Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery

A young Southern black girl comes of age in the New York premiere of Shay Youngblood’s play, directed by Stephen Sunderlin. The 25 year old narrator suffered the loss of her mother at a young age, and was raised by women in the community who taught her about survival, healing, faith, and mystery. Based on the playwright’s first book, The Big Mama Stories, Shakin’ combines storytelling, music, and dance. The cast features Betty Vaughn, Kimberly “Q” Purnell, and Johnnie Mae.