing, and why she wanted to become an artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jose speaks to actor Dan Rosales currently starring in Dog Man: The Musical. Rosales talks about the path he followed to become a performer, and how he connects with his inner child whenever he's on stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jose speaks to Roger Q. Mason about readings of two of their works, The Pink and Waiting for a Wake. Mason speaks about why they never call their work "plays," the importance of ritual in performance, and decolonizing theatrical practices.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jose speaks to Camila Canó-Flaviá, the star of The Coast Starlight, currently at Lincoln Center Theater. Canó-Flaviá talks about returning to a character she played a few years ago and shares her thoughts on the importance of finding a self-care routine.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jose speaks to Matt de Rogatis, the star/producer of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. De Rogatis talks about fundraising for the first Off-Broadway production of Cat, why he wanted to play Tennessee William's "trinity" (Stanley from A Streetcar Named Desire, Tom from The Glass Menagerie, and Brick from Cat), and how he uses his passion for psychology to dig deep into the characters he plays...

In this episode, Jose speaks to Laura Gómez who is currently starring in The Baby Monitor at Santa Fe Playhouse. Gómez talks about sinking her teeth into the part of Soledad in Monitor, as well as the importance of developing new muscles and skills to complement acting, and why there's power in seeing Latinx characters break free of the stereotypes they've been assigned.  Learn more about your ad...

In this episode, Jose speaks to Adrienne C. Moore and Sean Boyce Johnson, two of the stars of Black Odyssey. The duo talks about the genius of playwright Marcus Gardley, share tips for beginner actors who want to try out working in different mediums, and comment on fearlessness and the importance of saying yes to things that scare you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jose speaks to Brandon Victor Dixon about his work in MacGyver The Musical. The Tony, Emmy, and Grammy-nominated artist talks about his work on stage, on screen, and as a producer. He also shares his advice for young people of color who want to be in the performing arts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jose speaks to Carol Mazhuvancheril, the playwright and star of Song of Joy, currently running at The Tank. Mazhuvancheril draws from his personal history to craft a moving tale of immigration, culture, and love for one's family. The playwright actor/speaks about the process of turning his life into a play, how he deals with anxiety, and his love for all things Titanic. Learn more...

In this episode, Jose speaks to Rona Siddiqui, the Music Director of A Strange Loop. A composer first, as she tells Jose, Siddiqui talks about what it was like to interpret Michael R. Jackson's award-winning music and the elements she played with in both the Off-Broadway and Broadway cast recordings. Siddiqui also speaks about the importance of honesty in storytelling and who she's looking forward...

In this episode, Jose speaks to Annie Fang, one of the stars of Your Own Personal Exegesis by Julia May Jonas. Fang plays Beatrice, one of the members of a church youth group in New Jersey, where she hopes she will be able to find answers to her problems. The darkly comedic work touches upon questions of what it means to believe and ultimately who is in charge of your salvation. Unlike her charact...

In this episode, Jose speaks to Ashley Blanchet who plays Maria in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of The Sound of Music. Blanchet speaks about playing one of the most iconic characters in musical history and making it her own. The conversation was recorded over the Thanksgiving holiday, which gives Blanchet to talk about the many things she's grateful for.  Learn more about your ad choices. V...

In this episode, Jose speaks to multidisciplinary artist Migguel Anggelo about his album English with an Accent and the eponymous theatrical piece he'll present at Lincoln Center in early December. The vibrant artist shared his insights on working with ideas from his dreams, Paloma Faith & Lady Gaga, and the importance of finding collaborators you love, like the brilliant Jaime Lozano.  Learn more...