The conversation covers James Ijames' life post-Fat Ham, his role in teaching playwriting and living in New York, the Philadelphia theater scene, the James Ijames Pass, his response to Arden's presentation of Good Bones, writing and scale, creating an anthology and writing process, and interpreting the play on stage. The takeaways include the balance of entertainment and depth in writing and the impact of personal experiences on writing. The conversation explores the transformative power of tiny steps and the importance of community and connection. It delves into the themes of generational shifts and legacy, the formula for a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, and the management of multiple projects and ideas.

Takeaways

Balancing entertainment and depth

The impact of personal experiences on writing The transformative power of tiny steps

The importance of community and connection

Chapters

00:00 Life Post-Fat Ham

06:06 The Philadelphia Theater Scene

15:11 Response to Arden's Presentation of Good Bones

22:51 Creating an Anthology and Writing Process

28:10 The Transformative Power of Tiny Steps

35:52 Generational Shifts and Legacy

43:29 The Formula for a Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play

LINKS:

Philadelphia Theatre Company - https://philatheatreco.org

Wilderness Generation Play - https://philatheatreco.org/wilderness-generation

Fat Ham by James Ijames - https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/james-ijames

Blanca Zizka - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blanca_Zizka

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jwijames/

Website - https://www.jamesijames.com

James’ Plays - https://www.jamesijames.com/the-plays

Follow us and our links here:

https://bio.site/em3ry

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 boxoffice@interacttheatre.org or call 215-568-8079.