Bread 'n' Gravy Playbill

Family. Friends. Community.

Family. Friends. Community.

Family. Friends. Community.

Family. Friends. Community.

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Family. Friends. Community.

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We're all in this together.

We're all in this together.

Family. Friends. Community.

Family. Friends. Community.

Family. Friends. Community.

Family. Friends. Community.

Family. Friends. Community.

Here to help life go right.®

Family. Friends. Community.

Family. Friends. Community.

Family. Friends. Community.

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Here to help life go right.®

Family. Friends. Community.

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State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why we’re proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

Vince Adams, Agent 5932 River Oaks Blvd

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Vince Adams, Agent

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Vince Adams, Agent

We're all in this together.

We're all in this together.

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

We're all in this together.

Here to help life go right.®

Vince Adams, Agent

Bus: 817-377-3401

5932 River Oaks Blvd

vinceadams.biz

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

We're all in this together.

Here to help life go right.

We're all in this together. Here to help life go right.®

Here to help life go right. Vince

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

Here to help life go right.

5932 River Oaks Blvd

Camilla C. Harris, Agent

We're all in this together.

5932 River Oaks Blvd

Vince Adams, Agent

5932 River Oaks Blvd

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

Here to help life go right.®

Here to help life go right. Fort Worth, TX 76114

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

Here to help life go right.

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

Vince Adams, Agent 5932 River Oaks Blvd

vinceadams.biz

Fort Worth, TX 76114

Vince Adams, Agent 5932 River Oaks Blvd

Vince Adams, Agent

Bus: 817-377-3401

Fort Worth, TX 76114

Fort Worth, TX 76114

vinceadams.biz

Vince Adams, Agent 5932 River Oaks Blvd

Bus: 817-377-3401

5932 River Oaks Blvd

Bus: 817-377-3401

vinceadams.biz

vinceadams.biz

Bus: 817-377-3401

Fort Worth, TX 76114

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Fort Worth, TX 76114

Fort Worth, TX 76114

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vinceadams.biz

Here to help life go right.®

Fort Worth, TX 76114

Here to help life go right.

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Fort Worth, TX 76114

Fort Worth, TX 76114

vinceadams.biz

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Here

Bus: 817-377-3401

Bus: 817-377-3401

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State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre. State

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

Bus: 817-377-3401

Here to help life go right.®

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre. State

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre. State

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

Here to help life go right.

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Celebrating 30+ years of service with State Farm®

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre. State

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Celebrating 25+ years of service with State Farm®

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre. State

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That's one reason why I'm proud to support our beloved Jubilee Theatre.

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

BREAD ’N’ GRAVY

THE SONGS & LIFE OF ETHEL WATERS

By Frank Cullen & Donald McNeilly

Directed By: D. Wambui Richardson

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Ethel. Denise Lee

Waters ................................................................................................................ Crystal Williams

Sweet Mama ........................................................................................................ Kayla Marshall

Man ........................................................................................................................ Gary Edwards

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director ..................................................................................................

D. Wambui Richardson

Assistant Director ............................................................................................... Davian Jackson

Stage Manager ................................................................................................ Kris Black Jasper

Choreographer .................................................................................................. Kiandra Brooks

Vocal Coach ....................................................................................................... Pamela Dawson

Sound Design Ryan Simon

Master Electrician Nikki Deshea

Lighting Designer Holli Price

Costume Designer Jasmine Woods

Set Build .....................................................................................................................Taylor Allen

Scenic Painter ....................................................................................................... Jennye James

Technical Director ............................................................................................... Colin Schwartz

Artistic Director ..................................................................................... D. Wambui Richardson

A SPECIAL THANKS FROM OUR DIRECTOR

In crafting this production, we find ourselves deeply inspired by the profound words of Ethel Waters: "There was one emotional outlet my people always had when they had the blues. That was singing." These words encapsulate not only the essence of Waters' remarkable career but also the resilience and strength embedded in the fabric of black excellence. As a trailblazing African American performer, Waters not only graced the stages of Broadway and the silver screen with her unparalleled talent but also became a beacon of hope for generations to come.

Ethel Waters' significance in the realm of black excellence extends far beyond her extraordinary vocal abilities. In an era marked by racial inequality and systemic discrimination, Waters shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of black artists. Her ability to use singing as an emotional outlet not only resonated with her contemporaries but also served as a powerful medium through which she communicated the struggles and triumphs of the black experience. Through her art, Waters became a symbol of strength and resilience, embodying the indomitable spirit of a people striving for recognition and equality.

This production is a homage to Ethel Waters' enduring impact on the arts and her unwavering commitment to breaking down racial barriers. As we bring her story to life on stage, we aim to celebrate not only her artistic brilliance but also her contribution to the broader narrative of black excellence. In honoring Ethel Waters, we recognize the importance of acknowledging and preserving the legacies of those who paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse artistic landscape

-D. Wambui Richardson

FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT

Welcome Back To Live Theatre The Next 42 From Jubilee Theatre Board President

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and actors of Jubilee Theatre, I thank you for attending this performance and, by doing so, taking a part in the success of Jubilee Theatre’s 43rd Season.

Each time you come to the theatre, you let us know that you value the work we do to bring landmark productions to the stage for you to experience first-hand. While your ticket price helps cover the cost of the production; you may not realize that admissions only cover a portion of running the theatre.

Ticket sale revenue accounts for approximately 45 to 50 percent of Jubilee’s annual operating budget. The balance comes from donations, both large and small, from generous patrons like you!

We hope you will consider including Jubilee Theatre in your charitable giving plans. Whether your contribution is $10, $50, $500, or $5,000, each gift allows us to dedicate more resources to present theatrical works that reflect the African American experience.

We are proud of our 43-year history of providing live theatre to the Fort Worth community, and with your help, we look forward to the next 42.

Thank You,

Anita Heiskell

Anita Heiskell, President Jubilee Board of Directors

Ethel Waters Ethel Waters “

PLAYWRIGHT BIO

FRANK CULLEN, according to his mother, was “movie crazy” as a child. According to his teachers, he had a tongue that wouldn’t stop wagging. Like all his neighborhood friends, he collected comic books. After school, he sold newspapers and shined shoes for soldiers on leave during WWII and looking to hook up with girls.

Frank was blessed with admirable, talented, oddball parents and aunts—all fresh off the boat from England or Newfoundland. His mother and an aunt were sopranos for the Boston Philharmonic. His father, a merchant marine chief chef during WWII, refused to serve segregated messes on troop transport ships— integrating the troops before Truman did it officially.

The highlight of little Frank’s week were the twelve-cent Saturday movie matinees of comedies and westerns—little realizing they were not recent films. He was the world’s least attentive golf caddy—watching clouds drift by instead of keeping his eye on the ball. He bought the family’s first TV so he could watch Ed Wynn, Buster Keaton, Olsen & Johnson, Mantan Moreland, Joan Davis, the Ritz Brothers and old 1930s westerns with Bob Steele and Fuzzy St John. By his teens, he was also interested in music (from Baroque to Blues and Ragtime to Ragas) and old-time showbiz. With friends he performed in bottom-of-thebarrel USO shows.

Decades later, those interests would re-manifest for Frank with Donald McNeilly in acting, directing or set designing for four Cape Cod Theatre companies; as jazz concert producers, as a blues/jazz and classical DJ on public radio; fine art and craft gallery owners, and as curators of art exhibits for Harvard University’s Loeb Drama Center galleries.

Frank has written hundreds of movie reviews for periodicals and various film clubs he’s hosted over the years. He and Donald wrote: the two-volume Vaudeville, Old & New: An Encyclopedia of Variety Performers in America and the series of seven fictional Porridge Sisters Adventures. Frank served as a visiting artist at American universities, the British Music Hall Society and Bilkent University in Turkey.

A small-time appointed, elected and re-elected government official and an US Army veteran, Frank distinguished himself, not in battle, but setting a precedent as a vegan who refused Army medical inoculations and meals made from animals or eggs. The Army made allowances, winning Frank’s further respect for America’s military.

For forty years, Frank Cullen and Donald McNeilly operated the American Museum of Vaudeville, preserving an important American art form and amassing one of the largest collections of vaudeville memorabilia. Their collections are now preserved at the Shubert Archive and the University of Arizona. In 2011, the New York Theatre Museum recognized that work by presenting them the Award for Excellence in Theatre History Preservation.

