“This is the story of a young African-American woman who has migrated to New York in pursuit of her dreams through her work as a seamstress. The play, in Nottage's own words, explores ‘the unexpected intersections between class, race, and gender at the turn of the (20th) century, and what happens when people across cultural and economic divides are thrust into spaces of intimacy.’ It's a powerful story with vital and memorable characters, a moving tale of romance, independence, and acceptance, that challenges audiences, even today, to take a hard look at what lies just underneath outer appearances.”
-Dennis Raveneau, Director
INTIMATE APPAREL
March 10-25, 2023
by Lynn Nottage
Directed by Dennis Raveneau
Set in 1905 in turn-of-the-century New York, INTIMATE APPAREL tells the story of Esther, an African-American woman who makes her living sewing beautiful corsets and ladies’ undergarments. Seeking love and romance, Esther eventually embarks on a letter-writing relationship with a mysterious suitor laboring on the Panama Canal. But when he moves to New York and their marriage begins to take an unhappy turn, Esther realizes that only her self-reliance and certainty of her own worth will see her through life’s challenges. A story of self-discovery stitched together with love!
CAST:
Esther - Stormi Demerson*
George - Brentom Jackson
Mayme - Kayland Jordan
Mrs. Van Buren - Lindsay Hayward
Mr. Marks - Blair Mitchell
Mrs. Dickson - Yolanda Davis
Understudy Mrs. Dickson/Mayme - Shaundra Norwood
*This Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
CREATIVE TEAM:
Director - Dennis Raveneau
Assistant Director – Kathi Baker
Stage Manager & Props Designer – Rayven Harris
Administrative Producer - Joan Eppes
Technical Producer - Tom Ortiz
Intimacy Director - La Hunter-Smith
Pianist & Composer – Thiago Nascimento
Scenic Designer - Ellen Doyle Mizener
Set Dresser – Joseph Cummings
Master Carpenter - Conor Clark
Lighting Designer - Hank Baldree
Sound Designer - Rich Frohlich
Costume Designer - Michael A. Robinson/Dallas Costume Shoppe
Wig Designer – Matthew Rafanelli
Sound Board Operator (A1) - Michael Cannon
Light Board Operator - Eric B. Ryan
Stage Crew – Dorothy Jolly, Michaela Parker
Production photography by Kris Ikejiri.
Publicity photography by Mike Morgan.