"MURDER IN HARLEM" is the latest theatrical performance created by Leslie Pryor Productions (LPP). The Louisville, KY based production company has become so synonymous with...
Hey man, can you dig it? Groovy! Outta sight! Far out! and Let’s Boogie is some the hip 70s slang featured in Murder at the Disco Lounge – a murder/mystery dinner experience created by Leslie Pryor Productions of Louisville, Ky.
Two separate showtimes for the experience took place on Sunday June 30, 2024 at Mellwood Art Center. The matinee began at 3:00pm and the evening experience began at 6:30pm. Attendees were encouraged – but not required – to dress in 70s attire. Dinner was included in the ticket price and a cash bar was also available.
Murder at the Disco Lounge is an exhilarating crowd interaction performance that allows audience members to attempt to solve the crime. The story line takes place in the 1970s and features the murder of popular nightclub singer “Beverly” – played by Gwen Jeffrey.
Patrons kept their eyes glued to the performance, while eating dinner simultaneously, as to be sure not to miss any clues that may help them solve the murder of Beverly. The smaller intimate venue allowed the performers to be within inches of the audience members, while the theatrical performance was taking place.
The experience featured live vocal performances of some of the biggest hits of the 1970s, a best 70s outfit contest and a choreographed roller skate exhibition from Louisville Skaters United.
The show was broken up into three separate acts:
ACT 1: Featured the actual murder
ACT 2: Presented the Evidence
ACT 3: Revealed the Murderer and Motive
Leslie Pryor Productions was established in 2012, by Leslie Pryor of Louisville, KY. Over the past fourteen years, the company has produced twelve theatrical performances and stage plays.
In 2022, Pryor began experimenting with the Murder/Mystery genre and has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. The writing and execution of the stories are top-notch. Leslie Pryor Productions is definitely a viable player within Louisville’s art scene.
“MURDER IN HARLEM” is the latest theatrical performance created by Leslie Pryor Productions (LPP). The Louisville, KY based production company has become so synonymous with faith-based original stage plays – many have dubbed its owner, Leslie Pryor, with the nickname “Louisville’s Tyler Perry.”
This past Sunday LPP hosted two separate performances of Murder in Harlem. The production company would make history by becoming the first black-owned, women-led production company in Louisville – to write an original Murder/Mystery play and professionally produce it with an all-black cast.
Over the past ten years, LPP has created eight previous productions – which have all centered around a traditional stage play format. However, the ninth installment, Murder in Harlem, strayed from the norm – providing a Murder/Mystery experience, in which the audience would participate in identifying the killer.
Typically LPP hosts its stage plays at venues that seat 250-2000 patrons. They are usually full-scale theatre style productions, with lighting, props and stage curtains. With Murder in Harlem, LPP opted for a more intimate experience – by hosting the production at the Shawnee Golf Course Clubhouse, located in Louisville’s West End.
The venue serves as a small event space that seats 100 people at ten round tables and twelve rectangular tables.
The smaller space is not equipped with a stage, major sound system or lighting, so the audience received an up-front personal experience that isn’t obtainable with larger venues.
The performers would carryout the entire production at the south end of the clubhouse – while the audience observed from their assigned tables – feasting on a complimentary two-course meal.
The production was themed as a 1920s style Murder/Mystery, located inside a Harlem speakeasy. The all-black cast was dressed in formal nightclub attire, which perfectly captured the “gangster prohibition” era of the 1920s.
As a twist, the audience was encouraged to dress in 1920s attire as well. Following each show, a “best dressed” contest was held for audience members who wore costumes.
The plot of the production is based around a murder that takes place in Harlem’s Premier Jazz Club, during the historic “Roaring 20s” prohibition era. The Roaring 1920s is the height of the Jazz music era, as well as the culture of bootleggers and gangsters.
Fred Cook, the owner of the nightclub, who is also the son of a prominent bootlegger and mob boss, is murdered in his club – and one of his employees is thought to be the killer. The audience is left to solve the mystery by guessing who the murderer is.
