Do Lord Remember Me


Theatre/Theater
March 10 - April 1, 2007

Raven Playhouse
September 8 - October 8, 2006
by James de Jongh

 

 

 

 

From the day of the first slave auction in 1655, to the publication of the first slave autobiography in London in 1789, the voices of the American slaves were silent. Since then they have risen in glorious song and courageous speech to tell the tales of those who have endured the "Infamous Practice" and "Peculiar Institution" of slavery. In the 1930's, President Roosevelt asked the Federal Writer's Project, part of his Works Progress Administration, to go out and interview the last generation of Americans born in slavery, who were then in their eighties, nineties, or even older. Now, the words and songs of the slaves themselves come together to tell their tales. Sometimes humorous, sometimes painful, these men and women will awaken your sympathy, command your admiration, and break your heart. These are the bravest of us, the strongest, the most devoted and hardest worked--and for too long, the least valued. These are the true tales of slavery--a night you will remember for the rest of your life.

 

"Do Lord is like a vivid etching come briefly to life."
-- N.Y. Daily News

 

"An engrossing and informative tapestry of daily life as it was lived then. There is great humor and warmth, along with passion and anger. And a sense of triumph in the overcoming."
-- Women's Wear Daily

 

"A theatrical event of rare distinction and achievement."
-- Christian Science Monitor


CAST/CREW BIOS

Reviews

Stephanie Lysaght of LA Weekly raves "Next time you hear some guy bitching about how there's no good theater in L.A., hogtie him, toss him into your car and drive straight to the Raven Playhouse for Wilson Bell's staging of Do Lord Remember Me; that ought to shut him up."

"I was wishing that Arthur Alonzo Richardson, as Slave, would never leave the stage. His ability to inhabit each of his characters is incomparable, and his soulful performance is tempered by touches of playfulness, even in the darkest scenes."

David C. Nichols of LA Times raves "Credit also goes to the wonderfully controlled Chromolume Theatre Company production, which played last fall at the Raven Playhouse."

"The cast is superb. Bambadjan Bamba, Rodney J. Hobbs, Shavonda Mitchell and Annzella Victoria trump every challenge handed them, and Arthur Richardson goes for the jugular, especially as Nat Turner.

"They elucidate and entertain at once, and that, coupled with the undeiable authenticity makes 'Do Lord Remember Me' quietly unforgettable."

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FAQ

Where are you located?
We currently are a company without a home. You can reach us at P.O. Box 61964, Los Angeles, CA 90064.

What time should I arrive at the theatre?
Generally speaking, it is best to arrive at the theatre roughly 15-30 minutes before your performance.

Does the theatre have wheelchair access?
Yes.

Can my child/baby attend the theatre?/Is the show appropriate for children?
It is Chromolume Theatre's policy that no babies in arms may be allowed to attend. Further, we do not permit children under the age of four (4) to attend. This is to ensure that all customers enjoy the show. Young children are admitted but are not encouraged to attend unless the parent is confident the child will not distract other members of the audience. Everyone must have a valid ticket and occupy a seat. Accompanying adults will be asked to remove any noisy children. Generally, Chromolume Theatre produced productions are appropriate for school age children, while visiting productions can vary in appropriateness. Regardless, you should probably check with the Box Office when you order your tickets whether the production you are attending is appropriate for your child.

Are your actors professional?
In most cases, yes. Most, if not all, of the actors who perform in our shows are members of Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild and/or American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Do your musicals have live musicians or taped accompaniment?
All of Chromolume Theatre's produced musicals include a single piano, or a small orchestra, usually five pieces. We do not use taped accompaniment at any of our performances. Any visiting production may use taped accompaniment.

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If you wish to usher for one of our performances, contact our House Manager.

How can I purchase tickets for one of your productions?
There are three ways to purchase tickets for Chromolume Theatre produced performances (please note that visiting productions' methods may vary):

  • Purchase them online through our secure server
  • Purchase them in person at the Box Office
  • Purchase them over the telephone by calling (323) 510-1651 x202

Where do I pick up my tickets?
You can pick them up at the Box Office on the date of your performance.

Where is the Box Office located?
The Box Office is located immediately as you enter the theatre, to your right. The Box Office is open one hour prior to performance.

When are auditions for your performances?
Audition dates and times vary depending on the production. You can browse our Audition Page to check out when an upcoming audition is occurring and what to prepare for said audition.

