By The Way, Meet Vera Stark Playbill

By Lynn Nottage

Presented by Theatre Huntsville

Dates: March 21 -30

Von Braun Center Playhouse

The Cast

Alexandria Peterson | Vera Stark

Lorelai Jauregui | Gloria Mitchell

Preslie Anne Cowley | Anna Mae/Afua

Tiffany Simon | Lottie/ Carmen

Christ-Ian Ramone | Leroy/Herb

Jason Weber | Maximillian/Peter

Justin Miller | Slasvick/ Brad

Background

Want to dive deep into the world of Vera Stark?

The world of the play: Click here to read about the history of film in the 1930s when Vera began making movies.

Read about some of the real-life inspirations for Vera Stark - Stepin Fetchit, Hattie McDaniel, Theresa Harris

Want more insight into the author? Check out this interview with Lynn Nottage.

Want to get to know Vera Stark? Check out this website dedicated to the fictional star.

From The Director

Shonda Devine

This play is relevant today because it explores the complexities of race, identity, and representation in Hollywood. These themes are still deeply resonant in contemporary society.

The play sheds light on the struggles faced by Black actresses in finding authentic roles, reflecting ongoing conversations about diversity, inclusivity, and the intersection of art and politics.

It encourages a critical examination of how history shapes current perceptions, making it an essential work for understanding how far we've come and how much further we need to go in achieving true representation.

I think its an opportunity for anyone interested in art and theater to come and experience an amazing cast and riveting subject matter.

Lynn Nottage is the first and only woman to have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice. A screenwriter, playwright, and installation artist, she is known for her powerful, socially conscious storytelling.

Her work often explores themes of race, class, and resilience, highlighting overlooked voices in history. Notable plays include Sweat (2017 Pulitzer Prize), Ruined (2009 Pulitzer Prize), Intimate Apparel, Clyde’s, and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark.

A graduate of Brown University and the Yale School of Drama, Nottage has received numerous honors, including a MacArthur “Genius” Grant. In addition to her work in theatre, she has written for film and television and is a passionate advocate for the arts.

Learn more on her website.