Token Theatre Friends: Jumaane Williams Wants to Be an Actor
The Friends interview NYC’s Public Advocate, react to the Tony Award results, and share thoughts on ‘Octet,’ ‘Little Women,’ and ‘Nomad Motel.’
Category Archives: Token Theatre Friends
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.
Token Theatre Friends: Rethinking American History with Jennifer Kidwell and Scott Sheppard
The Friends talk to the creators of ‘Underground Railroad Game,’ which is back in NYC; plus reviews of an all-female ‘Mac Beth,’ ‘BLKS,’ and ‘Continuity.’
Token Theatre Friends: Alice Ripley Sings ‘Jolene’ To Us (Seriously)
The Friends talk to the star of the original ‘Next to Normal’ about her newest one-woman show. Plus, reviews of ‘Caroline, or Change,’ ‘Paul Swan is Dead and Gone,’ and ‘Tootsie.’
Token Theatre Friends: Tatiana Mallarino and the Privileges of an American Passport
The Colombian director discusses her new play ‘17 Border Crossings,’ plus reviews of ‘The Cradle Will Rock,’ ‘The Pain of My Belligerence,’ and ‘Mrs. Murray’s Menagerie.’
Token Theatre Friends: Alice Yorke Is Making Abortion Funny
The founder of the Philly-based Lightning Rod Special discusses their newest show, ‘The Appointment,’ plus reviews of ‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ and ‘Plano.’
Token Theatre Friends: Dominique Morisseau Wants More Diverse Audiences
The playwright discusses making her Broadway writing debut with ‘Ain’t Too Proud,’ plus the Friends review ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ and ‘La Celestina.’
Token Theatre Friends: Ali Ewoldt On Why Psychologists Make Great Actors
The first Asian American Christine in ‘Phantom of the Opera’ discusses how she got into theatre, plus a review of ‘Daddy’ by Jeremy O. Harris.
Token Theatre Friends: Betsy Wolfe Is Not Interested in Playing a Victim
The prolific Broadway performer talks about singing pop music versus singing show tunes, plus the Friends review the new Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater musical.
Token Theatre Friends: Kristine Haruna Lee Takes Us Inside the Suicide Forest
On this week’s episode, the Friends talk about Japanese American identity, review Fiasco’s ‘Merrily We Roll Along,’ and talk about trying to date when you see four shows a week.
Token Theatre Friends: Arian Moayed’s Lesson in Immigration Law
The Tony-nominated actor and Waterwell cofounder discusses immigration, Middle Eastern representation, and creating civically engaged work.
