Dear Ms. Kitt at the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival
New York City, Theatre Row, 2019
Dear Ms. Kitt premiered as part of the 2019 Broadway Bound Theatre Festival, an annual curated theatre festival. The festival took place in August at Theatre Row, The Lion’s Theatre, New York, NY.
Dear Ms. Kitt sashayed across the stage under the direction of multidisciplinary artist Louis DeVaughn Nelson. Nelson directed a magical production with humour and flair.
The story follows Nina, an estranged singer, who returns home after learning of her mother’s death. Only to discover that she’s inherited more than she expected.
Nelson’s unique take on the story drew inspiration from Grant Wood’s American Gothic presenting vivid images in black, white and red.
The Director
Director Louis DeVaughn Nelson is a multidisciplinary artist and founder of Hokum Arts. He studied Education and Playwriting/Screenwriting at DeSales University, Drexel University and The New School and has trained at The Koresh School of Dance in Modern Jazz.
Nelson has worked for twenty years as a performer, choreographer, producer and director for film, theater, dance, and more. His work has been shown in USA, Europe, Australia, and South Korea. Nelson was named Best New Choreographer by Philadelphia City Paper, and has been recognized internationally for his video work that delves into cultural and movement research. He is a proud member of The Dramatists Guild of America.
Cast
Rose: Auberth Bercy
Uncle Devon: Melvin J. Cox*
Nina: Vanessa Lynah
Voices: Phillip Pineno
*these Actors are appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
Creative Team
Director: Louis DeVaughn Nelson
Playwright: Chantel Winters
Technical Director: Hunter Francisco
Stage Manager: Shari Nedd
Lighting Designer: Riley Cavanaugh
Production Assistant: Phillip Pineno
''Louis Devaughn Nelson’s: Dear Ms. Kitt is a work of social commentary as filtered through Robert Wilson’s Watermill Center” - Theater Pizzazz
This production was made possible with the support of Natasha Adiyana Morris, the Piece of Mine Festival, Casey Yugo, Lauren Greenwood, Blythe Hayes, Roney Lewis, Tiana Coleman, Udalee Williams, Dean Smith, Yvonne Coleman, Melissa Smith, all our donors, Rick Sayers and everyone at the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival, and the Actors’ Equity Association.