Later, Cullen & McNeilly decided their closing act would be playwriting, and Geronimo, Comeback and Bread ’n’ Gravy are the results—thus far.

PLAYWRIGHT BIO

DONALD CHARLES MCNEILLY (1945– )

At the end of World War II, Donald began life in Roxbury MA. At an early age, he went into foster care and was captive there through nine homes over eleven years. As soon as he was able, he escaped. Given the Neanderthals that dragged Donald up, he was totally ignorant of the arts. But set loose in Boston, he began to meet many generous mentors through his early adulthood who introduced him to theatre, music, film and dance. Donald was astounded, thrilled and hooked. After several business ventures—promoting art shows, an arts and craft gallery, retail stores and dabbles in real estate—there followed nearly a decade of designing, directing and banging out sets in regional and community theatre on Cape Cod. Innovative lighting was his specialty and he became known as the Prince of Darkness, a fabulous moniker for a lighting designer that he still uses to this day. Somehow, after all of that sturm und drang, that is so ubiquitous in theatre, Donald remained hooked and is a techie showbiz nerd to this day. He bought his first computer in the early eighties and has barely had his hands off a keyboard—or his eyes off a monitor—since. Donald somehow fell into finance and spent twenty years hauling paper-and-ink nonprofits into the twenty-first century. Very satisfying, not very rewarding. In retirement (hah!) since 2005, he has published thirteen books for self and friends, designed and published ten years of Vaudeville Times and for a quarter century designed and continuously updated websites for the American Museum of Vaudeville. Along with Frank Cullen, they assembled one of the largest collections of vaudeville memorabilia now housed at the Shubert Archive and the University of Arizona, thus preserving a nearly lost aspect of American popular culture. After a decade long search, Donald was thrilled to find a boatload of first cousins from his father’s side and even his father’s youngest sister. After considering himself an orphan for sixty years, it’s bittersweet to now have lovely, welcoming family and is a great addition to his dear family of choice. Donald is proud to have been an ethical vegetarian and now vegan for over seventy percent of his life and saved the lives of many mammals, fowl and sea creatures. He is incredibly fortunate to have shared over fifty-five years of life, work and laughter with Frank Cullen.

COMPOSER BIO

ED SMITH is an in-demand composer, arranger, and studio musician in the greater Los Angeles area with extensive experience in music production.

Recently Ed has been recording and performing with multi-grammy winning artist, Michael McDonald, and recording soundtracks for Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney. In addition he has recorded drums for the newest release of Juan Gabriel’s new album that featured George Benson, among others.

Ed continues to performe/record/compose music for numerous albums and TV shows as well as many films, commercials, musicals, and promos. His production is extensive, having produced over 50 albums. Of particular note is his Tis The Season, Smooth Jazz Christmas album (Lifescapes Music) that made it to #1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Charts. His composition, “Tasajara,“ was featured on Pete Escovedo’s Grammy Nominated CD, Mr. E (Concord Jazz Records).

Ed also received an Emmy Award for his arrangements and music production for ESPN’s NCAA Sports Promos featuring Robert Goulet. His original compositions can also be heard on TV shows like Cheer, Queen Of The South, The Boys, The Good Place, Atypical, Madam Secretary, Big Bang Theory, Animal Planet, Dexter, Burn Notice, Access Hollywood, Cold Case, Young and the Restless, Everybody Hates Chris, and many others. Recently, Ed had his songs placed in the feature films Ride Along 2 and Pitch Perfect 3. In addition to his production and composition credits, he is a busy studio drummer and percussionist whose work can be heard on over 200 albums, including those of Michael McDonald, Dionne Warwick, Gerald Albright, Steve Tyrell, Ralph Carmichael (four Big Band albums and three albums with the London Symphony Orchestra recorded at the famed Abbey Road Studio), Grant Geissman, Keiko Matsui, Rick Braun, and Rita Coolidge.

Ed has also performed and recorded with some of Broadway's top performers, including Lisa Vroman, Kay Ballard, Shirley Jones, Lucei Arnez, Ann Hampton Calloway, Kristin Chenoweth, Brent Barrett, Judy Kaye, and Christiane Noll. Ed has also performed with some of the world’s great Jazz artists, including Joe Henderson, Jon Abercrombie, Toots Theilman, Ray Charles, and Richie Cole, to name a few.

