Latest News from Proud Mary Theatre

Tyler Smith of ‘Boy’ Travels to ‘Laramie’, Wyoming

sandman2k99 September 12, 2020 No Comments

Proud Mary Theatre Company continues to push the boundaries of virtual theatre as we open our 4th season with the 20th anniversary production of The Laramie Project, the award-winning play by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project.

This is a FULL PRODUCTION (not a ZOOM reading) and will be presented as a Virtual Multimedia Experience available for streaming Tuesday, October 6, 2020 on the 22nd anniversary of the attack of gay college student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming, and ends on October 12, the day Shepard died and became a martyr for hate crime legislation and the gay rights movement in the United States.

TYLER SMITH (Aaron Kreifels, Matt Mickelson, Russell Henderson, Governor Geringer, Bailiff) is a Greenville actor who was last seen in Proud Mary Theatre Company’s production of BOY, as Doug Turner. You may also recognize him from The Younts Center for Performing Arts’ production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, as Frederic/ensemble. Tyler graduated from Greenville Technical College with an Associate in Arts, with an emphasis in Graphic Design. He currently works as a Title Service Specialist at Holliday Ingram (Real Estate Law), in downtown Greenville. Tyler would like to thank his friends and family for their loving support.

Directed by Ben Dawkins, The Laramie Project features a Who’s Who? cast of 14 amazing Upstate actors in some 60 roles: Ryan Barry, Michele Colletti, Ava Davis, Jonathan Davis, Kelly Davis, Doug Egge, Samantha Eyler, Darryl Harmon, Jim Huber, Dave LaPage, Rebecca Schledwitz, Tyler Smith, Audrey Waldrop and Chase Wolfe. Ashley Zimmerman is stage manager.

Suggested donation of $10 for unlimited streaming. More info is available at proudmarytheatre.com.

Proud Mary Founding Actor Dave LaPage is in ‘Laramie’

sandman2k99 September 12, 2020 No Comments

Dave LaPage is thrilled to be working with Proud Mary Theatre Company again! He previously worked with Proud Mary on their inaugural production, the award-winning one-person show I Am My Own Wife. Other favorite past credits include: Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady (Glow Lyric Theatre), Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher (Spartanburg Little Theatre), R.P. McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Michael Novak in God of Carnage (both at Centre Stage South Carolina), and the Emcee in Cabaret (The Market Theatre Company).

Suggested donation of $10 for unlimited streaming. More info is available at proudmarytheatre.com.

Jonathan Davis Tackles Multiple Roles in ‘Laramie’

sandman2k99 September 12, 2020 No Comments

Jonathan Davis is appearing in his fourth Proud Mary virtual production and can usually be found in local Shakespeare performances, including last year’s Romeo and Juliet and The Tempest (Upstate Shakespeare Festival), and has been acting in the area since 1997 in various productions. He also enjoys the odd film role now and again. When not acting, he spends his time reading and painting.

Suggested donation of $10 for unlimited streaming. More info is available at proudmarytheatre.com.

Atlanta’s Ava Davis Thrives in ‘The Laramie Project’

sandman2k99 September 12, 2020 No Comments

Proud Mary Theatre Company continues to push the boundaries of virtual theatre as we open our 4th season with the 20th anniversary production of The Laramie Project, the award-winning play by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project.

This is a FULL PRODUCTION (not a ZOOM reading) and will be presented as a Virtual Multimedia Experience available for streaming Tuesday, October 6, 2020 on the 22nd anniversary of the attack of gay college student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming, and ends on October 12, the day Shepard died and became a martyr for hate crime legislation and the gay rights movement.

Ava Davis, also known as the Duchess of Grant Park, is an actor, producer & writer, working and living in Atlanta. She recently appeared in Proud Mary Theatre’s production of It’s A Generational Thing by Robert Fuson.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from the University of Georgia, and has made Atlanta her home, along with her partner, two standard poodles and one bengal cat.

She has acted in, written and produced several short films, including Feast, The Decision and the upcoming short film, Duchess of Grant Park. She has performed with the One Minute Play Fest, including a special performance in collaboration with the Queens Theater in New York City to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pride. In addition, she does sketch comedy with Critical Crop Top.

Ava Davis is a trans actress, and an advocate for increasing trans and queer representation, especially that of black and other minorities. She also loves jellybeans and coffee, and is always happiest when she finds herself with the privilege, honor, and sublime state of performing.

