3 minute read
Sunflowered
A Note from the Author of "Sunflowered"
by Lachrisa Grandberry
From the very beginning, before characters, dialogue, lyrics, or even an idea of what this story could be was written down, we knew we wanted to honor the rich, magical, and beautiful bond of women. Women, who are so much more than we often comprehend. Women, who so graciously and generously serve as the glue that keeps this world intact. Women, who bear physical, emotional, and mental pain and yet still find a way to offer so much good to those around them. This story was always meant to honor the not so hidden gems of our society, women. And then there is time. Something we so often take for granted, and forget both how much and how little of it we have. Time seems invisible, hard to grab hold of, and yet so full of stuff. Sunflowered is an exploration of the good times, the bad times, the hard times, the fun times, the adventurous times, the still times, the painful times, and the simple times. When you watch these six women come into the Wisconsin woods, you’ll find yourself rooting for all of them, because you’ll recognize that they are all of us.
In this story, through the powerful display of sisterhood and friendships we see what it means to take on the challenge of figuring out how to make moments count while navigating the whirlwinds of life. Now more than ever, I understand how important it is to make time for my peaceful place, which is the woods; connect with community, who, for me, tend to be my sistah friends; slow down and breathe, something I don’t do often enough; and love out loud because I don’t want to miss my chance to.
My life is surrounded, I believe, by some of the most amazing women in the world. Women who challenge me, inspire me, teach me, and push me. I admire their strength and resilience. And from those women, this story was born. So to all the women I ever knew, thank you. I am who I am because of you.
Sunflowered
Book by Lachrisa Grandberry & Aidaa Peerzada
Lyrics by Lachrisa Grandberry
Music by Lachrisa Grandberry & Alissa Rhode
Co-Directors Alexis J. Roston & Molly Rhode
Music Director Alissa Rhode
Music Arrangements Alissa Rhode
Orchestrations Alissa Rhode, Dennis Keith Johnson, John Lewis
Stage Manager Shawn Galligan*
Asst. Stage Manager Heather Sopel
Costume Designer Jos N. Banks
Lighting Designer David Alley
Scenic & Props Designer Lisa Schlenker
Cast of Characters
Shayla.................................................................Lachrisa Grandberry* Danielle..........................................................................................TBD Rain.......................................................................Ayanna Bria Bakari* Marthie.......................................................................Alexis J. Roston* Frankie.............................................................Solana Ramirez-Garcia Jackie...................................................................................Anna Cline
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Musicians: Alissa Rhode | Dennis Keith Johnson | John Lewis | Adam Cain
"Sunflowered" is sponsored by Door County Medical Center, Jason Feldman Landscapes in honor of Pat Feldman, Peninsula Pulse, The Women’s Fund of Door County
