Philly Urban Theatre Festival debuts in less than 3 weeks!!!

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Kash

AWARD WINNING PLAYWRIGHT, KASH GOINS LAUNCHES THE INAUGURAL PHILLY URBAN THEATRE FESTIVAL

Philadelphia, PA – (September 1, 2010). There was once a time when considering the contemporary African-American playwright, names like August Wilson, James Baldwin, Lorraine Hansberry and Charles Fuller rolled easily off of the tongue. As the current urban theatre landscape is dominated by the enormous presence of Tyler Perry and his many clones, theatre goers are gaining less exposure to more traditional theatre work by not only those pioneers but more recent scribes such as Lynn Nottage and Lydia Diamond. Also fighting to find an avenue for their collective voices to be heard is a new breed of up and coming talent who have chosen to stay true to the more organic form of storytelling and to resist pursuing the more popular “chitlin circuit” world of big budget tours with resounding gospel musical numbers and six figure sets. Fortunately, through a local grass roots effort in Philadelphia, doors are opening.

On September 20, 2010 the inaugural Philly Urban Theatre Festival (PUTF) descends upon Philadelphia. Thirteen African American playwrights will take a step into history. The Philly Urban Theatre Festival is the concept of GoKash Productions’ Kash Goins and will present fourteen different productions over twenty one days on two stages for a total of forty two shows. Goins, a two- time NYC Downtown Urban Theatre Festival award winning playwright, saw a need to help cultivate a “fertile ground for this underserved and grossly unrepresented, yet talented group of artists.” There will be various styles of stage presentation during the PUTF, including a choreo-poem inspired by Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls…”, spoken word, traditional drama and satire to name just a few. Topics ranging from HIV/AIDS, redemption, betrayal, abortion, education, politics, LGBT relationships, and Diabetes will be amongst the vast array of presentations. Per Goins, “The idea behind the selection of works to be presented is that there are many different voices that speak to the current African American experience and those experiences vary all the same”. Goins’ own companion pieces, the Award Winning productions “VI Degrees” which sheds a highly entertaining yet sobering light on the disproportionate prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the African American community and it’s sequel “VII Deadly Sins”, which is rich in Diabetes awareness and the importance of reporting the crime of date rape will each have week-long featured presentations.

The PUTF will kick off on September 20, 2010 with a happy hour “meet and greet” reception at Warmdaddy’s Restaurant that’s free to the festival participants and the public. Shows will begin on the evening of September 21st and conclude on October 10th at the Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. The featured voices in the festival are: Kash Goins, Tiffany Joyner, Race Brown, Briana Cannon, Donja R. Love, Shenille Melton, Cheril N. Clarke, Jamila Capitman, Heather Thomas, Kareem Rogers, Lee Colston, Karen Waller- Martin(Director),Tiffany Wilson, and Andre N. Jones.

To learn more about Philly Urban Theatre Festival, including ticket information and the full, detailed schedule of plays (with synopsis), please visit www.putf.org.
For press preview inquiries or to learn more about Kash Goins, his stage plays or GoKash Productions, please call him directly at 610-453-6365 or visit www.gokashproductions.com.

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Nee Nizzle comin thru!

