Set in Baltimore City during the 1980's, the story of Mama and her daughters is on full display against the music of Nina Simone, the legendary High Priestess of Soul. This story revolves around the Blackman sisters as they navigate the complexities of their lives while confronting their sister Coot’s worsening mental health struggles. Coot’s recent episodes include public nudity, avoidance of communication, loss of appetite, lack of hygiene, and increasing promiscuity, which Mama can’t abide. With Mama aging and the family stability at stake, the sisters feel the urgency to confront the situation. Coot’s malcontent erupts in a flurry of negative insults aimed at her sisters as they attempt to enjoy Sunday dinner. Mama is unable to decide a course of action until Coot’s breakdown forces her to see the light.
Fantah Hooker , writer and producer of Blues for Mama, is an Education Specialist with an Ed.S. degree and a lifelong passion for the arts. A gifted playwright, she brings history to life through a cultural lens, captivating audiences with powerful, thought-provoking narratives. Her original works include Back to Africa, Sisters of the Neteru, and The Passage, each exploring rich historical themes. For over 20 years, Fantah coordinated the Sankofa Festival and produced numerous Black History programs for the Kemet School, which she co-founded with her late husband Dr. Atu Hooker in 1994. Blues for Mama was proudly read at the prestigious National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC. With a deep love for storytelling and cultural preservation, Fantah is honored to share this work with new audience
Each one of these cast member bring a sense of life knowledge fun and excitement to their characters. This is truly a show you don't want to miss!
Lisa Lipscomb as Lizzy Blackman "Mom"- "Have a ever made you soupy rice, have I?"
Pamela Phifer-White as Berta -"Ah no Lizzy you got me all wound up now, I gotta see this thang thru!"
Linda Straite as Dealah - "Sometimes I have to be the defense attorney and the prosecutor."
Lara Diane Rann as Sis - "Ma don't mark her like you marked me!"
Lakeisha Lowery as Coot - "I heard you in here telling Sis all your business. You thought mama didn't hear you but I did!"
Cymone James as Devine - "Now we are one, One collective spirit running through our veins!"
Psalms White as Obufame- "I warned her about marrying him, but all I can hear is, "He's so fine"."
Donesha McGowan as Yannie - "Hey Ma, let me show you these new dance moves I been working on."
“Playwright, Fantah Hooker is a wordsmith! She has written a heartfelt libretto! A Play about African American characters who bring life to the stage while learning to laugh, cry, create, love and achieve while living through and beyond the struggles of confusion with hope filled hearts.”
It's more than a play...
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