JUBILEE: July 25 – August 24, 2025

Written by: Tazewell Thompson
Directed by: Thomas (TeKay) King

About the Production:
The world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers shattered racial barriers in the U.S. and abroad, entertaining kings and queens. For centuries, the bold a cappella African American ensemble born on the campus of Fisk University has blended their rich voices together sharing a heritage of suffering, strength and endurance. With uplifting spirituals and hymns including “Wade in the Water,” “Ain’t That Good News,” and “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” this a cappella performance with more than three dozen songs is sure to ignite audiences.

Venue:
Hattiloo Theatre
37 So. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104

Audition date:
March 15, 2025
10a-1p

Call Backs:
March 16, 2025
1p-4p

Rehearsal Schedule:  June 7 – July 24, 2025
Saturdays 10a-2p
(Saturday July 12th & 19th rehearsals are 10a-6p)
Sundays 1p-4p
Tuesdays – Thursdays 6p-9p

Performance Dates:  July 25 – August 24, 2025
Evenings:
Thursdays – Saturdays  @ 7:30p
Matinees:
Saturday & Sundays @2p

Characters (Roles)

The Fisk Jubilee Singers:  Twelve of the singers must be first rate singers with excellent voices, a good ear, good pitch and the ability to hold their parts in group songs with sometimes complex vocal arrangements; reading is a plus; being heard filling the house is essential.

Minnie Tate.…………..Black Female  (Contralto/alto)

Greene Evans……….Black Male  (Bass)

Jennie Jackson.…….Black Female (Soprano)

Benjamin Holmes.….Black Male (Tenor)

Isaac Dickerson……..Black Make (Bass)

Maggie Porter………..Black Female (Soprano)

Thomas Rutling.…….Black Male (Tenor)

America Robinson…. Black Female

Georgia Gordon……..Black Female

Edmund Watkins…….Black Male

Federick Loudin.…….Black Male

Mabel Lewis.………….Black Female

Ella Sheppard.…..an outstanding actress with amazing skills to transform in a variety of characters (male, female, black, white, young and old).  Able to carry a tune and hold her own (or blend) in group/chorus/ensemble songs. Able to Interpret a song, sing solo and act as a singing member of  “The Fisk Jubilee Singers” (Soprano)

JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING: September 11 – October 12, 2025

Written by Jocelyn Bioh
Directed by: Maya Robinson

About the Production:
Hattiloo welcomes you into Jaja’s bustling hair braiding shop in Harlem where every day, a lively and eclectic group of West African immigrant hair braiders are creating masterpieces on the heads of neighborhood women. During one sweltering summer day, love will blossom, dreams will flourish, and secrets will be revealed. The uncertainty of their circumstances simmers below the surface of their lives and when it boils over, it forces this tight-knit community to confront what it means to be an outsider on the edge of the place they call home.

Venue:
Hattiloo Theatre
37 So. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104

Audition date:
May 3, 2025
10a-1p

Call Backs:
May 4, 2025
1p-3p

Rehearsal Schedule: August 2, – September 10, 2025
Saturdays 10a-2p.
(Saturday August 30th and September 6th rehearsals are 10a-6p)
Sundays 1p-4p
Tuesdays – Thursdays 6p-9p

Performance Dates: September 11 – October 12, 2025
Evenings:
Thursdays – Saturdays @ 7:30p
Matinees:
Saturday & Sundays @2p

Characters (Roles)

Main characters

• Miriam: Early to mid-20’s.  Sierra Leonean; very kind and seemingly quiet on the surface, but has a fierce spirit underneath her shell; loves the idea of love and is epitome of an optimist.
• Jaja: 40s+ Senegalese: owner of the shop.  The backbone and or saving grace of everyone in the shop. Getting married today in city hall to Steven__the landlord of a local building.
• Jennifer: 20’s. Black American; aspiring journalist; comes to the shop wanting to get micro braids and is in the shop all day; incredibly patient and caring.
• Aminata: 30’s Senegalese;  Fun, sexy, and charming.  She loves her job and is good at it, but also loves to hang out at the shop as well.  The shop is both her job and her favorite place to be social.  Has a  tumultuous and passionate marriage;  Bea’s sidekick in  gossip and drama when necessary.
• Vanessa: 30’s Super rude customer that no one wants to deal with.  Also plays
• Sheila: 30’s The friendly but loud-talking businesswoman.  She enjoys a little gossip like the next person.
• Radia: (pronounced “Nadia”) 18ish.  One of Marie’s former classmates.