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Kash

So, my first encounter (even if it’s not her first encounter memory) with Cierra was after my play “Man, I Shoulda Put a Ring On It!” in Philly. Many of us in the cast stepped into the lobby area of The Bonnell Auditorium to exchange pleasantries with our guests who came to the show and were posing for pics, etc… In my peripheral, I heard Lt. John Josey (who also played “Cheesy Paul” in the play) remind a young lady that she was so engrossed in her cell phone call while driving days earlier (BREAKING A PHILLY LAW) that she didn’t even know he was following her in his police vehicle until after a few minutes. I noticed she had come with my homie and new cast member Lauren Shaye to the show and Shaye introduced her as a fellow playwright / director. Brief encounter, but the seed was set for the next evening when I hosted my first “Can’t Rehearse This” improv show at The French Quarter in Wilmington. Cierra and Lauren each volunteered and SMASHED the show and stayed on as features in the next one which was also in Wilmington and will also be featured in the first Philly mounting of it. In that time, I invited each to audition for VI Degrees and the rest is history. OK, enough about Lauren (didn’t I feature her on this blog already???? Sheesh!!!). LTM! But allow me to introduce you to Cierra who is now playing possibly the most well liked and mutually hated VI Degrees character “Nee – Nee”… that is, if I don’t strangle her in a rehearsal before the show gets up. I kid!… after being a ROYAL pain in my butt, I’m pleased to announce that this U.S. Marine has embraced “Nee – Nizzle” and is ready to get her shine on. Blond hair and all.


My first real encounter with K.G. was at “Cant Rehearse This” Improv show in Wilmington Delaware. I went there with my friend Lauren Shaye to see what the event was about and to have a little fun. I decided once Kash asked for Audience participation, to get up and just express myself in the skits. I had such a great time and me and Kash just clicked! After that Lauren told me about the Auditions for VI Degrees. I had never seen the play and honestly didn’t know what it was about (I have been continuously surprised ever since). At the Auditions I tried out for the part of Nee Nee. The Audition was very personal and made me nervous but comfortable, if that can possibly be a good mixture LOL! When I received the E-mail telling me I had gotten the part I was ecstatic!!! I have my own production company and write movies, plays, Etc. But to actually be and actress, It never crossed my mind that I would be doing that in the near future. The part of Nee Nee is one of the hardest roles I’ve had to act since I stopped acting in 2007. I totally despised the character and felt as though she was totally unrelatable. I mean I was like “Who does the stuff that she does Kash! I can’t be her!” of course Kash gave me his annoying sarcasm and told me to “Study her, find out what you don’t like about her, and find out why a person like her might do this”. Me being a playwright myself I was used to telling my Actors and Actresses this same phrase, but to have it put on the other foot was a humbling and a hard project to tackle. I am slowly becoming Nee Nee, I find out new things about my character everyday as I become her. I even think sometimes when practicing my part at home I forget that I am not her LOL! The play itself is going to be Awesome. I am looking forward to my growth as an actress and the unbelievable abilities of the cast. Kash is definitely a force to be reckoned with! I am excited and happy to be a part of the new cast and ready to give it all I got! Kash may call me stubborn (in the beginning I was). But I will be the best Nee Nee that ever stepped foot on stage LOL! GOKash Productions!

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Wolf Meat!!!

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Kash

I’ve been mesmerized by Lauren’s presence and abilities since I saw her in my colleague, Priest Tyaire’s hilarious play “Why Men Cheat”! From the beginning I could tell that she had star power and would be a joy to work with. Then she exhibited no shortage of confidence in e-mails to me telling me that she wanted to audition for “lead” roles in my plays. Who does that??? LOL! But, needless to say, time and fate aligned one another and I’m very happy that Ms. Shaye is on my team. Her official start was as one of the featured artists in my Improv show which was previously titled “Can’t Rehearse This!”. If you were there, you remember being floored by Lauren singing a freestyle improv scene about “wolf meat”!!! It’s a crowd favorite. We will be returning with the show under a new title 9/20 at Warmdaddy’s Restaurant in Philly!!! Fresh off of wrapping up shooting for her lead role in Floyd Marshall’s “The Coochie Wars, a story about Relationships”… You need to come see Lauren and the rest of the cast there as well as in the Philly Urban Theatre Festival (PUTF) productions of “VI Degrees” AND “VII Deadly Sins”!!!
But right now, settle for hearing her story about how this chapter has taken flight…

