INTERVIEW: Keena Redding - Renaissance Woman

Meeting Keena Redding was like meeting a friend of many years, except for the simple matter that we had not previously met. Nor did I then know that she's a wholly remarkable Renaissance Woman. Keena, a native Atlantan, is an actress, a classical singer, and theatre artist. At Horizon Theatre, where I first met her, Keena is the Development Director and it was recently announced that she is also their Director of Equity & Impact, a new role for the theatre. And there's more...

Keena Redding, Actress, Singer, Playwright

Keena holds a Master's degree in Vocal Performance, she teaches theatre and gives music lessons, and she's the Music Director at Horizon's annual children's Christmas show, Madeline's Christmas. She's a mother--of the human and feline persuasions--she's an activist, and she's a playwright, which is why we're here today. 

Keena has graciously gifted me an interview about her first play, soon to be part of Theatrical Outfit's The Graham Martin UNEXPECTED PLAY FESTIVAL 2022, a four-part series of digital readings of brand-new plays by Atlanta playwrights in partnership with Working Title Playwrights. 

I'll share more about the Unexpected Play Festival immediately following the interview with Keena. Let's jump right in...

wanderlust ATLANTA: Congratulations on your first playwrighting venture! Please, share with us a little about the play.

Keena: Travis, thank you so much for having me on your blog. THE BULLET chronicles the long-time friendship of Buddhists Robin Simmons (black) and Kristen Frazier (white) as they navigate critical issues, including parenting adult children, in vitro fertilization, and politics. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking, the play takes the audience on a powerful journey of friendship, betrayal and hope.

wanderlust ATLANTA: You've acted, you've sung, you've directed...what made you want to become a playwright? 

Keena: I have always loved writing and am excited to expand my creative expression into the world of playwriting. I feel so fortunate to have my play included in this important new play festival. I hope THE BULLET positively impacts all who experience it and that it helps to promote radical individual change.

wanderlust ATLANTA: I had the great pleasure of listening in on one of your music lessons last year, online during the COVID-19 pandemic. You spoke of enunciating one's consonants. That single piece of wisdom was a huge help to me in doing radio interviews for my book, in which Theatrical Outfit is included. Thank you so very much. When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career as a professional singer?

Keena: I am so happy to hear that my music lesson had a positive impact on you. Thank you so much. I have known since I was a child that I wanted to pursue a career in theatre and music. Almost every Sunday afternoon when I  was growing up, I would ask my parents and younger siblings to watch plays and musicals I would write, direct, and perform in. I love performing and  anything to do with the arts and still do. The arts are my passion. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: You've performed all over Metro Atlanta...share with us a few of those places?

Keena: I have been so fortunate in my career. I have worked at the Alliance, Georgia Shakespeare, ART Station, Atlanta Lyric, Theatrical Outfit, Aurora, Georgia Ensemble, Out Front (where I am on the advisory board), and  Horizon.

wanderlust ATLANTA: I've never heard life in the performing arts called dull. Please share with us a unique or unexpected happening your stage career.

Keena: I had the honor of performing alongside my amazing daughter, Miquela Rivers and fabulous student, Eden Mew, this past December in the concert version of The Salvation of Ebby Scrooge by Larry Larson and Eddie Levi Lee at Horizon Theatre. Miquela and Eden were both dynamic in the production and I was delighted to be on the stage with two young actresses whose talents and careers I have helped to nourish – truly an honor.

wanderlust ATLANTA: I'd be challenged if I said that most activists are shy people, so I'll ask the question. What issues/topics are you most passionate about and for what changes are you fighting?

Keena: I am most passionate about fighting against racism and the intersectionality of all “isms” that serve to marginalize and oppress. I deeply believe that unless we create authentically equitable, anti-racist systems, policies, laws, and hierarchical structures, our country and way of life is jeopardy. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: This being a tourism blog, I must ask...when you do find some free time, what or where in Atlanta is a must-do experience for you?

Keena: I love Little Five Points. I love the people, the culture, the food, the shops, and the vibe. I have been going there since I was in high school. When folks come to visit Atlanta and ask me where they absolutely have to visit, I always say Little Five Points. Shout out to Sevenanda, Crystal Blue, and Cameli’s! 

wanderlust ATLANTA: If you could meet and perform with any actor, singer, etc., real or fictitious, who would that be and what would you perform and why?

Keena: I would have performed with Prince on his Purple Rain Tour.

wanderlust ATLANTA: I've only ever seen you with a bright and beautiful smile on your face. What's your secret to work-life balance when you're involved in such a multi-faceted career?