Other characters 

• Ndidi: (pronounced “IN-DEE-DEE”) Late 20s/early 30s.  Nigerian;  the young spitfire; she dresses the youngest and braids the fastest.  Everyone at the shop knows that she makes the most money and that doesn’t always go over well with everyone__namely Bea.
• Michelle, 20’s.  The nervous client who doesn’t want trouble and just wants to get her hair done peacefully.   Also plays
• Chrissy, 30s.  Really wants braids that will make her look like Beyonce.”
• LaNiece, 20s. A regular at the shop; works as a DJ so she always gets funky braids.  A character in the play
• James, 30s Ghanaian; Aminata’s on-again, off-again husband who clearly takes advantage of her.  Also plays:
• Franklin, the sock man, 30’s Black American; quick talking and friendly neighborhood sales man just trying to make a living.
• Olu, the jewelry man, 30s. Nigerian; a shy, honest man just trying to make a living; has a bit of a crush on Ndidi.
• Eric, The DVD man, 30’s Senegalese; the caring , DVD man who looks out for his friends
• Marie: 18, Jaja’s daughter who runs the shop for her mother; has a lot of weight on her young shoulders because of her circumstances.  Secretly wants to be a writer; has a fun and silly side, but is firm and assertive when needed___especially with the women in the shop
• Bea: 40’s, Ghanaian: has been at the shop the longest; the neighborhood gossip with an unpredictable attitude.  Addicted to causing drama, but is rarely ever wrong

Madagascar: October 31 – November 9, 2025

Created by Mark Burton/ Billy Frolick /Tom McGrath/ Eric Darnell
Directed by Bronzjuan Worthy

About the Production:
4 pampered animals from New York’s Central Park Zoo find themselves shipwrecked on the exotic island of Madagascar, and discover it really IS a jungle out there.

Venue:
Hattiloo Theatre
37 So. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104

Audition date:
August 9, 2025
10a-1p

Call Backs:
August 10, 2025
1p-4p

Techiloo workshops:
August 23 – September 14, 2025
Saturdays 10a-2p
Sundays 12p-3p

Rehearsal Schedule:
September 20 – October 30, 2025
Saturdays 10a-2p
(Saturday, October 18th and 24th rehearsal are 10a-6p)
Sundays 1p-4p
Tuesdays – Thursdays 5:30p-8:30p

Performance Dates:
October 31 – November 9, 2025
Evenings:
Fridays – Saturdays @ 7:30p
Matinees:
Saturday & Sundays @2p

Characters (Roles)

Alex the Lion: The main attraction at the Zoo and “The King Of New York” – a true showman

Marty the Zebra: Dreams of exploring beyond the confines of the zoo, Alex’s best friend.

Gloria the Hippo: Bold young lady with a maternal streak who shines.

Melman the Giraffe: Kind-hearted giraffe who is a hypochondriac and always just a little bit nervous.

Skipper the Penguin: Captain of the group, gives orders with ease and command.

Kowalski the Penguin: Skipper’s second-in-command.

Rico the Penguin: Brute of the group of penguins – can karate chop anything in site!

Private the Penguin: Primary job is to maintain the cute and fuzzy disguise.

Zookeepers: Have a real passion and excitement for the animals.

Mason the Chimp: Though highly intelligent, his species gets a bad reputation for being simple, which he takes personally.

King Julien: King of the Lemurs, a wild band of creatures native to Madagascar.

Maurice the Lemur: King Julien’s assistant who is not welcoming to the visitors.

Mort the Lemur: The littlest lemur who can barely speak. Lemur gang

Lynn, Lew, Lee and Lars: more silly lemurs

Other Ensemble parts include:

The Foosa (cat-like predators with and appetite for lemurs!),

Servers (of Alex’s steak), Camera Man, Candy Hammernose, Passerby, Old Lady, Police Officers, Animal Control Officers, Newspaper Man, Ship’s Captain

Lionesses, alex’s dancers who are fierce and slay

IF SCROOGE WAS A BROTHER: November 21 – December 21, 2025

Written by Ekundayo Bandele
Directed by Ekundayo Bandele

About the Production:
It’s Christmas Eve and Eb Scroo is seeking to snuff out the season’s cheer by demanding all debts owed him be satisfied before nightfall. Facing imprisonment, a Christmas without presents and a feast, the residents are desperate. In this urban spin of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the ghosts and characters are icons of Black culture