Do you do only do musicals?
Chromolume Theatre's production productions are not only musicals. Occasionally, we will produce a play or a play with music. Visiting productions can vary anywhere between performance art to fully staged musicals.

Where can I find rental information?
To rent our theatre or to find out more information, you can check our Rental Page or call us at (323) 510-1651.

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AUDITIONS

Chromolume Theatre does not currently have any auditions scheduled.

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AUDITIONS

Chromolume Theatre does not currently have any auditions scheduled.

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Cast/Crew Bios

Bambadjan Bamba
Do Lord Remember Me

Originally from Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Bambadjan arrived in the states at the tender age of 10. He spent his formative years in Richmond, VA; where he fell in love with the craft of acting. After High School he attended an Actors Conservatory School in NYC. Since graduation he guest stared in TV show such as Law & Order, Sopranos, and Wyclef in America. His film credits include I Think I Love My Wife, Tears of the Sun, and Spinning into Butter. Bambadjan made the move to California three months ago and is ready to take it by storm. Bambadjan is Honored to be apart of such an important peace of theatre. He dedicates this performance to everyone who paved the way for Black people in America and all around the world. Special thanks to Wilson Bell for giving me a chance, Annzella Victoria for her mentorship, and his fiance Ganohon whom he thanks for her everlasting love and support.


Christopher Carrington
Do Lord Remember Me

Christopher is originally from Tampa, Florida, where he received his BFA in Theatre from the University of Florida. He is a veteran of the stage with leading roles in plays such as William Shakespeare's Macbeth, the critically acclaimed A Dr. Juess Christmas, Call Out My Name, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Empress of the Blues: The Bessie Smith Story, El Hajj El Malik El Shabazz and A Raisin In The Sun for which he was honored with the coveted Peirrot Award for Best Actor for his powerful portrayal of Walter Lee Younger. Christopher has also been busy on the big and small screen, too many credits to name. This is Christopher's first adventure with the Chromolume Theatre Company and he is trilled to be apart of this wonderful production. He hopes you all enjoy the show.


Parnell Damone
Do Lord Remember Me

A proud member of Actor's Equity, this is Parnell's first production with Chromolume Theatre Company. This is also his second West Coast Premiere this season; having recently completed The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin at Pico Playhouse. Other credits include: Dreamgirls (can't wait to see the movie!), Evita, Bed, Boys & Beyond , Ragtime, Naked Boys Singing. Films include: Tyrone Jones, Dreamgirls, Maro, Amistad, and Blade. "Thanks to my friends and family for their continued love and support!"


Rodney J. Hobbs
Do Lord Remember Me

Originally from Memphis, TN, Rodney J. Hobbs is elated to be making his LA stage debut in Do Lord Remember Me. He started performing professionally in theater in Richmond, VA, in 1996 and eventually worked his way into industrial videos, commercials, TV series, and film. In 2004, he launched his entertainment career in LA, and is blessed and highly favored to be living his childhood dream. Since The Big Move, he has appeared in a national commercial, and has guest-starred on The Shield and The Bernie Mac Show. He thanks his beloved wife Freda for being crazy enough to follow him to LA, and for her never ending, unconditional love and support. He dedicates this performance to his original slave-partner, Michelle Carter, with whom he performed some of these same characters in a children's theatre show many moons ago. Praises and honor to Jesus Chris, for "God done spared a few o' us to tell da tale."


Shavonda Mitchell
Do Lord Remember Me

Shavonda is delighted in making her debut with Chromolume in Do Lord Remember Me. Originally from San Diego, CA, she's traveled some, picked up a BA in Mass Communications from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA; and did some acting in St. Louis and in New Jersey. Some of her credits include: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf, Romeo and Juliet, and King a Man and His Dream, a children's theatre production with the St. Louis Black Repertory Company of which she had the opportunity of portraying the late Mrs. Corretta Scott-King. It is an honor and a privilege to give a voice to some of America's unsung heroes. Their tenacity and strength gives one reason to live with gratitude and perseverance. Mrs. Angelou said it best, we really are "the dream and the hope of the slave." Shavonda would like to thank her mother for her love, prayers and support, and dedicates all performances to her late brother Kwasi Mitchell. Lastly, all Glory, Praise, Love is due to the Ancient of Days her Rock, Sword, and Shield. You are everything my Lord, and everything is You! To everyone, God bless and enjoy the show!


