Join us as we explore the vibrant Philadelphia theater scene through the eyes of the Bruce sisters. They share their journey, the importance of accessibility, and their love for live performances, from community shows to Broadway stars. Discover how they keep the arts alive and engaging for everyone, regardless of barriers. Join us as we explore the vibrant world of theater, discussing recent productions, favorite shows, and the importance of supporting the arts. Our guests share their insights on the power of storytelling, the impact of theater on community, and upcoming events to watch for.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Women's History Month

05:23 Accessing the Arts: Overcoming Barriers

10:51 Engaging with Local Artists and Productions

16:39 Theater as a Personal Journey

22:15 Inspiring the Next Generation of Theatergoers

27:51 The Beauty of Imperfection in Live Theater

30:32 The Importance of Understudies in Theater

32:24 The Impact of Seeing New Talent

34:20 The Value of Local Theater Productions

37:13 Celebrating Long-Standing Relationships in Theater

38:38 The Role of Community in Supporting the Arts

40:32 Accessibility and Transportation to Arts Events

43:07 Memorable Performances and Their Lasting Impact

44:37 The Joy of Theater Productions

46:23 Exploring Unique Storytelling in Plays

47:36 Emotional Impact of Performances

49:53 Mental Health Themes in Theater

53:23 Highlighting Female Directors

56:23 The Power of New Works in Theater

58:15 Fringe Festival and Emerging Talent

01:00:16 Connecting Through Theater: A Journey to Edinburgh

01:02:05 Anticipating Upcoming Productions: Excitement for March

01:03:55 Exploring New Theatrical Experiences: Jelly's Last Jam

01:05:43 The Importance of Community in Theater

01:06:53 Engaging with Emerging Voices in Theater

01:07:58 Reflections on Theater Experiences and Expectations

01:10:00 The Power of Theater: Finding Meaning in Every Performance

01:11:51 Nostalgia and the Impact of Classic Productions

01:14:13 Closing Thoughts: The Joy of Sharing Theater Experiences

 RESOURCES

Theater Philadelphia - https://theaterphiladelphia.org/ 

Art Reach - https://artreachphila.org/ 

Quintessence Theatre Group - https://quintessencetheatre.org/ 

Philadelphia Theater Company - https://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/ 

Philadelphia Theater Company - https://www.philadelphiatheatercompany.org/ 

Lantern Theater Company - https://www.lanterntheater.org/ 

Azuka Theatre - https://azukatheatre.org/ 

Theatre Exile - https://theatreexile.org/ 

Edinburgh Festival Fringe - https://www.edfringe.com/ 

Hedgerow Theater - https://hedgerowtheatre.org/ 

 GUEST LINK:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dembrucegals/ 

In this episode of the Broad Street Review Podcast, host Darnelle Radford welcomes director Morgan Green to discuss the Philadelphia Theatre Company's adaptation of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. They explore the shared leadership model in Philadelphia theatre, the unique interpretations of the cast, and the relevance of the play in today's society. The conversation delves into character analysis, choreography, and the audience's engagement with the production, highlighting the emotional and political themes that resonate with contemporary issues.

A Bold and Modern New Adaptation

Caesar

Adapted by Tyler Dobrowsky
From Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Directed by Morgan Green

What would you do to protect your home?

Shakespeare’s classic political tragedy is reborn as a gripping contemporary thriller in this bold new adaptation by Tyler Dobrowsky. Caesar stays true to Shakespeare’s original language but trims the story to its leanest, most urgent core—cutting to the heart of ambition, authoritarianism, and the cost of protecting democracy.

Brutus, a principled Roman senator, joins a conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar, fearing the rise of tyranny. But once the deed is done, the fragile dream of liberty spirals into violence, unrest, and civil war. As alliances shift and Rome descends into chaos, the play asks: Who gets to hold power? And at what price?

Running just 95 minutes, Caesar is fast-paced and fiercely relevant, inviting audiences to draw parallels between ancient Rome and the political tensions of our world today.

In a season about what it means to be home, Caesar asks: who gets to shape the future of a nation? And what are we willing to risk to defend the place—and people—we love?

ABOUT MORGAN CLAIRE GREEN

PTC: Debut. Off-Broadway: Five Models in Ruins, 1981, LCT3; Staff Meal, Playwrights Horizons; School Pictures, Playwrights Horizons. Regional: Hilma (Opera), Eternal Life Part 1, School Pictures, Fat Ham (digital; Pulitzer Prize for Drama), Wilma Theater. Additional premieres include Five Models in Ruins and The Karamazovs (film). Awards: Obie Award. Leadership: Co-Artistic Director of Philadelphia’s Tony Award–winning Wilma Theater, where she has directed numerous world premieres and new theatrical collaborations.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/caesar/

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford speaks with actors Brandon Tyler and Max Lynch about their upcoming production of 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise' by Ken Ludwig. The conversation delves into the characters, the historical context of World War II, and the emotional depth of the story, which is based on real letters exchanged between the two main characters. They discuss the rehearsal process, the significance of letter writing in building connections, and the parallels between past and present relationships. The episode concludes with reflections on what audiences can take away from the production.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

02:19 Exploring 'Dear Jack, Dear Louise'

05:09 Character Insights and Rehearsal Process

09:59 Thematic Connections to Modern Relationships

16:05 Audience Expectations and Emotional Moments

22:59 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Ken Ludwig's Dear Jack, Dear Louise

Directed By Peter Reynolds

February 11 - March 1, 2026

Regional Premiere. 

A love story begins when two strangers meet by letter during World War II. U.S. Army Captain Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, begins writing to Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City, hoping to meet her someday, if the war allows. Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig tells the joyous, heart-warming story of his parents’ courtship during World War II, and the results are anything but expected.

Max Lynch as Louise
Brandon Tyler as Jack

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

In this episode of the Broad Street Review podcast, host Darnelle Radford welcomes the cast and director of 'Jesus Hopped the A Train' to discuss the themes, characters, and relevance of the play. The conversation explores the journey of the characters, the impact of community and accountability, and how the play resonates with current social issues. The guests share their personal experiences with the material and the importance of storytelling in theater.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season 10

03:58 Introduction to Jesus Hop the A Train

05:37 Character Insights and Table Read Reactions

09:14 Exploring Themes of Redemption and Accountability

14:42 Relevance of the Play in Today's Society

21:17 Community, Power, and the Role of Money

25:58 Character Development and Personal Growth

28:15 Final Thoughts and Audience Takeaways

Jesus Hopped the “A” Train

A young man with little hope, Angel, has shot a cult leader for brainwashing his best friend; his confession to the public defender then cripples Angel’s defense when the cult leader dies. Ironically, while in The Tombs, the serial killer in the next cell sparks Angel’s spiritual conversion.

Directed By: Dave Ebersole

CAST:

Carlos Jiga - Angel

Jon Owens - Lucius

Monica Guest - Mary Jane

Brandon Tabb - Valdez

Eric Jarrell - D’Amico

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://thestagecrafters.org/production/jesus-hopped-the-a-train/

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