I play the role of Sherry in “VI Degrees”. I was informed about the audition for this Award Winning play by Mr. Kash Goins himself. When I walked into the room to audition I felt the natural nervousness but when I was greeted by Kash I immediately began to feel at ease. I even did a song and dance for Kash and his assistant director (Angelique Marshall)….lol. Being offered the part was an amazing feeling, I felt like I had been given the chance to be apart of something big, HUGE even. Reading the script from cover to cover was definitely different then watching it performed. I was able to see the depth in the characters and read through there journeys as people. It was real to me, no longer a play that I had saw on stage more than once. I saw where each character was coming from, even the most controversial characters. Connecting with my character (Sherry) was difficult on some degree because I felt that my fiance’, Solomon, was crying, begging, pleading for my time and… (KASH CUT ALL THIS PART OUT BECAUSE LAUREN TRIED TO GIVE AWAY THE WHOLE ENTIRE STORY!!!! SMH!)… goes so much deeper than his outside layers. I think that VI Degrees is one of the most powerful stories EVER known to man! It smacks you in the face and forces you to wake up. Life is not a game! We all have choices and there are serious consequences if we chose to not make the right one. VI Degrees screams for us to make the right decision. The Philadelphia Urban Theater Festival is history in the making, and I am amazingly humbled to be apart of it!

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“The Visit” from Kev…

Posted on August 22, 2010 by Kash

In late December and early January, when I was working closely with my longtime friend Kaloni Davis editing the VI Degrees movie, we would also look at footage from his film “The Visit” which he was editing concurrently. I had the pleasure of watching and noticing the craft from his lead actor Kevin Moore. I have this thing where while I am watching film and theatre projects I’m mentally filling my shelves with performers that I feel like I can “plug and play” in the roles of my purposefully complex and challenging characters. I wasn’t sure when the opportunity would come up, but I knew that Kevin would serve one of my characters (present or future) well.

When I conducted auditions for VI Degrees, I thought there was no reason to read anyone for the roles of Rich or Solomon. Solomon would be played by my fixture as GoKash’s leading man, Neil Carr in a role he has maintained since 2008 and grown exponentially. Rich would be played by my new Rich, a gentleman named Chris Davis who killed in the role of Rich in VII Deadly Sins in N.Y. after I respected his request to inform him of audition opportunities as a hungry and respectable actor when we met. Since then, Chris has obviously lost his damn mind and gone the disrespect route with me, so now the door opened up and I hand selected Kevin for the role after a re-introduction to his work in Darvin Milligan’s “Domestic Relations”. Since then, this talented performer has come into my team and mi familia and has shown the talent and work ethic that every director loves to wring out of an actor. So, I look forward to seeing what he will ultimately bring to the cunning and manipulative Rich in VI Degrees, and would love for you to see what he thinks of what we’ve been working on so far.  I don’t think this is a “Visit”, I think Kevin will be a GoKash fixture as long as opportunity allows.

I want to first say thanks to Kash and his growing production. I’ve always heard about Kash and his reputation for good screen and playwriting. I was surprised and honored when he reached out to me to perform as “Rich” in VI Degrees. To be honest I was somewhat nervous to do further research on his body of work, I was very impressed at what I saw and more impressed with his vision and technique to bring out the best performance in his actors. This is by far my most challenging role to date. I was hesitant about accepting the role of Rich in the beginning. But I saw so much in this character, so much to do. Kash has done a great job at creating new ideas for this character to explore. This is a good, talented cast! Everyone has their own color, unique style and creativity. I am so excited to perform this and can’t wait to feel and hear the audience response.

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Big Red’s!!!!

Posted on August 20, 2010 by Kash

Continuing the spotlight of my very new and exciting cast of “VI Degrees”, I would like to introduce Terrianne Pearson who will be reviving the role of Tamika. In moving on from the talented and recently relocated (NYC) Shalonda Johnson (whom I must admit is my favorite actress to have ever graced a scene with), I knew I needed a character who displayed certain characteristics instinctively. Of course, the things that are needed in most characters can be developed by most well equipped actors over time. But with Tamika being what she means to this story, I’ve learned to develop a very keen sense to pick up what I would like to see exhibited as early as the audition in her. With Terri… once again I think Tamika will deliver home all of these wonderful things that the audience is to receive through her.

