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 [email protected] or call 215-568-8079.

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/  

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

HANSEL & GRETEL written by Paul Kuhn

Directed By Mya Flood

Curio brings you another Make/Partake Theatre Experience following the great success of JACK AND THE BEANSTALK and THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. For ages 3 and up!

Get in on the action: making props, sound effects, shadow puppets and even controlling the weather. A fun time for all participants and audience members.

Runs: December 20 to 31 (11am and 3pm)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Curio Theatre and Guests

03:30 Maya Flood's Background and Experience

06:52 Exploring Hansel and Gretel: An Immersive Experience

10:39 Planning the Make and Partake Series

14:16 Audience Engagement and Feedback

18:04 The Cast and Their Roles

21:31 Future of Children's Theatre at Curio

25:09 Potential Future Productions and Themes

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://curiotheatre.org

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Darnelle Radford

04:37 Darnelle's Journey into Theater

09:08 The Importance of Live Theater

13:33 Theater as a Community Experience

18:21 Challenges in the Theater Industry

23:03 The Future of Theater and New Works

27:33 Darnelle's New Role at Theater Philadelphia

32:05 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

ABOUT DARNELLE RADFORD

Darnelle Radford is a Philadelphia-based theater producer, media entrepreneur, and arts administrator with a significant presence in the local theater community. He is the founder of Represented Theatre Company and Em3ry, a media company that produces podcasts like the Broad Street Review Podcast, Rep Radio, The Business of Theater, A Working Title where he hosts or co-hosts the shows. He is the outgoing Director of Operations at Theatre Exile, South Philadelphia’s only theater company. Radford's work often involves supporting and promoting the arts, including managing technical systems and producing arts-focused content.

Darnelle has also worked in cultural organizations such as The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Art Museum, Freedom Theatre, Historic Philadelphia, Inc., The College of Physicians of Philadelphia and the COVID Containment Division of The City of Philadelphia’s Health Department.

Darnelle studied Multimedia and Web Design at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and Arts Administration at New York University.

ABOUT THEATRE PHILADELPHIA

Theatre Philadelphia unites, celebrates, and promotes the Philadelphia region's diverse and growing theatre community. We lead efforts that expand audiences and engage the public to participate in this community's work. Theatre Philadelphia envisions an equitable and inclusive region that champions and nurtures local artists. We aim to raise our city’s profile as a world-class city and enrich the lives of Philadelphia-area citizens.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://theatrephiladelphia.org/about-theatre-philadelphia

Launch your holidays by celebrating a beloved model of a modern major comedic opera! On his 21st birthday, a dashing young pirate apprentice prepares to finally be freed from servitude. Arriving back on land for the first time, he plans to live a dutiful and honorable adulthood. But there’s a snag - check his birth certificate! A bevy of local beauties,  conscientious pirates and their King, a wily and witty old waiting woman, an incompetent madcap Major General, a troop of troglodyte policemen, and a parade of ingenious paradoxes all portend to make Quintessence your delightful winter destination! 

NOV 19, 2025 - JAN 4, 2026

ABOUT TREVOR MARTIN

Trevor Martin is a versatile actor, singer, and musician currently based in NYC. Described as a “classically-trained baritone, perfect for the Golden Age of musical theater,” Trevor has made a comfortable home both in the operatic and musical theater genres. He was winner of the prestigious Lotte Lenya Competition sponsored by the Kurt Weill Foundation in 2019, and was selected as a quarterfinalist for the American Traditions Competition for 2021.

Most recently, Trevor performed in two back-to-back productions of My Fair Lady as Henry Higgins — one with Union Avenue Opera, and the other at Ivoryton Playhouse. Earlier this year, he made his role debut as Dan Goodman in Next to Normal with Revival Theatre Company and as Nick/Low Righteous Brother in Beautiful at Riverside Theatre. Last year he performed the role of Thomas Andrews in Titanic with North Shore Music Theatre and in two back-to-back productions of Carousel as Billy Bigelow — one with Intermountain Opera Bozeman, and the other at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton, FL.  He opened the Global Tour of Jack O’Brien’s production of The Sound of Music as Captain Von Trapp in 2022 and 2023 and made his Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra debut as Commander Harbison in their concert performance of South Pacific, as well as covering Nathan Gunn as Emile and Nick Adams as Lt. Cable.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

02:26 Exploring the Joy of Performing Pirates of Penzance

05:58 Trevor's Journey from Music to Theater

08:38 Thematic Elements of Pirates of Penzance

11:32 The Humor and Social Commentary in the Show

15:43 Rehearsal Dynamics and Cast Interactions

18:55 Audience Reactions and Engagement

24:29 The Impact of Live Theater in a Digital Age

29:13 Trevor's Future Projects and Experiences in Philadelphia

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://www.quintessencetheatre.org/pirates

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Arno Radford interviews young actor Raphael Sommer, who plays Ralphie in the Walnut Street Theater's production of A Christmas Story, the musical. Raphael shares his journey into theater, balancing school and performances, and the support he receives from his family. He discusses his audition process, favorite musicals, and the joy of performing live. The conversation highlights the importance of imagination in theater and the excitement of the holiday season.

