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A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

There’s nothing quite like the change of seasons, especially here in Michigan. The snow melts, the flowers bloom and the road construction, well, I’m trying to keep this welcome letter positive.

For me, spring always brings forth a sense of renewal, change and hope: themes that align perfectly with today’s performance. We are so thrilled to be producing Douglas Lyons’ new play, a multi-talented artist who is not just an accomplished playwright, but composer and performer (I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Lyons onstage last month in the Broadway revival of Parade).

To bring forth this story of “Black Joy”, as he describes the play, is something that we are extremely proud to produce, and a new work that we know that audiences of all backgrounds can relate to and enjoy. And to have such a stellar cast and crew working hard to share that with you is like seeing a tree fresh with new buds as it basks in the spring sunshine.

Speaking of the sun, we hope you’ll attend May’s Benefit Concert Event: BRIGHT STARS starring Broadway’s Hannah Elless, May 12 & 13. This hometown star returns to the Farmers Alley stage, where she performed in shows like Blood Brothers & The Great American Trailer Park Musical, direct from Broadway where she starred in Godspell and originated the role of Margot in Bright Star. This night of food, drink and song will be celebrating our 15th season and feature some special guests who are ready to blow the roof of our theatre with their voices. Make your reservations today!

And don’t miss our final mainstage production of the year as the Tony and Pulitzer Prize Winning musical, RENT lights up our stage this summer, June 23–July 9. Tickets are on sale now!

Thank you so much for joining us for Chicken & Biscuits. Enjoy the spring and enjoy the show!

Robert Weiner

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Family drama is a narrative that we know all too well, as is loss. In Douglas Lyons’ Chicken & Biscuits the playwright
tells a story that combines both. Family gatherings and funerals have something of an overlap when you consider the
emotional elements with which they are packaged. Mothers, sisters, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, and loves, coming together for a bevy of confessions, opinions, vulnerability, and nostalgia-heavy anecdotes. As equally recognizable are some of the comedic tropes surrounding mediatized representations of Black family gatherings and Black religious ritual. Thankfully, Lyons doesn’t rely on cliché to forefront  harmful stereotypes. Instead, he asks us to look beyond caricature, and delve into the lives of the Jenkins family and the way they handle the turmoil proposed by a family secret.

While Lyons’ fast-paced dialogue and amazing character work are a blessing to behold, we as audience are also privy to a beautiful exploration of what it means when a family is forced to rally together for the betterment of the familial community. It is here that Chicken & Biscuits truly shines as this examination of family, both biological and found, is the groundwork upon which this powerfully poignant play is built. This message is not told through trauma or pain, but a joyous, beautiful journey that is rich with laughter and light. This offering is a timely and resonant celebration of Black sisterhood, the beauty of Black ritual, and a vital reminder that it does not matter through which lens we see love, it will always be the most magnificent thing.

Dr. Quincy Thomas, Director

Farmers Alley Theatre Staff

Joshua T. Weiner — President

Kathy Mulay — Vice President

Dan Guyette

Patricia Huiskamp

Alice Kemerling

Julie Nemitz

Charles Ofstein

Lanford J. Potts

Jack Hopkins

Sonya Bernard-Hollins

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Cast

Creative Team

Crew

Meet the Company

Demetria Thomas* (she/her)

Baneatta Mabry

Demetria earned a BA at Grand Valley State University, her MFA from the University of Houston Professional Actor Training Program, and is excited to be making her Farmers Alley Theatre debut! Regional credits include Eunice in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at American Players Theatre, DOUBT at New Stage Theater, Mistress Page in MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR at Michigan Shakespeare Festival, and Beatrice in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and Gertrude in HAMLET at Houston Shakespeare Festival. Television credits include guest appearances on CHICAGO FIRE (NBC Universal) and as a series regular on APB (Fox TV). Directing credits include OUR LADY OF 121ST STREET at the University of Houston, and FIGARO at Hope Rep, a 2021-2022 Wilde Award winner.