Arthur Alonzo Richardson
Do Lord Remember Me

Arthur Richardson is a native of Gary, Indiana. He is owner of One Or Two Good Men Moving Company in Los Angeles. Arthur has been acting since, "a hysterically laughing high school math teacher turned me into the drama teacher for acting a fool." Also, a city wide Gifted and Talented high school scholar, Arthur has since earned best actor and supporting actor nominations in Indiana's Civic Theatre District for the well known productions of Ain't Misbehavin' and Blues from an Alabama Sky. He has made his second appearance in the national touring production of A Woman's Worth as the side splitting character Uncle Sax, appearing alongside Techina Arnold, Rickey Bell and Naughty by Nature's Treach. Arthur is also a gifted singer-songwriter, held down many occupations from Mortgage Broker to Insurance Agent and believe it or not, professional prize fighter. As an amateur boxer Arthur won the Chicago Golden Gloves and Catholic Youth Authority tournaments in Illinois and as a professional trained with legendary boxing champions like Aaron Pryor and Angel Manfreddy. Arthur is especially proud to be part of the cast of Do Lord Remember Me. "This is a great cast and a very good piece of art by Mr. deJongh. As soon as I read the character breakdown, I knew I had to be a part of this work and I am extremely grateful."


Annzella Victoria
Do Lord Remember Me

Annzella Victoria is originally from Houston, Texas. She has been nominated and received various acting awards for work on stage and screen, including Agents & Assets (performed here and in Holland); Proposals (for which she won an ADA best actress award); Purlie; To Be Young, Gifted & Black; The Amen Corner; Cheaters; and General Hospital. While this is her first time working with Chromolume, it's not the first time with director, Wilson Bell, with whom she received one of her other acting nominations. "I would like to thank Chromolume for this opportunity to do a piece which I hope educates, encourages and blesses the audience. If the slaves could get over what they got over without bitterness, so can you! And to God be the glory!!!!"


Wilson Bell, Director
Do Lord Remember Me

Wilson Bell is a native of New Orleans, La. Like his hometown, he is determined never to give up and to rise to above his challenges. His television credits include Frasier, NYPD Blue, Angel, and Strong Medicine. He has worked in several local Los Angeles productions and venues including the the Zephyr, the Odyssey, and the Fountain. He performed such roles as Lyons in Fences, Cory in Fences, Jesus in Godspell, and Richard III in Richard III. He toured Australia in Michael Phillip Edwards one-man play Runt and received critical acclaim for his performances. He has directed several productions in New Orleans, St. Louis, and Los Angeles. He recently produced and directed an award winning short film Joe Willie's Friend which he also wrote and in which he acted as well. He is very pleased to be a member of Chromolone Theatre and to be directing this play for the company. Wilson Bell has not yet reached his dream of making his living entirely as a creative artist, but he is "no ways" tired. He believes that the Lord will make a way somehow, sometime. He will continue to press on until that day.


Paul Wong, Musical Director
Do Lord Remember Me

When Paul discovered Chromolume Theatre Company, he knew he had found a perfect fit because of Chromolume's multi-ethnic/multi-cultural composition, its non-traditional casting sensibility, and its focus on musical theatre with an emphasis on the works of Stephen Sondheim. After appearing as an actor in Chromolume's You're Gonna Love Tomorrow and City of Angels, he is making an rare foray backstage as Musical Director. Previously, he has served as Musical Director for Merrily We Roll Along and as Vocal Director for Into the Woods and Passion, all at East West Players. He is proud to have appeared as an actor in 9 different Stephen Sondheim shows (so far) and is excited to be a part of Do Lord Remember Me. Thanks to Mom and Dad for the gift of music as a child and to Tomm and Beamer for love and support.


James Esposito, Scenic Design
Do Lord Remember Me

This is James' first design which reaches the stage as opposed to remaining on paper. He received an "A" in Stagecraft at Santa Monica College while designing a final project of Sunday in the Park with George. Not impressive enough? "Well," says James, "there just isn't much else. Sorry." James also dedicates this production to Douglas Forsyth, the Technical Director and teacher at Santa Monica College who gave James that "A" and who was recently in a terrible car accident and is looking at roughly two years of rehab.


Laura Russell Costume Design
Do Lord Remember Me

Laura Russell is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and has been living in LA since 2004. She has a BA in Technical Theatre from Slippery Rock University and has helped create three seasons of costumes for American Players Theatre in Spring Green, WI. She is excited to be collaborating with Chromolume Theatre on such a meaningful project.


