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.

This week, Alicia and Jose talk to Chad Austin and Bianca Marroquín. As the artistic director of Abingdon Theatre Company, Austin conceived the #IWILL campaign, meant to remind theatre makers who can’t be onstage right now, about the importance of hope. He recruited renowned artists, including Marroquín, to come up with reassuring messages that warm the heart and raise the spirit.

Marroquín was the first Mexican woman to play a Broadway lead, she has starred as Roxie Hart throughout the years in Chicago. She spoke about her love for the role and her admiration for Chita Rivera, who she played in Fosse/Verdon. Marroquín also did a segment in Spanish, which you will find below.

On the podcast, Alicia and Jose review The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special starring drag superstars Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme, as well as the Hip Hop Nutcracker, streaming at Baltimore Center Stage.

References:

• #IWill Campaign at Abingdon Theatre Company.
• Estella Scrooge at Abingdon Theatre Company.
• West Side Story at the Knockdown Center.
• Fosse/Verdon on FX.
• Jose’s Interview with Bianca Marroquín on StageBuddy.
• The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special available for purchase and on Hulu.
• The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Baltimore Center Stage.