Von Washington Jr. (he/him)

Reginald Mabry

Von Washington Jr. certainly understands the value of an education. Growing up the son of a college professor and professional actress, Von has been exposed to his parents’ love for and expertise in written and verbal communications for as long as he can remember. As Executive Director of Community Relations for The Kalamazoo Promise (Promise), Von is tasked with being the spokesperson for The Kalamazoo Promise, which includes holding responsibility to key community stakeholders, managing media relations, and promoting a system of communication and information around a common vision of becoming an education community. Von arrived at The Promise after a long career with the Kalamazoo Public Schools where he served as principal of Kalamazoo Central High School from August 2007 to July 2012. While there, he enjoyed a visit in 2010 from President Barack Obama who selected that school for delivery of the first ever presidential commencement speech at a high school for its winning entry in the Race to the Top Commencement Competition. Von holds a bachelor’s degree from Western State University of Colorado and earned a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Western Michigan University. He has performed on stage and screen in several productions across the country. Most recently he appeared on the Farmers Alley stage in our 2014 production of CLYBOURNE PARK.

Avery Kenyatta (he/him)

Kenny Mabry

Avery Vonn Kenyatta is a Houston based actor and Intimacy Director. Select acting credits include DANCE NATION (Luke), IN THE BLOOD (Chilli/Jabber) TITUS ANDRONICUS(Aaron the Moor), THE COLORED MUSEUM (Miss Roj), ANGELS IN AMERICA (Belize), and THE CRUCIBLE (Danforth). He has a passion for actor advocacy and is extremely grateful to use his gift of storytelling in multiple ways. He is a certified Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors and has studied with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators. He holds a BFA from Western Michigan University and an MFA from the University of Houston's Professional Actor Training Program. Avery is delighted to be making his Farmers Alley debut!

Sam Hoffman (he/him)*

Logan Leibowitz

Sam is thrilled to make his Farmers Alley Theatre debut in CHICKEN AND BISCUITS. A recent graduate of Syracuse University (BFA Musical Theatre), he performed last summer as a vocalist in the production cast of the Regent Seven Seas Explorer cruise ship. Other credits include; "Jeb (Onstage Swing)" in Plaza Theatrical’s production of GRUMPY OLD MEN, "Man 5" in A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING at SU Dept. of Drama, WALMART LIVE with TBA Global, and a chorus member in MCP's PARADE and THE SECRET GARDEN at Lincoln Centre (conducted by Jason Robert Brown and Michael Kosarin, respectively). He is so grateful to bring Logan to life in this incredible play!

Darlene Dues (she/her)*

Beverly Jenkins

A hard core dog mom, Darlene is most known for Guest Starring in the role of Joyce, Season 2 of the Netflix Series ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK. Graduate of Southern Illinois University of Carbondale Film Credits: TO HAVE AND TO KILL, DAY OF THE FIGHT, EQUAL STANDARD

Aija Hodges (she/her)

La'Trice Franklin

A senior at Kalamazoo Central High School, Aija is ecstatic to be a part of a Farmers Alley production! A Merze Tate Explorer, Aija has performed at the Kalamazoo Civic, Face Off Theatre, and was Ti Moune in the Kalamazoo Central High School production of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. She would like to thank her younger sisters for their encouragement, and her grandparents for supporting her always. She would also like to thank her mother and father.

Marissa Harrington (she/her)

Simone Mabry

Marissa is a founding member and the Artistic Director of Face Off Theatre Company and graduate of Western Michigan University’s Theatre Program. She has directed numerous productions in Kalamazoo including: Bob Marley’s THREE LITTLE BIRDS at Farmers Alley Theatre, THE PIANO LESSON by August Wilson, GREASE at Hackett Catholic Prep High School, IN THE HEIGHTS at Kalamazoo Central High School, THE LEARNED LADIES at Kalamazoo College, DANCING GRANNY at WMU, as well as several FOTC productions (BEEN LOVING YOU, CHAIN, THE MOUNTAINTOP, THE COLORED MUSEUM, and DREAMGIRLS). Marissa has also performed in several productions including RUINED, TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING, DETROIT 67, and BY THE WAY MEET VERA STARK. She resides in Kalamazoo with her husband Harold, beautiful children Lyla, Hunter, Estelle, and dog Enzo.