Venue:
Hattiloo Theatre
37 So. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104

Audition date:
May 24, 2025
10a-1p

Call Backs:
May 25, 2025
1p-3p

Rehearsal Schedule: October 18 – November 20, 2025
Saturdays 10a-2p
(Saturday November 15th and 22nd rehearsals are 10a-6p)
Sundays 1p-4p
Tuesdays – Thursdays 6p-9p

Performance Dates: November 21 – December 21, 2025
Evenings:
Thursdays – Saturdays @ 7:30p
Matinees:
Saturday & Sundays @2p

Characters (Roles)

Main

Ebenezer Scrooge, (black male 35+)

Bob Cratchit, (black male 35+)

Fred (black male 20+)

Spirit of  Marley, (white male 35+)

Other Characters

Kimmy/Harriet/Woman/Spirit of Christmas Past/MA/Belle/Fran (black female 20+)

Smitty/Spirit of Christmas Present/Marcus (black male 25+)

Clyde/James/Ebenezer (black male 25+)

Tina/Spirit of Christmas Future (male or female 12-15 yrs.)

Rene/Belle/Ida (black female 18+)

Pastor Waters/Social Worker (male or female black 25+)

Janice/Bev Cratchit (black female 30+)

Malcolm/Freddy/Boy (black male 6-10yrs.)

DREAMGIRLS: January 30 – March 8, 2026

Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyen
Music by Henry Krieger
Directed & Choreographed by: Patdro Harris
Music Director: Kennon Shotwell

About the Production:
A smash-hit Broadway musical that became an Oscar-nominated film, Dreamgirls follows an all-girl Motown singing group on the path from obscurity to superstardom in the 1960s and ’70s. Along the way, the rising stars must question the price of their success and the meaning of family. It’s a whirlwind ride through the highs and lows of showbiz in an era of change in American pop music.

Winner! Six 1982 Tony Awards, including Best Book
Nominee: Thirteen 1982 Tony Awards, including Best Musical
Winner! Four 1982 Drama Desk Awards
Nominee: Ten 1982 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical
Winner! 1982 Theatre World Award (Jennifer Holliday)

Venue:
Hattiloo Theatre
37 So. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104

Audition date:
May 10, 2025
10a-2p

Call Backs:
May 12, 2025
1p-4p

Rehearsal Schedule: December 6 – 21, 2025 Resumes January 3 – 29, 2026
Saturdays 10a-2p
(Saturday January 17th and 24th rehearsals are 10a-6p)
Sundays 1p-4p
Tuesdays – Thursdays 6p-9p

Performance Dates: January 30 – March 8, 2026
Evenings:
Thursdays – Saturdays @ 7:30p
Matinees:
Saturday & Sundays @2p

Characters (Roles)

EFFIE WHITE – African American woman, 20-30. Vibrant young woman who is as oversized in talent as she is in person. Effie is the true powerhouse in the group, a soaring singer whose voice overpowers and transcends Deena’s and Lorrell’s. She is smitten with Curtis from the start and is overcome with anger and jealousy when she senses his growing attraction to Deena. Effie should be full-figured, and her size carries with it a true sense of sexuality. Must have a huge gospel belt voice. Must move very well.

DEENA JONES – African American woman, 20-30. The young, thin, beautiful member of the dreams. Happy singing backup to Effie until Curtis puts her in the lead and grooms her as star of the group. Mezzo, big full belt. Must move very well.

LORRELL ROBINSON – African American woman, 20-30. The third member of The Dreams. Sexy, flirtatious girl from the projects of Detroit who has been singing with her best friends Effie and Deena for years. Carries on an affair with Jimmy Early, who refuses to leave his wife for her. Soprano, on top of most triad harmony, big full belt. Must move very well.

CURTIS TAYLOR, JR. – African American man, 30-40. Handsome, and very sexy. Slick car salesman who becomes the Dreams’ manager. Has an appreciation of R & B music and a sense of what it sells. Motivated by dreams, he takes over the management of Jimmy Early’s career and also oversees the rise to stardom of The Dreams. Initially warm and approachable he becomes hardened by wealth and power and the need to control everything and everyone. Baritone. Must move well.

JAMES “THUNDER” EARLY – African American man, 30-40. James Brown-like R & B star. The Dreamettes become his backup singers. Has an affair with Lorrell.