Keena: I love to read, write in my journal, dance, exercise on my elliptical, and meditate. I also love watching British, female lead detective shows and snuggling with my cat, Giselle.

wanderlust ATLANTA: "Thank you, Keena!" for making time for this interview. I am so grateful to know you and look forward to watching your career as it continues to blossom. Thank you also for the way you brighten every room you enter. You always make me smile.

Theatrical Outfit's The Graham Martin UNEXPECTED PLAY FESTIVAL 2022

Over four nights, from Theatrical Outfit, some of the best talent in Atlanta will come together to share fresh and topical stories with you February 20-23, 2022, in a live streaming event. Plus, you the audience gets involved as every reading will be followed by a facilitated discussion led by Amber Bradshaw from Working Title Playwrights to give the writers immediate feedback for their next draft.

Keena's play, THE BULLET, will stream on Monday, February 20, 2022, at 7pm. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. And do check out Theatrical Outfit's main stage plays, as well as the plethora of other entertaining content!

"THE BULLET" by Keena Redding at Theatrical Outfit

INTERVIEW: Matt Torney, Theatrical Outfit

Theatrical Outfit, Atlanta's second-oldest professional theatre, announced at the end of August 2019 that the board of trustees had voted unanimously to name Matt Torney as its new Artistic Director. Torney assumed the role in July 2020 when Tom Key completed his 25th year at the helm of this downtown theatre.

Torney has led Theatrical Outfit over the last few months in returning audiences to the theatre, at first virtually, and when it's safe again, in-person! There's a LOT of programing coming up and Torney graciously granted me an interview to introduce him to wanderlust ATLANTA fans and followers and to share a bit about the upcoming programming.

Matt Torney, Artistic Director, Theatrical Outfit | Photo: Teddy Wolff

(NOTE: This post is a combination of my conversation with Matt Torney, personal comments, and press releases. Torney's responses are not verbatim, but are edited from a conversation I had with him. I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible. I can honestly say that I am incredibly excited about what he is and will bring to Theatrical Outfit, a personal favorite.)

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wanderlust ATLANTA: Share with us a little about where you're from and how you came to Atlanta.

Matt: I'm originally from Belfast, Ireland. I was there in the 1980s and '90s during the second half of troubles there...it was hard to make sense of it all and it sucked up all of your energy. As a young person with no interest in politics, art and theatre became my escape. My friends and I would go to plays—there was extraordinary theatre and writing—and do workshops. 

I moved to Dublin, Ireland, to study theatre and English literature. In 2006, I moved to New York City and studied at Columbia University for three years then returned home and was freelancing across the Atlantic. 

I found myself curious about theatre communities outside of New York City. I'd seen the they each have their own flavor, their own feeling, and I was struck by the D.C. audience. In search of a deep immersion in regional theatre, in 2015 I moved to Takoma Park, Maryland, on the northeast border of D.C. and became the Assistant Associate Director at Studio Theatre in northwest DC near Logan Circle. 

A few years later, wanting to lead a theatre led me to Atlanta. I'm excited about the new programming and upcoming season!

DOWNTOWN DIALOGUES – a four-part series (the first is Thursday, September 24, 2020) of digital readings each followed by a live video podcast hosted by arts journalist Gail O’Neill, writer for ArtsATL.org. Gail will talk to experts and special guests about the play and its themes, incorporating responses to questions from the audience. The four titles in the series take a deep dive into important topics of today from equality to education to the environment, and all will be brought to life by Atlanta’s finest actors and directors for you to engage with from the comfort of your own home.  

Tonight's Downtown Dialogues, titled "The Children" is by Lucy Kirkwood, directed by Susan V. Booth, and stars Ora Jones, Chris Kayser, and Tess Malis Kincaid. 

Click here to learn more about the Downtown Dialogues series and for tickets to the pre-show conversations with Torney!

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wanderlust ATLANTA: While Downtown Dialogues are free to theatre lovers, the pre-purchased VIP Pre-Show Package includes conversations with you. What will those entail.

Matt: We didn't want Theatrical Outfit patrons and other theatre lovers to have to pay for this initial unique content. We want to make it as accessible as possible. Viewers can for free watch Downtown Dialogue readings and enjoy the post-show live video podcast in which a panel of experts and special guests dive deep into the play and its themes hosted by Gail O’Neill. 

But we did opt to generate an additional experience. With a paid "ticket", or package(s), patrons are guaranteed a "seat" at the reading and post-discussion, plus they have access to a VIP pre-show discussion with me, half an hour before the reading begins. It'll be more of a conversation, less of a presentation, a way to open the door a little bit and have real conversations with patrons, supporters, and subscribers. I'm excited to meet the larger Atlanta theatre-going community.