Julianne Howe-Bouwens (she/her)

Brianna Jenkins

Julianne Howe-Bouwens is a professional stage and screen actress who has performed internationally and is stoked to be back at Farmers Alley! Fave stage credits include THE WIZ (Hangar Theatre, NY), DOUBT (Hope Summer Rep & Farmers Alley), ARTREACH TOUR (Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati), SISTER ACT, AVENUE Q, NEWSIES, & DREAMGIRLS (Grand Rapids Civic Theatre), RENT (GVSU) and her one-woman show BLACK MONA LISA. IMDb credits include HORIZON, SAUGATUCK CURES, and THE STEAM EXPERIMENT. Her work includes industrial, print and commercial modeling, voice-over, murder mysteries, and improv. Catch her Broadway review summertime at The Kirby in Saugatuck! She is represented by Unique Models & Talent, Productions Plus and The iGroup. juliannehowebouwens.com

Dr. Quincy Thomas (he/him/they/them)

Director

Quincy’s Ph.D. in Theatre and his Performance Studies certification are both from Bowling Green State University. As an actor, director, and playwright, his offerings focus on subjects such as counter-storytelling; Black performativity in American culture; representations of the marginalized in popular culture; stand up and solo performance, and performative writing. As a Professor in the Theatre Arts Department, Quincy employs his passion for theatre, performance studies, and film while speaking to issues surrounding cultural marginalization and misrepresentation in the arts, specifically of racial and ethnic minorities, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. His most recent directorial offering was Katori Hall's THE MOUNTAINTOP. Some of his favorite roles played include Christopher in BLUE/ORANGE, Albert in CLYBOURNE PARK, Touchstone in AS YOU LIKE IT, Lord Longeville in LOVE'S LABOURS LOST, Selsdon in NOISES OFF, and Actor in Nassim Soleimanpour’s WHITE RABBIT; RED RABBIT. Recently his play, THE WHITES EXPLAIN IT ALL, was selected as the full-length play for the 2023 Region III Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. When not seeing to the aforementioned undertakings, Quincy is writing a new play entitled, COMPLEX RHYTHMS.

Dr. Miriam Thomas (she/her)

Asst. Director and Dramaturg

Miriam Hahn Thomas is an educator, theatre historian, and dramaturg, working in arts education and programming in Kalamazoo, MI. She is a member of the Museum Education team at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, where she serves as Assistant Curator of Adult Programs. Originally from Dearing, GA, Miriam earned her Ph.D. in Theatre and a Certificate in Performance Studies from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. She received her M.A. in Theatre from the University of South Carolina, and her B.A. in Theatre and English, with a concentration in Creative Writing, from Wofford College. She has held teaching positions at multiple institutions, including Kennesaw State University, Ball State University, and Wofford College. Production dramaturgy credits include ANTIGONE, INTO THE WOODS, PRIVATE EYES, SONIA FLEW, IPHIGENIA AND OTHER DAUGHTERS, and COPENHAGEN. Miriam has served as director or assistant director for productions of AS YOU LIKE IT, NO ROOSTERS IN THE DESERT, ANTIGONE, CLOWN BAR, and SONIA FLEW. She has also appeared onstage in roles such as Jean in DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE, Cel in THE MOST MASSIVE WOMAN WINS, Claire Zachanassian in THE VISIT, and Gwendolyn Fairfax in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST.

