Best Jose Solis Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 81: The Name on Everybody's Lips is Going to Be Leila Jung 32:10

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24d ago32:10

32:10

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 lan…

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Ep. 80: The Power of Bodies in Motion 1:03:14

1+ y ago1:03:14

1:03:14

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). T…

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Ep. 79: The Desire of Diana Pou 31:36

1+ y ago31:36

31:36

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, …

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Ep. 78: From Book to Movie to Musical to Movie Musical 1:02:52

1+ y ago1:02:52

1:02:52

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…

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Ep. 77: The Imitator 35:20

1+ y ago35:20

35:20

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 b…

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Ep. 76: The Eras Tour as Theatre 50:07

2y ago50:07

50:07

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 desc…

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Ep. 75: Shakespeare in the Jazz Age (Ft. Aria Shahghasemi) 33:38

2y ago33:38

33:38

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 abo…

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Ep. 74: Repair (Ft. Michael Marrero and Julio Trinidad) 48:19

2+ y ago48:19

48:19

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega…

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Ep. 73: El Lancelot Latino (Ft. Matías De La Flor) 47:40

2+ y ago47:40

47:40

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. Coming up on August 4th, De La Flor will join Jaime Lozano & …

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Ep. 72: Latiné Rising Stars of Musical Theatre 47:40

2+ y ago47:40

47:40

In this episode, Jose speaks to four of the composers who will be featured in 4xLatiné at Latiné Musical Theatre Lab. Anna Deeny Morales of Zavala Zavala, Nico Raimont of Como Correr, Erlina Ortiz of Silueta, and Felipe Vásquez-Encamilla of Divergentes talk about the joys of creating musical theatre, how their passion for the form began, and share …

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Ep. 71: Into the Woods (Ft. Shane Dittmar & Aubrie Therrien) 39:36

2+ y ago39:36

39:36

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 …

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Ep. 70: The Cotillion (Ft. Colette Robert) 24:42

2+ y ago24:42

24:42

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Ep. 69: Like Playing Pretend, But Better! (Ft. Dan Rosales) 29:31

2+ y ago29:31

29:31

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Broadway Podcast Network

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Ep. 68: Mystique, Allure, and Proficiency (Ft. Roger Q. Mason) 52:54

2+ y ago52:54

52:54

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Ep. 67: Listening to the Whisper of Intuition (Ft. Camila Canó-Flaviá) 29:29

2+ y ago29:29

29:29

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Ep. 66: Analyze Brick (Ft. Matt de Rogatis) 46:22

2+ y ago46:22

46:22

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 p…

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Ep. 65: Breaking Free from Stereotypes (Ft. Laura Gómez) 44:48

2+ y ago44:48

44:48

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…

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Ep. 64: Saying Yes to the Things That Scare You (Ft. Adrienne C. Moore & Sean Boyce Johnson) 47:01

2+ y ago47:01

47:01

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. Learn more a…

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Ep. 63: MacGyver The Musical (Ft. Brandon Victor Dixon) 25:42

3y ago25:42

25:42

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice…

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Ep. 62: Song of Joy (Ft. Carol Mazhuvancheril) 31:43

3y ago31:43

31:43

In this episode, Jose speaks to Carol Mazhuvancheril, the playwright and star of Song of Joy, currently running at The Tank. Mazhuvancheril draws from his personal history to craft a moving tale of immigration, culture, and love for one's family. The playwright actor/speaks about the process of turning his life into a play, how he deals with anxiet…

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Ep. 61: Musical Interpretation and Creation (Ft. Rona Siddiqui) 30:31

3y ago30:31

30:31

In this episode, Jose speaks to Rona Siddiqui, the Music Director of A Strange Loop. A composer first, as she tells Jose, Siddiqui talks about what it was like to interpret Michael R. Jackson's award-winning music and the elements she played with in both the Off-Broadway and Broadway cast recordings. Siddiqui also speaks about the importance of hon…

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Ep. 60: You Gotta Have Faith (Ft. Annie Fang) 50:38

