Digital Program

FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE/WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF

WRITTEN
by Ntozake Shange

This groundbreaking "choreopoem" is a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women.

PRESENTED by Cara Seguin, Realtor

TEAM

Director

Roberta Emerson*

choreographer/assistant director

bethany hemmans

INTIMACY director

desiree montes

production Stage manager

stephanie elliott

stage manager

faith merriman

costumer

maria tew

lighting design

derek critzer

marketing associate

Leigh Green

Set Construction

derek critzer, quinn roberts, Hunter Rogers

spotlight operator

AUtumn mantel

* Member of Stage Directors & Choreographers Society

meet the cast

Roberta Emerson*

LADY IN RED (Director/Intimacy Director)

Roberta Emerson is a Director, Actor, Producer, Cultural Coordinator, and Educator among many other hats she proudly wears. She is a graduate of both the University of Minnesota with a BFA in Acting and Theatre Management and New York University with an MFA in Acting. She has worked as an actor and director in many regional theaters around the country has done extensive voice-over, commercial, and film work, and has been a teaching artists both stateside and in Europe. She is currently the Director of New Play Development at Orlando Shakespeare where she also teaches Directing at UCF and a Show Director for Disney Live Entertainment. IG: Robertacemerson
*Denotes Member of AEA and SDC
Nyeshia Naomii

LADY IN ORANGE
Nyeshia is no stranger to our beloved TWE stage. She is overjoyed to return alongside the women she looks up to the most. She recently executed the electrifying voice of Audrey 2 at our Halloween pop up show Little Shop of Horrors. You may also recognize her as the understudy to Regina in Welcome To Matteson as well as the standby to Nell Carter in Ain’t Misbehavin’. Both audience raving shows that took place at Orlando Shakes during their ‘24-‘25 show season. Other recent central Florida favorites include Respect, 8 track: The Sounds of the 70’s (Winter Park Playhouse), Sour Kangaroo (Orlando Family Stage), Violet (Garden Theatre) and the debut opening show The Color Purple (TWE). One of her performance highlights is performing for Joyful at Walt Disney World’s Epcot as well as a featured background vocalist to the touring tribute show Aretha: Portrait of a Queen. IG: @Ny_sings
Bethany Hemmans

LADY IN YELLOW (AD /Choreographer)
Bethany Hemmans is a singer, dancer, and actress with over 30 years of training and experience and is excited to work another production at Theater West End with this special group. Bethany studied ballet, jazz, and various other styles at Central Florida Ballet as a child and has built on that dance foundation. Bethany’s love of dance led her to becoming an Orlando Magic Dancer (NBA) where she transitioned to theme park performing and ultimately brought her back to one of her first loves: musical theater. Some of her favorite musical roles include Adult Dara and Disco Donna cover in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Norwegian Cruise Lines), Felichia in Memphis (Theater West End), and Charlaine Woodard track in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Orlando Shakes). She can currently be seen all year round as Celestina Warbeck and full show swing in The Singing Sorceress (Universal Orlando). IG: @beeizmee
Patrece Bloomfield

LADY IN GREEN

Patrece is a Jamaican native, but Orlando is home. When not working on her craft as an actress in film and TV, performing in theater/live stage, or privately coaching, you can find her casting spells as Celestina Warbeck, the "Singing Sorceress" in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. As Patrece makes her Theater West End debut here with her cast of "For Colored Girls", she's had the honor of being in several productions such as "Travl'n", portraying Deloris VanCartier in "Sister Act and "Aint Misbehavin" to name a few, and her favorite role to date is portraying the legendary "Billie Holiday" in "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill".
Patrece is grateful to the constant support of her loving family and friends. You can follow her on Instagram at @divinesongstress
Edmarie Montes

LADY IN BLUE
Edmarie Montes is both an Actor and Director in the Orlando area, some of her recent credits include: The Vote (Paola), Closer (Anna), Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show (Yolanda), Orlando Shakes Playfest (Beheading Columbus), Apologies to Lorraine Hansberry, You Too August Wilson (Yael U/S performed). Some of her directing credits include Renaissance Theatre Company (La Medea), Orlando Shakes Playfest (Bite Me), Rollins College (Into the Woods), and Theatre UCF with Pegasus Playlab (Bite Me), Theater West End (In the Heights). Edmarie graduated from UCF with a BFA in Acting. This one’s for Mark, and as always, her Abuela Luisa. IG: Eddyymontes
Desiree Montes*