Roger W. Burleigh* (he/him)

Stage Manager

Roger is excited to be in his 10th season as Farmers Alley Theatre's Equity Stage Manager. Roger started his theatre journey in second grade and has been traveling that road ever since. Both as an actor and technician, Roger has graced many stages throughout the area, and has been at Farmers Alley since season two. Some of his favorites in recent years are NEXT TO NORMAL, THE PRODUCERS, DOGFIGHT, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: DREAM ON, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, MURDER FOR TWO, and THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. Roger would like to thank his family and educators who got him hooked on live theatre. There is nothing quite like experiencing a live production with a live audience. Proud member of Actors Equity Association.

Mike Borzkowski (he/him)

Technical Director

Mike is in his second season as Farmers Alley Theatre’s full time technical director. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Mike has spent the last decade bouncing around various tech and production roles at many theatres in the area including Miller Auditorium, Chenery Auditorium, Farmers Alley Theatre and more. Specializing in taking things apart, but not necessarily putting them back together, Mike is excited to take on unique challenges and opportunities as Farmers Alley’s Technical Director for the 2022-23 season.

Sam Snow (she/her)

Scenic Design

Samantha Snow graduated in 2016 with a BFA in Technical Theatre & Design from Western Michigan University with a focus in scenic design. Since graduating Snow has worked for various companies and schools in the community including The Barn Theatre, Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers, The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, and Portage Central Theatre. Currently Snow works as the Gull Lake Center for the Fine Arts manager.

Cory Kalkowski (he/him)

Lighting Design

Cory graduated from Western Michigan University in 2015 with a BFA in lighting design and production. He has toured with JERSEY BOYS and ELF ON THE SHELF as a head electrician. Having been a Production Electrician for two major national tours he now is giving back to the community some of his knowledge in large-format productions.

Kennedy Hayes (she/her)

Sound Design

Kennedy Hayes graduated from Western Michigan University in December of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science with a focus in Multimedia Arts & Technology. Since graduating, Kennedy has crafted her career with employment at Portage Public Schools, Western Michigan University, and various freelance opportunities around the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas.

Savannah Draper (she/her)

Prop Design & Charge Painter

Savannah previously served as Prop Designer for BECOMING DR. RUTH, THE GREAT LEAP, A SWINGING CHRISTMAS: THE HOLIDAY MUSIC OF TONY BENNETT, A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, BRIGHT STAR, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY, AVENUE Q, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, A DOLL'S HOUSE PART 2, THE PRODUCERS, LIBERACE!, IT'S ONLY A PLAY, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, and HONKY TONK ANGELS. A Kalamazoo native, Savannah has spent the last few years working as a freelance designer, stage manager and technician throughout Michigan, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Prior to her travels she was the Stage Management Associate for the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre and Props Designer for Millbrook Playhouse. Savannah is thrilled to be able to call Farmers Alley her forever theatre home and is grateful to all who have helped her along her theatrical journey.

Nicole Peckens (she/her)

Costume Design

This marks Nicole's eighth production with Farmers Alley, and her first season as Resident Costumer. Her resume includes a wide variety of film and theatre from the historic outdoor drama THE LOST COLONY, "My Brother, My Brother, and Me," and such iconic shows as THE TOXIC AVENGER, AVENUE Q, THE PRODUCERS, MARAT/SADE, and THE ARABIAN NIGHTS. She received her MFA in Costume Technology from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her BFA in Costume Design From Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She sends a thank you to her mother, her husband Murdoc, her Partner in Mischief, and her furlings for their love and support to keep her sane.

Steve Hodges (he/him)

Hair/Wig Design

Steve has been our very talented Wig Master for our productions of A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, BRIGHT STAR, THE REVOLUTIONISTS, LOST IN YONKERS, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED, CAMELOT, FUN HOME, MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: DREAM ON, A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2, BEYOND THE RAINBOW, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, and THE PRODUCERS. Steve’s talent was also on display during our productions of HONKY TONK ANGELS, GYPSY, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, THE ANDREWS BROTHERS, 1776, and FANCY NANCY. He also been featured on the Farmers Alley stage as an actor in THE SPITFIRE GRILL, A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, and 1776. Steve is also a valued volunteer who often serves as our House Manager on show nights. “Thank you to Farmers Alley Theatre for giving me the opportunity to grow in this artistic endeavor.”