Christopher Singleton Lighting Design
Do Lord Remember Me

Christopher Singleton is the Resident Lighting Designer for the Stephanie Feury Studio. He is also involved with Comedy Central Stage and a member of Moving Arts. He graduated from Loyola Marymount University in May, 2004. He has recently returned from designing Aquarium, for the New York International Fringe Festival, in New York City, New York. Other recent travels have taken Christopher to Colorado Springs Colorado, where he designed A Tale Of A Tiger, Me, Myself and You, Rocky Mountain Follies, An Evening With Tsidii Le Loka, and A Mountain Celebration for the Colorado Festival of World Theater. Christopher is delighted to be working with such a fun and professional group.


Elliott Lawrence Stage Manager
Do Lord Remember Me

Pennsylvania native Elliott Lawrence graduated from the acclaimed Pittsburgh H.S. for Creative & Performing Arts. After studying journalism and music at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, a chance encounter drew him across the country to join The Young Americans, with whom he went on seven national and international music outreach tours. On these tours, he worked as a line captain and logistics director. Elliott has done sound design for musicals such as Anything Goes and Fame. An accomplished musician, Elliott has also played bass for numerous shows, including A Chorus Line and Working. Elliott has also served as music director for Damn Yankees and the Leehman Sands Dinner Theatre. Elliott is very proud and grateful for the opportunity to bring his experience to such a worthwhile project.

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Reviews

 

David C. Nichols of LA Times raves...

 

***CRITIC'S PICK***

 

"James de Jongh's docudrama, drawn from recorded interviews of ex-slaves in the 1930s, transcends reader's theater contours through the power of its content."

"[S]pirituals [are] beautifully overseen by Paul Wong as [a] unifying motif."

 

"Credit also goes to the wonderfully controlled Chromolume Theatre Company production, which played last fall at the Raven Playhouse."

 

"The cast is superb. Bambadjan Bamba, Rodney J. Hobbs, Shavonda Mitchell and Annzella Victoria trump every challenge handed them, and Arthur Richardson goes for the jugular, especially as Nat Turner.

 

"They elucidate and entertain at once, and that, coupled with the undeiable authenticity makes 'Do Lord Remember Me' quietly unforgettable."

 

Tom Provenzano of LA Weekly raves...

 

***RECOMMENDED***

 

"Designer James Esposito's stark sound design and nearly-bare stage are complemented by Laura Russell's elegant costumes and Christopher Singleton's gentle lighting to create a production supported by, but not depending upon, technology."

 

"The star here...is musical director Paul Wong's gorgeous work with the five fine performers on a capella versions of such traditional songs as 'Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child,' 'Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen' and the play's title song."

 

"Director Wilson Bell repeats the fine staging from the production's earlier life at the Raven Playhouse that easily navigates the actors and the audience through scores of characters...'"

 

 

Stephanie Lysaght of LA Weekly raves...

 

***RECOMMENDED***

 

"Next time you hear some guy bitching about how there's no good theater in L.A., hogtie him, toss him into your car and drive straight to the Raven Playhouse for Wilson Bell's staging of Do Lord Remember Me; that ought to shut him up."

 

"I was wishing that Arthur Alonzo Richardson, as Slave, would never leave the stage. His ability to inhabit each of his characters is incomparable, and his soulful performance is tempered by touches of playfulness, even in the darkest scenes."

 

"With such heavy subject matter, it's amazing that this production is so much fun. Despite the immeasurable pain these ex-slaves endured, the final, prevailing sentiment is not bitter, but grateful, that 'God done spared a few o' us to tell da tale.'"

 

 

Jim Crogan of Backstage West raves...

 

***CRITIC'S PICK***

 

"Chromolume Theatre Company's revival of James de Jongh's 1982 workshop project, which details the lives of ex-slaves and the horrors of their experiences, uses the most important elements of documentaries to create a dramatic production that is moving, funny, tragic, and, above all, provacative."

 

"The cast, three men and two women, is terrific."

 

"Arthur Alonzo Richardson delivers superb renditions of a slave on the auction block and Nat Turner who was hung for leading a slave rebellion."

 

 

Gail Roberts of Tolucan Times and Canyon Crier raves...

 

"Do Lord Remember Me delivers an emotional package..."

 

"The stories...are skillfully performed by the five member cast..."

 

 

Rich Borowy of Accessibly Live Off-Line raves...

 

"Wilson Bell directs this show that contains theatrical elements that showcases its entertainment value..."

 

"The production itself is very moving from its honest dialogue and very tight from its staging."