LADY IN PURPLE
Desiree is an AEA Singer | Actress | Dancer | Puppeteer | Voice-Over Artist | Director | Intimacy Coordinator | Audition Preparation Coach | Arts Educator. She's been seen at Universal Studios as Mabel The Blues Brothers Show and as Celestina Warbeck (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter), as well as Coral/Peach Finding Nemo: the Musical, and as a Gospel/R&B Singer Joyful! A Celebration of the Holiday! at Walt Disney World Resorts. Notable credits include: Norma Valverde Hands on a Hardbody, Aida Aida: The Musical, Sarah Ragtime: the Musical, Daniela In the Heights, Mrs. Lovett Sweeney Todd..., Hélène Bezukhova Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Diana Next to Normal and Billie Holiday in 6 regional productions of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. She made her Off-Broadway debut at the 2019 New York Musical Festival. Follow Desiree - IG: @brdwyheart | Linktr.ee: /bookdesmontes
*Denotes Member of AEA
Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps

LADY IN BROWN
Ayọ̀fẹ́mi Demps (she/they) is a Central Florida Director, Teaching Artist, and Performer. She also works as a Cultural Competency Coordinator and Intimacy Professional. You may have seen their work locally at the Orlando Shakes, Theater West End, The Ensemble Company, the Athens, or the Shoestring Theatre. By daylight, she fights evil as a middle school teacher. Ayọ̀ is also a writer, with a Master’s degree in Popular Fiction Writing & Publishing from Emerson College. They live in Deltona with their wife, Tiffany, and two small ponies masquerading as dogs. Ayọ̀’s D&D alignment is Chaotic Good, if you’re interested. IG: carefree.black.revolutionary
Stephanie Elliott

PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
Stephanie Elliott is thrilled to be invited to this talented table of beautifully moving humans. She is looking forward to the impact that this show will no doubt have on the theatre community. Much love to the cast and team that gave her the opportunity to exist in this artistic space. IG: bestselfwithsteph
Faith Merriman

STAGE MANAGER
Faith is deeply grateful that she has been able to work alongside these talented & beautiful women on such an important story. Some of her previous Theater West End credits include: Alice by Heart (Stage Manager), Hadestown Teen Edition (Stage Manager), Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 (Assistant Stage Manager), Driving Miss Daisy (Stage Manager) & To Kill a Mocking Bird (Assistant Stage Manager). In addition to stage management, Faith has worked in various areas of theater such as directing, sound & light board operation, & stage makeup. IG: faith_2319

Director’s Note

"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" remains a groundbreaking and profound exploration of the experiences of Black women. Ntozake Shange's choreopoem, first performed in 1976, resonated with audiences as it uncovered the complexities, sorrows, and joys of being a Black woman. In a world where Black voices, especially those of women, have long been marginalized, this work shouted where there had been silence and sang where there had been sorrow.

Decades have passed since Shange first introduced us to these women, but the themes remain salient today. The multifaceted narratives of strength, struggle, love, and resilience invite us to both honor and listen to the voices of Black women. In a society still grappling with racial inequality and gender bias, it is essential to recognize the unique challenges faced by Black women, to include Black Trans Women, and strive to offer them unwavering support and protection. Their stories speak to us across generations, reminding us that healing and strength come from being heard.

This production was not only a tribute to the text but also a journey of reflection and growth for our ensemble. A healing, a euphoric odyssey. Through this process, we forged connections that felt like true sisterhood, leaning on one another as part of our collective healing journey. The stories we told became mirrors, reflecting our pain and our power. Together, we learned that solidarity and empathy create a space where healing can take root. We grew, not just as artists, but as people, uplifted and transformed by the power of shared experience.

During this process, we also held the memory of our dear friend Yara Justina Williams close to our hearts. Yara, with her laughter that always lit up a room and her spirit that inspired us all, is a beautiful example of the joy and resilience that we celebrate in this piece.

It is in her honor that we dedicated this journey. Yara reminded us that even in the darkest moments, we must seize joy. Her memory is a guiding light, encouraging us to see the rainbow amidst the rain. Yara taught us that healing is a path to joy, and as we walk that path together, her spirit accompanies us.

As we present "For Colored Girls," let it be both a celebration and a call to action. A celebration of the indomitable spirit of Black women and a call to protect, listen to, and uplift their voices. Let Yara's memory be a reminder to cherish every moment, to embrace joy, and to allow healing to enter our lives and communities with love, grace, and unwavering strength.

It’s time for Joy!

Roberta Emerson

DIRECTOR

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