David Knewston (he/him)

Master Electrician

This is David's first season as the Master Electrician for Farmer's Alley after starting as a volunteer last year. He has taken the opportunity here to grow more connected with his late father by doing something they both shared a passion for - helping others tell stories. David's day job is leading a team of systems analysts at Streamline Healthcare Solutions.

Marcia Smith (she/her) and Tom Smith (he/him)

Wardrobe Support

Marcia and Tom are long-time supporters of theater in the Kalamazoo area. Natives of Kalamazoo/Portage both were involved with their respective high school’s theater and music programs. They continued to support Portage Northern’s Drama and Music Departments when their children, Jennifer and Adam, were students there. Marcia was the Box Office Manager for 24 years and Tom lent his construction expertise backstage. Marcia was also a familiar face in her role as Assistant to the Directors for the musicals at Mattawan High School for 15 years. Together they have volunteered at Farmers Alley Theater since Season 1 and have assisted with the costumes for all productions since Season 8.

Gerald King

Scenic Painter

Milan Levy (they/she)

Directing Intern

Milan is a senior Theatre Arts major at Kalamazoo College. Their most recent endeavor was Camae in THE MOUNTAINTOP. In 2021, they directed the original one-person show UNZIPPED by Rebecca Chan. They are so grateful to be able to shadow Director Quincy Thomas during this process. And to work with this beautifully amazing cast!

Julie Minar (she/her)

Asst. Stage Manager

Julie has been working backstage since season 8. In that time she's filled many roles including Assistant Stage Manager, floor crew, dresser, and follow spot operator. Her favorite was playing the dead body in MURDER FOR TWO: HOLIDAY EDITION.

Issac “Ziggy” Middleton (he/him)

Head Carpenter

Kyle (Cole) McCurdy, Nathan Behrend, Erin P. Truesdell, and Erin Hope

Asst. Carpenters

Douglas Lyons

Playwright

Douglas Lyons wrote the 2021 GLAAD nominated Broadway comedy CHICKEN & BISCUITS. As an actor, Broadway/NYC: BEAUTIFUL (Original Cast), BOOK OF MORMON and PARADE (NY City Center). Tours: DREAMGIRLS, RENT and MORMON 1st Nat’l. Regionally: Yale Rep, Hartford Stage Company, Huntington Theatre Company, 5th Ave Theatre, The Muny and more. As a writer: The Emmy nominated FRAGGLE ROCK (Apple TV), FIVE POINTS (Theater Latte Da), BEAU (Adirondack Theatre Festival and IndieFest {Best of Show 2022}), and the 2018 Off-Broadway Alliance Award-winning musical, POLKADOTS. Douglas is currently developing television with Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and Sky Dance. @Chocolatehipster

*Proud Member of Actors Equity

Actors' Equity Association (“Equity"), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional Actors and Stage Managers. Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors' Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions.

Donors

2022-2023 Supporters

Farmers Alley Theatre profoundly thanks all the following supporters for their generous contributions from 2/24/22 to 2/24/23

Special Thanks

Becky Klose/Klose2U Photography
Black Arts & Cultural Center
Chenery Auditorium
Dann Sytsma and the KNAC
Douglas Lyons
Elise Ripmaster
Eric Batts
First Baptist Church
Joldersma and Klein Funeral Home
Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
Kat Mumma/VDA Productions
Laurie McDonald/Allegra Creative Marketing Group
OutFront
Paul Stroili/Touchstone GraphicDesign
Queer Theatre Kalamazoo
Rev. Mike Wood - Saint Barnabus Episcopal Church, Portage
Stacy Bartell
Steve Brubaker/Twenty20 Productions
Ty Griffis/Ty’s Joint
Tyler Bee

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