Directed by Ben Dawkins, The Laramie Project features a Who’s Who? cast of 14 amazing Upstate actors in some 60 roles: Ryan Barry, Michele Colletti, Ava Davis, Jonathan Davis, Kelly Davis, Doug Egge, Samantha Eyler, Darryl Harmon, Jim Huber, Dave LaPage, Rebecca Schledwitz, Tyler Smith, Audrey Waldrop and Chase Wolfe. Ashley Zimmerman is stage manager.

Suggested donation of $10 for unlimited streaming. More info is available at proudmarytheatre.com.

‘Pink Unicorn’s Kelly Davis Returns in ‘Laramie Project’

sandman2k99 September 12, 2020 No Comments

Proud Mary Theatre Company continues to push the boundaries of theatre during the Covid-19 crisis as we open our 4th season with the 20th anniversary production of The Laramie Project, the award-winning play by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project.

This is a FULL PRODUCTION (not a ZOOM reading) and will be presented as a Virtual Multimedia Experience available for streaming Tuesday, October 6, 2020 on the 22nd anniversary of the attack of gay college student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming, and ends on October 12, the day Shepard died and became a martyr for establishing hate crime legislation in the gay rights movement.

Kelly Davis (she/her/hers) is happy to have found her tribe with Proud Mary after performing in The Pink Unicorn and Fun Home. A transplant from New York City, Kelly has worked as an actress, yoga instructor and bartender as well as with her husband Aaron who owns Palmetto State Solar in Greenville. Kelly is a Teaching Artist with the Warehouse Theatre and SmartARTS programs in Greenville. She has performed in Upstate SC with Mill Town Players, Centre Stage and the Greenville Chorale. Kelly holds a BFA in Acting from Marymount Manhattan College, with a minor in Musical Theatre as well as attended the British American Dramatic Academy, Upright Citizens Brigade, Michael Howard and Penny Templeton Studios.

Suggested donation of $10 for unlimited streaming. More info is available at proudmarytheatre.com.

Darryl Harmon Returns to the Stage After 24 Years

sandman2k99 September 12, 2020 No Comments

This is a FULL PRODUCTION (not a ZOOM reading) and will be presented as a Virtual Multimedia Experience available for streaming Tuesday, October 6, 2020 on the 22nd anniversary of the attack of gay college student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming, and ends on October 12, the day Shepard died and became a martyr for establishing hate crime legislation in the gay rights movement.

Darryl has not been seen on stage since 1996, though he is a fervent supporter of the upstate theater community. he is often seen in the audience at Converse, USC Upstate, Wofford and SLT productions. He also serves on the board of the Proud Mary theater company. He would like to thank Ben for giving him this opportunity to return to preforming and hopes to do more in the future. He also feels very privileged to be working with such an amazingly talented cast.

Suggested donation of $10 for unlimited streaming. More info is available at proudmarytheatre.com.

Katy Wilson is Miss Georgia in ‘Five Beauty Queens Walk into a Bar’

sandman2k99 August 30, 2020 No Comments

In an unprecedented stand for the #MeToo movement, Proud Mary Theatre Company is partnering with 25 of our Upstate sisters (and 5 male and non-binary gender allies) for the South Carolina premiere of The Pussy Grabber Plays – Stories Inspired by the Women Who Came Forward – streaming now through August 30 at our Vimeo Virtual PlayHouse. FREE, $5 suggested donations to Planned Parenthood can be made at proudmarytheatre.com.

Some of the Upstate’s leading women directors and actors have volunteered their talent and time for these powerful, potent, and important stories.

Five Beauty Queens Walk into a Bar is based on the bravery of Tasha Dixon and written by Julia Brownell. Caroline Davis directs this play about Donald Trump’s behavior behind the scenes of the Miss USA pageant. The beauty queens are: Miss Georgia – Katy Wilson; Miss Texas – Sierra Lancaster; Miss Michigan – Crystal Marie Stewart; Miss Maine – Erica Dilworth; Miss Arizona – Anissa Garcia; with Stage Directions by Alex Lin and Assistant Director – Anna Bowman.

Katy Wilson is an actor, singer, and Reese Witherspoon enthusiast newly based in Atlanta, GA. She was most recently seen as Shelby in Steel Magnolias at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre. Other theater credits include the First National Tour of Polkadots (an Off-Broadway hit based on the story of Ruby Bridges), Steel Magnolias (Gallery Players), Chasing Jack (NYTF), Valer: A Texan Drama (SheNYC) and City of Light (54 Below, SheNYC), TV: CadyDid, All Hail Beth, #JustaGirlonBroadway, and Lipstick Ladies. Training: B.M. Furman University and the Accademia dell’Arte in Tuscany. www.katywilson.org.

