Advertise on podcast: Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz

Red for Revolution is nominated for two WEBBY AWARDS — and we’re still riding high from our Ambie win. To celebrate, we’re sharing unreleased audio from our conversation with the incomparable Debbie Allen, in conversation with cast members Jordan Hull, Renée Wilson, Caro Guzmán, and creator, writer, director Jana Naomi Smith. Vote Red for Revolution for Best Scripted Fiction PodcastVote for Red for Revolution Best Original Music Score and Sound Design  In May 2025, Red for Revolution joined Play Hard by Winter Dunn and Sext by Kierstyn Stevens for “Writing HERstory,” a powerful gathering centered on reclaiming narrative, honoring lived experience, and reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that shape our work. The event was hosted by The Debbie Allen Dance Academy, The Rhimes Performing Arts Center, and The Brett Fonfa Foundation. We’re thrilled to bring this conversation back into the world. Enjoy!  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. 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. 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, additional resources, and to sign up for our newsletter. This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. This episode featured performances by Jordan Hull as Jazmine S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (present day)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Caro Guzmán as Adrienne and Kathyadrienne maree brown as Series Sonic Guide

To celebrate the anniversary of Red for Revolution’s Radiotopia debut, we’re dropping a special bonus episode.  Join members of the cast and creative team as they revisit the story's earliest seeds, its unexpected turns, and the beautiful collaboration.  You’ll also hear exclusive, unreleased audio scenes from the cutting‑room floor. Part reflection, part celebration, and part revelation, this episode invites listeners into the room where the revolution truly began. 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. This episode includes interviews with  Jana Naomi Smith Jordan HullTammy L. Hall Liz McBeeRenée WilsonAlimi Ballard And features performances by: adrienne maree brown as series sonic guideAshley J. Hobbs as additional narrations Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Alimi Ballard as LeRoy (1970s)Will Kachi (Volunteer 1970s) Music Featured: “Revolution”Written by Jana Naomi SmithOriginal Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution BandTammy Hall, pianist & music directorKofy Brown, electric BassistRuth Davies, acoustic BassistRuthie Price, drummerVicki Randle, percussionistKristen Strom, saxophonist/flautist  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

It's opening night. Will PVPA pull it off? And almost 20 years later, the cast reflects on the impact doing The Wiz had on their lives. The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz 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

Rehearsals are in full swing. But while most students are focused on their songs and dance steps, a tense backstage drama threatens the entire production. The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz 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

It’s audition time at PVPA. Will students get the parts they want? Will it come down to race, talent or both? And is anyone giving Dorothy? The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz 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

When a bussing program brings a group of Black students to a predominately white performing arts high school in rural Massachusetts, a racial reckoning rocks the campus. And an unlikely selection for the school’s annual musical reshapes the student body forever.  The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz 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

Coming up next on Radiotopia Presents: We’re Doing The Wiz. Two former classmates reconnect to unpack the high school musical that changed their lives. The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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