3y ago50:38

50:38

In this episode, Jose speaks to Annie Fang, one of the stars of Your Own Personal Exegesis by Julia May Jonas. Fang plays Beatrice, one of the members of a church youth group in New Jersey, where she hopes she will be able to find answers to her problems. The darkly comedic work touches upon questions of what it means to believe and ultimately who …

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Ep. 59: When You Know the Notes to Sing (Ft. Ashley Blanchet) 31:06

3y ago31:06

31:06

In this episode, Jose speaks to Ashley Blanchet who plays Maria in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of The Sound of Music. Blanchet speaks about playing one of the most iconic characters in musical history and making it her own. The conversation was recorded over the Thanksgiving holiday, which gives Blanchet to talk about the many things she's …

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Ep. 58: En inglés with an Accent (Ft. Migguel Anggelo) 40:15

3y ago40:15

40:15

In this episode, Jose speaks to multidisciplinary artist Migguel Anggelo about his album English with an Accent and the eponymous theatrical piece he'll present at Lincoln Center in early December. The vibrant artist shared his insights on working with ideas from his dreams, Paloma Faith & Lady Gaga, and the importance of finding collaborators you …

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Ep. 57: Artists as First Responders (Ft. The Bengsons) 45:47

3y ago45:47

45:47

In this episode, Jose speaks to The Bengsons about Sovereignty Hymns, a series of spirituals they wrote in which they address a woman's right to choose when it comes to reproductive liberty. The Hymns were first released by La Jolla Playhouse shortly after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the summer of 2022. Driven by powerful personal s…

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Ep. 56: Rhythm is Gonna Get'cha (Ft. Linedy Genao & Brandon Espinoza) 38:52

3y ago38:52

38:52

In this episode, Jose speaks to actors Linedy Genao & Brandon Espinoza who starred as Gloria and Emilio Estefan in On Your Feet! at Paper Mill Playhouse. They discuss the different paths they took to become actors and what they learned playing the real-life couple. Genao, who was recently cast as the lead in Bad Cinderella shares how she puts her b…

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Ep. 55: Getting Candid with "Candida" Leads (Ft. Avanthika Srinivasan & R.J. Foster) 38:02

3y ago38:02

38:02

In this episode, Jose speaks to actors Avanthika Srinivasan & R.J. Foster currently playing the leads in a revised Candida by Gingold Theatrical Group. The actors talk about falling in love with performance, starring in new works vs. revivals, as well as the ways in which they say goodbye to characters after a production ends its run. The play dire…

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Ep. 54: Bergman's Ark (Ft. FC Bergman) 40:58

3y ago40:58

40:58

In this episode, Jose speaks to members of the Belgian troupe FC Bergman. The boundary-pushing collective are bringing their majestic "300 el x 50 el x 30" el to BAM in Brooklyn this month. They talk about the ways in which they combine cinema and theater, some of their influences, and how this work, which they created a decade ago, speaks to them …

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Ep. 53: Scene with Solis (Ft. Octavio Solis) 52:07

3y ago52:07

52:07

In this episode, Jose speaks to playwright Octavio Solis. Solis' new play, Scene with Cranes is having its world premiere at REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater ) in Los Angeles. The poetic work deals with the aftermath of a tragedy that shatters a family. Solis speaks about how the play was inspired by Jean Sibelius and of the lessons his …

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Ep. 52: Security, Stability, and South Asians in Theater (Ft. Ramita Ravi) 55:35

3+ y ago55:35

55:35

In this episode, Isabel speaks to Ramita Ravi, actor and dance captain in Bhangin' It. The La Jolla Playhouse musical, written by Mike Lew and Rehana Lew Mirza, with music and lyrics by Sam Willmott and Deep Singh, made its world premiere in San Diego from March 20th - April 17th, 2022. Ramita speaks on how the show's process makes space for South …

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Ep. 51: To the Moon and Back (Ft. Jackie Burns) 26:09

3+ y ago26:09

26:09

In this episode, Jose speaks to performer Jackie Burns. The actor is currently starring in a musical adaptation of A Walk on the Moon where she plays Pearl, a woman grappling with her life choices during the summer of 1969. Burns, known for her roles in If/Then and Wicked, talks about her love for the 1999 film that inspired the musical, as well as…