In a press release Torney said, "We believe that theatre offers an essential place for dialogue in times of extreme disruption, and a space in which our community can celebrate, console, and most importantly, connect with one another. TO is committed to building programs that not only respond actively to the present crisis, but also serve as a long-term investment in our community,Atlanta artists, and our future as a Downtown theatre."

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wanderlust ATLANTA: Some arts venues in Atlanta, in recent years, have experienced a change in leadership that resulted in significant changes in the patron experience. What, if anything, are you planning to change?

Matt: During the search it was noted that Theatrical Outfit was looking for someone who was in alignment with the theatre's Vision, Mission, and Core Values. If writing my own, it would have been a very close match. 

My wife, who is a filmmaker and director, had her first feature shown at Plaza Theatre. Serendipitously, Tom Key was there, too! We discussed the civic responsibility of theatre, building community in real-time, the daily operations of the theatre, and how Theatrical Outfit can enhance Atlanta as a city. 

It's like we were already heading in the same direction, just getting there in different ways. Tom wanted someone to come in and continue, but things are rapidly changing, but we're adapting. Now we're focused on how we can be a home for Atlanta, how we can be a home for artists.

MADE IN ATLANTA - This is a new play program. Theatrical Outfit is taking advantage of the disruption to their mainstage season to devote more time and resources to developing new work. 

In a press release Torney said, “What better way to spend this time than focusing on the future, investing in great plays about Atlanta and helping to develop ideas and writers. Our hope is that we will find amazing plays to premiere in future seasons that will make a big impact both here in Atlanta and around the country.”

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wanderlust ATLANTA: Do you feel it is important to keep a theatre downtown?

Matt: Yes, absolutely. It's the beating heart of the city. We want to offer Atlanta a place that is open to everybody, particularly to be a theatre that creates conversations so that those conversations and ripple outward and create change. As downtown adapts and grows, it's important for theatre to be here. This theatre is going to show up and engage with Atlanta and the South as a whole. We aim to show that the South is a living, growing place, not a place stuck in time. We're looking at ways to invest in the community and to create conversations about who we are and who we can be.

THE WELCOME TABLE - Theatrical Outfit is honored to host a special one-night event to benefit organizations that serve the downtown homeless community. The Welcome Table will raise awareness of the most vulnerable among us, shining a light on how the homeless community has been impacted by COVID-19 while raising funds to support the wonderful organizations working to mitigate that impact. Watch for future announcement about this event.

UNEXPECTED PLAY FESTIVAL - In January, Theatrical Outfit is excited to once again partner with Working Title Playwrights (WTP) for the Unexpected Play Festival. This month-long festival celebrates brand new work by local playwrights, all being heard for the first time. Each digital reading will be immediately followed by a discussion led by WTP Artistic Director Amber Bradshaw in which the audience will offer essential feedback that will help the playwright take the work to the next level.

MAIN STAGE – Then in Spring 2021, Theatrical Outfit plans to return to the mainstage with three smart, authentic, and vital live productions. As previously announced, Tiny Beautiful Things, based on the book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, will take to the stage rearranging TO in a bold new way. The season will also see a powerful partnership with Theatre J in Washington DC on a co-production of Fires In The Mirror: Crown Heights, Brooklyn and Other Identities by Anna Deavere Smith. A third title will be announced shortly.

In a press release Torney said, “We had two requirements for our return to live performances - the plays had to be excellent, and the productions had to be safe for both the artists and the audiences. We are reworking every aspect of how we produce to factor in the latest safety guidelines and will be re-evaluating constantly as we get new information. With flexible ticketing, filmed performances, and a highly trained front of house staff, we are confident that we can offer excellent theatre that embraces the challenges of COVID-19 and offers both flexibility and security to our patrons.”

Matt: We're confident that we can find a way to return to the theatre safely, while incorporating some digital alternatives. We're listening to medical experts, listening to the City, and we're taking our time to do it right. We're doing this in alignment with our Core Values and we're excited to start some new amazing conversations!

Travis: You may recall that I've lived in Atlanta twice. The first time for 15 years, then 9 in D.C., and I've been back for 10 years. While in D.C., I attended shows at Studio Theatre many, many times, AND my former boss when I was at Intelsat is on the Board of Trustees at Studio Theatre. Don't you love small world stories?!

