Podcast

Ep. 32: No COVID Musicals Please!

Podcast
Courtesy of Donmar Warehouse

Every week, 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 Jason Simon.

In this episode, Ayanna and Alexi get in their feels as they reminisce over the last in-person shows they each saw before the pandemic began 1 year ago (for most of us). They have high expectations for the first season of in-person shows and make one request: NO musicals about pandemics please! That means no theatrical adaptation of Michael Bay’s Covid-19 drama, Songbird.

The Friends review Monuments, a short film directed Sara Aniqah Malik in collaboration with Donmar Warehouse in the U.K. The film features the oral histories of BIPOC youth in London as they recount their experiences with racism. Ayanna gushes over the production of Simply Sondheim at the Signature Theatre and tells us how “Being Alive” takes on new meaning in light of the pandemic

References:

  • Monuments directed by Sara Aniqah Malik at Donmar Warehouse.
  • Simply Sondheim directed by Matthew Gardiner at Signature Theatre.
  • Circle Jerk by Michael Breslin & Patrick Foley.
  • Six by Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss.
  • Company directed by Marianne Elliott at Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.
  • The Minutes by Tracy Letts at Cort Theatre.
  • Rent Jonathan Larson at Bernard Sunley Lecture Theatre.
  • To Kill A Mockingbird by Aaron Sorkin at Shubert Theatre
  • Songbird produced by Michael Bay.

 

Ep. 31: Romeo y Julieta (Feat. Saheem Ali and Ricardo Pérez González)

Podcast
Courtesy The Public Theater.

Every week, 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 Jason Simon.

In this episode, Jose talks to Saheem Ali and Ricardo Pérez González. The director and playwright discuss their bilingual adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Now titled Romeo y Julieta, the audio-play transforms Verona into a sonically layered version of Latin America. The star-crossed lovers are played by Juan Castano and Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Ali talks about the first time he saw Nyong’o as Juliet almost two decades ago, while Pérez González recounts how the Spanish of San Juan, Puerto Rico shaped the adaptation. The two also discuss what it was like to work on a script remotely, and why audience members ought to let the beauty of the Spanish language wash over them. Even if they don’t exactly know what the words mean.

References:

Ep. 30: Thank You Theater-Makers (Ft. Daniel K. Isaac)

Podcast
Credit: Damien Alexeev

Every week, 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 Jason Simon.

It’s been one year since theaters shut down all over the world. We’re all still processing our new reality in different stages. The way to commemorate this strange anniversary couldn’t be one of just sadness over what we lost or admiration at the perseverance of artists. Instead we thought our tone should reflect what’s mostly in our hearts: gratitude.

This is the first episode in a series called “Thank You Theater-makers.” We talk to artists who have been experimenting with new mediums, rediscovering skills or realizing untried dreams. We talk to artists who have been holding space for their mental health and experiencing grief. We talk to artists who gave us their gift in new ways, and to those who we are sending love to, while they resume the practice of their craft.

We begin this series with one of our favorite guests, Daniel K. Isaac. The versatile actor who has charmed us with his warmth and immense love for theater. Over the past year he has showcased his natural talent as a playwright and delighted us on social media with his book recommendations. We talk to Isaac about returning to his TV work on Billions, and what’s next for him as a writer.

Thank you, Daniel ❤

https://youtu.be/C5FniPTDTxw

References:

 

Carpe Donum (Ft. André De Shields)

Podcast
Credit: Lia Chang

Every week, 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 Jason Simon.

In this episode, Jose talks to Tony winner André De Shields. The legendary performing activist talks about his upcoming performance as Frederick Douglass in Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory.
The piece is part of Flushing Town Hall’s Black History Trilogy, a celebration of Black History Month.

During the conversation, De Shields speaks about the clash of evolution and history, and his role as a messenger. He also talks about the circularity of history and the spirits of the theatre. It’s a delightful talk emboldened by De Shields’ charm and wisdom.

References:

Ep. 29: Carnival (Feat. Kwame Kwei-Armah)

Podcast
Courtesy of Young Vic Theatre.

Every week, 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 Jason Simon.

In this episode, Andrew and Brittani celebrate carnival and discuss their favorite soca musicians. This leads them to imagine, and cast, a soca-driven Broadway show. Make it happen, producers! Then they review two pieces. First they talk about iN-Hale MEGA VEE’s reading of All Boys Aren’t Blue, by George M. Johnson. This is followed by a review of Judas and the Black Messiah, a biopic of Fred Hampton, the revolutionary socialist and chairman of the Black Panther Party in Chicago, who was murdered by the FBI at age 21.

This is followed by an interview with Kwame Kwei-Armah, the playwright/performer/director who is also the Artistic Director of the Young Vic Theatre in London. The three talk about their Caribbean heritage and wonder why it’s taking so long for the “dam to break” when it comes to producing works by Black artists.

https://youtu.be/RAH-Aw0dh3Q

References:

Ep. 28: Single and Fabulous, Exclamation Point (Feat. Ryan J. Haddad)

Podcast
Ryan J. Haddad in "Hi, Are You Single?"
Credit: Lawrence E. Moten III 

Every week, 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 Jason Simon.

