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/