I was told about Kash Goins from a girlfriend who saw some of his plays. She is actually not a big lover of theatre but stated to me how much she enjoys his plays and how talented he is. She also stated that I should really try to work with him. I knew at that moment that I had to find out more about Kash.
I myself had not had experienced the pleasure of going to see a Kash Goins production. My first step was to do some of my own research on Kash and connect with him on facebook. I looked at his website, read about his various productions and was impressed with the versatility of his work, how passionate and motivated he is. This is what helped me to decide that I wanted to be a part of the Go Kash Team.
During my audition as I was reading for a role, Kash said put that down and he gave me different sides to read from which I was not prepared for. It was intense and I was totally taken out of my comfort zone. Once I was finished he stated how he liked my audition. That audition confirmed for me his professionalism and how talented he was.
I was extremely excited to receive notification that I had landed the role which was Tamika. I have been acting for a few years now and this is a challenging role which allows me to take my talent to another level. Tamika is definitely a character that some people can relate to. Selfishness, greed, vulnerability, being a loving person are some of the characteristics that she possesses. Tamika is just one of the characters in this play that really open up your eyes about reality in today’s society.
Our rehearsals are a lot of fun and very informative which is great. Kash teaches the cast how to dig deep and build a foundation on each character which allows us to develop a connection with our roles and fully become that person. I am working with such a talented group of people who have great personalities and are very passionate about this art as I am.
This play will have you laughing, you may cry, and you will absolutely leave the theatre thinking about what you’ve just experienced and possibly relating it to your own life or the lives of others.
I am very honored to be a part of this wonderful experience. Learning from Kash Goins is a blessing. I was told that I would be an even better actress after this and I see it happening already. This is a big step in my career and the sky is the limit from this point. I will continue to work extremely hard at perfecting my craft and doing something that I have always loved.
Most of us have heard the famous saying and it is so true. “ IF YOU DO WHAT YOU LOVE, YOU WILL NEVER WORK ANOTHER DAY IN YOUR LIFE”.

The entrepreneurial Terri is also the operator of Big Red’s Waterice… follow her on http://twitter.com/BigRedsWaterice


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AMAZING “GRACE”

Posted on August 16, 2010 by Kash

One thing I make it a regular practice to do is to see as much theatre as I can in not only Philly, but surrounding areas like N.Y., Baltimore, N.J, and D.C. In doing so, I get to see some terrific productions and performances (and some that are not so terrific… being honest), get the opportunity to support fellow writers and producers and also have the opportunity to “scout” talent! It’s wonderful when you can invite someone out to audition, already having an idea of what they have to offer.

I met this fantastic young performer’s (little Grace) acquaintance while checking out my friend Karen Waller-Martin’s rendition of George C. Wolfe’s “The Colored Museum” at The Lab and knew that she would be a great addition to my GKP family. I sent an invitation to audition and the rest, as they say is history.

In the forthcoming inaugural Philly Urban Theatre Festival (PUTF), Grace will be featured in 3 Productions!!!

