September 30–November 1 2015 | by Nambi E. Kelley | directed by Ilesa Duncan | music composition/direction by Jaret Landon | produced in association with The Goodman Theatre and Chicago Dramatists
Kelley’s new play is the story of one woman’s journey to unravel a history that she’s never been told. Through music, memory and magic, FOR HER AS A PIANO traces the lives of three generations of women, and how they are interconnected across time, space, and remembrance.
Nambi E. Kelley
Nambi has penned plays for Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, and Court Theatre, American Blues, Lincoln Center in New York, and internationally. Most recently, her adaptation of Native Son was presented to critical acclaim at Court Theatre in co-production with American Blues Theatre. Nambi is also a professional actress, most recently closing the critically acclaimed Two Trains Running at the Goodman Theatre, and has been seen on television in Person of Interest, Madam Secretary, Elementary, and Chicago PD. Nambi guest lectures at Lake Forest College, University of Illinois at Chicago, has a BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University, and an MFA in interdisciplinary arts from Goddard College. For more information, visit www.nambikelley.com
photo credit: Emily Schwartz
CAST
Toya Turner: Sarah
Camille Robinson: Piano
Nadirah Bost: Mary
Toni Lynice Fountain: Delores
Dushon Brown: Motha Ku/Dirk
Nicole Michelle Haskins: Motha Mawu/Bill
Monette McLin: Motha Gbadu/Ensemble
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION TEAM
Lauren Nigri, Scenic Designer
Jared Gooding, Lighting Designer
Aaron Quick, Sound Designer
Brittany Bodley, Costume Designer
Mealah Heindenreich, Props Designer
Catherine Allen – Production Manager
Caitlin Body – Stage Manager
Jess Leeseberg – Production Assistant
MEET THE ARTISTS
TOYA TURNER (Sarah) honed her acting skills in Shakespearean classics including Olivia in Twelfth Night and Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet. She also developed a voiceover and commercial career with major brands such as McDonalds, Dove and Walmart. Toya’s first job on camera was working with Rosie O’Donnell and Ruby Dee in America (Lifetime/Sony). She appeared in NBC’s Chicago Fire and can be seen in FOX’s Empire this fall. www.IAmToya.com
CAMILLLE ROBINSON (Piano) Recent theater credits include: Stick Fly (Windy City Playhouse), Murder Ballad (Bailiwick Chicago), More Than A Miracle: A Nativity Story (Congo Square Theatre) and Hair (American Theater Company).
NADIRAH BOST (Mary) Recent credits include: Chicago Fire, Mind Games, True Blood, SnakeBite Protection, Holidaze, 227, Stranger Than Fiction, and Doubt.
TONI LYNICE FOUNTAIN (Delores) Her many theater credits include her portrayal of Gertrude Murphy Ward in Clara, which landed her a Black Theater Alliance 2013 nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical; Candy Lady in HooDoo Love, under the direction of True Blood’s Nelsan Ellis. Toni also has a few film & television credits including OWN Network in 2014. She appeared in Wanda Sykes’ parody remake film of Oprah’s theme song on the comedy show Herlarious.
DUSHON MONIQUE BROWN (Motha Ku/Dirk) was last on stage as Queenie in Hope VI at Chicago Dramatists. Other theater credits include productions at ETA, Chicago Theatre Co. (Shakin the Mess Outta Misery, Journal of Ordinary Thought, Train is Comin’, Love Child, Rabbit’s Foot), MPAACT (MiLK, Christ T), Lifeline (Praying for Sheetrock), Apple Tree (Once on This Island), Steppenwolf Arts (Our Town, Division Street), The Goodman (Amen Corner), and Piven Theatre Workshop (Because They Have No Words). Brown has received Joseph Jefferson and Black Theater Alliance Award nods. Film credits include The Dilemma (comedic outtakes), Unexpected, One Small Hitch, and A Light Beneath Her Feet. Television credits include Shameless, Boss, Nurse Katie Welch on Prison Break, an upcoming appearance on Empire, and the recurring role of Connie on Chicago Fire.
NICOLE MICHELLE HASKINS (Motha Mawu/Bill) Fostering a love for storefront theatre and congested public transit, Nicole packed up her cat and song book and carried her near 6ft frame to the steps of Chicago’s theatre community where she is proud to call herself a Chicago Actor. www.NicoleMichelleHaskins.com
MONETTE McLIN (Motha Gbadu) Some credits include the staged reading of Lydia R. Diamond’s Stage Black for MPAACT, Dog & Pony Theatre, Best of the Box (Second City, Donny’s Skybox), Safe (Alcyone Festival), and in Memphis, TN: Intimate Apparel (Circuit Playhouse), Jar the Floor (Hattiloo Theatre), and For Colored Girls…(Mosaic Group).