Token Theatre Friends
A community of BIPOC theater enthusiasts offering opportunities for theatre lovers to discover and engage with the works of artists we love.
All Episodes
Ep. 82: Exploring Empathy in "Merrily We Roll Along"
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.
Ep. 81: The Name on Everybody's Lips is Going to Be Leila Jung
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.
Ep. 80: The Power of Bodies in Motion
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).
Ep. 79: The Desire of Diana Pou
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.
Ep. 78: From Book to Movie to Musical to Movie Musical
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.
Ep. 77: The Imitator
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.
Ep. 76: The Eras Tour as Theatre
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.
Ep. 75: Shakespeare in the Jazz Age (Ft. Aria Shahghasemi)
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.
Ep. 74: Repair (Ft. Michael Marrero and Julio Trinidad)
In this episode, Jose talks to the duo behind Repair, a play making its premiere via streaming at StudioWorks. Writers Michael Marrero and Julio Trinidad (who also stars in the play) talk about the process of writing together, creating a unique NY story, and the joy of bringing theater to people's homes.
Ep. 73: El Lancelot Latino (Ft. Matías De La Flor)
In this episode, Jose speaks to Matías De La Flor, who talks about his work in Lerner & Loewe's Camelot and getting to play a Latino Lancelot. De La Flor also shares what it was like landing his first Broadway job out of school and why he's interested in coaching actors in two languages.
Ep. 72: Latiné Rising Stars of Musical Theatre
In this episode, Jose speaks to four of the composers who will be featured in 4xLatiné at Latiné Musical Theatre Lab.
Ep. 71: Into the Woods (Ft. Shane Dittmar & Aubrie Therrien)
In this episode, Jose speaks to two of the artists behind Epic Players' production of Into the Woods. Music Director Shane Dittmar and Executive & Artistic Director Aubrie Therrien talk about the company's mission of providing opportunities for neurodivergent and disabled people, as well as the joys and challenges of taking on a show as beloved as Woods.
Ep. 70: The Cotillion (Ft. Colette Robert)
In this episode, Jose speaks to playwright/director Colette Robert of The Cotillion. Robert talks about the significance of seeing Black women represented onstage, how she approaches writing vs. directing, and why she wanted to become an artist.
Ep. 69: Like Playing Pretend, But Better! (Ft. Dan Rosales)
In this episode, Jose speaks to actor Dan Rosales currently starring in Dog Man: The Musical. Rosales talks about the path he followed to become a performer, and how he connects with his inner child whenever he's on stage.
Ep. 68: Mystique, Allure, and Proficiency (Ft. Roger Q. Mason)
In this episode, Jose speaks to Roger Q. Mason about readings of two of their works, The Pink and Waiting for a Wake. Mason speaks about why they never call their work "plays," the importance of ritual in performance, and decolonizing theatrical practices.
Ep. 67: Listening to the Whisper of Intuition (Ft. Camila Canó-Flaviá)
In this episode, Jose speaks to Camila Canó-Flaviá, the star of The Coast Starlight, currently at Lincoln Center Theater. Canó-Flaviá talks about returning to a character she played a few years ago and shares her thoughts on the importance of finding a self-care routine.
Ep. 66: Analyze Brick (Ft. Matt de Rogatis)
In this episode, Jose speaks to Matt de Rogatis, the star/producer of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. De Rogatis talks about fundraising for the first Off-Broadway production of Cat, why he wanted to play Tennessee William's "trinity" (Stanley from A Streetcar Named Desire, Tom from The Glass Menagerie, and Brick from Cat), and how he uses his passion for psychology to dig deep into the characters he plays.
Ep. 65: Breaking Free from Stereotypes (Ft. Laura Gómez)
In this episode, Jose speaks to Laura Gómez who is currently starring in The Baby Monitor at Santa Fe Playhouse. Gómez talks about sinking her teeth into the part of Soledad in Monitor, as well as the importance of developing new muscles and skills to complement acting, and why there's power in seeing Latinx characters break free of the stereotypes they've been assigned.
Ep. 64: Saying Yes to the Things That Scare You (Ft. Adrienne C. Moore & Sean Boyce Johnson)
In this episode, Jose speaks to Adrienne C. Moore and Sean Boyce Johnson, two of the stars of Black Odyssey. The duo talks about the genius of playwright Marcus Gardley, share tips for beginner actors who want to try out working in different mediums, and comment on fearlessness and the importance of saying yes to things that scare you.
Ep. 63: MacGyver The Musical (Ft. Brandon Victor Dixon)
In this episode, Jose speaks to Brandon Victor Dixon about his work in MacGyver The Musical. The Tony, Emmy, and Grammy-nominated artist talks about his work on stage, on screen, and as a producer. He also shares his advice for young people of color who want to be in the performing arts.
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