Let’s hear her perspective…

Knocking down anything that stands in her way

I found out about the audition from my director Kash Goins. He saw my performance in a play I performed in called “The Colored Museum”. Kash invited me to come out to audition for VI Degrees. This was my very first time hearing about the show so I wasn’t sure of all the expectations of the characters I was auditioning for. I heard that the show had been performed many times before, but I had actually never seen it in the theater. I tried to learn about the characters and the synopsis of the play as best as I could. I used the information off of the Internet, and from people who had previously seen the play performed. I walked into the audition with my best foot forward. I was very excited when I found out that I got the role of Lissy
During the first read of the script with the entire cast I got the understanding of what was going to happen throughout the play. The first thing I thought was, “Wow this play is going to be so much fun when the cast performs it!” The members of the cast were all so full of enthusiasm and had so much energy. Most of us were learning the play all at the same time. We all reacted with some of the same emotions, which I found very funny!
Our rehearsal processes are a lot fun. Kash starts off every rehearsal with some type of warm-up exercise. It allows the whole cast to interact with one another! During the rehearsals I love how Kash sits down with the entire cast. We go through every character and discuss our opinions of our characters and how we think they are connected to the other characters. It’s fun learning about the characters and it’s a big help when rehearsing the script, because there’s a better understanding among the cast. One thing I absolutely love about rehearsal is that the entire cast is always willing to help one another. That’s always great when the cast can work together as a team to achieve a successful outcome. Every time the cast comes to rehearsal we understand and put another piece of the puzzle together in the story.

I love my character Lissy because I can somewhat relate to her. We both are very independent, outgoing, organized, very busy, and very caring for our close friends and family. Even though we may have busy lives, when our family and friends need our help we are always there for them. In Lissy’s case she’s very concerned about some of the things that her brother Solomon is doing and that’s because she loves and cares deeply for him.
I think the story line is very well written and thought out. The issues are reality, and people need to know how someone’s thoughtless actions can change someone else’s life forever. I feel that this play will help people pay more attention to the consequences of their actions!!
I am very excited about the Philly Urban Theater Festival. I am not only working with “VI Degrees” with director Kash Goins, but I also have the honor of working with two other great plays. The second play is “The Colored Museum”, with director Karen Waller-Martin and a third play “When The Smoke Cleared”, with director Shenille Melton!! I am happy to have the opportunity to work with these directors and showcase the different characters in each role. I love how Kash Goins is giving many different playwrights the opportunities to showcase their talents as part of the Philly Urban Theatre Festival.
I am happy to be apart of this journey and I wouldn’t change it for anything!!

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Let Ms. Tina Dive into her bag of tricks!!!

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Kash

Hello world!!!

The local artistic community is rich with effort and the city is rich with enthusiasm about the forthcoming inaugural Philly Urban Theatre Festival (PUTF)!!!

As an active participant in the festival, GoKash Productions is full throttle in the rehearsal process for both “VI Degrees” and “VII Deadly Sins”. So what better time than now for you all to start hearing from some of the players who are gonna bring these stories to life.

I introduce to some and present to others (cliche’)… Ms. Sherri Fisher who now plays the role of Ms. Tina (the wedding coordinator) in “VI Degrees”. Some of you may remember Sherri in the HILARIOUS portrayal as Aunt Jessie’s partner in crime, Jen in “Man, I Shoulda Put a Ring On It!”. You will not be disappointed to see Sherri’s interpretation of the quirky wedding coordinator in a scene who’s first draft was actually written by my friend and event partner, Shereeta Green.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Sherri Fisher (warm applause)…

My experience with VI degrees has been mind blowing. I started the journey with VI degrees when it first came out. I was at the first show (in 2008 at The Painted Bride) and it was an experience of a life time. I couldn’t wait to see it flourish and develop. Who would have known that some years later I would be apart of this amazing journey. From the time I first met Tina played by Shereeta Green and now to have her as my own has truly been a life experience. I have come to love her for all that she has to offer the audience as well as the cast. She brings the lighter side of things in view but it’s just enough, she is memorable for her work but in no way becomes buffoonery. I quite enjoy playing this role.
Beyond Tina I have come to know and love 9 other cast members (Neil Carr, Kevin Moore, Ray Braxton, Kash Goins, Grace McKissick, Terrianne Pearson, Lauren Shaye, Cierra Davis, and Shonte Cherry) and a phenomenal assistant director (Angelique Marshall). They have taken their roles to new and higher heights. I tend to leave out of rehearsal full of emotion and thoughts that have to be processed with my family or friends. The roles that are played by these actors are nothing short of amazing. Words do not express the amount of respect I have for what it is that they bring to the stage. You live their roles with them, they become a part of you and you feel what it is that they are going through. VI degrees takes you from lows to highs in the matter of seconds. It is an experience that no one should miss and what makes it more enjoyable is that it’s REAL. These are not issues that are made up but tend to be realistic depictions of someone’s life. Maybe even someone you know? Kash’s mind is ridiculous and they way that he has developed these characters is magnificent. I continue to be amazed at how he uses what God has gifted him with. It is my honor to say that I am apart of the GoKash family and the VI degress cast.

