This is a community theatre production under Equity Contract. 

About the play: 

The story follows two friends united by their common goal of making a difference in the Black community. Drawing inspiration from The Black Panther Party, they devote their time to volunteering at a community center in Washington, D.C. 

The play explores themes of social responsibility, the impact of grassroots activism, and the personal sacrifices involved in building community and achieving progress. Ultimately, leading both characters to a poignant crossroads of activism and ideology. Through a blend of tension, nostalgia, and emotional confrontation, the story encapsulates the struggle for social justice in contemporary urban landscapes.

The story captures the fight for social justice in today’s urban settings. The goal is to take viewers on a journey and inspire them to get involved with grassroots organizations in their own communities. 

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the following organizations, which are owned by black women. They need volunteers and donations. 

My Friend's House Foundation (www.myfriendshousela.org)

1244 E. 7th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Contact: Tiffany Rose - IG: @wefeedthehungry
Volunteers needed every Wednesday from 11:45am to 2:30pm - Address: 540 S. San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA.  

Jireh's Place (www.jirehsplace.org)
Focus: Youth group mentoring program for kids facing education, economic and social challenges. 
Contact: Dr. Shakina Dunbar Rawlings
Email: [email protected]

Oscar Grant Foundation (www.oscargrantfoundation.org)
Focus: Scholarship programs, AAU basketball, law enforcement training 
27779 Coronado Way
Hayward, CA 94545
Contact: Rev. Wanda Johnson

Coalition of Concerned Mothers (www.cocmothers.org) 
Focus: Community violence and mass incarceration
P.O. Box 1625
Upper Marlboro, MD 20773
Contact: Marion Gray-Hopkins
Telephone: 301-875-6023
Email: [email protected]

THE CAST:

Marty Austin Lamar is an accomplished educator, singer, musician, and songwriter. A proud graduate of the Florida A&M University's School of Business and Industry, Marty furthered his education at the University of Florida where he received his Master of Fine Arts degree (MFA) in acting. Marty is a member of the Actor’s Equity Association. Marty's creative and original sacred works have been featured on the Millennium Stage at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the historic Metropolitan AME Church of Washington, DC, and in the Washington Post for his leadership of the 6th in the City Chorus of The Historic 6th and I Synagogue.  He has also been a featured writer for the African American Lectionary and The Shakespeare Theatre Company.  Marty has served as a guest lecturer at Carnegie Melon University, University of Southern California, and the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts.

Theatrical credits include: Miss Ever’s Boy’s (Hodman), Off-Broadway; Paradise Blue (Corn) Studio Theatre; RAGTIME (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.) 5 Star Theatricals; Ain't Misbehavin' (Ken) Ebony Repertory Theatre; The Amen Corner (Brother Davis), Shakespeare Theatre Company; Little Shop of Horrors (Voice of Audrey II; Helen Hayes Nominee ) , Constellation Theatre; SPUNK (Folkman 2); ELF (Mr. Greenway), Olney Theatre; On the Brink (Storyteller), The Kennedy Center; Let Freedom Ring Concert (Dr. King), The Kennedy Center; Choir Boy (Headmaster), The Studio Theatre; Five Guys Named Moe (Big Moe); Ragtime (The Attorney, Ensemble), Portland Center Stage; Big River (Jim), Mill Mountain Theatre; Hairspray (Seaweed), Weathervane Theatre; College: The Musical (Jay) Hippodrome Theatre; Lysistrata (Phaedrus) Athens, Greece; Dreamgirls (James “Thunder” Early) The Essential Theatre; Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope (Preacher, Lead), The Essential Theatre; CROWNS (Male), The Essential Theatre; The Exonerated (David), McGuire Blackbox; La Traviata (Barone), Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. 

Sierra Nicolette Smith is an American actress born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A graduate of Rutgers University, Sierra began her film career in International Publicity, before transitioning into acting. She is a Meisner Technique trained actress, and member of the Towne Street Theatre company. Sierra splits her time between Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta. She is a member of the Actor’s Equity Association. 

Theatre credits include For Colored Girls, 12 Angry Jurors, Wedlock of the Gods, and True Colors: Ain't No Mo'. On screen credits include Season 3 of P-Valley (STARZ), Snowfall (FX) and Station 19 (ABC). 

Nakita Toliver is an American actress, writer and community activist. She has appeared in several film, television, and theatre productions. You may have seen her in Behaving Badly, Dodge City or Never Heard. Nakita studied at Lee Strasberg in New York while also training with Susan Grace Cohen and Tony Greco. 

Theatre credits include In the Blood (Off-Broadway) Welfare Lady; Cover (Off-Broadway); DIANE (Off-Broadway); Natasha (Off-Broadway) News Reporter.  Screen credits include And Just Like That, Never Heard, Behaving Badly, Dodge City and a number of short films. 

Elisa Perry, Director & Costume & Set Designer

Recently directed Lillian Hellman’s “The Children’s Hour” at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. Elisa’s “passion for fashion and interior design” gave her the drive and enjoyment to also, serve as costume and set designer for this production.  

After landing in Hollywood, it didn't take long for Philadelphia native Elisa Perry (pronounced E-Lisa) to land the plum role of Miss Wilson, the principal, on the seminal comedy Everybody Hates Chris. She has continued making star turns ever since; in the Emmy-nominated show Godless on Netflix starring Jeff Daniels, in the film Roman J. Israel, Esq, alongside Oscar winner Denzel Washington, and worked alongside other Academy winners, Brad Pitt, Viola Davis, Colin Ferrell, and Cicely Tyson. She has worked with award-winning directors such as Steven Spielberg, Scott Frank, and Dan Gilroy. Her work on stage has garnered her a NAACP Theater nomination for her role as Delia in Pearl Cleage's "Blues For An Alabama Sky," and critical acclaim for her work in Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin In The Sun," and William Gibson's "The Miracle Worker."

Elisa caught the acting bug after viewing idols Diahann Carroll in the Hollywood classic Paris Blues and Diana Sands in A Raisin In The Sun. The late Sandy Dennis was a huge inspiration to Elisa after she saw her work in films Splendor in the Grass and Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf. The actress studied at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York and later spent several years performing on stage and appearing in several independent films and television commercials. Elisa even lent her talents to the world of comedy for a time, performing stand-up to US troops in Kuwait, Iraq, and Kosovo. But acting remains Elisa's true passion.