CELL by Cassandra Medley

A family goes to battle over home and homeland security.

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Starring Tony winner Tonya Pinkins (Jelly's Last JamCaroline or Change), Tony nominee Condola Rashad (Saint Joan, Ruined, “Billions”), and Melanie Nicholls-King ("The Wire," "Rookie Blue"), CELL tells the riveting story of three African American women working at an immigrant detention center. When a jaded guard arranges jobs for her sister and her niece Gwen, the family erupts into a battle over home and homeland security. As Gwen races to save a detained child, CELL paints a searing picture of the secrets we keep in order to survive.

This powerful piece by Cassandra Medley, directed by Victor Lirio, “deftly explores the dirty antidemocratic secret of institutionalized racism” (New York Times). After the play, Medley joins Pulitzer Prize-winning immigration journalist Julia Preston, Broadway producer Cheryl Wiesenfeld, and host Claudia Catania to move beyond headlines and explore the real lives that inspired CELL. 

Cell was supported in part by Cheryl Wiesenfeld Productions.

Download on iTunesPodbayPlayer FM, subscribe to our RSS feed, search ‘Playing on Air’ in your favorite podcasting app – or stream below! [52 Minutes 53 Seconds]

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THE PHILADELPHIA by David Ives

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From David Ives (Venus in Fur, The Metromaniacs) comes a madcap satire of Brotherly Love and cosmic misunderstandings. Mark thought he woke up in New York City this morning, so why isn't there a cab, a copy of the Timesor a cold beer in sight? You can't always get what you want, and in this clash of the cities, you might only be able to get the complete opposite - plus a cheesesteak. Directed by Tony Award winner John Rando (Urinetown, Jerry Springer - The Opera,) The Philadelphia features Carson Elrod (Peter & the Starcatcher, The Liar), Jenn Harris (Silence! The Musical), and Matthew Saldivar (Saint Joan, JUNK).  Stay tuned after the play for a behind-the-scenes conversation with host Claudia Catania and the artists. 

Download on iTunesPodbayPlayer FM, subscribe to our RSS feed, search ‘Playing on Air’ in your favorite podcasting app – or stream below! [15 Minutes 04 Seconds]

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BREAKFAST AT THE TRACK by Lanford Wilson

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A morning person and a night owl make for a mixed marriage in this week's podcast, Breakfast at the Track by Lanford Wilson. Featuring Jeanine Serralles (Inside Llewyn Davis) and Lorenzo Pisoni (The Explorers Club at MTC), directed by Caitriona McLaughlin. Recorded live at BRIC Arts Media in downtown Brooklyn, stay tuned after the performance for a conversation with the artists moderated by founding Artistic Director Claudia Catania.

Download on iTunesPodbay, Player FM, subscribe to our RSS feed, search ‘Playing on Air’ in your favorite podcasting app – or stream below! [16 Minutes 06 Seconds]

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ANNIVERSARY by Rachel Bonds

New podcast! Anniversary by Rachel Bonds, a comic drama about a young, grieving woman who finds love again. Featuring Michael Esper (The Last Ship, A Beautiful Mind), Sarah Sokolovic (“Homeland”), Steven Boyer (Hand to God), and Sue Jean Kim (Water by the Spoonful). Directed by Linsay Firman. Stay tuned after the performance for a conversation between the playwright and founding Artistic Director, Claudia Catania.

Download on iTunesPodbay, Player FM, subscribe to our RSS feed, search ‘Playing on Air’ in your favorite podcasting app – or stream below! [ 21 Minutes 23  Seconds]

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