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 perf…

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 '…

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 ic…

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 (PV…

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 Highlig…

In this engaging conversation, Darnelle Radford speaks with John Jarboe, the artistic director of Bearded Ladies Cabaret, about their innovative show 'Beards on Ice.' The discussion explores the origins of the show, its focus on climate justice, and the importance of family-friendly programming. John shares insights into the creative process, the r…

Nora: A Doll’s House follows Nora, the perfect wife and mother. She is dutiful and beautiful and always has everything in its proper place. But when a secret from her past comes back to haunt her, Nora’s life quickly unravels. Over the course of three days, Nora must fight to protect herself and her family or risk losing everything. Smith’s adaptat…

A ground-breaking ninety-minute new musical, Night Side Songs explores the intimacy of illness, mortality, and the incredible dignity of caregivers through the story of Yasmine Holly, a fictional character informed by interviews with real doctors, hospital staff, and patients, many from right here in Philadelphia. Night Side Songs is a musical conv…

THE HALF-GOD OF RAINFALL BY INUA ELLAMS DIRECTED BY LINDSAY SMILING February 11 – March 2, 2025 Nigerian-born British poet and playwright Inua Ellams blends Yoruba and Greek mythologies into an incredible story of a demigod-turned-NBA superstar in The Half-God of Rainfall. The epic poem follows a half-Nigerian mortal, half-Greek God named Demi, who…

Camden Rep introduces girls of color between the ages of 14 and 18 to behind-the-scenes careers in theater and film with the company’s first Hammer and Nails Conference on Monday, Feb. 3 at Creative Arts High School, located on the campus of Camden High. Bringing together industry professionals and mentors with young, future creatives for a day of …

What everyone agreed on: Two cars collided. One, driven by a Hasidic Jew, veered off the road and critically injured two Black children, one of whom ultimately died. A crowd formed. Police arrived. What no one agreed on: Anything else. In the summer of 1991, Crown Heights, NY exploded into three days of violence fed by rumors and competing narrativ…

This conversation explores the reworking of Mae West's play 'The Drag' by a collaborative team of playwrights and directors. They discuss the origins of the play, the process of adapting it for contemporary audiences, and the importance of incorporating diverse voices and experiences in the rehearsal room. The conversation also highlights the role …

One-Man Nutcracker written & performed by Chris Davis directed by MK Tuomanen choreography by Campbell Tosney sound design by Adriano Shaplin lighting design by Krista Smith narrated by Severin Blake You know the Nutcracker the ballet, but what if the ballet was performed by only one man? If the daughter Marie, little boy Fritz, creepy uncle Drosse…

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Frank Capra’s beloved holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Capturing the charm and warmth of the original story, actors portray multiple roles and create live sound effects to bring George Bailey’s uplifting journey to life. This production - featuring Christopher Patrick Mullen and…

A world-premiere hilarious and heartfelt solo-romp through Christmas classics. Starring Barrymore Award Winner Amanda Schoonover* Created by Brenna Geffers Run time - 60 minutes with no intermission December 12-19, 2024 She'll be home for Christmas --- home alone that is. It's Christmas Eve and after a tough year one lady is determined to get into …

THE COMEUPPANCE BY BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS DIRECTED BY MORGAN GREEN A CO-PRODUCTION WITH WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATRE COMPANY Set in 2023, Jacobs-Jenkins’ witty and moving dark comedy focuses on five friends who reunite 20 years after graduating from a high school in Prince George's County, outside of Washington, D.C. Known as the "Multi-Ethnic Reject Gro…

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…

On Saturday, Nov. 16, Prism Arts Philadelphia will host the event, which features fine art, highlights Black excellence, and showcases the diversity of Black drag kings. It will feature drag performers from Philadelphia Black Drag Kings Cyrus K. Stratton, Manny Lovett, Mo Betta, Mister Right, Gemini Mxr, Sir Suavey, Mr. Tee, Deej Nutz, Kyng Dom, an…

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 a…

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 …

October 4 - 20, 2024 Written by Erlina Ortiz Directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo In association with Edgewood Entertainment A Philadelphia Premiere Josefina is a stand-up comic from Philadelphia coming to terms with the recent death of her mother, as well as her sister’s sudden illness, just as her comedy career is taking off. Written by Philadelphia’s…

AngelPirate Productions presents: the Are We Free Yet? project based on the book by Tina Strawn curated, written & directed by TS Hawkins Through sound and verse, we sojourn in an afro-future encapsulated within a Sunday dinner unpacking decades and dynasties of epigenetic memories. Will the future ever progress against the past? Sauté and serenade…

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 part…

Taking its title from the mythical Egyptian afterlife, The Duat is a psychological portrait of Cornelius Johnson, a FBI counterintelligence officer played by Philadelphia favorite Frank X, in a battle for his very soul. Using spoken word, North African drumming, and gorgeous choreography, this thrilling world premiere is a poetic and virtuosic stor…

In The Rose Garden, Jarboe seeks new ways of empowering museum visitors with agency that allows for a sense of narrative surprise, vulnerability, and catharsis. The inspiration for the work came in 2018 when Jarboe, at age 33, came out as trans to her family back home in Michigan, saying she uses she/her pronouns. What happened next would trigger a…

HILMA A WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW GEORGES WORDS BY KATE SCELSA MUSIC BY ROBERT M. JOHANSON DIRECTED BY MORGAN GREEN June 4–23, 2024 The early 20th century queer mystic and artist Hilma af Klint channeled hundreds of paintings through messages from otherworldly forces, hoping to communicate the mysteries of the universe. Only r…

