Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz

Radiotopia
Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz
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In 2004, a racial controversy erupted at a small, mostly white performing arts high school in rural Massachusetts. There were protests. TV news crews. A tense all-school assembly. And then, an announcement: the school would stage an iconic American musical that no one saw coming. This is the story of that production. Coming June 2025.  Radiotopia Presents premiers short multi-episode series in one podcast feed, unified by bold, inclusive storytelling pushing the boundaries of audio. Learn more at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

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  1. Red for Revolution 1 - I’ve Got a Crush On You

    EPISODE 1

    Red for Revolution 1 - I’ve Got a Crush On You

    After the assassination of a Black female revolutionary, an unexpected romance blossoms between the two women left in her wake—an apolitical jazz singer and a radical activist. While in the present day, college-bound Jazmine embarks on a journey to find her grandmother's first love and document their love story. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee. The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com. This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract.  Episode One Cast:Jordan Hull as Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Caro Guzmán as AdrienneMathew Quitney as ReporterWill Kachi as the Rally VolunteerMiles Agee as the Announcer Mark Thompson as William Davisadrienne maree brown as series sonic guide  Music Featured: “Revolution”Written by Jana Naomi SmithOriginal Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band “I’ve Got a Crush On You”Written by George and Ira GershwinPerformed by Loretta Devine and the Red For Revolution BandCourtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC. “Prove It On Me”Written by Ma’RaineyPerformed by Rutina Wesley and Renée WilsonCourtesy of Spike Driver Music For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    35 min
  2. Red for Revolution 2 - Never Will I Marry

    EPISODE 2

    Red for Revolution 2 - Never Will I Marry

    Jazmine uncovers her grandmother's journals, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of her inner life and igniting the tale of how Ella and Lorraine reconnected in 1971, New York City for a taping of the TV show Black Dreams after their passionate first encounter in Gary. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee. The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com. This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract.  Episode Two Cast:Jordan Hull a s Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Don Daniels as Sean Alimi Ballard as LeRoyCaro Guzmán as KathyMal'akiy Rhoden as JoeMark Thompson as Black Dreams HostMiles Agee as Black Dreams ProducerKrystel Roche as RoselineMathew Quitney as Party-Guestadrienne maree brown as series sonic guide  Music Featured:“I Don’t Want To Know”Written by Jana Naomi SmithOriginal Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by René Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band “My Love Ain’t No Play Thang”Written by Jana Naomi SmithOriginal Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by René Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band “Never Will I Marry”Written by Frank LoesserPerformed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution BandCourtesy of MPL Music Publishing For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    48 min
  3. Red for Revolution 3 - Stormy Weather

    EPISODE 3

    Red for Revolution 3 - Stormy Weather

    As Jazmine grapples with self-acceptance, Grandma Ella and Ms. Lorraine feel compelled to share their respective insecurities. This leads to a poignant recollection of the day a power outage compelled a young Ella and Lorraine to reveal their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee. The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com. This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract.  Episode Three Cast:Jordan Hull a s Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands  David Alan Graf as PilotAshley J. Hobbs as Rubyadrienne maree brown as series sonic guide  Music Featured:“Stormy Weather”Written by Harold ArlenPerformed by Loretta Devine and Renée WilsonCourtesy of BMG, Round Hill Music, Sony Music Publishing and S.A. Music For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    32 min
  4. Red for Revolution 4 - He Looked Beyond My Faults

    EPISODE 4

    Red for Revolution 4 - He Looked Beyond My Faults

    Jazmine holds space for Ms. Lorraine as she shares her story of substance abuse, inspiring a conversation about grace and self-acceptance. Meanwhile, back in the 70s, a younger Lorraine confesses her substance abuse to Ella, generating a difficult impasse between the two.  Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee. The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com. This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract.  Episode Four Cast:Jordan Hull a s Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores AliDanny Glover as Howard AliCaro Guzman as KathyDavid Alan Graf as Dean McKennaXavier Miles Temple as Robberadrienne maree brown as series sonic guide  Music Featured:“He Looked Beyond My Fault”Written by Dottie RamboPerformed by Loretta DevineCourtesy of Tomorrowland Music, Designer Music, Brandee-Vah Publishing, Capitol CMG Publishing For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    29 min
  5. Red for Revolution 5 - Send in the Clowns