Throughout the two-hour production, the audience would be asked to look for hidden clues, which were often strategically placed under their chairs or hidden on their dinner tables.
The brief intermissions were enjoyable, as the audience would be entertained by live saxophonist Bennie J. Smith and comedic relief by host Johnathan Johnson. The live Jazz saxophonist would further the ambience of an authentic 1920s speakeasy experience.
Additionally, LPP followed its tradition of inserting an encrypted educational message into the script. A women’s empowerment theme was subtlety worked into the production, to provide awareness to women’s rights and discrimination.
Durung an intermission break, following the first couple of acts – each audience member was provided index cards to write down who they believed the killer to be – and what the motive was.
The cards were then collected by the host. At the end of the production, those who guessed the killer and motive correctly – won trips to Hawaii, Chicago or other destinations – as prizes provided by Kecia Sloss of House 2 Homes Reality.
Leslie Pryor Productions continues to raise the theatrical bar with each production. Murder in Harlem is equally suspenseful, as entertaining.
The company continues to provide professionally written productions and top tier acting. Live performances are extremely difficult to produce -yet LPP continues to create flawless experiences.
Credits:
Writer/Director: Leslie Pryor
Director: Robert Thompson
Stage Managers: Tricy Majors & Sharon Kent
Host: Johnathan Johnson
Cast:
Derron Rowan: “Poppy” the Security
Gwen Evans: “Dorothy”
Everett Ezell: “Willie Short”
Marquita Howerton: “Josephine” (owners wife)
Gwen Jeffery: “Ruby Short”
Monica Bullard: The Detective
The newly formed hip-hop supergroup, Mount Westmore, rolled into a nearly sold-out Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY on Saturday November 20th. Following the success of many West Coast-themed concert series – Snoop Dogg, Too Short, Ice Cube & E-40 felt that it only made sense to join forces as a collaborative unit.
The announcement of Mount Westmore was first revealed by Too Short on MC Serch’s podcast, Serch Says, in December 2020, while the world was experiencing the infamous 2020 pandemic quarantine – which brought the world to a screeching halt.
“I get a call during the early part of the quarantine from E-40 and Ice Cube going, ‘Man, we feel like we should do an album. Me, you… it’s E-40, Cube, Too $hort and Snoop Dogg.’ And I’m like… ‘E-40 and Too $hort are from the Bay, Snoop Dogg and Cube are from L.A. and we are like the West Coast foundation.’ We sat there and was like, ‘F–k it, let’s do it.’ So, we start coming up with beats.” – Too Short
Too Short would later explain in a March 2021, VladTV interview, that the group has recorded roughly 50 songs and plans to release Vol.1 first – followed by multiple chronological albums.
The world would get to witness Mount Rushmore, live in concert, for the first time at the Triller Fight Club pay-per-view bout between Jake Paul and Ben Askren, in April 2021, as they perform their first single entitled Big Subwoofer.
As the pandemic restrictions are becoming more relaxed, Mount Rushmore has taken their show on the road. The nearly sold-out Lexington, KY concert indicates that the demand for these four West Coast legends is still extremally significant, after three decades in the music industry.
The fans appeared to thoroughly enjoy the unique format of the concert. Each artist would perform an hour worth of material – but instead of each artist performing one-hour solo sets – all four would remain on stage together and switch acts, every 5-10 minutes. This format appeared to keep the crowd more energized and engaged, than the typical format of solo sets.
Near the end of the evening – Too Short would announce to the crowd at Rupp Arena that the Mount Westmore album would be dropping at the end of 2021 – or the beginning of 2022, at the latest. That news was met with a standing ovation by the screaming crowd.
As the Covid-19 pandemic has been disastrous for many small businesses, Nakeita Tilford continues to focus on her craft – and has expanded her business, which now has relocated to a prime downtown Louisville location.
Exclusive Beauty Spa formerly known as Exclusive Nails Salon is hosting its Grand Opening, Saturday November 13 – from 4pm-8pm – at its new location 513 S. 3rd Street, Louisville, KY 40202.