In this episode, Kathlynn and Jose commemorate Valentine’s Day. Last time they reviewed two dark romances and promised to find happy endings for V-Day. First, they talk about Malcolm and Marie on Netflix, leading Kathlynn to ask: why is this billed as a romantic drama? Following that, they talk about The Gay Divorcees, a band of real-life divorcees, who put together a visual album about how their marriages fell apart. Ah, l’amour…

Later Jose talks to writer/performer Ryan J. Haddad about his melancholy Hi, Are You Single? A one-person show inspired by his experiences as a gay man with a high sex drive and cerebral palsy. The play is available to stream at Woolly Mammoth Theatre through the month of February. Jose and Ryan spoke about gay bars, Grindr, I Love Lucy, and specific word choices we make on dating apps.

References:

Ep. 27: Why Producers Are a Show’s #1 Fan (Feat. Rashad V. Chambers and Miranda Gohh)

Podcast
Miranda Goh and Rashad V. Chambers
Courtesy of Miranda Goh and Rashad V. Chambers

Every week, 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 Jason Simon.

In this episode, Alexi and Jose go Gaga over J.Lo at the Inauguration. This leads Jose to ask: why are official ceremonies always so somber? This is followed by their review of Adrienne Kennedy’s Etta and Ella on the Upper West Side. Furthermore, they talk about On Site Opera’s The Beauty That Still Remains, a collection of operas delivered by mail.

Jose interviews Miranda Gohh and Rashad V. Chambers of Theatre Producers of Color. A new initiative that seeks to train BIPOC producers over ten weeks. Jose talks to them about what it takes to be a producer, which leads to anecdotes about the shows that made them love theater.

References:

Ep. 26: Creating a Ritual Around Quarantine Theater (Ft. Heather Christian and Joshua William Gelb)

Podcast
Credit: Katie Rose McLaughlin for Theater in Quarantine

Every week, the culture critics at Token Theatre Friends bring their fresh perspectives to the performing arts on their podcast and video series. The podcast can be found 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 Jason Simon.

In this episode, Kathlynn and Jose start by looking back at the attack on the Capitol by white supremacists. Which leads to the way in which theatrical elements can be put at the service of terror. They follow this with two reviews. First, they discuss Shotgun Players’ production of Loy A. Webb’s The Light. They follow this with a review of 1993, an audio drama by Finkle produced by the Keen Company.

Jose interviews Heather Christian and Joshua William Gelb. They are the composer and director/performer, respectively, behind I Am Sending You the Sacred Face. The show explores the life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Gelb plays her, in drag. Christian speaks about the way in which digital theater lacks ritual. Gelb gives insight into directing and performing from inside his closet.


References:

Ep. 25: So Long, 2020 (Feat. Stacy Osei-Kuffour and Whitney White)

Podcast
Stacy Osei-Kuffour and Whitney White

Every week, the culture critics at Token Theatre Friends bring their fresh perspectives to the performing arts on their podcast and video series. The podcast can be found 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 Jason Simon.

Our last episode of 2020 is jam-packed with goodies. First up, Ayanna and Jose review a new digital production of Meet Me in St. Louis, and an audio version of A Christmas Carol. Next, Jose speaks to Animals playwright Stacy Osei-Kuffour, and director Whitney White, about the process of transforming their original vision into an audio play.

This is followed by Ayanna and Jose unveiling their favorite shows of the year. In addition, following a TTF tradition, we hear from some of our favorite artists as they reveal the art that made 2020 memorable for them.

References:

The Body of Work (Feat. Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty)

Podcast
Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty. Credit: Morris Macmatzen
Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty. Credit: Morris Macmatzen

Every week, the culture critics at Token Theatre Friends bring their fresh perspectives to the performing arts on their podcast and video series. The podcast can be found 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 Jason Simon.

In this special episode, Jose talks to Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty, the composers behind beloved musicals such as Ragtime, Once on This Island, and Anastasia. During the pause provoked by the pandemic, the duo went to their archives to put together a new album called Legacy: Two Song Cycles.

The double album features previously unreleased demos split into two song cycles. The first is called 1859: A Farmer’s Diary and features vocals by Jason Danieley and the great, late Marin Mazzie. The second, A Boy With a Camera, was inspired by photographs taken by Ahrens’ father in the 1950s. It features vocals by Steven Pasquale and Sarah Uriarte Berry.

The duo talked about why some songs never make it to the final version of the musical, and talk about what it means to look back at 37 years of work together. The episode includes a special appearance by Juju Nieto, a Dramaturgy student at Carnegie Mellon University who had some questions for the legendary music makers.

References: