The Quarters Musical PLAYBILL

Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts 501 Main Street Franklin, LA

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Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts PRESENTS

THE QUARTERS Playwright ED "TIGER" VERDIN

Lyrics by KENNETH PERRY, JR. ED "TIGER" VERDIN

Composer KENNETH PERRY, JR

with

Renita Nelson LaDaisha Bowles-Webber Todd Buteaux Texada Lewis Taylor Barrilleaux

Adolph "Ado" Davis Jenee Crowther Tania C. Washington McClures Manuel Jonas Buteaux Cassidy Dupre

Charles "Butchy" McKinley Tiffany Morgan Titus Johnson Regan Barrilleaux Linda Peters

Asst. Director/Vocal Coach Carolyn Higdon

Technical Director Mackenzie Burleigh

Costuming Tiffany Morgan

Master Builder David Bret Casselman

Seamstress Sandy Adams

Art Director Tre Hebert

Choreographer LaDaisha Bowles-Webber

E.L.I.T.E. Dance Company /

Keys: Kenneth Perry Jr. Drums: Stephen Clark

City of Franklin Bayou Beaux Dance Program

Stage Manager Tania C. Washington

Company Members Amyria Bias Dakaria Gray Jayla Howard Carmen Lopez

Clarence Smith Congo Drums (recorded)

Stage Crew Dallas Halligan Nathan Adams

Directed by Ed "Tiger" Verdin

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SONGS THE QUARTERS Musical Prologue

The Quarters Dancers

Free

"Chike" Adolph Davis / Lyrics and Music

by Kenneth Perry, Jr.

J'vas Voler Comme un Oiseau (Slave Lullaby) Falling In Love

"Ifoema" Renita Nelson/Recovered by Terrance & Marcella Simien "Jessica" Jenee' Crowther / Lyrics & Music by Kenneth Perry, Jr.

I'll Fly Away

Ensemble

I Know I've Been Changed

"Esther" Lavergne Singleton & Tri-Parish Choir, Ensemble

Queen of the Quarters

Ensemble / Lyrics by Ed "Tiger" Verdin & Music by Kenneth Perry, Jr.

Forbidden Love

"Jessica" & "Chike"

Reprisal Forbidden Love I Want Jesus to Walk with Me

"Jessica" & "Chike" "Zeke" Charles Butchy McKinley

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CAST Cast Members CHIKE

Adolph Davis

IFOEMA

Renita Nelson

ZEKE

Charles "Butchy" McKinley

JESSICA

Jenee Crowther

MA'MEE

Tiffany Morgan

NONI

LaDaisha Bowles-Webber

CHISOM

Tania C. Washington

HENRY

Todd Buteaux

ARINZE

McCloures Manuel

KOSI

Titus Johnson

EMEKE

Taxada Lewis

MR. DANIELS

Jonas Buteaux

MRS. DANIELS

Regan Barrilleaux

TOBIAS

Taylor Barrilleaux

MS. LISA

Cassidy Dupre

NEE NEE

Linda Peters

LIL CHIKE

Karter Perry

BABY BOY

Luke Perry Production / Creative

Composer

Kenneth Perry, Jr.

Asst. Director/Vocal Coach Choreographer

Carolyn Higdon LaDaisha Bowles-Webber

Costuming

Tiffany Morgan

Technical Director Master Builder

Mackenzie Burleigh David Bret Casselman

Art Director Choir Director

Tre' Hebert Charles "Butchy" McKinley

Seamstress

Sandi Adams

Playwright/Director

Ed "Tiger" Verdin

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WHO'S WHO Adolph Davis

as CHIKE

Making his Teche Theatre stage debut "Ado", is excited to be apart of "The Quarters" cast. He studied the Arts at Xavier University of Louisiana and as an independent artist has shared the stage with Dru Hill, Miguel, Melanie Fiona and many more. Proud husband of Antionette Davis and father of 4 with one on the way! Follow Ado on social media to hear his original content.

Renita Nelson

as IFOEMA

Renita was born in Fort Dix, NJ and has been a South LA resident since 2001 when she married the love of her life, Alex Nelson. She made her acting debut with the Teche in 2005 as "Yenta" in Fiddler on the Roof with encouragement from Mrs. Diane Wiltz. Since then, she has appeared in over 15 theatre productions including Gypsy, Fences, A Raisin in the Sun, Shrek the Musical, Hairspray and Aint Misbehavin. Her interests include singing, gardening and traveling. She loves animals and has been a nurse for over 30 years.

Charles "Butchy" McKinley

as ZEKE

Born to Bessie Mckinley Butler he has been a part of the Arts since the age of 5. Charles has been a part of Gospel music for 58 years. Director of the infamous Soul Inspirational Choir and the present Director and Founder of the Tri-Parish Gospel Ensemble. He is a member of the James Cleveland Chorus of the James Cleveland Chorus of the Gospel Music Worship of America. He has sung with famous Gospel artists such as Bobby Jones, Walter Hawkins, shirley Caeser, Mississippi Mass Choir, Kirk Franklin, V. Michael McCay, James Cleveland and many others. He has performed on stage under Diane Wiltz and Carolyn Higdon. He also performed opposite Tyra Yarber in Paul Robeson. His other notable performances were Bayou Bells, Raisin in the Sun and others. Film extra credits are "All the Kings Men", "Deja Vu", "...Benjamin Button". "I'm thankful and blessed to be able to perform with so many talented people from home!"

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WHO'S WHO Jenee Crowther

as JESSICA

Jenee's love for the stage started as a young child. Through dancing, singing, or acting, she has always been a performer. She is a new Louisiana resident, having moved from Oregon this year. She works as a Voice Actor and Manager for Vooks, creating animated storybooks for kids. She has appeared on stage in Steel Magnolias, Once Upon Camelot, Anything Goes, Eternity and Meet Me in St. Louis. While she has a deep love for Acting, singing is also her passion. She has sung the National Anthem for the Portland Trailblazers and Seattle Mariners and was a contestant on Season 11 of American Idol. She is thrilled to be a part of The Quarters.

Tiffany Morgan

as MA'MEE

Mentored by the late great Tyra Yarber and Ed Verdin, Tiffany, is no stranger to the stage. She recently portrayed Billie Holliday "Strange Fruit", The Vagina Monologues and more. After a heart changing brush with domestic violence, Tiffany has dedicated her life to changing the minds and hearts of her community in regards to abuse.

Now a public motivational speaker who's target audience is not only women, but men and children as well. She has spoken at the purple and teal reception held in Baton Rouge and recently addressed the Senate floor. She was instrumental in getting House Bill 236 passed earlier this year. She is the daughter of retired school board employee Jennie Benjamin and the late Korean War Veteran Clifford Morgan, wife of Cedric Dupas and mother of 8! Alice Walker said "Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself." Tiffany lives by that rule daily and tries to relay that on others.

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WHO'S WHO LaDaisha Bowles-Webber

as NONI

LaDaisha Bowles Webber is a native of Franklin, Board Member of the Teche Theatre & Vice President of Soulful Prouductions. After Loyla Univ. Chicago her post graduate accomplishments are many with recent a performance in "After the Love is Gone"(A.Gibson Productions), "Confessions of a Man"(PoetsLife Ent.), Single Black Female & Celebratory Tribute (Soulful Prod.) Over the past 10 years LaDaisha is owner of E.L.I.T.E. Dance company has run the City of Franklin's Bayou Beaux Dance Program to contribute to arts accessibility to her underserved and rural community. The role of "Noni" in tonight's performance was written specifically for LaDaisha.

Tania C. Washington

as CHISOM

Originating from the New Orleans area, Tania, began sharing her talents through various art forms from a young age. Whether performing in community productions, dancing, or singing she has sought to invest in herself and her community through a continued pursuit of artistic expression. She made her Teche Theatre debut as Assistant Director in The Glass Menagerie. Now she will debut her acting skills as Chisom. When she is not performing, she is a wife, mother, social worker and educator. She resides in Morgan City with her supportive husband and son. Tania is also serving as Stage Manager for this production.

McCloures Manuel

as ARINZE

McCloures was born and raised in Franklin on March 10, 1989.

McCloures has had a love for theatre since high school and has been featured in several plays such as Fences and Hairspray here at the Teche Theatre. McCloures is proud to share the stage with his mother tonight as she is a proud member of the Tri-Parish Choir.

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WHO'S WHO Todd Buteaux

as HENRY

Todd is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. He was nominated for Best Actor in a leading role by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards and The Ovation Awards, for his role as "Nathan Spandral" in the award winning play, The Angles of Lemnos. He starred in the Sci-Fi TV series sample Jimmy Reaper. A Streetcar Named Desire at the Teche Theatre here in Franklin amongst many other plays at the Teche. He is excited to be a part of The Quarters to help bring Tiger Verdin's original play to life. Tood would like to thank his wife and kids for allowing him to express his creative juices on stage and continue to follow his passion, which is to ACT!

Titus Johnson

as KOSI

Titus is making his stage debut as Kosi. He is a current student at Franklin Senior High School. His hobby is Grudge Racing various styles of motorcycles in which his last race was in Belle Rose, Louisiana 2 weekends ago. He is thankful to his family for their love and support of all his endeavors.

Taxada Lewis

as EMEKE

Taxada is making this stage debut as Emeke. He is a current student at Franklin Senior High School. He is a percussionist member of the Franklin High Hornet Band under the direction of Savoid Howard. He currently holds a Carpentry License and Welding Certificate. He has a love of writing songs, poetry which coincides with his love of theatre, art and classical music.

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WHO'S WHO Jonas Buteaux

as MR. DANIELS

Born in New Iberia, Louisiana, he spent most of his days in the marsh islands known as Cypremort Point. He attended Franklin Senior High his first two years of high school, but graduated from West St. Mary.

He made his acting debut in Romeo&Juliet as the role of "Tybalt".

After recieving his Business Degree he married his High School Sweetheart Sara Estes. They now have been together for 21 years and have two beautiful children. With the support of his wife he was able to keep his love for the arts by working with youth groups at his local church. Which included putting on small week-long productions every summer. I dedicate this to my wife and kids, in which they allowed me to take they’re time away to do something that I really enjoy. Sharing the stage with my brother Todd. Our parents would be so proud! And last, I would like to say thank you to my cast members, its truly an honor to be a part of this production. Jonas is a Board Member of the Teche Theatre

Regan Barrilleaux

as MRS. DANIELS

Regan is a mother of 6 ranging in age from 23 to 16. She began on stage in 2017 when she landed the part of "M’lynn" in Steel Magnolias.

She’s been in several productions since then and even has an assistant director credit. Her favorite plays have been the ones she has been in with her children Tanner and Taylor who have the same love of theater. She would like to thank her biggest supporter and fan, her husband Bodie. His encouragement and love has allowed Regan to follow her dreams.

Taylor Barrilleaux

as TOBIAS

Taylor is an 18 year old Senior at Berwick High School and plays french horn in the Berwick High Band. His other interests are swimming and weight lifting. Taylor has been in theatre since the age of 13 and has also performed alongside his sister and mother. Upon graduating he plans to attend the University of Louisiana Lafayette for Marine Biology.

Cassidy Dupre

as MS. LISA

Cassidy first graced the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts stage in 2016 in Shrek the Musical. She loves to sing and she was a part of the Morgan City High School Choir from 2014-2017. She is very happy that her family supports her love of theatre and she is happy to be a part of this cast.

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WHO'S WHO Linda Peters

as NEE NEE

Ms. Linda returns to the Teche Theatre stage as Nee Nee. She was last seen in To Kill A Mockingbird where she fell in love with the family atmosphere of the theatre. With her warm, infectious smile she adds a brightness to everyone she meets.

Karter Perry

as LIL CHIKE

Karter, the oldest son of Kenny & Majken Perry, is a first grader who is obsessed with all things dinosaur. He wants to be a paleontologist when he grows up and like his daddy, everyone he meets is his friend. He loves to share his dinosaur knowledge with family and friends, and his quick with has him always prepared with a joke. This is Karter's stage debut as an actor!

Luke Perry

as BABY BOY

Luke, middle son of Kenny and Majken Perry, is in Pre-K and loves puppies. His favorite kind of dog is a dalmatian, and like his PopPop,wants to be a firefighter when he grows up. The funny man of the family, he always knows just how to make someone laugh. Luke always speaks his mind, sometimes to a fault and has a huge heart.

Luke is making his stage debut tonight!

Carolyn Higdon

Asst. Director/Vocal Coach

Carolyn is beyond trilled to be involved as Assistant Director and Vocal Coach of The Quarters. Theatre has been and always will be Carolyn's true love and she is both excited and blessed to share her love of the stage with the community she holds close to her heart. Some of Carolyn's most treasured roles include "Gypsy Rose Lee" in Gypsy, "Tracy Turnblad" in Hairspray, "Sister Robert Anne" in Nunsense, "Viola" in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, "Amanda Wingfield" in The Glass Menagerie and "M'Lynn" in Steel Magnolias. One of Carolyn's most memorable experiences at the Teche was directing A Raisin in the Sun. Carolyn moved home to Franklin as a Licensed Professional Counselor with Teche Action Clinic. Carolyn feels extremely blessed to be back in her hometown of Franklin and involved in the theatre that she truly calls home. Carolyn will be making another big mark on Teche Theatre history this summer as she will direct the 25 Anniversary of RENT.

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WHO'S WHO LaDaisha Bowles-Webber

Choreographer

LaDaisha is an honor graduate of Loyola University Chicago where she earned a BA Degree in Performing Arts (Theatre) and International Film/Media Production in 2007. She has a 20+ year background in Theatre/Dance & has worked under dance instructors such as the late Beverly “Miss B” McClernan (Franklin Recreation Center), Mrs. Robin Borne (The Dance Factory), Mrs. Kim Caesar (Ashanti Dancers), and Mrs. Cynthia Prince (All My Family Praise Dancers) to name a few. In 2008, LaDaisha founded the E.L.I.T.E. Dance Company, a company dedicated to facilitating positive self – esteem, teamwork, and self -discipline through the art of theatre and dance. She has choreographed, coordinated, and directed the Bayou Beaux Summer Dance Program from 2010 to present. Summer 2022 will mark 13 years of dance and theatre with Bayou Beaux as she prepares for her upcoming dance revue entitled “Mizz Daisha’s Neighborhood: Nightmare on Dance St. 2.0". Also a Teche Theatre Board Member.

Tiffany Morgan

Costuming

Tiffany has a love of clothes and she had the opportunity to create her own costume style in Soulful Production's Single Black Female. She has mentored and directed many local productions at local schools and we are thankful to have Tiffany on our Creative Team to share her talents with this cast. Tiffany is a Board Member of Soulful Prouductions.

Mackenzie Burleigh

Technical Director

Mackenzie Burleigh, soon to be Olivarez, has been a part of community theatre since the age of 11. She has learned every aspect of the theatre since a young age by her mentors Ed "Tiger" Verdin and the late Tyra Yarber. She has spent hundreds and hundreds of volunteer hours working and/or acting. Since high school she has worked the technical side of theatre and is the Technical Director for Soulful Productions as well as tonight's production. For over 15 years she has called the Teche Theatre her second home and has the opportunity to participate in productions elsewhere in the Tri-Parish area. Theatre is a part of who she is, part of her soul. She adores supporting the Arts when and wherever she can. She is extremely grateful and honored to be a part of bringing The Quarters to life, to see the emotion and heart it will bring to all who come to enjoy histore being brought to life.

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WHO'S WHO David Bret Casselman

Master Builder

Bret has built many a set that has graced the Productions of Franklin High School, Franklin Little Theatre, Soulful Productions and the Teche Theatre since the 1970s. We are eternally grateful to Bret and his tireless dedication to the Arts in Franklin by taking a horrible sketch from a piece of paper, napkin, plank of wood and making it come to life more then we can dream

Tre' Hebert

Art Director

Tre' born in Franklin, LA and currently live in Lafayette, LA. He has 10+ years experience in drawing, writing, cooking and creating. He has 2 years experience with CSP and similar creative software. He graduated from ECA and SLCC in 2014 with my associate's in general studies and completed 2 years at UL in graphic design and printmaking. As an artist, he is constantly experimenting with his style, mediums, and mindset while creating. He has a drive, passion, and overall, a high ambition for practically any field pertaining to the Arts.

He also has an interest in science and philosophy. And, lastly, above all, art for art's sake. Tre was hand selected by Ed "Tiger" Verdin as Art Director to create the backdrops for The Quarters because of the passion and dedication to the Arts and as you can tell with the 2 backdrops he created for this production his immense talent.

Kenneth Perry, Jr.

Composer

Kenneth W. Perry, Jr., Musical Director Upon completion of high school at West St. Mary High school, he attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Tx. for undergraduate studies along with graduate school. He moved back home to St. Mary Parish to begin a family with his wife Majken Perry; together they have three sons, Karter, Luke and Jaxon. He and his family live in Franklin, La., and run their family business, K and L Crawfish Company. He started developing music while in high school and later in college. He served as music director at several churches to include his current assignment at The Crossing Place Church in Bayou Vista, La. Not only is music an important part of his life, so is the love for his family and most importantly his family’s devotion to God. "Although theater is a new venture for me, I am grateful for the opportunity to be apart of this production and to add my musical vision to this piece."

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WHO'S WHO Charles "Butchy" McKinley

Choir Director

As you have already read his Bio please allow us to thank Butchy and the amazing ladies of the Tri-Parish Gospel Ensemble for lending their talents to be a part of this production. We are eternally grateful!

Sandi Adams

Seamstress

Sandi came in and truly was a blessing to help us create the looks we needed.She had to work hard to make sure each of the costumes were up to portray such a period production.She can be seen taking photography around St. John & Hanson as well as community events.She is a dedicated community member always willing to give of her talents. For this we cannot thank her enough.

Clarence Smith Mr. Clarence has been a God send to us. With an extremely impressive resume he has played with some of the most famous musicians while living in New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina sent he and his family to Franklin and we are happy that he was able to share his talents with us via audio recording as he is getting married this weekend!

Quarters Dance Ensemble AMYRIA BIAS, DAKARIA GRAY, JAYLA HOWARD, CARMEN LOPEZ These talented young ladies are excited about making their theatre stage debut tonight. As evidenced in their performances, their portrayal of storytelling through movement is impeccable as they have a combined total of 30+years in the field of dance. To their credit these dancers have worked with Lighthouse Praise & Worship Team, Cara's Studio of Dance, Franklin Jr. High School Dancing Divas and Raintree Dance Crew. They are also member of the E.L.I.T.E. Dance Co. under the direction of LaDaisha Bowles Webber (choreographer for The Quarters). They would like to thank their families, Mrs. LaDaisha Bowles-Webber and Mr. Ed "Tiger" Verdin for giving them this opportunity.

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WHO'S WHO Ed "Tiger" Verdin

Playwright/Director

Ed “Tiger’’ Verdin is one of the loudest voices for the Arts and Arts Education in South Louisiana. Tiger, as he is lovingly called, is a veteran of the stage with over 25 years of acting and directing experience throughout Acadiana. His resume has many performances but a few notable performances are Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Brick) opposite Ladaisha Bowles Webber as Maggie the Cat, November (President Charles Smith), The Odd Couple (Felix), God’s Favorite (Joe Benjamin), Misery (Paul Sheldon), To Kill a Mockingbird (Bob Ewell), Driving Miss Daisy (Boolie) and many, many more. He was recently inducted as a member into the Dramatist Guild of America in New York City and is also a member of the Playwright’s Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the Gulf Coast Playwrights in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has written, produced and starred in his first self-written play 9/11: Undying Love which competed in the Samuel French, Inc. Off Off Broadway Festival in NYC.

He is working with Superbowl Champion and former New York Giant, Leonard Marshall and a top Broadway producer to create his first project this fall on Broadway. His many other unpublished works include Deception, Prodigal, Club Fed. Tiger was just recently appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to the Louisiana State Arts Council Board of Directors. He is also the current Chairman of the Board for the St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce, Board member of the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts (19 years), President for Fit, Fun & Fabulous (Louisiana's First Health & Wellness Festival), St. Mary Parish Council on Aging, St. Mary Parish Tourist Commission, St. John/Hanson Advisory Board and more recently asked to serve on the LSU Agriculture Center Nutrition Advisory committee. Tiger currently works in the Entertainment Division of the New Orleans Saints (6 Years) and is 3 years into his position as Public Relations Director for the City of Franklin and Mayor Eugene Foulcard. More recently Mayor Foulcard has named Tiger as the City of Franklin’s Main Street Director for its nationally accredited Main Street Program.

Tonight, Tiger dedicates THE QUARTERS to the two people that he credits his start in the theatre. The late Tyra Yarber and his theatre mentor since high school, Mrs. Diane Wiltz. Tyra Yarber’s legacy in the Arts in Franklin along with his tireless dedication to ensuring “diversity in theatre” and representation of African Americans on stage continues tonight through this production. Although he is no longer here in person his spirit, passion and dedication to the Teche Theatre can still be felt throughout the stage of the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts. Tyra, Tiger and Diane worked to build the Teche Theatre since its inception in 2002. Mrs. Diane Wiltz through her nurturing and teaching shinned the light of passion of community and arts which is now seen through Tiger’s walk every day. A shy, quiet child (yeah we know) she pulled Tiger kicking and screaming from behind the scenes of the tech world and gave him a lead role in Up the Down Staircase. Needless to say that shy child died during that first performance. He accredits his love of playwriting to her as she allowed her students to write their own skit comedies for fundraising purposes. Tonight’s production is the reason access and exposure to the Arts at a young age is important.

"I couldn't do any of what I do without the total and unselfish support of my beautiful wife, Stacey, and amazing children - Tyler, Connor, Ethan & Ryleigh! I am also very proud of the cast, crew and creative team of The Quarters! His love of mentoring children in the theatre he spreads onto his casts and community, "Never let anyone steal your spotlight but ALWAYS be willing to share it!" #SupportTheArts #SupportArtsEducation!

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the Cast & Crew of The Quarters for your dedication and hard work in this production ensuring the Arts in Franklin and St. Mary Parish continue to thrive post-pandemic.

We would like to thank the Family, Friends and Supporters of our cast and Crew for supporting their efforts.

State Representative Vincent St.Blanc Mayor Eugene Foulcard Dr. Gary & Diane Wiltz Terri Foulcard & Lynn's Collection Lamplighter Coffeehouse & Bistro Teche Talk KBZE 105.9fm & Howard Castay Banner Tribune Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Justine Lemoine & Caroline Byrne Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser Acadiana Center for the Arts Gwen Richard & Anna Kojevnikov Opportunity Machine Dramatist Guild of America Gulf Coasts Playwrights KATC TV 3 KLFY TV 10 KADN TV 15 Daily Iberian Acadiana Lifestyles Sandi Adams Jonas Buteaux Joe Verdin Timmy John Baudoin Chuck Davis Robert Allain St. Mary Sugar Coop Borgenicht Foundation Franklin Supermarket 100 Black Men of St. Mary Parish Michael Howard & My Season Pressure Washing Mackenzie Burleigh & Cade Olivarez Robin Boudreaux & Easy Street Productions Franklin Supply Acadian Ambulance Franklin Fire Department Stephen Clark Majken Perry Stacey Verdin RZI Lighting Tele-Louisiane Dr. Phebe Hayes & Iberia African American Historical Society State of Louisiana Museum Mrs. Mary Beth Berry

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END NOTES A word from the Director: Greatful. Humbled. Proud. Determined! I cannot thank God, my family along with this cast and creative team for teaming with me go beyond "starting the conversation" and having the conversation. I'm often asked why I do what I do. My first ancestor documented in the writings and census of early explorers was listed as a "savage". Even today my tribe, the United Houma Nation, is not federally recognized although recognized by the State of Louisiana and the country of France. Think about that a minute. Although the Houma Nation was documented in Louis & Clark's writings it was easy back then to erase or strategically ignore an entire race of people.

Unfortunately we still fight this presently. Many of us are not looked at as Natives or Bi-racial as colorism is rampant not just in the African American community. I grew up living in the shadow of Oaklawn Plantation. I grew up in the Oaklawn Quarters. I still remember riding bikes with Troy Smith, Shawn Smith, Donald & Ronald McCoy, LaMitch & Gary Williams and Earl Haisley. Shooting basketball and playing softball across the bayou. Playing on the bridge. (will they ever finish the new bridge?) Taking the "lane" and the "cut" to The Quarters to get a cold cup or snacks. Going to Mr. Medric's store to get a candy. Picking blackberries, working in my PawPaw's garden, chewing sugarcane, playing on the bagausse pile, fishing, riding Mr. Calvin Brent's bus really early in the morning and smelling the sweet - sometimes horrible - smell of the mill and "going to town". Everyone in The Quarters was my family. Tonight you will hear a line that says, 'The Quarters. To them its nothing. To us -- it's everything" Although the Oaklawn Quarters has been erased the memories of an entire family of people - enslaved to free people of color through the mid-90's have called that plot of land home. The graveyard still lay near the bayouside but now are vast fields that whisper through the leaves of cane swaying in the wind telling the stories of those that built and tilled the land we call home. The Quarters raised me and I am the person I am today because of the love I received from it.

Although we touch many aspects of slavery tonight we take a closer look into life in the Quarters.

We look at some unacknowledged history while we celebrate the contributions of enslaved African made onto this land after being taken from theirs. Although taken from Africa their culture, music, food, spirit never left them. Tonight we portray that somewhere in costuming. it's ok to celebrate with them. Laugh, Cry, Moan, Testify! I've learned to live and enjoy every waking moment. Be ONE with us on stage tonight. Our goal tonight is to awaken a spirit within you. Only God knows what that spirit will be. Hopefully one being, falling in love with the theatre, and supporting Louisiana history...Let's face it not everything was gumbo and fais do dos. Unfortunately we have ugly history just as we have beautiful history and tradition alike. However, I believe forgetting the bad only makes uncovering histories hard to investigate and correct. Righting a wrong by wrighting the wrong only makes it even more powerful with the Art of the theatre. But facing the wrong can we only truly correct that part of our history and heal from it. Everyday we can take a positive step forward to rid our communities of hatred by our positive works within it. By working together we can create the inclusivity, equality and equity we strive for.

I am truly blessed and humbled by the continous love and support I receive from this community. I cannot thank everyone enough. What more can I say about my family. I love yall for supporting me and always being by my side with giving so much time to our community. I couldn't do it without yall!

Also, SUPPORT THE ARTS & ARTS EDUCATION each and every time you can!!!

-- Ed "Tiger" Verdin

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OPTIONAL CONTENT

Tonight's production is dedicated to the Life, Legacy and Memory of the Late Tyra Yarber. Tyra is past President for the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts Board and Co-Executive Director for Soulful Productions, LLC. Tyra and Tiger began doing theatre together in 1990 and when teamed up again in 2002 became inseparable. Tonight we celebrate his legacy with THE QUARTERS on his birthday. They were best friends, biggest supporters and biggest critics making sure each other shined their best. Always getting in trouble with their wives for spending too much time at the theatre but as they would always say "if not us, who". Tonight, as the glow of theatre lighting and sounds of music fills the air know that it was made possible by the works of a man that gave everything to this theatre not wanting in return.

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