The community is invited to stop by the Grand Opening to enjoy food, refreshments and to experience why Tilford says:
“The Vibe is Always Exclusive.” – Nakeita Tilford
Tilford previously operated her nail salon on New Cut Road, in Louisville’s South End, for the past four years. In a May Facebook post, announcing the closure of the South End location, Tilford expressed her gratitude for servicing over 3,000 clients – within that timespan.
The new downtown location operates as a full service beauty spa that specializes in: acrylic nails, manicures, pedicures and makeup services – while focusing on offering clients a more luxurious spa experience, than was offered at the South End location.
Louisville’s predominately black Russell neighborhood has been the focus of economic development over the past few years. The blighted community that once housed the notorious Beecher Terrace Public Housing Project, is now being transformed into a hub for local black-owned businesses.
Two of the latest businesses preparing to open in this community are HMPS Internal Medicine of West Louisville and UPSING Psychiatric Services, located at 927 W. Main Street. HMPS will specialize in providing primary care services such as: preventive screenings, physical exams and diabetes and hypertension management, to residents of the Russell Community.
UPSING Psychiatric Services, which also occupies office space at the location, will specialize in mental health services, for Louisville’s West End residents.
Essentially, two black-owned medical services will operate under one roof and both are owned and operated by female medical service providers.
The four medical services providers are:
Dr. Kellye Singletary MD (General Psychiatry)
Dana Singletary (APRN)
Shavon Prentice (APRN)
Jennifer Haynes (APRN)
The owners emphasize that HMPS/UPSING was created to address the healthcare disparities, that exist within West Louisville.
Each provider has extensive experience in their respective healthcare fields, so the group thought they would be more effective by forming a partnership, with the goal of providing West Louisville residents with the best medical experience possible.
Co-owner and nurse practitioner Shavon Prentice, says that she’s always worked as a healthcare provider in West Louisville and is very familiar with the sentiments of the residents of that community, in regard to healthcare.
Prentice claims that a disconnect in communication often exists between the patient and healthcare provider, due to cultural differences. She feels as though many African-American patients are misunderstood, based on those differences.
“Often the healthcare provider can’t relate. Patients may be perceived as having an attitude or being stubborn, when in reality they have anxiety and they are scared. We can convey that a little better because culturally we know how to respond to certain situations more effectively.” – Shavon Prentice
Prentice goes on to say that establishing relationships with their patients is essential to helping the patient maintain a healthy lifestyle. She further states that HMPS will focus on preventive treatments such as annual physicals, prostate screens, mammograms and colonoscopies – in addition treating illnesses.
“Because we look like them and we treat them as if they’re our family – I’m going to tell them how it is. I’m going to tell them that this is what you need to do and this is why… And I feel like it’s more receptive when it comes from someone that looks like them.” – Shavon Prentice
According to census data statistics, in June of 2020 African-Americans made up 16.5 percent of Kentucky’s Covid-19 deaths, while being only 8.4 percent of the state’s population. These statistics prompted Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear, to announce a plan that intends to provide healthcare coverage to 100 percent of African-Americans in the state.
As a healthcare provider, co-owner Dana Singletary identifies with these statistics. She says that preexisting health conditions placed many African-Americans in the high-risk category, pertaining to Covid-19. She insists that preventive treatments will lower the risk of illness and provide a higher quality of life for their patients.
“Preexisting conditions such as, diabetes, hypertension and obesity, placed many African-Americans in the high-risk category to contracting Covid-19.” – Dana Singletary
Mental Health treatment is also a major focus of HMPS/UPSING. Dr. Kellye Singletary and Monique Upton will be providing psychiatric services at the clinic, via their practice “UPSING.” Singletary has been practicing psychiatry since 2006 and spent eight years practicing at the V.A.
Singletary partnered with Upton in 2017, to provide tele-medicine services to their clients. Tele-medicine essentially allows a patient to visit with their physician by video-conferencing or telephone. The pair have provided tele-medicine services in Kentucky, Florida and Texas.
Mental health services for patients of UPSING are available through tele-medicine services or through in-office visits.
