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 performing in New York, and the significance of audience engagement. The conversation also touches on the realities of procrastination in the creative process and the unexpected journey to acceptance in the United Solo Festival. In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Susan Chase discuss the intricacies of creating and presenting the play 'Mother's Day,' reflecting on the supportive environment of theater festivals, the emotional journey of writing the play after the loss of Chase's mother, and the importance of audience engagement through visual storytelling. They explore the historical significance of Mother's Day, the impact of COVID-19 on artistic expression, and the deep connections that can be fostered through shared experiences in theater.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mother's Day and Artistic Journey

03:00 Susan's Undoing: A Personal Journey Through Cancer

06:00 The Role of Music in Theatrical Productions

09:00 Performing in New York: Overcoming Fear and Finding Community

11:58 Audience Engagement and Relatability in Performance

14:56 The Challenges of Self-Producing Theatre

17:58 Procrastination and the Creative Process

20:47 Unexpected Acceptance: A Journey to the United Solo Festival

23:00 Festival Experience and Artist Support

25:05 Reflections on Artistic Changes

28:06 Engaging the Audience with Visuals

30:02 Historical Context of Mother's Day

33:56 Thematic Depth of the Play

39:01 The Impact of COVID on Creativity

40:54 A Call to Action for Audiences

ABOUT MOTHER’S DAY - A Theatrical Homage To The Women Who Made Us

Mother’s Day is both a memoir of one mother, and an homage to ALL mothers. Veering from sentimental to skeptical, from harrowing to hilarious, Mother’s Day celebrates the women who made us. It is especially dedicated to those mothers who are no longer with us, except in our memories and our dreams.

"Mother's Day is ultimately passionate and illuminating, inspiring viewers to revisit their own relationships with their mothers." (Lehigh Valley Stage 4/9/25)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.theatreexile.org/renters-in-exile/susan-chase

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 Brian Anthony Wilson; and directed by Pete Pryor (the team behind A Christmas Carol Comedy) - offers a unique, immersive experience that celebrates the enduring message of hope and community.

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

ABOUT KYLE V. HILLER

A West Philly native writer and interdisciplinary artist, Kyle (he/they) is the associate editor of Broad Street Review, the author of The Recital, and host of the gaming podcast SideQuest Enthusiast.