"Slow Food" is Fast on the Humor

Set in a Greek restaurant in Palm Springs, you can reserve an on-stage table at Theatrical Outfit's "Slow Food", but like Irene (Marcie Millard) and Peter (Matthew Edwin Lewis) who are here to enjoy an anniversary dinner while on vacation—totally famished—your table is likely to remain food-less, too, but you'll definitely be served lots of laughs all evening long!

Matthew Edwin Lewis, Marcie Millard | Photo by Casey Gardner Photography

Here's what's happening... "A neurotic waiter won’t bring their food, and everything goes deliriously wrong. This fussy server (Stephen played by Dan Triandiflou) has the couple second-guessing their menu choices, parenting skills, and their very future together. Will their shared desperation get them their spanakopita or end a marriage? Everything (and nothing) is on the table in this zesty comedy about life, love, and painfully slow service."

Matthew Edwin Lewis, Dan Triandiflou, Marcie Millard  | Photo by Casey Gardner Photography

Every scenario you've ever encountered relative to painfully slow service will be acted out on stage, from a server bound and determined to impart their "expertise" on you to sneaking a bread basket off another table, fueled by hypoglycemia, of course. Of the 15.3 million restaurant industry employees in the United States (National Restaurant Association), we hope there are few like Stephen and when we encounter such Stephens, let's hope we can impart as much humor on the situation as this brilliant trio of actors does.

Dan Triandiflou, Marcie Millard  | Photo by Casey Gardner Photography

Directed by Ryan Olivetti, a super-fun, theatre-loving, crazy-talented human being, "Slow Food" is light-hearted, but heavy with laughs! I've known Ryan for years through a number of theatre experiences. He's always kind, courteous, and professional. As excited as he is about this play, he's super modest, too. So when you go, seek him out and please tell him how much you enjoyed the show. Looking forward to your next project, Ryan! Oh, and Ryan is also Theatrical Outfit's Marketing Director!

Matthew Edwin Lewis, Dan Triandiflou, Marcie Millard  | Photo by Casey Gardner Photography

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Peter, in a last-ditch attempt resorts to flirting with Stephen, the waiter. Matt Lewis (Peter) deserves double spanakopita for that performance!

Marcie Millard, Matthew Edwin Lewis  | Photo by Casey Gardner Photography

Do our anniversary lovebirds finally get their spanakopita—or whatever it was that they ordered? Get your tickets and find out! But expect hilarity one way or the other. Make your way to Theatrical Outfit to see "Slow Food" by Sunday, February 16 and enjoy a huge helping of laughter with a side of just plain fun!

Opa!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

I recently saw The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Aurora Theatre, one of my favorites. Everything I've seen at Aurora has been fantastic, but this show is beyond spectacular! With a star-studded cast, beautiful music, and an indelible set, this show is poised for fanfare of the sort that lasts for decades!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a co-production with Theatrical Outfit—the first show in its 2017-2018 season—where it is now running through Sunday, September 17.

Haden Rider and the cast of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME | Photo by Daniel Parvis

I'd never seen The Hunchback of Notre Dame, so I didn't know the story or what to expect, beyond knowing it would be an amazing performance because it was at Aurora. 

Between seeing The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Aurora Theatre and Theatrical Outfit, I've watched the 1996 Disney animated version and the 1939 black and white Hollywood movie starring a young, new actress Maureen O'Hara. There's also a 1923 film version that I did not see. All are based on the novel written by Victor Hugo, but none exactingly follow the book.

The Aurora Theatre/Theatrical Outfit co-production is an amalgamation of the various previously performed renditions. It doesn't have the happy ending that Disney gave it, but you won't be sorry you saw this perfectly performed work of art!

Haden Rider (Quasimodo) is phenomenal! A young, humble actor, his talent is eons beyond his years. As Quasimodo, he is wholly convincing as an innocent, "different" (caged hunchback), and compassionate human being.

Haden Rider and Julissa Sabino in THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME | Photo by Daniel Parvis

Theatre in Atlanta is the best it has ever been, in my humble opinion. I've seen amazing theatre throughout the years in Atlanta, as far back as 1987. We had great talent then, but now we have so much more!

If there were a First Lady of Atlanta theatre, Julissa Sabino (Esmeralda) would be a strong contender. She's beyond amazing and is so incredibly talented. I've had the great pleasure of seeing her in a number of plays in recent years (The Toxic Avenger, Grease) and have had the awesome pleasure of meeting her. Charming, poised, grateful...she possesses all the best qualities one would hope a celebrity would have.

From being a champion for her people's human rights, the Gypsies, to demonstrating genuine compassion, for Quasimodo, Julissa's performance shines brightly in this tale peppered with darkness. Julissa is also the Dance Captain for this production, which she totally rocks!