The Grand Opening of HMPS/UPSING will take place on July 17, 2021. The clinic is strategically located to serve residents of Louisville’s West End but the medical providers welcome patients from all areas of the city.
The clinic will be accepting Medicaid/Medicare as well as other types of insurance.
Breonna Taylor (26) was murdered by Louisville, KY police officers on March 13, 2020, when three officers: Sgt. Jonathon Mattingly, officer Brett Hankison and officer Myles Cosgrove, of the Louisville Metro Police Department, executed a No Knock Search Warrant on her home after midnight.
Sgt. Jonathon MattinglyOfficer Brett HankisonOfficer Myles Cosgrove
According to the information listed on the search warrant, officers were searching for possible narcotics and cash, belonging to Jamarcus Glover (30) – that may have been stashed at Taylor’s apartment.
Taylor and Glover dated about four years ago but remained close friends. Additionally, the search warrant also stated that Glover was seen visiting the residence of Taylor twice in January 2020 – and exited with a postal type package, during one of those visits.
That particular search warrant is now the center of controversy, as it has been revealed by a WDRB investigation that officers fabricated information on the search warrant affidavit, that may have persuaded a judge to sign off on it.
On that search warrant it states that LMPD corroborated information with the Louisville Postal Inspector to confirm that a drug suspect (Jamarcus Glover) was receiving packages at Breonna Taylor’s residence. The Postal Inspector denies that claim and says that Louisville Metro Police never contacted his office with that request.
According to that WDRB investigation, Postal Inspector Tony Gooden says that a different law enforcement agency corresponded with his office in January, regarding potentially suspicious mail being sent to Taylor’s address. His office investigated – and determined that “No Packages of Interest Were Going There.”
In newly released information during a recent Louisville Metro Council meeting, it has been revealed that LMPD had been investigating Jamarcus Glover, for drug trafficking, over the past couple of years. On March 9, 2020, officers conducted a drug raid on a property associated with Glover but came up empty.
Apparently Glover began bragging about outsmarting the officers on social media and coincidentally, just four days later, five (5) No Knock Search Warrants were issued to addresses associated with him. Breonna Taylor’s apartment would happen to be one of those addresses.
According to ex-LMPD Chief, Steve Conrad, as of May 20th, only six No Knock Search Warrants had been issued in 2020. Five of those warrants were issued on one day – relating to addresses associated with Glover.
Despite not having any evidence linking Breonna Taylor to any criminal activity, the Postal Inspector concluding that packages containing drugs or contraband were not being sent to her home and Glover not being seen visiting her apartment in two months – LMPD officers proceeded to obtain a No Knock Search Warrant, based on fabricated information. They would execute that warrant on her apartment after midnight on March 13, 2020.
During the raid, Taylor and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker (27), were awaken by sounds of their door crashing in, as officers used a battering ram to breach their apartment door. Walker (a Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapon Permit holder) believed the home was being burglarized and fired a shot at the suspected intruders.
Officer Mattingly was struck in the leg by the shot from Walker’s gun. This is where details remain murky – due to LMPD’s reluctance to reveal all of the information surrounding the events from that morning. At some point following Mattingly being shot – the three officers began firing 22 rounds of ammunition into the apartment.
Shots were fired into the apartment (from the outside) through the bedroom windows and rear patio door. So many shots were fired that they entered a neighboring apartment. Walker was miraculously unscathed but Taylor was struck eight (8) times by gunfire and died at the scene. No drugs or cash were found on the premises.
Walker was arrested and charged with “Attempted Murder of a Police Officer.” However, after spending just two weeks in jail, Walker’s attorney, Rob Eggert, argued in court that his client acted in self defense. After considering the arguments – Circuit Court Judge Olu Stevens disregarded the $250,000 full cash bond and released Walker on Home Incarceration, pending trial.
Subsequently, On May 22, 2020, Commonwealth Attorney, Tom Wine, asked the judge presiding over the case to dismiss the Attempted Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer charge against Walker. Charges were officially dismissed against Walker on May 26, 2020.
Before being arrested, Walker called Taylor’s mother -Tamika Palmer – and informed her that her daughter had been shot. Palmer frantically searched the local hospitals looking for her daughter. After hours of searching, an employee at University of Louisville hospital, informed her that there was no information in the system, that her daughter would be arriving there at all.
Now erratic, Palmer drove to Taylor’s apartment and discovered yellow crime scene tape and police still at the scene. This was approximately 3am. She stayed at the scene and police officers spoke with her occasionally but still hadn’t informed her on the whereabouts of her daughter. It wasn’t until 11am that an officer told her that Taylor’s body was still inside the apartment.
Taylor’s body was removed from the apartment around 1pm and LMPD still hadn’t given Palmer any information surrounding the death of her daughter. She would later watch a local news broadcast and learn that police officers murdered her child.
“I have not seen or spoken to LMPD, not one time since that night – to this day.” – Tamika Palmer
Palmer says, to this day – LMPD has never contacted her with any information concerning the death of Breonna Taylor. It has now been nearly three months, since that fatal March 13 morning.
Over 50 Louisville, KY ‘Black-Owned Businesses’ will celebrate Juneteenth 2020, by offering discounts on their products and services during the 3rd Annual 502 Black Business Week.
502 Black Business Week organizer Tiandra Robinson created the week-long event to celebrate and bring awareness to Juneteenth – as many African-Americans consider it to be more culturally significant than the 4th of July.
Juneteenth is the oldest national celebration representing the ending of Chattel Slavery in America, which enslaved 10 – 12 million Africans in the Americas between 1619 – 1865. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, as the day the Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX with the news that the Civil War was over and all enslaved black people were now free.
Ironically, the Emaciation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln was enacted on January 1, 1863, and changed the legal status of 3.5 million enslaved African-Americans, from slave to free. However, it took two-and-a-half years for the news to reach Galveston.
Throughout many states in the American South – Juneteenth is the official Independence Day for African-Americans. In many regions Juneteenth is known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Cel-Liberation Day or the Black Fourth of July.
The celebrations began within the Black church community of Texas in the late 1800s but became more commercialized throughout the South during the 1920s and 1930s. The large gatherings originally were similar to Family Reunions within the African-American community and often featured culturally adored food, music and clothing.
Over the past 25 years, the celebrations have evolved into expositions that feature health & wellness, African -American history and vendor exhibits. Over the past three years, Mrs. Tiandra Robinson of T. Marie Consulting in Louisville has added her own twist to the Juneteenth legacy.
In 2017, she created “502 Black Business Week”, which highlights Louisville-area Black-Owned Businesses throughout the entire week that encapsulates Juneteenth. Beginning three years ago, with only a handful of businesses – the event has grown to cover over 50 local Black-Owned Businesses in 2020.
“The mission of 502 Black Business Week is to highlight and promote black-owned businesses in Louisville, it’s a celebration of Junteenth and works to encourage patronage during that week and beyond. Businesses offer special discounts and promotions during the week. During the Covid-19 pandemic it’s more important now to make sure that we are supporting them monetarily.
Black owned doesn’t mean black only, these are businesses that cater to all walks of life, so it’s important to support not only them as a black-owned businesses but as small businesses.” – Tiandra Robinson
From June 14 – June 20, consumers will be offered discounts from all of the 50+ businesses list on 502blackbusinessweek.com. Typically customers would be able to access the brick & mortar locations of many of these businesses, however Covid-19 restrictions may hinder that option this year. However, only shopping is available.
Log onto 502blackbusinessweek.com for more information and follow the 502 Black Business Week Facebook page.
When one thinks of Christmas stageplays – traditional themes of love, worship and joyfulness often come to mind. However, this would not be the case with The Jones Family Christmasstageplay. This Christmas rendition would be all about drama!
The Jones Family Christmas premiered at The Russell Theater in Louisville, Ky for three shows on December 6th and 7th.
With his debut production – 26 year-old Ervin Webster Jr., decides to defy all traditional Christmas themes by delivering a dysfunctional family crime thriller – and the audience appeared to absolutely love every moment of it.
“With this play I wanted to address the inner dealings of bitterness and getting past things… So, starting that process of just letting things go, moving forward, being a new a person and just letting bitterness go.” – Ervin Webster Jr.
The Jones Family Christmas is an eclectic mesh of spirituality, infidelity, greed, murder and love. With so many plot twists & turns – the audience had no choice but to remain on the edge of their seats with constant chants of “Ooh”, “Ah” and “Oh”.
Throughout it’s nearly two-hour journey – The Jones Family Christmas masterfully addresses race relations, poor decision making and revenge – under the guise of a humorous, suspenseful musical.
Mr. and Mrs. Jones (played by Garrick Anderson and Ebony Hughes) are the African-American parents of four adult children: Chris, Derrick, Alexis and Amy. All of their children are now living away from home but as a family tradition – they always return to spend the Christmas holiday with family. However, this year all the children are returning with enough drama to destroy the family ties forever.
During the opening few scenes, Chris (played by Jonah Canon) is introduced to the audience, as he brings his new girlfriend Carla (played by Jericah Greene) home for Christmas. It immediately becomes obvious that despite having two black parents – Chris is fully Caucasian. Whispers of curiosity rumble throughout the audience before it becomes apparent that he was adopted by the Jones’ at a very young age.
Derrick and his wife Jessica (played by Antjuan Darrisaw and Lauren Hightower) are the bickerers of the family. Their marriage seems to thrive on chaos but this time things have spiraled out of control. Despite secretly battling issues resulting from Jessica recently having an extramarital affair – the couple still make it home to spend Christmas with family. However, Derrick’s anger over the incident appears to be driving them rapidly towards divorce.
Daughter Alexis (played by Asia Sheree Peeples) arrives at home for Christmas an emotional wreck, due to the recent death of her husband. This is her first Christmas without him and she’s struggling with all her might – to keep her sanity.
On the bright side, Amy (played by Janelle Drayton) returns home from college with her amazing boyfriend Brian (played by Gregory Knox Jr.). Brian is educated, polite and seems to absolutely Adore Amy.
Despite the multitude of issues the children are dealing with – Mr. & Mrs. Jones are fully embodied with Christmas spirit and manage to spread that same joy to their children. As the family participates in decorating the Christmas tree and preparing Christmas dinner – they rely on faith and love to overcome all of the adversities that they are currently facing.
All seems to be well within the Jones’ residence until the ghost of Christmas past comes knocking at the door – literally. Detective Fletcher (played by Stephanie Michelle Collins) interrupts the family celebration by showing up at the door with some questions for Mr. Jones.
Apparently, Greg Williams, a close friend of Mr. Jones was murdered nearly two decades prior and police are following new leads.
Despite someone currently serving time in prison for the shooting – the investigation has been reopened due to Mr. Jones’ fingerprints being found on the gun that was used in the murder. Detective Williams escorts Mr. Jones to the police station for questioning but releases him after a few short hours.
Upon arriving home, Mr. Jones is encountered by his daughter Alexis – who wants answers. Mr. Jones explains that when he and her mother were starting out as young parents, they were extremely poor.
Out of desperation, Mr. Jones decided to make some quick cash by accompanying his drug dealer friend Greg Williams, on a deal to purchase drugs from his supplier. Jones was hoping to get paid for a one-time deal and never involve himself in illegal activity again.
Unfortunately, while attempting to make the drug deal, Greg Williams is robbed and murdered for a large amount of cash. Mr. Jones explains to his daughter that during the shooting, the murderer dropped his gun and he picked it up to defend himself. That’s how his fingerprints had gotten on the gun.
Mr. Jones makes his daughter Amy promise not to reveal any of this information to his wife or the rest of the family. He would tell them that police were only questioning him because he was Gregory Williams’ best friend – and it is standard protocol.
Relieved and happy to be back home – Mr. Jones rejoins his family in setting the table for their Christmas dinner. After the table is set and the family bows their heads in prayer, Amy’s boyfriend Brian pulls a gun from under his clothing and points it directly at the head of Mr. Jones.
He reveals that he is the son of Gregory Williams and is only dating Amy so that he can have the opportunity to avenge his father’s death. He blames Mr. Jones for not helping his father and allowing him to die.
After several tense moments of silence – Derrick is able to distract Brian and slam him to the ground – before he is able to harm anyone. The gun hits the floor and Chris quickly scoops it up and secures it. The audience celebrates loudly at this moment. Several people are shouting unpleasant words at Brian, while praising Derrick for his heroics.
Coincidentally, Detective Fletcher determines that Mr. Jones’ story checks out, so she decides to close the investigation. She personally stops by the Jones residence to deliver the good news, just moments after Brian has been slammed to the ground and subdued. After being informed of the situation, she arrests Brian and takes him into custody.
The family begins processing the entire ordeal and attempts to transition back into their holiday celebration mindset. Mr. Jones even expresses his forgiveness of Brian, for nearly killing him.
But once Mr. and Mrs. Jones are alone, they privately celebrate getting away with the murder of Greg Williams and living a luxurious lifestyle with the stolen cash.
At this moment the audience erupts with their loudest outbursts of the production. They appear to be caught totally off guard – yet thoroughly entertained. Shouts of “We need a Part II” sound randomly throughout the theater.
When playwrights and stage plays are mentioned in the metro-Louisville, KY area, one name is consistent within those conversations –Leslie Pryor Productions.
Pryor’s ninth stage play “When Marriage Isn’t Enough” debuted on November 23, 2019 at The Russell Theater in Louisville, KY. Initially, the play was scheduled for two shows on Saturday the 23rd but its enormous anticipation resulted in immediate sellouts – prompting a third show to be scheduled on Sunday November 24th at 4pm.
Over the past few years, Leslie Pryor Productions LLC., has acquired a cult-like following for its stage plays, within the state of Kentucky. The company’s current run of nine consecutive productions, with at least one sellout show – has many locals nicknaming Pryor, “Louisville’s Tyler Perry.”
The humorous, faith inspired productions often provide a unique blend of entertainment, education and social awareness.
Pryor’s stage plays have a reputation for humorously addressing many of the issues that African-Americans face on daily basis – while typically providing solutions and information regarding resource options.
“I wanted to convey Heart Disease Awareness for the African-American community, as well as Love Language. There are five Love Languages and many people don’t know about them. It’s very important for your mate to know your Love Language and for you to know your mate’s Love Language as well.” – Leslie Pryor.
When Marriage Isn’t Enough, tackles the challenges of marriage after the honeymoon phase has passed – and couples are no longer dedicated to the actions that initially caused them to fall in love.
In the stage play, Morgan and Dr. Tilley (played by Gwen Evans & Theo Mackey) are a successful couple, who have been married for seven years. Morgan is an attorney and District Court Judge, whose recent career advancements, now have her earning a greater salary than her husband, Dr. Tilley.
Faced with insecurities about his wife’s new status – Dr. Tilley tries to maintain his role as the “Head of Household” by purchasing expensive gifts for his wife and taking her on lavish vacations, instead of just simply loving the woman he married.
Morgan allows the financial role-reversal to go to her head as well. She begins verbally belittling her husband and is no longer treating him like the man she once fell in love with.
The troubled marriage is tested when Morgan decides to throw her sister a surprise baby shower and Dr. Tilley’s childhood friend shows up to join the celebration. In a moment of weakness, Morgan confides in the friend that Dr. Tilley has recently been unfaithful in their marriage.
Instead of being moral and emotional support for the damaged couple – Dr. Tilley’s friend uses this information in attempts to convince Morgan into having an affair with him. Simultaneously, Dr. Tilley finds himself confiding in Morgan’s pregnant sister and those two share an intimate moment themselves.
Ultimately, the couple’s faith in God overpowers their struggles and they realize that their marriage is worth fighting for.
Morgan and Dr. Tilley are forced to resort back to the foundation that built their love and begin to put in the work necessary to repair their relationship – because it takes more than just a piece of paper When Marriage Isn’t Enough.
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