Update as of June 1, 2020: After 52 episodes with American Theatre (plus 1 bonus episode), Token Theatre Friends have cast out on their own. You can follow them at their new site here.
What is a token theatre friend? It can mean being the token person of color in a play who serves no other purpose than to support the (white) main character (see also: sassy best friend, magical Negro). And it can refer to the experience of being the only person of color in a white theatregoing audience.
It can also mean being the one friend in your social group who loves theatre—the one they turn to for advice on what shows to see or for leads on tickets.
Diep Tran and Jose Solís are that friend in their personal life. And they want to be that friend for you. Twice a month, they will interview artists that they’re excited about (on their YouTube channel) and review shows (on their podcast).
So want to get a dose of theatre as you’re at the gym or on break during tech? Take your Token Theatre Friends with you. They’ll be your eyes and ears in the theatre.
You can subscribe to Token Theatre Friends as a podcast via RSS feed, iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or TuneIn. Or subscribe to the videos on YouTube or like American Theatre on Facebook.
Do you have a comment, suggestions for segments, or a show to plug? Contact the Token Theatre Friends via email or Twitter.
The ‘Orange is the New Black’ actress discusses learning how to dance for ‘for colored girls….’ at the Public Theater. Plus reviews of ‘Moulin Rouge,’ ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ and ‘Soft Power.’
The Friends interview the actress who’s been playing Judy on and off for six years in ‘Chasing Rainbows.’ Plus reviews of Halloween shows, including one where they get blindfolded, and a discussion of the discussion around cell phones in the theatre (meta!).
The ‘Hamilton’ actor on why depictions of gay men living normal lives are important. Plus reviews of ‘Freestyle Love Supreme’ and the ‘Judy’ movie.
The actor/director and choreographer drop by to discuss how women oppress each other and how make it stop. Plus the Friends discuss ‘Betrayal’ on Broadway and whether it’s wise to masturbate at the theatre.
The Friends talk to two actors about ‘As Much as I Can,’ a new musical extravaganza about the contemporary HIV/AIDS crisis; plus reviews of ‘Hercules,’ ‘Felix Starro,’ and ‘Make Believe.’
The Friends take a road trip to see ‘Into the Woods,’ in actual nature, and talk to Britney Simpson, the production’s Baker’s Wife; plus reviews of ‘Sea Wall/A Life’ and ‘Bat Out of Hell.’
The Friends talk to the ‘On Your Feet!’ star about why he advocates for Latinx composers and for racial justice; plus discussions of Hannah Gadsby’s ‘Douglas’ and ‘Six.’
‘Come From Away’ is celebrating its 1,000th performance on Broadway and its cast members come in to celebrate; plus reviews of ‘Midsummer: A Banquet,’ ‘Mojada,’ ‘The Rolling Stone,’ and the ‘Cats’ trailer.
The Friends talk to the actors of ‘Hadestown’ plus reviews of ‘Toni Stone’ and ‘Unmaking Toulouse-Lautrec.’
This week, stars of ‘The Prom’ and ‘A Strange Loop’ discuss staying positive in show business and queer representation. Plus the Friends review ‘Frankie and Johnny,’ ‘The Secret Life of Bees,’ and ‘In the Green.’