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Ep. 50: A Map to Making Music (Ft. Anthony McGill & Weston Sprott) 43:39

3+ y ago43:39

43:39

In this episode, Jose speaks to clarinetist Anthony McGill and trombonist Weston Sprott, who also run Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program (MAP). The program is designed to recruit students from underrepresented communities in an effort to increase diversity in classical music. To celebrate the program's 30th anniversary, the students and faculty …

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Ep. 49: License to Be Human (Ft. Fernanda Santos) 43:37

3+ y ago43:37

43:37

In this episode, Jose speaks to Fernanda Santos. The trailblazing, multilingual writer is known for her powerful journalism and intimate storytelling. Now she's also a musical writer with ¡Americano! which tells the real-life story of Tony Valdovinos, a young man who discovers he's undocumented and fights to remind people why he belongs in the US. …

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Ep. 48: H*tler's Tasters (Ft. Michelle Kholos Brooks) 47:07

3+ y ago47:07

47:07

In this episode, Jose speaks to playwright Michelle Kholos Brooks about her play H*tler's Tasters (we reviewed the first New York production in 2018), her tragicomic look at the young women who were ready to give their lives for the infamous Nazi führer. As the play returns to New York stages, Kholos Brooks speaks about her research and the fascina…

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Ep. 47: Immigrant Songs (Ft. Jaime Lozano) 46:40

3+ y ago46:40

46:40

In this episode, Jose speaks to composer Jaime Lozano about his career and upcoming performances. On April 15, Lozano will take the stage at Lincoln Center's American Songbook series with Songs by an Immigrant, featuring music from his acclaimed song cycle performed by Latinx guest artists. Lozano also spoke about his process, what he wants young c…

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Ep. 46: 7 Minutes to Change the World 46:39

3+ y ago46:39

46:39

In this episode, Jose speaks to the director and cast of 7 Minutes. The Waterwell production is a translation of Stefano Massini's play, making its American debut at HERE Arts from March 17 - April 10, 2022. Director Mei Ann Teo speaks about what drew them to the play, while actors Nicole Ansari, Jojo Brown, and Ebony Marshall-Oliver comment on wha…

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Ep. 45: Pipes' Dreams (Ft. Eliana Pipes) 35:36

3+ y ago35:36

35:36

In this episode, Jose speaks to playwright Eliana Pipes. Her play Dream Hou$e is in the midst of a rolling premiere in Atlanta, Connecticut, and Maryland. In Dream Hou$e, sisters Patricia and Julia deal with the recent death of their mother as they are left to decide whether they should sell their childhood house or not. Pipes talks about how the g…

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Ep. 44: Finding the Right Words (Ft. Marjan Neshat) 38:43

3+ y ago38:43

38:43

In this episode, Jose speaks to actor Marjan Neshat, one of the stars of English. The play by Sanaz Toossi takes place in a classroom in Iran, where the students prepare to take the TOEFL, in order to prove their proficiency in English. When she was eight years old, Neshat and her parents moved from Iran to the United States where she found a way t…

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Ep. 43: Growing Up (Ft. Mia Pinero) 36:45

4y ago36:45

36:45

In this episode, Jose speaks with recording artist/actor Mia Pinero. Pinero is currently starring in Dipika Guha's Yoga Play at PlayMakers Repertory in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The actor speaks about what draws her to the characters she plays. Later this spring, Pinero will release her first solo album. Growing Up is a collection of songs that …

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Ep. 42: Addressless (Ft. Martin Boross & Jonathan Payne) 34:13

4y ago34:13

34:13

In this episode, Jose speaks with playwright Jonathan Payne and director Martin Boross about Addressless. In the digital experience, attendees play a game where they learn about the many causes/consequences of housing insecurity. Boross first staged the show in his native Hungary, where he leads the revolutionary troupe STEREO AKT. Payne joined the…

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Ep. 41: A Journey in the Dark (Ft. Martín Bondone & Carlos Armesto) 43:31

