Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A thrilling crime drama staging at the 5 & Dime Theatre seeks to showcase the imperfections of the American criminal justice system. American Son, written by trial attorney Christopher Demos-Brown in 2017, explores the fallout of one night at a Florida police station where an estranged interracial couple reunite to find their missing teenage son. Jamal, a Black 18-year-old poised to enter West Point, uncharacteristically does not return home after going to spend time with friends. His parents meet at the police station and are treated differently by law enforcement — who aren’t aware they share the same child. But, both parents are met with resistance when they try to get more details about their son from investigators. We meet the playwright behind the story and ask why he felt moved to point out inconsistencies in policing when race, gender and class are a factor.
Guests:
Christopher Demos-Brown, American Son playwright and partner at Beasley, Demos & Brown
Rhodie Jackson, director, American Son
Hunter M. Showalter, actor playing Scott Connor in American Son
Eugene Lindsey, actor playing Lt. John Stokes in American Son
A thrilling crime drama staging at the 5 & Dime Theatre seeks to showcase the imperfections of the American criminal justice system. American Son, written by trial attorney Christopher Demos-Brown in 2017, explores the fallout of one night at a Florida police station where an estranged interracial couple reunite to find their missing teenage son. Jamal, a Black 18-year-old poised to enter West Point, uncharacteristically does not return home after going to spend time with friends. His parents meet at the police station and are treated differently by law enforcement — who aren’t aware they share the same child. But, both parents are met with resistance when they try to get more details about their son from investigators. We meet the playwright behind the story and ask why he felt moved to point out inconsistencies in policing when race, gender and class are a factor.
Guests:
Christopher Demos-Brown, American Son playwright and partner at Beasley, Demos & Brown
Rhodie Jackson, director, American Son
Hunter M. Showalter, actor playing Scott Connor in American Son
Eugene Lindsey, actor playing Lt. John Stokes in American Son
