Essays

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Page 20
Pride is almost always a colorful, crowded spectacle: a view of Philly’s 2019 Pride Parade. (Photo by Carrie Borgenicht.)

During Pride, do queer introverts trade one closet for another?

A quiet kind of pride

Pride is a colorful, noisy celebration—but this doesn’t bring joy to everyone. Can you be both queer and quiet? Michelle Nugent considers.
Michelle Nugent

Michelle Nugent

Essays 5 minute read
Max Barth and Joe Messina: “The fake band with real music.” (Photo courtesy of Henry Scribbens.)

Jackson Moe presents its new album ‘Pure Gold’

The star-spangled cowboys of political comedy

‘Pure Gold,’ a new music album from comedian-songwriters Max Barth and Joe Messina of Jackson Moe, rocks and also rolls. It’s available on cassette (and digital platforms). Erin Dohony reviews.
Erin Dohony

Erin Dohony

Essays 4 minute read
Bodies onstage: more of a challenge in some countries than others. (Image of ‘Don Juan’ courtesy of the Printemps des Comediéns.)

What art critics really do—at home and abroad

So vast is art, so narrow human wit

Offend someone here in the States with your arts criticism and the venue might ban you. But outside the US, there can be more on the line. This lesson matters for artists, writers, and readers everywhere. Wendy Rosenfield considers.
Wendy Rosenfield

Wendy Rosenfield

Essays 5 minute read
Finished with the gatekeepers of comedy: Hannah Gadsby is touring her new show, ‘Douglas.’ (Image courtesy of the Kimmel Center.)

The Kimmel Center presents Hannah Gadsby’s ‘Douglas’

The great Gadsby

Comedian Hannah Gadsby returns with a brand-new show, taking aim at institutional discrimination with levity and an art-history lecture. Mina Reinckens reviews.
Mina Reinckens

Mina Reinckens

Essays 4 minute read
When you find the venue at Tattooed Mom, it’s like winning a scavenger hunt. (Photo by Ericson.)

South Street’s Tattooed Mom presents Michael Kelly’s ‘Tattooed Momedy’

A South Philly comedy quest

Monthly variety show 'Tattooed Momedy' has the comedy you can’t afford to miss. Erin Dohony chats with founder and host Michael Kelly.
Erin Dohony

Erin Dohony

Essays 4 minute read
What happens when comedy takes over every part of your life? (Illustration by Hannah Kaplan for Broad Street Review.)

A serious tumble changes the game for comedian Christina Anthony

The fall that changed it all

A life in the arts can mean total dedication—but what happens when the world has other plans for your body? Christina Anthony considers.
Christina Anthony Illustration by Hannah Kaplan

Christina Anthonyand Illustration by Hannah Kaplan

Essays 5 minute read
He’s got a story. What’s yours? Che Guerrero hosts the ‘American Immigrant’ podcast. (Photo by Ralph Ferro.)

Comedian Che Guerrero talks about his ‘American Immigrant’ podcast

Sharing an American dream

Che Guerrero’s latest live recording of his ‘American Immigrant’ podcast at Philly Improv Theater is a hilarious conversation on race, 2020 candidates, US history, and the upcoming Philadelphia election. Erin Dohony considers.
Erin Dohony

Erin Dohony

Essays 3 minute read

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A beautiful beginning: Nicole Phoenix hosts the inaugural ‘Comments Section’ at the Sable Collective. (Image courtesy of Nicole Phoenix.)

Nicole Phoenix presents the one-year anniversary of ‘The Comments Section’

Gather, grow, share

Monthly variety show 'The Comments Section' highlights Black women performers from Philly and beyond and celebrates community.
Erin Dohony

Erin Dohony

Essays 3 minute read
How is the Philly community handling strife on the Avenue of the Arts? (Photo by Alaina Johns.)

A statement from Philadelphia Theatre Company and the authors of an open letter

Not just conversations in rooms

First, there was a letter. Then, the Philly theater community caught fire on social media, with unintended effects for everyone. Now the letter's authors have met with Philadelphia Theatre Company’s Paige Price. What happens next?
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Essays 4 minute read
Many Philly institutions' leaders have a long way to go toward including everyone. (Photo by Alaina Johns.)

No more all-white seasons: Continuing the conversation on inclusion at Philly theaters

Loud but learning

It’s been an intense week for the Philadelphia theater community, as a necessary conversation about inclusion on and offstage drew voices that have been fighting racism for years. What’s next? Becca Khalil considers.
Becca Khalil

Becca Khalil

Essays 6 minute read