A new show has been added. On August 24, 2024, 4 Daughters Minus One, 2000 A.D. will return to Marygrove Conservancy Detroit campus. Sports fans will get a kick out of former Brother Rice High School and former University of Cincinnati running back, John Goebel, playing the Master of Ceremony charged with maintaining order since the royal members are sometimes unaware of protocol while taping the 21st Century Literary Award Ceremony in honor of Father Yahweh played by actor William Wade. Wade received a Bachelors of Science degree in Music from the University of North Alabama and is a Minister who serves at Kings and Priests church with his wife. His repertoire ranges from Coalhouse Walker Jr. in "Ragtime" to portraying Dr. Martin Luther King in "The Mountain Top."
As they say the show must go on in spite of a surprised appearance by the uninvited Royal Daughter, Queen Jezebel, played by Amanda Almanzar from Bronx, New York, who delights in crashing the event as other Royal Daughters witness unexpected episodes occurring at this royal ceremony caused by Jezebel. Almanzar is a graduate from Oakland Community College.
The supporting cast includes University of Michigan alumnus, MacKenzie Mollison (Go Blue), who will play Queen Bathsheba. Spartan fans will enjoy Ebony Battle who received a Bachelors of Fine Arts from MSU. Ebony brings to life the story of Ruth, a young widow who dedicated her life caring for her mother-in-law. Actress/singer Padmaja Rao will play the role of Elizabeth, the mother of John-the-Baptist beheaded at the request of King Herod's wife.
Rao reflects on one of her greatest honors having the opportunity to perform Broadway musical numbers for American civil rights activist, Ms. Rosa Parks and her family.
As the line of the play says, "...last, but certainly not least of the Royal Daughters" is Alpha Bourne who will take the stage as the Woman at the Well. According to Biblical scripture, this woman had five husbands then she had an encounter with Jesus who in the words of Alpha, "read her mail" and told her that the man she was currently living with was not her husband. Rosalyn McGee plays the Woman Server who has a few words for Ms. Jezebel. McGee is a native Detroiter who credits Detroit School of Arts (DSA) for igniting her passion for theatre. She later received her undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University in Communications & Theatre Arts. The director says, Rosalyn had me laughing when I reviewed her audition tape. She has that beautiful comedic timing like Marla Gibbs in The Jeffersons. Audiences will delight in this comedic drama as old and new testament saints meet up at the fictitious 21st Century Literary Award Ceremony.
Director and Cast Share Thoughts
Timberly Robinson, writer and director says, "Like in any family there is love, bickering and awkward moments when accusations are made and some family members must have that 'come to Jesus moment' to address truths instead of perception. I am probably the actors biggest fan as they allow the script to take them on this emotional journey.' After the first rehearsal, the director who also has a doctorate from Wayne State University in research and evaluation, asked actors for their thoughts. Rao stated, "I felt like I was having an out of body experience" and another actor agreed. Almanzar, who played the role of Ruth last year gives insight about taking on the role of one of the most evil queens mentioned in the Bible, Jezebel. "She is really a complicated person." Bourne said, "You're not expecting this."
Will Wade who plays Father Yahweh says, "We really need this story" because of issues families are dealing with today. Wade continues to say, "Certain family members have that problem. We have that bad egg that you're trying to pull for and they just don't understand ...all the love that you're pouring out to them." To learn more about the cast, visit the Blog section of the website www.4daughtersminusone.com
About Luvinwhatido Productions, LLC
In 2022, the production company was formed and 4 Daughters Minus One, 2000 A.D became the first play written and produced by the director. The mission is to provide audiences with entertainment that will create everlasting joyful memories. The vision is to provide opportunities for individuals to use or develop their craft in professional performing arts environments.
For the past two years, the production company has set aside complimentary tickets for youth living in transitional housing (Detroit Covenant House and Alternatives for Girls) to attend the show along with seniors (Detroit Area of Aging). This year, the focus is on the military in honor of men and women like one of our cast members, Manny Mosley, who is a father, actor and currently serves as First Sergeant in the Michigan Army National Guard, contributing 22 1/2 years of dedicated service. The production company is funded by Robinson. We have a small budget and I am thankful for patrons and donors who hear about the play or see it and then are led to give financially.
This year Robinson is also pleased to return to Marygrove Conservancy. The incentives offered allow us to lower the price of tickets since production costs have decreased. We have discount rates for students and seniors. Ticket prices range from $15 - $27.50. The campus also offers free secured parking in close walking proximity to the theatre building. For more information about tickets, click link below or email marketing@4daughtersminusone.org.
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