A CHRISTMAS STORY The Musical

Book by JOSEPH ROBINETTE · Music and Lyrics by BENJ PASEK and JUSTIN PAUL · BASED ON THE MOTION PICTURE A Christmas Story and on the book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by JEAN SHEPHERD

NOW – JANUARY 4, 2026

RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS 20 MINUTES INCL. INTERMISSION

get tickets

A CHRISTMAS STORY The Musical is Broadway’s musical comedy gift! A boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas, a Red Ryder BB Gun. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, the dogs stealing the turkey, a cranky department store Santa and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. Based on the classic movie, this musical captures holiday wonder with funny and heartfelt songs, show-stopping dancing, a pair of mischievous dogs, delicious wit and a heart of gold!

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://walnutstreettheatre.org/season/show/a-christmas-story-2025 

The conversation explores the profound impact of adoption stories on individuals and communities. Matthew Decker shares his experiences of discussing a play about adoption, revealing how it has encouraged others to open up about their own adoption stories. The dialogue highlights the beauty of connection and the emotional resonance of shared experiences among adoptees.

Theatre Horizon presents Wishing to Grow Up Brightly, a genre-defying new musical co-created by Amanda Morton (The Color Purple, A New Brain, Into the Woods, Broadway’s Maybe Happy Ending, Gutenberg! The Musical! and KPOP) with longtime collaborator Theatre Horizon’s multi-time Barrymore Award-winning Interim Artistic Director Matthew Decker (The Few, A New Brain, Into the Woods, Broadway’s upcoming La La Land), Josh Totora, and Brenson Thomas. In this surreal and heartfelt story, South Korean adoptee Amanda Newton returns to her white childhood home after her father's death. There, she discovers her father's preserved memories through a futuristic service called reMemorex, launching her on a time-bending

journey through grief, identity, sitcom nostalgia, and long-silenced questions. Morton, a three-time Barrymore Award recipient for Outstanding Music Direction for productions at Theatre Horizon and Wilma Theater, inspired this story, and Decker directs. Wishing to Grow Up Brightly has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. Performances run November 5 to November 23, 2025.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://theatrehorizon.org

In this conversation, Khalil Munir discusses the transformative power of art in his life, emphasizing how it has become a vital tool for expression and personal growth. He reflects on his journey from using violence as a means of coping to embracing creativity through various forms of art, including tap dancing and acting. Khalil highlights the importance of vulnerability in artistic expression and how it has allowed him to explore and communicate his emotions freely.

1 Pound 4 Ounces
written & performed by Khalil Munir
directed by Amina Robinson
World Premiere | October 22 - November 2, 2025 - EXTENDED THROUGH NOVEMBER 9!

Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake
Produced by Azuka Theatre & Simpatico Theatre

Through a tour-de-force tap performance, live music, and impassioned storytelling, Khalil shares his true tale of growing up and beating the odds in Philadelphia. This triumphant story of hope reveals the transformative power of art to change lives.

Honorary Producers
Lyndsey & Kevin McCormick

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://azukatheatre.org

In this conversation, Amanda Morton shares her personal journey of adoption and how it shapes her identity. She discusses the process of returning home to help her mother pack up childhood belongings after a loss, which leads to profound realizations about her past and the universal nature of such experiences.

WISHING TO GROW UP BRIGHTLY

Book by Amanda Morton, Matthew Decker & Brenson Thomas

Music by Josh Totora

Lyrics by Amanda Morton and Josh Totora

Directed by Matthew Decker

A bold new musical inspired by the real-life story of Amanda Morton (The Color Purple, Broadway’s Gutenberg! The Musical!, KPOP), co-created with longtime collaborator and Theatre Horizon co-founder Matthew Decker, alongside Josh Totora and Brenson Thomas. After the death of her father, Amanda Newton—a Korean-American adoptee—returns to her childhood home to help her mother pack up. There, she discovers a trove of his preserved memories, created by a tech company called reMemorex, and is pulled into a surreal and intimate journey through loss, identity, and the questions that have quietly shaped her life. As Amanda searches for connection in the fragments he left behind, she begins to confront a deeper longing: how do you create a sense of home when it was taken from you before you even knew what it was?

Wishing to Grow Up Brightly has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://theatrehorizon.org

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 highlights the importance of humor in addressing serious topics and the audience's experience of live theater.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
02:37 Susan McKey's Journey in Theater
05:10 Exploring 'Fly Me to the Moon'
07:58 Rehearsal Dynamics and Challenges
10:24 Character Dynamics and Relationships
13:01 Themes of Loneliness and Connection
15:24 The Role of Humor in Serious Topics
17:41 Audience Experience and Expectations
20:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Susan McKey and co-star Marcia Saunders star as Loretta and Francis, two cash-strapped community care workers, are on their way to another routine visit to their patient, Davey McGee, a lonely man dedicated to his newspaper, horse races, and memories of Frank Sinatra. The day takes an unexpected turn for poor Davey, as Jones spins a sharply funny tale exploring what happens when ordinary people are tempted with extraordinary (if not slightly outrageous) opportunities.

“Fly Me to the Moon is a play about making the wrong decisions and then making the right ones,” shared Gibson. “As with all good farce, Marie Jones has crafted two credible characters that we can’t help but fall in love with. While the play does speak to economic hardship and senior loneliness, what impresses me is the way Jones finds humor in their desperation. What charms me most about this play, however, is its optimism. The belief that, despite your circumstances, your life might just get better, Frank Sinatra might sing to you, or maybe your horse will finally come in.”

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://hedgerowtheatre.org