Token Theatre Friends

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.

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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. 

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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."

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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 & The Familia at Lincoln Center.

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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 their experience working in the Lab.

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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.

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