4y ago43:31

43:31

In this episode, Jose speaks with playwright Martín Bondone and dramaturg Carlos Armesto about Odd Man Out. The site-specific/international co-production takes place in complete darkness, audience members are blindfolded and experience the story of Alberto, a blind artist traveling to Argentina. Armesto and Bondone talk about their backgrounds and …

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Ep. 40: A Lesson in Crafting Opera (Ft. Laquita Mitchell) 33:28

4y ago33:28

33:28

In this episode, Jose speaks to world renowned soprano Laquita Mitchell. This month she stars in On Site Opera's Lesson Plan, an adaptation of Georg Philipp Telemann's Der Schulmeister which takes place on Zoom. During the pandemic, in addition to performing, Mitchell has hosted a series of conversations with artists and thinkers she admires, which…

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Ep. 39: I'm Just a Teenage Dick, Baby (Ft. Mike Lew & Gregg Mozgala) 44:25

4y ago44:25

44:25

In this episode, Jose speaks to playwright Mike Lew and actor Gregg Mozgala about Teenage Dick. The high-school-set play is a hilarious adaptation of Richard III in which Mozgala plays the title Dick, a young man who exacts revenge on those who have bullied and mocked him for his cerebral palsy. Lew and Mozgala talk about returning to the stage, ho…

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Ep. 38: Reopening Shakespeare in the Park (Ft. Jocelyn Bioh & Saheem Ali) 36:30

4y ago36:30

36:30

In this episode Jose speaks to playwright Jocelyn Bioh and director Saheem Ali, who star in the documentary "Reopening Night" (available on HBOMax from Dec. 20). The film by Rudy Valdez follows the talented troupe led by Bioh and Ali who brought back Shakespeare in the Park following the Covid-19 theater shutdown. Bioh and Ali look back at their th…

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Ep. 37: Historias del West Side & Panamá (Feat. Ilda Mason) 36:43

4y ago36:43

36:43

In this episode, Jose speaks to actor Ilda Mason, who is making her big screen debut in Steven Spielberg's sumptuous retelling of West Side Story. Mason talks about how she ended up starring in four different versions of the beloved musical, as well as her upbringing in Panamá. Mason is also an artist in residence at Abingdon Theater Company and sp…

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Ep. 36: Black Feminist Video Game (Feat. Victoria Collado and Darrel Alejandro Holnes) 41:22

4+ y ago41:22

41:22

In this episode, Jose speaks to the creative minds behind "Black Feminist Video Game." In the play, Jonas, a biracial teenager with autism, learns about feminism through a classic video game. Playwright Darrel Alejandro Holnes talks about discovering a safe space in gaming. Director Victoria Collado explains how the digital world lent itself to an …

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Ep. 35: Shadow/Land: Part Play Part Poem 32:35

4+ y ago32:35

32:35

In this episode, Brittani and Alexi review Shadow/Land at the Public Theater. The show explores the relationship between a mother and daughter who are forced to stay in New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina engulfs the city. Both Brittani and Alexi agree that the piece is part play, part poem as they recite their favorite lines. The poetic language clea…

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Ep. 34: The Immigrants 31:50

4+ y ago31:50

31:50

In this episode, Alexi and Murtada talk about the March on Broadway organized by the Actor’s Equity Association. They discuss the need for systemic reform to prevent future manifestations of abusive behavior within the theatre industry. Both hope that this reckoning is just the beginning of an industry-wide effort towards transformational change. T…

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Ep. 33: Messy Characters/Meaningful Theatre 38:03

4+ y ago38:03

38:03

In this episode, Alexi and Juan review Romeo Y Julieta at The Public Theater. The show’s bilingual translation reminded Alexi of the chismes in his family spilling the tea (some might say he himself is the chisme). Both agreed that maybe it was best to leave behind the old English and bring this Shakespeare classic into a full Spanish telenovela se…

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Ep. 32: No COVID Musicals Please! 32:44

4+ y ago32:44

32:44

In this episode, Ayanna and Alexi get in their feels as they reminisce over the last in-person shows they each saw before the pandemic began 1 year ago (for most of us). They have high expectations for the first season of in-person shows and make one request: NO musicals about pandemics please! That means no theatrical adaptation of Michael Bay’s C…