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT I

“Shake that thing Sweet Mama

“Organ grinder .......................................................................................................................... Sweet Mama

“My Special Friend Is Back in Town......................................................................................... Sweet Mama

“Dinah ....................................................................................................................................................... Ethel

“St. Louis Blues Waters

“My Handy Man Sweet Mama

“I’ve Found a New Baby Man

“Am I Blue Waters

“Birmingham Bertha Sweet Mama

“West End Blues ................................................................................................................................... Waters

“Jeepers Creepers ................................................................................................................................... Man

“Go Back Where You Stayed Last Night ................................................................................. Sweet Mama

“His Eye Is on the Sparrow Ethel

ACT II

“Memories of You Waters

“Bread and Gravy ....................................................................................................................... Ethel & Man

“Underneath a Harlem Moon .................................................................................................. Sweet Mama

“We’re Having a Heat Wave ................................................................................................................... Ethel

“I’m Comin’ Virginia Ethel

“Stormy Weather Waters

“Sweet Georgia Brown Man

“Honey in the Honeycomb”........................................... Sweet Mama & Man

“Takin’ a Chance on Love Sweet Mama

“Harlem on My Mind ........................................................................................................................... Waters

“Suppertime ............................................................................................................................................ Ethel

“Precious Lord, Take My Hand ............................................................................................................... Ethel

“Thief in the Night Waters

“Y’Had it Coming to You Ethel

“You Can’t Stop Me from Loving You Sweet Mama

“Precious Lord, Take My Hand” (reprise Ethel

“Cabin in the Sky Ethel, Sweet Mama & Waters

CAST

KAYLA MARSHALL (Sweet Mama)

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Kayla is an establishing singer, actress, and dancer. She has spent most of her life being mentored and guided by many great talents and professionals in the metroplex. All of her experience in the arts come from great exposure, being a student first, and stepping out on faith. This will be her eighth show with Jubilee; but her seventh show on Jubilee’s stage. Starring in roles such as (Massassi) in If Pretty Hurts Ugly Must Be A MF, (Stepsister/Dancer/Ensemble) in Dreamgirls at Bass Hall, (Rosa) in Take The Soul Train To Christmas, (Sweet Mama) in Bread ‘N Gravy “The Songs & Life of Ethel Waters” the stage reading, (Olivia) in The Color Purple, and just recently (Ensemble) in The Gospel: Black Nativity. Kayla is honored to be bringing the role of Sweet Mama to the stage for the very first time. All thanks and honor go to God; the one who strengthens and allows her another chance to grow.

CRYSTAL WILLIAMS (Waters)

Crystal Williams is thrilled to return home…to The Jubilee Theater! Regional credits include:The View Upstairs, Chicken and Biscuits (Uptown Players) Cabin in the Sky, Abyssinia (Lyric Stage), Porgy and Bess (Fort Worth OperaBass Hall), Sister Act (Watertower Theater), This Random World (Circle Theater), The Color Purple, Alice Wonder, Harlem Blues, God's Trombones, Lysistrata (Jubilee Theater), Origin of the Specifics (Hip Pocket Theater), The King and I (Casa Manana) , Sam Shade (DVA Productions). Crystal would like to thank her amazingly supportive family, with special thanks to her Mother, Her Love, and the 4 Js! (Joseph III, Joseph IV, Jordyn and Jonah!) Crystal holds a B.A, B.F.A and an M.Ed from Texas Wesleyan University.

DENISE LEE (Ethel)

M. Denise Lee (Ethel) is excited to be back at Jubilee Theatre to portray another iconic woman. She was last on the Jubilee stage as the immortal Billie Holiday in ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill’. Some of her other stage credits include ‘Trouble In Mind’ & ‘Crowns’ at DTC, ‘The Glass Menagerie’ and the Texas debut of her one woman show ‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’ at Circle Theatre. In addition to being an artist, Denise is a very passionate community activist. She is the Founder and CEO of Visions For Change, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the creation, promotion and support of programs and activities that build bridges to bring communities together. Deniseleeonstage.com & visionsforchange.org

GARY EDWARDS (Man)

Michigan native Gary Edwards is a singer songwriter in the Gospel and Christian professional community. Audiences first got a taste of him as a contestant on NBC’s The Voice where he had a Top 24 placement in their 14th season. He currently works as the vocal producer for gospel legend Fred Hammond. His most recent work can be found on Fred Hammonds latest project “Sunday Morning Fred” where he was triple threat in writing, producing, and being feature, most notably on the albums first single.

