Episodes

  • Ep. 82: Exploring Empathy in "Merrily We Roll Along"

    Ep. 82: Exploring Empathy in "Merrily We Roll Along"
    Dec 5 2025
    In this episode, Andrew talks to director and performer Maria Friedman about the filmed-for-cinema release of Merrily We Roll Along, which closed on Broadway in 2024. Friedman, whose journey with Merrily We Roll Along dates back to the early 90s, when she played Mary, directed revivals of the show in London and on Broadway. Maria talks to us about her approach to directing the filmed version of the show, and tells us what she hopes audiences take away from the show's approach to empathy and forgiveness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    17 mins
  • Ep. 81: The Name on Everybody's Lips is Going to Be Leila Jung

    Ep. 81: The Name on Everybody's Lips is Going to Be Leila Jung
    Nov 6 2025
    In this episode, Jose sits down with Swedish actress Leila Jung, who’s taking on the iconic role of Roxie Hart in Chicago after starring in The Girl from the North Country. They talk about what it’s like to go from Bob Dylan to Kander and Ebb, performing back-to-back musicals set in the Depression era, and how Swedish audiences connect with the language of musical theatre. Leila reflects on the shows that first made her fall in love with the stage, the craft behind keeping a musical alive, and what it means to find truth inside the sparkle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Ep. 80: The Power of Bodies in Motion

    Ep. 80: The Power of Bodies in Motion
    Aug 16 2024
    In every episode, 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 talks about his summer of theatre by looking at six shows he saw over May/June and the trends that tie them together. From revivals (Appropriate, Uncle Vanya) new plays (Sally and Tom), new musicals (The Great Gatsby) and long-running musicals (Hadestown, Six), Andrew praises the ensemble powers of live theatre and the joys of great blocking with a reminder of the power that bodies in motion have when they move on the stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Ep. 79: The Desire of Diana Pou

    Ep. 79: The Desire of Diana Pou
    Apr 26 2024
    In this episode, Jose talks to actor/singer/educator Diana Pou about her role in Alván Colón Lespier's The Desire of the Astronaut, a poetic sci-fi play premiering at Pregones/PRTT next month. Pou talks about the way scripts and characters, including Astronaut, arrive exactly when they should, how she's putting her classical music training to use, and shares exciting news about other upcoming projects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Ep. 78: From Book to Movie to Musical to Movie Musical

    Ep. 78: From Book to Movie to Musical to Movie Musical
    Apr 21 2024
    In this episode, Andrew and Graceson talk about the film adaptations of two Broadway musicals, which once were films, which once were books. The Color Purple directed by Blitz Bazawule and Mean Girls directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. The friends discuss the changes that were made from the stage versions to the films, the reluctance of studios to commit to selling movie musicals, and how Purple epitomizes the meaning of "ensemble film." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Ep. 77: The Imitator

    Ep. 77: The Imitator
    Apr 19 2024
    In this episode, Jose speaks to Julián Fontalvo the multitalented writer and performer of The Imitator, in which he takes audience members on a personal journey where he imitates the voices of over 70 artists. Fontalvo talks about his love for popular music and how songs become part of our lives, as well as exploring the power of music to take us back in time. Fontalvo is performing The Imitator in English at the United Solo Festival in April. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Ep. 76: The Eras Tour as Theatre

    Ep. 76: The Eras Tour as Theatre
    Dec 12 2023
    In this episode, Jose is joined by fellow Swifties (and BIPOC Critics Lab alumni) Maria Paz Alegre and Octavia Washington, to discuss Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. The blockbuster concert film, which has grossed over $250 million worldwide, is out on demand and for rental on December 13th (Happy birthday, TayTay!) In addition to being what Jose describes as the greatest experience he's ever had at a movie theater, Maria Paz and Octavia comment on Swift's insightful writing, and how much theatre can learn from Swift. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Ep. 75: Shakespeare in the Jazz Age (Ft. Aria Shahghasemi)

    Ep. 75: Shakespeare in the Jazz Age (Ft. Aria Shahghasemi)
    Oct 18 2023
    In this episode, Jose talks to actor Aria Shahghasemi about his starring role in Romeo and Juliet at The Curtain in New Jersey. The actor known for his work on various seasons of The Originals and Legacies, speaks about why he wanted to return to the stage, as well as how his inner "Shakespeare dork" informs his performance as Romeo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins