NONY

"NONY" -New Orleans Needs You   (2008)
In this performance piece, the cast presents some of the problems New Orleans is facing.  In a dramatic twist, the last scene of the show is a dialogue with audience members who are asked to make a specific commitment of their choice to do one small thing to help rebuild the city.

THE COMPANY

ELIZABETH DUMAS
I'm 86 years old and live in Carrollton.  I have 2 daughters.  I like coming to the Uptown Shepherd's Center every day and enjoy my drama and sewing class.  I'm learning how to sew on a machine for the first time.  I really enjoy helping people, especially old people – even though I am an older person myself.

INGE ELSAS
I am a child of the world having lived, learned, and worked all over Europe, Brazil, Argentina, North Africa, and Egypt.  As a retired social worker, registered nurse, and therapist, I have transferred my love for children to love, concern, and protection for the elderly.  Being an aging person myself (92 years old), I try to bring hope and joy to those who have added many years to their life.

DOLORES HUNTER
My name is Dolores, and I'm 78 years young!  I belong to the St. Francis DeSales Church.  I love to sing, so I belong to one of the largest black gospel choirs in the United States, Golden Voices.  I love to sew and do volunteer work, especially at Uptown Shepherd's Center.

JANELL MICHEL
I'm an almost 82 year old female having the time of my life in a drama class for the first time!  I live with my daughter in Uptown New Orleans.  I like to read, watch television, write poetry, play games and do things with my daughter.  I used to like to travel by tour bus, but can't do that much anymore.  The Uptown Shepard's Center gives me a place to go to be with other seniors.

LODONIA MICHEL
I'm 62 years old.  I love to read, watch TV, and enjoy traveling.  I worked as a medical transcriptionist for 41 years at Charity Hospital.  Since retiring, I enjoy volunteering at the Uptown Shepherd's Center and going to classes there, especially French and Poetry.  I joined the drama group at the Center and I am enjoying it.

DOROTHY MOELEY
I grew up on a farm in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin.  I lived there for 35 years until my father died in 1970.  I love to read, watch TV, and write.  When I was 55 years old, I moved to New Orleans.  I live here almost 9 years.  I have a sister, 2 nephews, and 2 dogs.  The Golden Heart Players is a lot of fun and it keeps me active.

RUTH STEPHENS
Hello, I'm Ruth.  I live Uptown, and I was born and raised in New Orleans.  I really enjoy being a member of the Golden Heart Players.  I appreciate the fellowship, knowledge, and friendships I have made from participating.  Learning about theatre and drama has helped me in many different ways.  At 96 years old, it's my first time acting.  I enjoy it.  It's a lot of fun.

LOU FURMAN, DIRECTOR
Lou is well experienced in dealing with non-trained as well as professional actors.  He is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, has been Artistic Director of several professional companies, and. has taught theatre at university and secondary school levels.  Lou is a Registered Drama Therapist who has facilitated drama activity with the elderly on numerous occasions.