PRODUCTION

D. WAMBUI RICHARDSON (Director & Artistic Director of Jubilee Theatre)

D. Wambui Richardson Artistic Director of Jubilee Theatre. Richardson brings to Jubilee Theatre and the DFW area more than 20 years of experience in all levels of the Black theatre community, as well as in the theatre industry in general, having served as a Director, Playwright, Art’s Educator, and Executive Leader.

Formerly residing in Baltimore, and a Native of New Orleans, Richardson was a Freelance Director, Resident Teaching Artist for Baltimore Center Stage, and the Executive Director of Academies for the National Academy Foundation School of Baltimore. He has also worked with the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, Woodbridge Playwright’s Laboratory, Syracuse Stage, Abington Theatre (Off-Off Broadway), and Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre (Off-Broadway) and is a proud member of the Drama League. Some of Richardson’s directorial credits include: Sugar Mouth Sam Don’t Dance Here No More [Off Broadway]; Les Liaisons Dangereuse [Syracuse Stage]; A Stronger Soul Within a Finer Frame [Touring Production for St. Louis Black], F.E.M.A 1603 [World Premiere], Zooman & the Sign, In the Blood, Every Tongue Confess, The Seagull, Measure for Measure, Truth Stands [East Coast Premiere] and The Face of Emmett Till.

Richardson’s Jubilee credits include; Sistas, the musical, N, Berta, Berta, Southern Boys, To Be Young Gifted & Black, HooDoo Love, Over 40, Dreamgirls, and The Color Purple.

DAVIAN JACKSON (Assistant Director)

Davian Jackson is thrilled to return to Jubilee as an assistant director. This is Davian’s second production with Jubilee Theatre as an assistant director. His first assistant-directed show here at Jubilee was “Over Forty”. Davian is also a talented singer and actor in the Dallas/Fort Worth area! One of the companies he has worked with is “JF Bailey,” where Demarcus Bailey is the Founder; with the Hit play, “Not My Family” & “One Mama.” He also has worked with “Crossover Arts” where Dennis Raveneau & Kathi Baker are the Founders. Which included shows, “Beauty is a Beast”, “Snow Queen”, “Ebony Scrooge”, “Hocus Pocus”, & “Three Musketeers”. Davian has worked with Play Now studios, where former Cowboy player Greg Ellis is the owner. Davian had a role in his Hit Stage Play, “Juneteenth” & “Watch Night”. He enjoyed his time at Theatre Three with "I love you, You're Perfect, Now Change." He has had the opportunity to be a part of Snoop Robinson’s Movie “Black Diamond”, which premiered in July 2019. You may also recognize him from Jubilee Theatres' productions of “How I Got Over”, “Funkytown Christmas”, “Pooled”, “Southern Boys”, “Fabulation”, “Lil & Satchmo”, “Over 40” (Assistant Director), “Dreamgirls”, “Praise the Lord, and Raise the Roof”, & "Color Purple." He is a Graduate of Full Sail University with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Cinematography. Davian is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the direction of telling the story of Ethal Waters.

KRIS BLACK JASPER (Stage Manager)

