by Shawn Nowlin
To thoroughly enjoy a play that evokes a variety of emotions through uplifting and encouraging messages, doesn’t happen every day. That is exactly what the play “Later for God” provided for 3 engaging performances (May 1 & 2).
Garden of Prayer #7 on Cove Rd., hosted the play–produced and written by Bernadette Jones Brown. This wasn’t a first for Brown who has performed in church plays, Christmas programs and even on Broadway as a soloist. A quintet led by Jamar Preston provided music for the play and Javonda Harris excelled through various voice-overs.
The play reportedly drew approximately 500 plus during its 3 runs which is no surprise as Jones has amassed quite a following as an exceptionally gifted and soulful vocalist. Additionally the entire cast did an exceptional job as well.
The story follows two life-long best friends “Brenda Anchor and Karin Holdress” who grow apart due to a variety of issues but through the power of forgiveness, prove that anything is possible. Sometimes emotional but always entertaining, the production tackled relatable subjects such as learning the true power of forgiveness and acknowledging your deficiencies while at the same time striving to become a better individual. “This play was very autobiographical….I’m very proud of how the final product came together,” said Brown who sealed the play with a confident nod of satisfaction.
With her powerful pipes and strong stage presence, Dominique Thomas played her character (Karin Holdress) to perfection. The Patrick Henry High School senior plans to become a family therapist after graduating from college. The talented actress displayed amazing perseverance pushing through all three shows despite losing her father just days prior to her first performance. “I don’t know many people who could go through what she went through and still manage to keep it all together,” Brown said. “Her father was certainly looking down at her with so much pride.”
Dayunna Penn (Layla), another audience favorite, also proved to be a natural on stage. The Virginia Heights 5th grader performed extremely well with no visible signs of nervousness typical of children under stage pressure.
Along with Mr. Edward Thomas the play was also dedicated to the memory of Tratavious McDuffie who tragically lost his life in 2013 at the age of eighteen. His death inspired the Think Responsible Every Youth (TREY) Foundation that helps students cover school expenses. “I want my son’s death to make a positive difference in the community,” said Tamieka Oliver who sold “T.R.E.Y.” t-shirts in the lobby before and after the performances.
Bernadette began writing “Later for God” last summer. At the time she was going through a lot both personally and professionally and wanted a creative outlet to channel her emotions. One day she just started writing and once she got rolling there was no looking back. After several revisions she sent a final draft to get copy-written before allowing friends and family to see it.
“Later for God” is the type of play that appeals to people of all backgrounds regardless of religious affiliation. A good percentage of people saw the play more than once and agreed to it being “well worth the price of admission.”
Bernadette says that she has some other projects in the works. “I already have another play written… but I’m currently focusing on getting this play to bigger venues,” she says and sets her sites on Maryland, North Carolina and Washington, DC.
