All stories by Alaina Johns on BroadwayStars

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

After the riot at the Capitol, we’re affirming what the BSR team believes by Alaina Johns

The January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol traumatized many Americans, whether we were shocked by it, or we were seeing what we already knew to be true. Editor Alaina Johns affirms what ou…

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 07:52PM
Tuesday, January 5, 2021

If you think ramps and elevators are a good idea, why not support image descriptions, too? by Alaina Johns

If you’ve been curious about why BSR is describing as well as captioning the images we run, or if you want to understand why this is important, Alaina Johns has an update.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 05:33PM
Monday, November 23, 2020

#LightsOn tells Philly leaders that our arts scene won’t survive without economic relief by Alaina Johns

Another COVID lockdown grips Philadelphia through the end of the year. Many arts organizations were already on a precipice. BSR seconds a campaign from the Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and…

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 10:53AM
Tuesday, November 10, 2020

The post-election country loves Philly for its fight—but what about our cultural scene? by Alaina Johns

Commentators across the country all have the same long list of examples proving that Philly takes no prisoners, but these viral round-ups are missing our artistic soul. Alaina Johns consider…

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 06:29PM
Thursday, October 29, 2020

Lightning Rod Special presents ‘SUPERHOST’ by Alaina Johns

Lightning Rod Special’s ‘SUPERHOST’ imagines an Airbnb that isn’t as wonderful as it appears, in a recording for distanced theatergoers in search of something creepy. Alaina Johns re…

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 05:22PM
Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Here’s why you aren’t seeing articles about Trump in BSR this election season by Alaina Johns

If we don’t comment on the current White House, what can we comment on? Plenty, as it turns out—and focusing our energy away from the president is the perfect comment in itself. Alaina J…

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 08:08PM
Tuesday, September 22, 2020

In mourning RBG, don’t skip contacting your senators by Alaina Johns

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on Friday night. On Monday, Alaina Johns contacted her senators (again). Does it even matter? Yes. Here’s why.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 10:34PM

Philly Fringe 2020: Die-Cast presents ‘Temporary Occupancy’ by Alaina Johns

Originally destined for live performances in a hotel, Die-Cast’s ‘Temporary Occupancy’ is now an online experience that brings its travelers to our screen. Alaina Johns reviews.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 04:52PM
Tuesday, September 8, 2020

‘Disability Visibility,’ edited by Alice Wong by Alaina Johns

‘Disability Visibility,’ a new first-person story collection that arrived along with the 30th anniversary of the ADA, is not about overcoming disability. It’s a platform where diverse …

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 03:30PM
Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Arts organizations are reopening, but for now, we’re keeping our digital focus by Alaina Johns

Four months into the pandemic, here’s an update from editor Alaina Johns about BSR’s approach to a reopening Philadelphia.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 06:07PM
Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Like it or not, you have a new job in the pandemic. Can you handle it? by Alaina Johns

Arts journalists in the pandemic—just like all of us, really—are doing a job we never thought we’d have to do. Can we handle our new responsibilities? Alaina Johns considers.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 08:05PM

Like it or not, you have a new job in the pandemic by Alaina Johns

Arts journalists in the pandemic—just like all of us, really—are doing a job we never thought we’d have to do. Can we handle our new responsibilities? Alaina Johns considers.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 08:05PM
Tuesday, July 7, 2020

What does the proposed Wilma Globe say about accessibility in the arts? by Alaina Johns

Last week, the Wilma made a splash with plans for a post-COVID stage, but the local community raised concerns about safety and accessibility. Alaina Johns asks if the pandemic can drive new …

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 07:40PM
Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Chronic illness is not a barrier to standing up for justice by Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns knows what it’s like to live with chronic illness, and how it can make you feel like you have nothing left over when others need you. Can we reframe this experience to promote…

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 07:33PM
Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Should 2020 be the year I try camping again? by Alaina Johns

What was so bad about camping, anyway? After two and a half months of stay-at-home in South Philly, Alaina Johns tries to remember.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 05:08PM
Tuesday, May 12, 2020

I thought we were in this together. If others are ending quarantine, why not follow? by Alaina Johns

Our #FlattenTheCurve quarantine was hard enough when solidarity abounded and we stayed home together. But how does it feel when others decide to start venturing out? Alaina Johns is anxious.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 08:19PM
Monday, May 4, 2020

Will we let the City of Philadelphia defund the arts because of the pandemic? by Alaina Johns