Kris is no stranger to being on the Jubilee stage. She made her Jubilee Theatre debut in Season 39 as 'Karen' in the production of “How I Got Over”. She’s since frequented the stage in Trey Anthony's "Da Kink in My Hair", Katori Hall's "HooDoo Love", Moses T. Alexander Greene’s “Pooled”, Kathy D. Harrison’s “Southern Boys” at Bass Hall, Lynn Nottage’s “Fabulation”, Jo Morello’s “Lil & Satchmo”, Celeste Walker's "Over 40" and "Praise the Lord Raise the Roof". She played the Church Lady 1 in Season 42's "The Color Purple" at The Scott Theatre and recently showcased her talents in this season's "The Gospel Black Nativity" as a Herald."This is my 5th season working with Jubilee Theatre and there hasn't been one production where I didn't leave without feeling gratitude. Not just for the things I've learned or the ways I've grown on the stage and behind the scenes but for the lasting relationships I've been able to make and cultivate. The process of putting a show on its feet IS work but the moments you get to make genuine connections make it worth it. I'm excited to return to "Bread N' Gravy" as the Stage Manager again. If you enjoyed the premier Stage Reading of this show at The Modern Museum, I'm confident you will be in for even more of a treat. Thank you for supporting the Arts."When Kris isn’t on the stage, you just may have seen her behind the scenes when she served as Assistant Stage Manager for "Dreamgirls" at Bass Hall or as the Stage Manager for “Take the Soul Train to Christmas” at Jubilee Theatre, and “1619 Project–One Act Festival” at Bishop Arts Theatre Center in Dallas. Stay up to date on her upcoming projects: Instagram/Facebook @iamkrisblack

PRODUCTION

KIANDRA BROOKS (Choreographer)

Kiandra Jeané is a performing artist, writer, and choreographer from Miami, FL. Her artistic development of choreography and diverse movement style expands across the teachings of many, most notably Sylvia Padron and Bernadette Toussaint-Pierre. While pursuing her BA in English at Florida State University, Kiandra was a member of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University's Mahogany Dance Theatre, where she served as Rehearsal Director under the leadership of Shepiro Hardemon. Kiandra was a company member of Terrance M. Johnson Dance Project and most recently, principal dancer of Flame Foundation’s Flamenco Black. Kiandra served as choreographer of Jubilee’s production of The Color Purple and continues to make it her life’s work to cultivate young artists and change the world through Art.

Pamela is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, American Harp Society, Texas Choral Directors Association, and the Texas Music Educators Association National Association for Music Education and an Honorary Member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. In 2021, she was a Top Ten Finalist of the Grammy Music Educator Award. In 2022, she was inducted into the DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor. In 2023, Pamela was honored as the Grammy Music Educator of the Year, a prestigious accolade that recognizes her exceptional talent, unwavering commitment, and transformative impact on the field of music education. This recognition has catapulted her into the spotlight as a sought-after speaker, championing the cause of music advocacy, the interpretation of text, and the healing power of music. She is now a lifetime member of the National Recording Academy.

JASMINE WOODS (Costume Designer)

Jasmine is a costume designer and interdisciplinary artist based in Dallas, TX. She holds a BFA in Fashion Design from Howard University. Jasmine is excited to be designing for Jubilee once again. Previous design credits include Moon Man Walk (Jubilee Theater), What Fits Inside a Human Heart (Soul Rep Theater), Cadillac Crew (an Echo Theater & Soul Rep collaboration), Natural Shocks, I and U (Echo Theater), Is Edward Snowden Single (Second Thought Theater), Aida (Lyric Stage), and Travisville (Soul Rep Theater), winner of the Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Award for best costume design.

RYAN SIMON (Sound Designer)

Ryan Simón is a local Sound Designer, Composer, and Playwright. He graduated from Texas Wesleyan University where he earned his BFA in Musical Theatre. Ryan is delighted to return to Jubilee Theatre as a Sound Designer after previously working on Praise the Lord & Raise the Roof, Moon Man Walk, If Pretty Hurts, Lil & Satchmo, and Fabulation A few recent Sound Design Credits include American Son, Fly by Night, On Golden Pond (Theatre Arlington), Guards at the Taj and On the Exhale (Stage West), and Fences (Circle Theatre). Ryan has also worked as the music director for his own original musical, Bibliophilia, which premiered at Texas Wesleyan University in March of 2021. Ryan is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

PRODUCTION

JENNYE JAMES (Scenic Painter)

Jennye James (Scenic Artist) is the Scene Shop Foreman and Adjunct Instructor for Texas Wesleyan University's Theatre Department, as well as a graduate of the program. She has worked as a scenic painter, properties master, set designer, and technical director for many local theaters including Jubilee Theatre, Amphibian Stage Productions, Trinity Shakespeare Festival at TCU, Theatre Arlington, and Casa Manana.