    EPISODE 5

    Red for Revolution 5 - Send in the Clowns

    As tensions between Jazmine and her mother boil over, Grandma Ella steps in, guiding the three women to confront the painful reality of intergenerational homophobia. Meanwhile, back in the 1970s, the stakes soar for Ella and Lorraine’s relationship as young Ella is falsely accused of a crime.  Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee. The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com. This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract.  Episode 5 Cast:Jordan Hull a s Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Don Daniels as Sean Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores AliDanny Glover as Howard AliJennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands  Vanessa E. Williams as Barbra GravesJoNell Kennedy as News ReporterMark Thompson as William DavisCaro Guzmán as KathyMiles Agee as Vincent and PreacherXavier Miles Temple as Nightclub Runner Music Featured:“His Eye is on the Sparrow”Written by Civilla Durfee Martin and Charles Hutchinson GabrielPerformed by Renée Wilson “Send In The Clowns”Written by Stephen SondheimPerformed by Renée Wilson and Jordan Hull and the Red for Revolution BandCourtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC. For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    43 min
  6. Red for Revolution 6 - I Love Paris

    EPISODE 6

    Red for Revolution 6 - I Love Paris

    As tensions escalate and hearts are both shattered and healed, our season one love story reaches its climax in the City of Love. Jazmine’s family surprises her with a graduation trip to Paris, but little do they know, she has a surprise of her own in store. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee. The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com. This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract.  Episode Six Cast:Jordan Hull a s Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Alimi Ballard as LeRoyJennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands  Mal'akiy Rhoden as Miles JamesAshley J. Hobbs as Airline AnnouncerMathew Quitney as Stage ManagerChristine Angelique as Paris Music Festival Announcer Caro Guzmán as Adrienne Music Featured:“I Don’t Want To Know”Written by Jana Naomi SmithOriginal Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by Jordan Hull  “I Love Paris”Written by Cole PorterPerformed by Loretta Devine and the Red for Revolution BandCourtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC. “Dare To Love”Written by Jana Naomi SmithOriginal Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by Loretta Devine and the Red For Revolution Band For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    42 min
  7. Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution

    SEASON 15 TRAILER

    Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution

    Red for Revolution is an enthralling audio drama that tells the passionate love story between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of 18-year-old Jazmine, who is coming of age and seeking wisdom from her grandmother, Ella. As Jazmine conducts heartfelt interviews with her grandmother, listeners are transported between the vibrant present and the tumultuous year of 1971, encountering a captivating array of characters and experiencing an epic romance that transcends time. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith, with musical direction by Tammy L. Hall and sound design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith, and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band: Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion.  The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee. The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list.  Performances featured in order of appearance: adrienne maree brown as Series Sonic Guide Jordan Hull as Jazmine S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day) Caro Guzmán as Adrienne Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day) Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s) Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s) Alimi Ballard as LeRoy Don Daniels as Sean Vanessa E. Williams as Barbra Graves Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores Ali Danny Glover as Howard Ali Song Featured: "Revolution" — Written by Jana Naomi Smith. Original composition by Tammy L. Hall. Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution BandLearn more about Red for Revolution at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    2 min
  8. Red for Revolution x The Frogs

    BONUS

    Red for Revolution x The Frogs

    On May 24, 2025 in LA, Red for Revolution's creator/writer/director Jana Naomi Smith joined The Frogs for a rollicking live taping of their podcast, to talk career, inspiration, the origins of R4R, and for a live performance featuring Caro Guzmán. To listen to the full episode, head over to the The Frogs — where theater, culture, and vibe collide. Co-hosted by Alex Ubokudom and Tobie Windham, the podcast dives deep with groundbreaking artists, thinkers, and storytellers who are shaping the future of performance and cultural expression. From unforgettable interviews to live events and creative activations, The Frogs is more than a podcast, it’s a movement. It’s community. Whether you’re in the industry or simply love a good story, The Frogs invites you to tap in. Created in collaboration with Outside In Theatre. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    23 min
See All Season 15 (8)

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About

In 2004, a racial controversy erupted at a small, mostly white performing arts high school in rural Massachusetts. There were protests. TV news crews. A tense all-school assembly. And then, an announcement: the school would stage an iconic American musical that no one saw coming. This is the story of that production. Coming June 2025.  Radiotopia Presents premiers short multi-episode series in one podcast feed, unified by bold, inclusive storytelling pushing the boundaries of audio. Learn more at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

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