By following their dreams, Nick, Alonzo, and Shalon - three kids who have been shuffled through the foster care system - become warring spirits who make it out of the mean streets of New York. Rather than follow a predictable downward spiral, they beat everyone's expectations, including their own. Speaking to anyone who yearns for success in the face of criticism,
U Don't Know Me uses music and dance to examine the crucial questions for a generation facing drugs, lack of family support and direction. "It's about the misunderstood generation which is often seen as a menace to our society, when in truth, they just might be the generation to change the world," says actor/director/playwright Mark E. Swinton.
A former teacher in Los Angeles, Mark E. Swinton made his foray into theater as the Assistant Director of the Tony Award winning show, HBO's Def Poetry Jam. Along with his love of directing, Swinton also found a passion in writing. His writing credits include Disney's animated series The Proud Family and the UPN comedy sitcom Second Time Around. Mark has also been featured in The New York Times, The L.A. Times and countless other trade publications and magazines. He continues to be credited for pushing thousands of at-risk youth to a professional level of performance both on and off the stage.
Inspired by the socially conscious, Grammy-nominated music of City High, (most notably their smash hit song "What Would You Do") Mark E. Swinton's U Don't Know Me, originally titled Ephraim's Song, has earned four NAACP Theater Awards for its inspiring, gut wrenching message.
The Red Carpet Opening Night production is scheduled for Saturday, September 30 at 6:00 PM.
Directions and Map
It's a Jolly Holiday with Mary
