NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University Theatre and Dance will present the play “Intimate Apparel” April 24-28 in Theatre West. Performance times are April 24-27 at 7:30 p.m. and April 27-28 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and $12 for senior citizens. Northwestern State, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts students are admitted free with a current student I.D. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intimate-apparel-tickets-807267437637?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Writer and director Layon Gray is the guest director.
“’Intimate Apparel’ delves into the complexities of love, class and race in early 20th century America,” said Gray. “As a director, my aim is to bring these themes to life on stage through powerful performances from these talented actors at NSU and thought-provoking visuals that will leave the audience moved and inspired. Through this production, we hope to shed light on past struggles while also sparking important conversations about contemporary issues that still resonate today.
Gray believes “Intimate Apparel” holds a crucial significance in today’s society.
“It pushes us to reflect and challenge societal norms,” said Gray. “It sheds light on the complexities of relationships, both romantic and platonic, ultimately inspiring us to broaden our understanding and empathy for one another. Delving into the raw emotions and struggles of its characters, this play serves as a powerful motivator for change and progress in our modern world.”
The cast is Maria McIntyre of Shreveport as Esther, Charlysse Casma of Baton Rouge as Mrs. Dickson, Kylan Williams of Lafayette as George, Valerie Henderson of Covington as Mrs. Van Buren, William Kielwasser of Monroe as Mr. Marks and Andrew Mouton of Lafayette as Mayme.
Madisen Martin of Bossier City is the stage manager and Landon Kately of Parks and Preston Rasco of Baton Rouge are assistant stage managers. Joyous Celestine of Lafayette is assistant director. Destyne Castilla-Carter of Huntsville, Texas, is the front house manager. Imani Fleury of New Orleans is the costume designer and Kalyssa Mall of Bossier City is the assistant costume designer and wardrobe head. The dressers are Elizabeth Campbell of Iowa, Caden Hyde of Lake Charles and Haleigh Miller of Singer.
Mackenzie Brown of Lake Charles is the hair and makeup head. The hair and makeup crew are Leslie Israel of Lake Charles, Faith Martin of Alexandria and Ava Schorr of Thibodaux. Jackson Holoubek of Shreveport is the sound designer and Cole Becton of Lake Charles is the sound board operator. Quinton Coleman of Clarence is the lighting designer and Tyler Sibley of Alexandria is the light board operator.
Max Hebert of Cut Off is the assistant change artist. Piper Dearing of Lake Charles is assistant technical director. Cady Brown of Effie is the deck crew head. The deck/props crew is Peter Cannata of Kenner and Damari Padilla of Lafayette.
Elizabeth Guy Lofton is the costume shop manager and Jessica Parr is costume design advisor. Andy Killion is the lighting and sound advisor and Will Sawyer is scenic designer and change artist. Robert Richoux is technical director. Karn Richoux is management advisor. Publicity design is by Jerry Witman. Dr. Sean Bartley is the intimacy coordinator.
Gray is a native of Alexandria and has earned more than 60 nominations and awards for his works. Among the honors are: 2021 Broadway World Awards for (Best Director, Best Actor, Best Play, Best Production of the Year) for his play “Cowboy,” 2021 NYC AUDELCO Award for “Kings of Harlem,” 2019 Detroit Distinguished Playwright Award. 2018 Miami Carbonell Awards (Best Director, Best Ensemble, Best Production) for his play Kings of Harlem, 2016 Broadway League Fellowship, 2012 NYC Inspire Award, 2012, Al Sharpton Man of Vision Award, 2012 PCTF Award (Best Director) 2010 NY AUDELCO Award (Achievement Award for Excellence) 2009 NAACP Award (Best Ensemble Award); 2009 Hollywood ADA Award (Best Ensemble Award); to name a few.
“Black Angels Over Tuskegee,” his play about the Tuskegee Airmen tours all around the country and has been commissioned by the NFL, U.S. Army, and The Smithsonian Institute among others. It is in development for a Broadway run in 2025.
His play “Cowboy,” the story of Bass Reeves, the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal comes Off-Broadway May 25. He is putting the final touches to his two-man play about Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx titled Foxx/Pryor with a scheduled workshop production in New York this fall.
His new play “Feed The Beast,” which sheds light on the Tuskegee Medical Experiments, will premiere in July in North Carolina at the International Black Theatre Festival. He is currently crafting a fresh musical titled “New Orleans” in the prestigious BMI Musical workshop located in Manhattan. The story takes place during Hurricane Katrina and is narrated from the perspective of a survivor. It showcases how the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history could shine a beacon of light on the living and the many tears shed for the lost babies of the city.
For more information on Gray log on to www.LayonGray.com or follow him on Instagram @LayonGray.