David de Vries and Julissa Sabino in THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME | Photo by Daniel Parvis

The multi-talented David de Vries, who has performed in top grossing stage, television and movie projects, plays Dom Claude Frollo, a character I detested from the very first promotional images I saw. The character is creepy! 

That's also to say that David's performance is brilliant. He brings to the stage one of those characters that you love to hate. A character that stirs uneasiness deep down in your soul.

I was so conflicted wanting to see Frollo crushed and totally wanting to meet de Vries! 

This show has a powerful cast, including Kevin Harry and Lowrey Brown, as well as a phenomenal ensemble. And the puppeteers are magical! They bring the gargoyles to life and lighten the dialogue—conversations with Quasimodo—with some wonderful humor.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France | Photo: Barry Holland

I went to see The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Aurora Theatre with my friend Barry, and we already have tickets to see it again at Theatrical Outfit! Barry visited Paris a few years back and made some stunning photos of the Notre Dame Cathedral, this one of the bell tower side we see in the show. He thoroughly enjoyed the musical and I'm sure the spectacular sets whisked him right back to Paris.

Go see The Hunchback of Notre Dame and be whisked away to Paris yourself! 15th Century Paris, that is. And be prepared for one of the most incredibly heart-wrenching, heart-touching stories you've ever seen.

Enjoy a brief look at some of the magnificence you'll enjoy when you go see this show...

Simply Simone is Simply Spectacular

I've never seen a performance quite like Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone. 

Four women portray Nina Simone , each at a different "era" in her life. They're onstage together for the majority of the performance and they divinely, and with great power, sing the story of Nina Simone's life. Aside from knowing Nina personally, I don't think any biography, tribute concert, or even the Oscar-nominated documentary tells her life as magnificently as these four women.

Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone | Theatrical Outfit | Artwork: BreeAnne Cloudus

I didn't know Nina Simone before this performance. I knew she was famous and a favorite of many, but I didn't know her life...her ambition to become the world's first African-American classical pianist, her contributions as a civil rights activist, her superstar fandom, or her world travels. What an introduction!

This was also my very first visit to Theatrical Outfit. It's been on my want-to-visit list for years. I'm so grateful that Simply Simone was my first experience of this wonderful theatre. And I'm absolutely aligned with its mission of "Starting the Conversations that Matter".

Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone | Theatrical Outfit | Photo: Christopher Bartelski

I find it fascinating that growing up Nina was, through her musical training—beginning at the age of three—sheltered from so much, yet she became the amazing, catalyst for action in the civil rights movement that she did. And thank goodness she did. She said she couldn't possibly be separate from it, that she couldn't not include the fight for civil rights in her music. 

"Everything that happened to me as a child involved music. It was part of everyday life, as automatic as breathing." - Nina Simone

Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone | Theatrical Outfit | Photo: Christopher Bartelski

The entire show is powerful, but the telling and music recounting the atrocious bombing of a church that killed four young girls moved me most. I'd, of course, read about that Birmingham bombing—11 days after a Federal order to integrate the Alabama school system—but "hearing" it like this...it broke my heart and brought me to tears.

Remember Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Addie Mae Collins—all 14 years old—and 11-year-old Denise McNair.

"I tell you what freedom is to me: no fear."Nina Simone

Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone | Theatrical Outfit | Photo: Christopher Bartelski

I'd had the great pleasure of seeing Marliss Amiea (Nina 4) perform in 'da Kind in my Hair just last year. I was already a fan having seen her in that musical, but now...I'm an enthusiastic fan, forever! What a magnificent actress and singer!

Keep an eye on Chelsea Reynolds (Nina 1)...she has a truly promising acting career ahead of her. All four women are absolutely amazing and they perform beautifully together.

"We will shape and mold this country or it will not be molded and shaped at all anymore. So, I think we don't have a choice. How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?" - Nina Simone

Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone | Theatrical Outfit | Photo: Christopher Bartelski

The music for Simply Simone is performed by a live band, situated stage left, and they offer a few words during the performance, but it's the ladies who own the stage. They even portray the male characters—a father, a husband—a transformation convincingly accomplished by simply donning a hat.

The set, lighting, sound, wardrobe, choreography, acting, singing...this musical is perfection!

"You've got to learn to leave the table when love's no longer being served." - Nina Simone

Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone | Theatrical Outfit | Photo: Christopher Bartelski

This is the final week of Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone. See this magnificent musical by Saturday, April 15 at Theatrical Outfit. 

"Life is short. People are not easy to know. They're not easy to know, so if you don't tell them how you feel, you're not going to be anywhere, I feel." - Nina Simone