Let’s get IT!

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PHILLY URBAN THEATRE FESTIVAL… PUTF!!!

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Kash

I haven’t been in touch for a while and am happy to do so today. 2010 has been such a prolific and busy year for me that I look up and it’s almost August already and I can’t believe it. A year that started off with the filming of the short film adaptation of “VI Degrees” in January (premiered in March), followed by the co-production and direction of “Tryna Get to Heaven on 15 Cents in Feb, Fences (Wilmington Drama League) in March, The Award Winning “VII Deadly Sins” in April, direction of “Intimate Chaos” in May, Philly debut of “Man, I Shoulda Put a Ring On It!” in June, launch of the Improv Show “Can’t Rehearse This!” in July and now the highly anticipated inaugural Philly Urban Theatre Festival from 9/20 – 10/10!!! Where does the time go???

Well, I don’t know where it goes but I sure do LOVE the journey!

Please take this next leg of the journey with me as I partner with some of the Philly region’s most talented playwrights to bring the PUTF directly to Rittenhouse Square at The Adrienne Theater (2030 Sansom St.) for 21 explosive nights of theatre. There will be 13 playwrights, 15 different productions, 21 days and 43 total productions!!! This is a renaissance and it’s history in the making! Don’t miss it!

All info that you need is at http://www.putf.org

Meet the Playwrights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io6d1_VZ2G8

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Game Time!

Posted on June 8, 2010 by Kash

What’s up world?

I’m very apologetic as I realized it’s been forever since I have updated. I’ve gotten so caught up in the magnitude of projects that are in full “go hard” mode, combined with those that are truly embryonic at the moment. It has been a roller coaster, but I’m enjoying every bit of it.

However, you know I love to check in from time to time!… So, how about some updates on what’s transpiring at the moment.

I received a completed “fire hot” press kit for “VI Degrees – The Movie” from Dr. Margarita McKissick and it’s currently being used in conjunction with the actual DVD to build our national footprint. I would trust that you can expect to begin to hear multiple announcements and updates about where and when the film is gonna screen beginning in about 6 months or so. I’m so excited about what I know is soon to come with that!

In two days, we will be mounting our long awaited, much requested Philly debut of the Hit Stage play “Man, I Shoulda Put a Ring On It!” at the Bonnell Auditorium (CCP) at 1700 Spring Garden St. We have been working tirelessly on this project to make sure it’s even funnier than before and that the acting moments are even crispier and more intense than before. With the early momentum on tickets, the public has spoken regarding it’s desire to see our work and I look forward to big things this Thursday.

Right on the heels of that… on Friday… I will be launching a new Improv show in conjunction with the fabulous Ms. Cynthia Tyre of Front Stage Fridays productions. This show will go up every 2nd Friday of the month and is sure to be LOADS and LOADS of fun! The title, just as implied (it’s IMPROV)… is “Can’t Rehearse This”. We are looking forward to meeting new talent and doing new things to create additional atmospheres where creative expression is celebrated.

Oh… did I forget… Wed 6/9 is the official audition for the GoKash Productions and A. Walker Productions collaboration of “Catch A Dog, Skin a Dog… How Men Cheat”. This is the stage play adaptation of April’s new novel “More than One Way to Skin a Dog!”. We are holding auditions at The Loft, located at 4102 Germantown Avenue.

