From the Desk of the Director:
Please enjoy this first-ever audio drama from the Penn State School of Theatre. This project grew out of a collaboration of faculty and students in our B.F.A. Acting program and represents yet another innovative and creative response to maintaining storytelling and performance throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic. While it may be a first, I think you will agree with me that it is a wonderful use of this medium.
Rick Lombardo
Director – School of Theatre
Producing Artistic Director – Penn State Centre Stage
Harlem Queen
By Yhane Washington Smith
Co-directed by Yhane Washington Smith and Steven Rimke
Co-directors Yhane Smith (the playwright of Harlem Queen and director of the original production) and faculty member Steven Rimke are excited to introduce Penn State School of Theatre’s first audio drama Harlem Queen. Harlem Queen is an audio drama based on the life and times of Madame Stephanie St. Clair, a French African American gambler “Numbers Queen”, and Black rights activist during the Harlem Renaissance. Madame St. Clair was known for calling out police brutality against the Black community and informing Black Americans of their legal rights. Based on the life of the “Harlem Queen”, this audio-drama explores racial injustice, love triangles, culture, gang violence, music, and several important figures during the 1920s New York City. You are going to be listening to the first episode of the first season of Harlem Queen If you would like to listen to the original please visit harlemqueen.org.
Listen Here!
Harlem Queen
Cast
Keiona Nesbitt: Stephanie St. Clair
Alex Wind: Arthur “Dutch Schultz” Flegenheimer and John Rene
Alyssa Stanford: Ruby Washington and Betty
TJ Washington: Eugene Washington and Caspar Halstein
Josh Gold: George Manos and Gunman
Jalen Martin: Langston Hughes, Floyd J. Calvin and Young Man
Jaydin Hill: Charles S. Johnson and Bunky
Phillipe Desamours: Martin and Blues Man
Production Credits
Dialect Coach: Jaime Lincoln Smith
Sound Designer/Editor: Austen Yim, Carter Celgin
Special Thanks
A. Kikora Franklin
Rick Lombardo
Steve Snyder
Watch it Again:
Cabaret of Many Colors
Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III
Music Directed by Delores Duran-Cefalu
Watch it Again:
The Osaze Project
Directed and Devised by Charles Dumas
STUDENT CARE & ADVOCACY EMERGENCY FUND
As Penn State continues to navigate the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus (COVID-19), many community members have asked what they can do to support students adversely impacted by process changes and campus closures. Through a newly launched effort, gifts to the Student Care & Advocacy Emergency Fund will be made available to students in financial need across the commonwealth who apply for emergency assistance. I am especially appreciative of those of you who have supported the School of Theatre Fund which has allowed me to direct funds where the need is greatest during this difficult time.