Lyrics and Book by Lynn Ahrens Music by Stephen Flaherty Directed By: Amina Robinson Assistant Director Mariah Ghant Choreographer Devon Sinclair Music Director Gina Giachero Cast Chabrelle Williams (Mama Euralie) Christopher Faison (Tonton Julian/Servant) Nadia Ra’Shaun (Ti Moune) Ethan B. Walker (Daniel) Sydney Banks (Andrea) Tiara Greene (Asaka)…

The conversation revolves around the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (PVLA) and their upcoming event, “The Arts Affair”. The guests discuss the importance of PVLA in providing legal services to artists and small arts organizations. They highlight the need for artists to understand the business side of their craft and the role PVLA plays…

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 th…

In this conversation, Darnelle Radford interviews Sabriaya Shipley, the executive director of Theater Philadelphia, about the seventh annual Philly Theatre Week. They discuss the importance of digital media in promoting the theater community, the value of long-form conversations, and the need for inclusivity and accessibility in theater. They also …

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. The conversation covers various topics, including the themes of love and war in the season, the exploration of villain stories, the expectations of theater, and the approac…

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and just recently on Broadway, Cost of Living traces two relationships: one between a wealthy graduate student with cerebral palsy and his female caregiver, the other between a woman recovering from a terrible accident being tended to by her ex-husband. Heartfelt, funny, and deeply moving, this exquisitely written play …

September 21 – October 1, 2023 PAPER DOLL ENSEMBLE creates devised absurdist tragicomedies that redefine traditional stories of feminine experiences. THE PECKING ORDER is born out of grief and disbelief after the 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and inspired by the wife and daughters of the supreme court judge who penned the original opinion,…

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 …

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 t…

Why? Because Kae Lani Palmisano is approaching food journalism in the same way BSR approaches arts journalism: food and the arts (and media about them) are gateways for new voices and conversations, not an elitist checkpoint. Sometimes people push back on this work: see Palmisano’s recent Bon Appétit piece about the eight best cheesesteaks in Phill…

(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 …

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 pre…

Miniball is a micro-version of Cannonball Festival featuring encores of previous Cannonball shows, as well as other works not featured in the festival before, to keep the spirit of Cannonball sailing strong throughout the year. Make sure to follow @cannonballfest on Instagram and turn on notifications to be the first to hear about upcoming festival…

This year, experience over 50 unique events with hundreds of shows during Philly Theatre Week! Plus, join the 2023 Philly Theatre Week Kick-Off Celebration on March 20th at the Kimmel Cultural Campus. See preview scenes, songs, and interactive performances from participating Philly Theatre Week companies. Johnny Depp! (A Retrospective on Late-Stage…

The Light Written by Loy A. Webb Directed by J. Paul Nicholas Featuring: Ang(ela) Bey and Abdul Sesay February 2, 2023 — February 26, 2023 “Explosive and Exquisite” – Stage Left Not every marriage proposal goes as planned. What started as the happiest day of a loving couple’s lives quickly unravels when ground-shifting accusations from the past sur…

Some of BSR’s Media Recommendations: BOOKS Merlin Sheldrake - Entangled Life https://www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life Adrienne Maree Brown - Pleasure Activism https://www.akpress.org/pleasure-activism.html You Have A Match - Emma Lord https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250237309/youhaveamatch TELEVISION Severance - AppleTV https://tv.apple.co…

Odd Man Out | Part of the America Rising Series A LIVE Immersive Experience In Complete Darkness Para ver el sitio web en español, haga click aquí November 30 – December 18, 2022 Odd Man Out is a captivating play that takes place in complete darkness. Created by Teatro Ciego (an Argentinian company founded by blind artists) and Theatre C (a groundb…

This Is My Brave, Inc. (TIMB), the national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental illness through storytelling, comes to Philadelphia this fall. The show will be held at the Ambler Theater on October 9, 2022. Performances will feature area community members who live with – or have loved ones living with - mental h…

Today on the podcast, our summer series collaboration with Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance’s “RE-START Initiative”, draws to a close with the Initiative’s champions, Kabria Rogers and Roberta Johnson. Stay Tuned. The RestART Organizations we heard from: Al-Bustan: Seeds of Culture Davinci Art Alliance EgoPo Classic Theatre Kun-Yang Lin Dance…

Today on the podcast, our summer series collaboration with Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance’s “RE-START Initiative”, continues with Tiny Dynamite where we explore how the organization has fared during the pandemic. Here is my interview with KC MacMillan, Producing Artistic Director of Tiny Dynamite. It is the mission of Tiny Dynamite to offer…

OUR VISION Intercultural Journeys boldly leverages the power of the performing arts to catalyze social change, challenge bias, and create spaces for dialogue and understanding by presenting culturally diverse voices that celebrate and affirm our shared humanity. OUR VISION We imagine a world of more: more welcome, more curiosity, more empathy, and …

Today on the podcast, our 8-part summer series collaboration with Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance’s “RE-START Initiative”, continues with Kun-Yang Lin Dancers. In our conversation, we learn how a dance company has fared during the pandemic. Here is my interview with Katie Moore-Derkits, Executive Director and Maggie Zhao, Assistant Artistic …

EgoPo transforms timeless works of literature into innovative and immersive theatrical events. We re-envision the classic canon by re-introducing diverse works and re-bodying existing canonical works to ensure a wide range of voices, bodies and stories are shared on our stages. We honor and re-awaken these classic texts through a rigorous practice …

Da Vinci Art Alliance (DVAA) was founded in 1931 by sixteen Italian immigrant artists and collectors at a time when immigrants were barred from major artistic, academic, and scientific institutions. DVAA was a creative refuge where members could show their works, hold meetings, engage in social activities, and offer intellectual and cultural exchan…