Then (and I will stop here), we will debut the NYC Downtown Urban Theatre Festival Award Winning Drama “VII Deadly Sins” on 6/27 at Delaware Theatre Company in DE.

I got all of that out of my head and down on paper (computer), so now maybe it will get outta my head and stop screaming at me! This grind is hard work and takes a lot of dedication. I recognize that’s why so many jump in and jump out with any real longevity. But, 3 years in… I’m proud to still be getting stronger and pushing through the struggles that come with it. It’s also good to feel the rewards when they come. I also refuse to be sidetracked by those things that “appear” to be glitzy, shiny, nor trendy. I’m an artist first and have a commitment to my craft and my BRAND… everything else, including financial gain comes second! So, that’s where the work, as tedious as it may be lies. That’s where the rewards are buried.

I just wanted to stop by and touch base with you. Hopefully, if you’re local to the Philly area, I will see you out this Thursday when we bless the stage with big, big laughs!!! I’m looking forward to swapping energy and positivity with my peeps. Deuce Deuces! Let’s Get It!

KGee

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Stream of Conciousness

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Kash

I was told that I was supposed to use Twitter as my “stream of conciousness”… I know I keep spelling that wrong, but who cares???

But my “stream of conciousness” is usually too long for 100 characters or whatever. I’m long winded at times. At other times, my Attention Deficit disorder takes my thoughts on unrelated tangents. Twitter folk would think I’m nuts if I shared every thought as it occurred. Right now I’m wondering why that man with one tooth continued to smile so brightly yesterday… even as I type about something totally different… get the picture yet.

Anywho… what has happened since we last touched base? I had the amazing opportunity to direct… hold on, it’s a rare instance where I have my facebook instant message feature open and someone just hit me up. I’ll be right back… Ok, as I was saying… Last weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to direct an amazingly entertaining play called “Intimate Chaos” which is a book adaptation by author / playwright Cheril Clarke. She also penned the novel. There was an extremely diverse audience (which I strive to capture so that I can really step out of any commercial boundaries of my work) that seemed to enjoy every single moment of it. Shouts to Tiffany Barrett, Nicole Tucker, Ray Braxton, Nichelle Patrice, and Daira Guerra for really investing into the characters and the story and stepping outside of themselves. It’s what I call “going in”!

On the 2nd night, Tiff came up to the show and stayed with me in North Jersey so that we could spend the next day which was my birthday and Mother’s Day in NYC taking in some theatre. I tried for weeks to catch some desperate person on craigslist selling their “Fences” (starring Denzel Washington) tickets online to no avail. I didn’t want to sit in the balcony or pay $300 each for Orchestra seats so I thought this was my best bet. It didn’t work, but we went to the TKTS booth and bought tickets for “Race” starring David Spader, David Alan Grier and Kerry Washington and I must say while enjoyable, it left some things to be desired. A messy, unhealthy, yet very tasty meal at Dallas BBQ closed out the chilly day and then it was back to the Subway, NJ Transit and back to the car…. It was a fun and rewarding weekend!

Now this week… I’ve been driving the “Man, I Shoulda Put a Ring On It!” product as it’s one month from it’s long awaited Philly Premiere. I’ve also finished the “pre-planning” for the DE introduction to our Award Winning play “VII Deadly Sins”… coming 6/27. I will be announcing that officially within a day or so as well. So… busy, busy, busy… but I love it!!! Cynthia Tyre (who happens to be a simply AMAZING Delawarean that I’m already doubly blessed for meeting) and I have worked on some wonderful collaborative things around VII Deadly and another project pending announcement soon. And I was invited to be a judge in the Philadelphia portion of the Miss Black America pageant. Part of that winner’s experience will be a walk on part in “Man, I Shoulda Put a Ring On It!”… Again, a diversity of experiences and opportunities are what help to drive me!

This would have taken 4 years to put on Twitter and I would have looked like a nutcase doing it!

Talk to you later!

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