VASSARmagazine.Com "The New Urban Editorial on Life"
Jezebel Ain't Dead
by Maurice McCormick
Whoever thinks that Black Urban Theater is dead obviously has not seen any of the PLUS Size Productions plays, which are produced, written, and directed by the talented Elizabeth Nonie. A couple of weeks ago, we were asked to come out and review her latest play in the Ain’t Series, Jezebel Ain’t Dead. To our surprise, we were totally blown away by the incredibly talented actors and actresses who graced the stage to bring this thought-provoking masterpiece to life.
The play’s main focus is dealing with control issues (Jezebel), and the connection of a close-knit community learning to find balance in their lives and to work as one for a common good. As the play goes on, you can see how jealousy and misunderstanding leads to a lot of conflict and flaring tempers.
When the play first begins, you see Psalm Thomas (played by Ayesha S. Traylor) and Loretta (played by Toni Lynice) having a conversation in the church hall about erupting issues between Pastor Thomas (played by Jonus Miller) and Pharaoh (played by Jeremiah Glover). Out of nowhere, here comes Pastor Thomas and Pharaoh bursting through the church hall screaming at each other over the fact that Pastor Thomas will not allow a basketball court to be built on church grounds. Now I have never seen Hell on earth, but after that scene I would have to say that the Devil does come to church every Sunday. You can literally see a man of God fight not to give in to the weakness of the flesh.
We now move on to the second eruption of emotions and attitude as we meet the employees and customers of the local movie rental store. First, let me say this: Each of these characters is definitely someone you know or have dealt with in your life. We have our young and beautiful Nicolette (played by LaToya Dotson) who seems to be the “perfect” overachiever employee. And of course at every store we have to find that angry employee who can look at you and rip every shred of self esteem right out of your soul. I am talking about none other than Katrina (played by Melanie Reif), the master of destruction and chaos. To balance off the employee pool is John (played by Dillard Taylor Jr.) a man of God in his own rights. Oh my, let’s not forget about the customer, Whitney (played by Melanie Davis), who thinks that because of the political position of her spouse, rules do not apply to her.
As the play continued, I found myself connecting to each character as each one fought with their own internal demons, while looking to God for a deeper understanding. Unfortunately, it took a severe natural disaster to bring them together as one for the good of their community.
On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, I give this play a sound 5 for the incredible talents of the actors and actresses, and especially the creative writing and directing of Elizabeth Nonie. Great job, cast! I can’t wait to see The Family Mess Expert on March 21 and 22. Make sure you check out PLUS Size Productions’ website at www.chicagoplaywrightelizabeth.com for the latest up-to-date information on current and future productions.
Born and raised in Chicago, Elizabeth has acted in four independent files, which include: The Coldest Word, Actually Adieu My Love, Silver and Gold and most recently, Helena. Elizabeth loves practicing her dialect skills and can speak three dialects: Southern, New York and Russian. She is currently producing the “Ain’t Series” and has plays ready for production. In addition, she has also written, directed and produced a 20+ episode Christian children’s series. When not directing\writing plays and skits for the stage and acting, she loves to study the Bible, travel and mimic accomplished film actors. She tanks God For the gifts and her family and friends for their support.
Ayesha is a Chicago native who, as a teenager, was always encouraged to engage in the arts and entertainment sector. However, Ayesha wanted to first pursuit a college education and did successfully obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Ayesha spent the majority of her working career behind computes in cubical spaces and answering telephones. Wanting more for herself and her family as well as being rekindled with her desires for the arts and entertainment industry. Ayesha took an interest in modeling. Realizing her potential, Ayesha also took an interest in acting and is proud to announce that this is her theatrical debut. Ayesha would like to thank God, her family, friends and Elizabeth Nonie for this wonderful opportunity and all their words of encouragement and support.
This is Toni’s third performance in a Plus Size Production. She was last seen portraying the sassy bartender in He Ain’t Cheatin, She Is, written and directed by Elizabeth Nonie. Previously, she was cast in another Plus Size Production: The Grass Ain’t Greener, also written and directed by Elizabeth Nonie, as the lead actress Joy who was anxious to get married. A few of her credits include performances in Shore & The Sea, several new Branch Theater Company productions which include: The Mark, Murder at The Disco and A Soldier’s Play and an independent film Abused Authority with Director Faith Diggs. Toni wants to thank her husband John & her daughters Keisha, Brianna & Halaina for understanding how time consuming this work can be. Toni also gives thanks to Elizabeth for the opportunity to work in yet another one of her outstanding plays.
Jonus is a native of Chicago and is thrilled that he was cast in another one of Elizabeth Nonie’s plays. Currently, he is portraying the character Ace in Urban Relations, written and directed by Elizabeth Nonie. In January, 2008, he portrayed the dirty brother-in-law Jerry in He Ain’t Cheatin’, She Is, also written and directed by Elizabeth Nonie. Jonus would like to thank his family and friends for their support and love. He would also like to thank Elizabeth for giving him another great opportunity.
This is Jeremiah’s debut performance with Plus Size Productions but definitely not his first time on the stage. He has performed in School Daze,Class of 2005, The Chicago Black Renaissance and most recently, The Infinite Dreamer. He would like to thank God for blessing him and his family and friends for their support.
LaToya Dotson is a talented young actress, dancer and poet who strives to make a difference in the lives of others through art in its many forms. She has studied under the tutelage of Okoro Johnson and Ranako Jahi of ETA Creative Arts Foundation where she got her start in 1992. Her workds include The Positive Evolution of Bongo Baker and Konvergence (both with ETA Creative Arts Foundation), Fences, the Courtroom (with JUSTUSarts), and Oleanna (with the AJ Ensemble). LaToya also performs and writes poetry and is currently working to publish her contribution to literature “Life and Love: A Collection of a Black Girl’s Thoughts”. She would like to thank her devoted family and friends for showing their continued support.
Dillard is a native of Chicago and writes music, poetry, raps, models and studies architecture. He was last seen as Nathaniel in the Grass Ain’t Greener. When not on the stage Dillard loves to travel and is a student at ITT Technical Institute. Dillard would like to thank his family and especially his mother for her hard work and the example she sets for him which has caused him to be the man he is today.
Melanie is thrilled to the cast in another Plus Size Production and was most recently seen in He Ain’t Cheatin’, She is, written and directed by Elizabeth Nonie. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Theatre. She has continued her studies at Act One Studios and Second City. Melanie has been in numerous stage and film productions and can be seen in the recently released DVD April fools. Melanie would like to thank her family, friends and Elizabeth for their continuous support. Your love will never be forgotten.
American born but raised abroad, Melanie showed a passion for the arts beginning at the age of five when she became involved in school; and then later, in community theatre. She looks forward to acting full time someday. Some of her previous projects include the lead role of, “Ms. Jackson” in the television pilot, Unto the Least of These, a minor role in the independent film, Holiness in Time, and she was recently featured as an extra of “ER”.
