Show Notes
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 James S. 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 Ali Danny Glover as Howard Ali Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands Vanessa E. Williams as Barbra Graves JoNell Kennedy as News Reporter Mark Thompson as William Davis Caro Guzmán as Kathy Miles Agee as Vincent and Preacher Xavier Miles Temple as Nightclub Runner Music Featured: “His Eye is on the Sparrow” Written by Civilla Durfee Martin and Charles Hutchinson Gabriel Performed by Renée Wilson “Send In The Clowns” Written by Stephen Sondheim Performed by Renée Wilson and Jordan Hull and the Red for Revolution Band Courtesy 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.
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More from Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz
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 Hull Tammy L. Hall Liz McBee Renée Wilson Alimi Ballard And features performances by: adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide Ashley 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 Smith Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band Tammy Hall, pianist & music director Kofy Brown, electric Bassist Ruth Davies, acoustic Bassist Ruthie Price, drummer Vicki Randle, percussionist Kristen 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.
Welcome to September. Public media has had a rough summer. On July 18th, Congress passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, which eliminated $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Then on August 1st, CPB announced they would be winding down operations.
Welcome to September. Public media has had a rough summer. On July 18th, Congress passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, which eliminated $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Then on August 1st, CPB announced they would be winding down operations.
Welcome to September. Public media has had a rough summer. On July 18th, Congress passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, which eliminated $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Then on August 1st, CPB announced they would be winding down operations.
Welcome to September. Public media has had a rough summer. On July 18th, Congress passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, which eliminated $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Then on August 1st, CPB announced they would be winding down operations.