TAYLOR ALLEN (Crew Build)

Taylor is thrilled to have had the opportunity to work on this show. She holds a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology from Texas Wesleyan University. Her previous technical direction credits include Plenty of Time, Dreamgirls, and Take the Soul Train to Christmas at Jubilee Theatre. Additional credits include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (technical director and scenic designer), Chamber Music (technical director), and Shuddersome: Tales of Poe (technical director) during her time at Texas Wesleyan University. She looks forward to continuing to work in the DFW area.

SPECIAL THANKS

Now serving in my 6th season as Artistic Director of Jubilee Theatre of Fort Worth. I continue to be humbled by both the history of Jubilee and the audience it serves. As Artistic Director my personal philosophy is that theatre should be a place where thoughts are provoked, and audiences of different mindsets are brought together in the shared exploration of the human experience. It is because of this philosophy that I celebrate the supportive audience of Jubilee, the City of Ft. Worth, our Board of Directors, and the continued financial support of our sponsors and donors. Together we not only explore the rich tapestry of the African American experience through theatre, but we also certify African American theatre as “American Theatre”. In this, the 43rd season of Jubilee Theatre, let us all laugh, cry, rejoice, heal, connect, and explore season 43, Reflections.

Truly, the greatest pleasure a man can have is to call something home. Thank you, Fort Worth and Jubilee Theatre, for allowing me to call this home.

Yours in theatre, -D.

Wambui Richardson

JUBILEE THEATRE DONORS SEASON 42

ANGELS ($25,000 AND ABOVE)

SID W. RICHARDSON FOUNDATION

AMON G CARTER FOUNDATION

BASS, EDWARD P.

JP MORGAN CHASE BANK

SUPERSTARS ($10,000-$24,000)

R4 FOUNDATION

JONATHAN P FORMANEK FOUNDATION

STARRING ACTORS ($5,000-$9,999)

GEORGE MOREY TTEE

NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY

FORT WORTH PROMOTION

SUPPORTING ACTORS($1,000-$4,999)

SPEKTRIX

BROOK WHITWORTH TRUST

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE DISTRICT

EDWARD AND JULIET PATTERSON

MERCEDES BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES

CHARLES LANGHAM

BANK OF AMERICA FOUNDATION

OAK CLIFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GLENN & ARVEDA LEWIS

MICHEAL & ANITA HEISKELL

DR. MARIE HOLIDAY

ENSEMBLE ($500-$999)

NETWORK FOR GOOD

ALLIANCE MEMBER SERVICES

J ALLEN BROWN

METLIFE

BENEVITY

URBAN ONE

YOURCAUSE LLC

DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH INITIATIVES, INC.

DANIEL HAGOOD

DANIEL & LINDA ZIEGLER

CLARRISA JOHNSON

UNDERSTUDY ($100-$499)

ALBERTSONS

BANK OF AMERICA

AOL GIVING

PROGRESSIVE LITERARY AND ART CLUB

SHARON RAE JENKINS

DR. JAMIE AND NANCY DICKERSON

EDWARD D JONE INVESTMENTS

RAYMOND JAMES

AMAZON SMILE

STEVEN E AND JUDY JOHNSON

JOSEPH AND ELEANOR HINGTEN

RICHARD AND MARY DABNER

LINDA LEE

LISA DALTON

GWEN BUSH

LISA TAYLOR-KENNEDY

GAIL WALTERS

MATTIE PETERSON COMPTON

MAE CORA PETERSON

ARVEDA LEWIS

AUDREY WICK

DAN JOHNSTON

HARRY PARKER

KAREN JOHNSON

JAN ROBINSON

PAT CHEONG

YVONNE JOHNSON

PARIS JONES

WILLIE SCALES

RACHEL FORD

DRS. JOHN & ARLENE BARNETTE

PATRONS ($2-$99)