Last week Mayor Jim Kenney released a proposed 2021 budget, revised for life during and after the pandemic. It would eliminate the city’s arts office.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 10:23AM
Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Before we cancel in-person meetings forever, can we make email less annoying? by Alaina Johns

Some people are exclaiming about the benefits of canceled meetings—but if that means even more emails than before, Alaina Johns isn’t ready.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 06:51PM
Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Four things we should be allowed to say about life in COVID-19 lockdown by Alaina Johns

Everywhere you look, there are inspirational tips for life in quarantine, and hopes that we’ll emerge from this better than we were. But there are few things Alaina Johns wishes more peopl…

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 05:40PM
Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Living in isolation with the family you chose on Craigslist by Alaina Johns

When forming a household, whether it’s you and your pets and plants, a partner and kids, or roommates, nobody (including Alaina Johns) thought about what we’d do if we had to stay home t…

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 04:47PM
Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Considering coronavirus in Philly by Alaina Johns

As of March 10, 2020, Philly is watching cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the surrounding counties and wondering if and when it’ll hit our city. Meanwhile, racism against Asian people rises …

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 09:59PM
Tuesday, February 18, 2020

An editor’s public-relations tips for emerging independent artists by Alaina Johns

The arts calendar used to confine its self-producing frenzy to the Fringe—but now independent artists, and their questionable PR practices, are a year-round event. Alaina Johns has tips to…

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 06:57PM
Tuesday, February 4, 2020

The real cost of picking my brain—for both of us by Alaina Johns

“I would love to pick your brain!” Yes, I’ve heard it before, many times, and you probably have, too. But what happens when we talk about the price, and why is this especially tough gr…

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 09:57PM
Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Five easy post-holiday tips for surviving winter 2020 by Alaina Johns

The weather is dreary, the parties are done, and your social-media feeds are full of people fixated on dieting for the new year. How will you get through? Alaina Johns shares her tips.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 06:14PM
Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Is 2020 the year I stop being so sensitive? by Alaina Johns

Is the BSR team going to take their chance in 2020 to stop being so easily offended? Finally, an answer.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 11:46AM
Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Philadelphia Weekly insults writers, readers, and people with mental illness by Alaina Johns

A venerable alt-weekly announces a new direction in painfully offensive terms. Philadelphia deserves better. Alaina Johns considers.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 12:50PM
Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Stop it with the vitamin C, and other things my cold taught me by Alaina Johns

Ah yes! Darkness, freezing weather; the long, dreary tunnel of winter looming after the holidays—and the cold I just caught. Alaina Johns whines.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 10:19PM
Friday, December 6, 2019

Theatre Exile presents Martín Zimmerman’s ‘On the Exhale’ by Alaina Johns

Theatre Exile’s production of Martín Zimmerman’s ‘On the Exhale’ tackles tragically familiar ground in America with an unexpected narrative. Alaina Johns reviews.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 06:21PM
Monday, December 2, 2019

That feeling when the choice is yours, or, since when are we all grown up? by Alaina Johns

Do you remember a time in your life when the decisions really started? Do they come quickly? How do you handle it when it’s time to make a choice? Alaina Johns considers.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 09:44PM
Tuesday, November 26, 2019

How to head into the holidays as a single person by Alaina Johns

Especially after years of being partnered, the holiday season can pose extra challenges for single folks. Alaina Johns has some advice.

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 11:38PM
Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Philly’s Independence Visitor Center applauds the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center by Alaina Johns

It’s no surprise that a museum from the American Bible Society will recast US history as an exclusively Bible-based story. But we should look twice at the welcome for Independence Mall’s…

SOURCE: Broad Street Review at 08:27PM

All that Chat

2023-2024 BROADWAY SEASON
May 30, 2023: Grey House - Lyceum Theatre
Jun 26, 2023: Just For Us - Hudson Theatre
Jul 24, 2023: The Cottage - Hayes Theater
Nov 16, 2023: Spamalot - St. James Theatre
Dec 18, 2023: Appropriate - Hayes Theater
Mar 07, 2024: Doubt - Todd Haimes Theatre
Apr 14, 2024: Lempicka - Longacre Theatre
Apr 17, 2024: The Wiz - Marquis Theatre
Apr 18, 2024: Suffs - Music Box Theatre
Apr 25, 2024: Mother Play - Hayes Theater
Jun 10, 2024: The Drama Desk Awards