C.C. WHITE – African American man, 20-30. Effie’s songwriter brother.  Writes all the Dreams hit songs. Endearing and soft-spoken, he tries to do what’s best but slowly gives up his ideals to Curtis’ controlling vision. High baritone. Must move well

MICHELE MORRIS – African American woman, 20s. Effie’s replacement in the dreams. Thin and beautiful, she sings bottom in the harmonies. Mezzo soprano, big belt. Must move well.

MARTY – African American man, 30-45, street savvy, long-time manager who oversaw Jimmy’s career and rise to R & B stardom. Represents an earlier age of black entertainment. At odds with Curtis and his ideas and schemes. Later oversees Effie’s comeback. Baritone. Should move.

1 CAUCASIAN MAN AND 2 CAUCASIAN WOMEN – Strong singers who move well to play Dave and The Sweethearts (Pat Boone singer and his backup girls who sing the all American pop version of “Cadillac Car”. Will play other ensemble roles such as reporters, press agents, etc.

1 CAUCASIAN MAN – Strong singer, character actor to play Frank, the press agent and various supporting roles. Must move well. Ensemble of male and female (African American/Muticultural/Caucasian) singer/dancers to play various supporting roles: must be strong singers and move very well. All ensemble members should possess unique and vivid personalities and have the ability to play a wide variety of characters. Wayne and Tiny Joe Dixon will be cast from this ensemble.

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM: April 17 – May 17, 2026

Written by August Wilson
Directed by Patricia Smith

About the Production:
It’s 1927 and Ma Rainey, the “Mother of the Blues,” is recording new sides of old favorites in a rundown studio in Chicago. Fiery and determined, Ma Rainey fights to retain control over her music, while her cocky trumpet player Levee dreams of making his own name in the business. More than music goes down in August Wilson’s riveting portrayal of rage, racism, self-hatred and exploitation.

Nominee: Three 1985 Tony Awards, including Best Play
Nominee: Two 1985 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding New Play
Winner! 1985 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play
Winner! 2016 Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play

Venue:
Hattiloo Theatre
37 So. Cooper Memphis, TN 38104

Audition date:
October 10, 2025
10a-1p

Call Backs:
October 11, 2025
1p-3p

Rehearsal Schedule: February 28 2026 – April 16, 2026
Saturdays 10a-2p
(Saturday March 28 and April 4th rehearsals are 10a-6p)
Sundays 1p-4p
Tuesdays – Thursdays 6p-9p

Performance Dates: April 17 – May 17, 2026
Evenings:
Thursdays – Saturdays @ 7:30p
Matinees:
Saturday & Sundays @2p

Characters (Roles)

Levee the trumpet player in the band of black musicians that accompanies blues singer Ma Rainey. Not well educated but stylish, flamboyant, brash, energetic, and ambitious, Levee is in his early thirties and is the youngest of the musicians.

Ma Rainey the most popular black blues singer of her day, called the Mother of the Blues. Ma carries herself with a royal air, but, like any black person in Chicago in the 1920’s, she is a second-class citizen. She appears unaware that her style of music is falling out of favor.

Toledo, the band’s piano player and the only member of the band who can read. In his middle fifties, Toledo is self-taught and the most educated and philosophical of the musicians. He lectures the confused and apathetic band members on African history.

Sturdyvant the white owner of the recording studio, concerned mainly with profit and insensitive to black performers, preferring to deal with them as little as possible.

Irvin Ma Rainey’s white manager, tall, corpulent, and proud of his knowledge of and ability to deal with African Americans. Irvin attempts to keep Ma and Sturdyvant satisfied at the same time but usually fails to satisfy either one.

Cutler the leader of the band, the guitar and trombone player, and the most sensible of the musicians. In his middle fifties, Cutler is cautious and even unimaginative personally and musically. He is not introspective but tries at all times to defuse hostilities and keep everyone’s attention on the business at hand.

Slow Drag the bass player in the band, in his middle fifties, deceptively intelligent but bored by life. Sporting a large, wicked smile, Slow Drag plays with startling ease, gracefully incorporating underlying African rhythms in his music.

Dussie Mae, Ma’s lesbian lover, a young, dark-skinned, sensual black woman.

Sylvester Ma’s nephew, a huge, black Arkansas country boy stutters in almost every sentence he speaks. Ma has brought him to the recording session to do the voice introduction to her song, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

A policeman, who brings Ma to the recording studio to check her identity after the automobile accident and the fight with the taxi driver.