LYNN C. BASDEN

JASMAN HAYES BACHHI

NYJA ROBY

NIKITA ADETIBA

ARTHUR GARCIA

READY FRESH

MONIQUE WINFREE

M KIRKSEY

LATESHIA EKEOCHA

HOLLY E WONG

HANNAH MECKE BACCYEE

DAVID BURSHEARS

DANNA ELMORE

COLBY RADFOR

CHEVAUGHN JACKSON

BRANDY M GRANT

ANITA THROWER

VERONICA CHUCA

STEPHANIE MACON

SARAH SHULL

PORSCHEA A WOODS

MYLA MARIE ABEJUELA

MURRELL AND COMPANY

KYLE ANTHONY HALEY

JENDI GIBBS

ISAURA CHAIREZ

FRANCISCO MARCO

RICHARDSON ERIC CLARK

MICHEAL GONZALEZ

KELLI E TERRY

KARINA OLADE

JOSE SALDIVAR

JINGY LI

ALDO MONTOYA

KATELYN J KIESER

DESIREE FULTZ

DEBBIE SCOTT

NANCY TUFFIN

CELIA REESE

CHERYL THOMPSON

JACIE HOOD

SHARON HILL

DAVID COFFEE

KAREN ROBINSON

DOROTHY HARWOOD

PAULA WARD

TERRANCE BOYKIN

MALEKA MAHDI

ETHAN KLOS

KATIE LONG

CAROL DABNER

TRACY LEWIS

DONNA TERRY

GREG RICKS

ZAINCORIE TAYLOR

LINDA & DAVE BOYD

ALEX VORSE

TAMMY EKRUT

SHARON BLACKMAN

SHELIA BARNETT

ELIZABETH KENSEK

MELISSA FLEMING

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

AMAZON SMILE

AMPHIBIAN STAGE PRODUCTIONS

ARTES DE LE ROSA

ARTISAN CENTER THEATRE

ARTS FIFTH AVENUE

ARTS FORT WORTH

AT&T UNITED WAY

BARSE JEWELRY

BIG BROTHER BIG SISTER

BISHOP ARTS THEATRE CENTER

BOB’S STEAKHOUSE AND CHOPHOUSE

CASA MANANA

CAST YOUR BREAD CATERING

CIRCLE THEATRE

COWTOWN WINERY

DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE

DALLAS COWBOYS

DALLAS CHILDREN'S THEATRE

DALLAS OPERA

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. ALUMNAE CHAPTER

ETHEL RANSOM CLUB

EVENTFULLY YOURS

FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

FORT WORTH ZOO

FREDDIE WATKINS PHOTOGRAPHY

FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS

HALTOM'S JEWELERS

HIP POCKET THEATRE

IBM MATCHING GRANTS PROGRAM

KIDS WHO CARE

LIVE THEATRE LEAGUE OF TARRANT COUNTY

MIDNIGHT HOUR DESIGN

NAPPIOLOGY

NTP PLUMBING

ONE POINT HEALTH SERVICES

SAFEWAY/TOM THUMB

SINACA STUDIOS

STAGE WEST

STOLEN SHAKESPEARE GUILD

SOUTHERN METHODIST

UNIVERSITY- MEADOWS

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

TEXAS BALLET THEATRE

TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

THEATRE

TEXAS RANGERS

THEATRE ARLINGTON

THEATRE THREE

THEATRE NETWORK OF TEXAS

THEATRE WESLEYAN

THE LIGHT BARBERSHOP

TIFF'S TREATS

UNDERMAIN THEATRE

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICES

VETROGLASS

VIGOR HEALTH

VISIT FORT WORTH

WOODHOUSE DAY SPA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Anita Heiskell, President

Joe Brown, Vice President

Arveda Lewis, Treasurer

Dora Sergeant, Secretary

James Smith, Marketing Chair

La’Wonda Peoples, Development Chair

Charles Langham

Monique Winfree

BOARD EMERITUS

Marian Eastman

Joseph K. Dulle

Margie Major

JUBILEE THEATRE STAFF

D. Wambui Richardson, Artistic Director

Janaé Willis-Beard, Education and Development Director

Kenja Brown, Box Office Staff

Donna Young-Bob, Box Office Staff

Olivia Holland, Box Office Staff

Dionne Warren, Box Office Staff

506 Main Street

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Administrative Office: 817-338-4204

www.JubileeTheatre.org

From whole patient to whole health.

TREATBOLDLY.UNTHSC.EDU

Students, faculty, patients and neighbors all have one thing in common: they’re people. And we put the needs of our people first. In addition to being a premier academic medical center, HSC believes in the bigger picture of health. Five schools and one shared purpose. Creating an environment where innovation and ideas can thrive, and all people feel informed, empowered and understood.

When we’re all connected, we’re in it together. HSC. ASK BRAVELY. TREAT BOLDLY.