The Pussy Grabber Plays is a series of eight short plays (two are musicals) created by some of the most highly acclaimed women writing for theater today. Based on interviews with seven of the women who have spoken out, the plays offer insights into each woman’s life, her decision to stand up, and the fallout she’s faced. Laced with humor, fear, heartbreak and anger, The Pussy Grabber Plays is political theater at its best.

All proceeds from The Pussy Grabber Plays benefit Planned Parenthood.
The Pussy Grabber Plays streams through Sunday, August 30 @ Midnight at Proud Mary Theatre‘s VIMEO VIRTUAL PLAYHOUSE
FREE. $5 Suggested Donation at proudmarytheatre.com.

Sierra Lancaster is Miss Texas in ‘Five Beauty Queens Walk Into A Bar’

sandman2k99 August 30, 2020 No Comments

Sierra Lancaster

Some of the Upstate’s leading women directors and actors have volunteered their talent and time for these powerful, potent, and important stories.

Sierra Lancaster is an actor, singer, producer, and educator from Omaha, NE. She is currently is a third year student at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she is pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Creative Entrepreneurship and concentrations in Acting and Neurodivergent Theatre Programming. Since 2019, Sierra has been a Private Vocal Instructor and Group Theatre Class Co-Instructor with the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs (BIAESN). Additionally, she is currently developing a virtual play reading workshop and co-developing a semester long virtual theatre program with the BIAESN. When not in class, performing, or teaching, Sierra enjoys engaging in artistic activism with her production company, Samuel-Lancaster Productions, to tell powerful, dynamic stories in inclusive, accessible, and anti-racist artistic spaces. Check them out on Facebook or Instagram @samuellancasterproductions! VOTE!

Laura Bunn Plays Megyn Kelly in ‘Jessica’

sandman2k99 August 30, 2020 No Comments

In an unprecedented stand for the #MeToo movement, Proud Mary Theatre Company is partnering with 25 of our Upstate sisters (and 5 male and non-binary gender allies) for the South Carolina premiere of The Pussy Grabber Plays – Stories Inspired by the Women Who Came Forward – streaming now through August 30 on our Vimeo Virtual PlayHouse. FREE, $5 suggested donation to Planned Parenthood can be made at proudmarytheatre.com.

Some of the Upstate’s leading women directors and actors have volunteered their talent and time for this powerful, subversive and important stories.

Based on the bravery of Jessica Leeds and written by Bess Wohl, Jessica stars Annette Garver in the title role and Upstate thespian Laura Bunn as Megyn Kelly. Sandy Staggs directs.

Laura Bunn has been performing in theater for almost 15 years. She was recently seen in Proud Mary Theatre’s musical revue Becoming, Hunchback of Notre Dame (Younts Center) Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet (Guerrilla Shakespeare Theatre Company.) She enjoys musical theater, cosplaying and art of all kinds. This is Laura’s third Virtual Play with Proud Mary Theatre Company.

Directors include Jenna Tamisiea Elser of Glow Lyric Theatre, Michele Colletti, Caroline Davis, Brook A. Nelson, Osiris Cuen, Robert Fuson and Sandy Staggs, and Christian Elser and Chase McAbee as mu

Actors include Tiffany Nave, Annette Garver. MJ Maurer, Liby Riggins, Anne Robards, Celia Blitzer, Lauren Paige Wilson, Clare Ruble, Lena Bledsoe, Frances Dell Bendert, Laura Bun, Krystal Pope, Osiris Cuen, Lauren McKay, Katy Wilson, Sierra Lancaster, Crystal Marie Stewart, Erica Dilworth, Anissa Garcia, with and Alex Lin as narrator and Anna Bowman as assistant director on Five Beauty Queens Walk Into a Bar.

John Leggett is Loving Boyfriend in ‘Rachels’

sandman2k99 August 30, 2020 No Comments

John Leggett

Some of the Upstate’s leading women directors and actors have volunteered their talent and time for these powerful, potent and important stories.

Rachels, based on the bravery of Rachel Crooks and written by Halley Feiffer, is one of eight plays in this collection and is directed by Michele Colletti. Rachels stars Tiffany Nave, Clare Ruble, and Lena Bledsoe as Rachel at three different ages and John Leggett as Loving Boyfriend, the only male role in the plays.

John Leggett (Loving Boyfriend) is excited to be making his Proud Mary Debut in Rachels. He is a Myrtle Beach native, and an Anderson University graduate with a BFA in Theatre: Acting. Recent Credits include “Jack Kelly” in Newsies (GT), “Johnny” in Treehouse (CS), and “The Soldier” in The Soldier’s Tale (Peace Center Passport Series). Stay hopeful, stay healthy, but most importantly, stay six feet away!