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The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin

Contains some adult language and references to racial violence. Otherwise, suitable for children.

THE BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER CHAMELEON SKIN is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York

THE BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER CHAMELEON SKIN was first presented in New York City by Dixon Place with funds from the Joyce MertzGilmore Foundation. Partially developed during the 1998 National Music Theater Conference at the O’Neill Theater Center. Developed in part at the National Alliance for Musical Theater, Helen Sneed, Executive and Artistic Director, and also at Musical Theater Works. Playwrights Horizons, New York City, in association with Wind Dancer Theatre, produced the World Premiere in 1999–2000. The Gold Medal jingle is used with the permission of General Mills, Inc.

Dramaturgy

This story takes place during the mid to late 20th century, and Viveca grows up being inspired by the world around her! Take a look at the icons and key figures referenced in the show that influenced her coming of age story! Click the button below to head to the Dramaturgy Page!

Research and website were done by Associate Dramaturg, Lake Sims-Winfrey, directed and guided by our amazing professional dramaturg cfrancis blackchild!

Message from Assistant Director

Cast

VivecaChristine Wanda
GregorySayo Oni
Mommy/YolandaJaelyn Alexander
Daddy/PolicemanCullen Zeno
Chitty Chatty Pal 1/Secretary/Ballet Teacher/SophiaSujaya Sunkara
Chitty Chatty Pal 2/Secretary/Modern Dance Teacher/ScarlettElsa Oates Keefe
Emily/Nilda/SandraCandace Rhodes
Miss Pain/Secretary/Tallulah/GrannyKayla Jacobs
Larry/KeithRenell Taylor
Jazz Teacher/Dance Captain/LucasZion Middleton
Prince/Cosmic/Policeman/Director BobNathan Meyer
Viveca U/SHannah Hubbard
Gregory U/SZeth Dixon
Mommy/Yolanda U/SAnne-Sophie Hill
Daddy/Policeman U/SZeth Dixon
Chitty Chatty Pal 1/Secretary/Ballet Teacher/Sophia U/SKaylee Hayden / Giselle Watts
Chitty Chatty Pal 2/Secretary/Modern Dance Teacher/Scarlett U/SKaylee Hayden
Emily/Nilda/Harriet Tubman/Sandra U/SAnne-Sophie Hill
Miss Pain/Secretary/Tallulah/Granny U/SGiselle Watts / Kaylee Hayden
Larry/Keith U/sZeth Dixon
Jazz Teacher/Dance Captain/Lucas U/SZeth Dixon
Prince/Cosmic/Policeman/Director Bob U/SBrooks Andrew

Creative Team

DirectorJulio Matos
Asst. DirectorKali Clougherty
ChoreographyKeshia Wall
Asst. ChoreographerFaythe Kelly
Asst. ChoreographerRenell Taylor
Music DirectorDan Gibson
Associate Music DirectorHannah Hubbard
Associate Music DirectorJaelyn Alexander
Associate Music DirectorTaylor Mitchell
Rehearsal AccompanistHaidee Dollak
Dramaturgcfrancis blackchild Ph.D.
Associate DramaturgLake Sims-Winfrey
Community Outreach CoordinatorGiselle Watts
Scenic DesignerCharles Johnson
Asst. Scenic DesignerEric Kanzinger
Costume DesignerHeidi Jo Schiemer
Sound DesignerMike Smith
Music Editing/MixingHaidee Dollak
Music Editing/MixingTaylor Mitchell
Music Editing/MixingDan Gibson
Lighting DesignerBill Webb
Asst. Lighting DesignerHannah Elise Brown

Production Team

Technical DirectorJP Mullican
Asst. Technical DirectorJosh Bothwell
Stage ManagerAllyson Vogel
Asst. Stage ManagerHaley Robles
Asst. Stage ManagerCarli Shapiro
Production ManagerBill Webb
Props MasterNatalie Taylor Hart
Props MasterJeff Jones
Paint ChargeEmily George
Master ElectricianAlex Nemfakos
Sound AdvisorRick Earl
CarpenterEric Kanzinger
CarpenterJordan Smith
Light Board OpHannah Elise Brown
Follow Spot OpBrianna Boucher
Sound Board OpHaidee Dollak
Front-of-House SupervisorDavid McGraw
House ManagerJack Morrill
Poster DesignSydney Dye
VideographerJermaine Studwell
Video InternDion Cummings
Video InternYasmeen N. Grandison
Video internJasmine Simmons
Video InternJordan Young

Musical Numbers

Welcome to My L.A. ……….Full Company

Chitty Chatty ……….Viveca and Female Ensemble

Smile, Smile ……….Daddy, Viveca, and Male Ensemble

I Am In Dance Class ……….Viveca, Yolanda, Miss Pain, Emily, Gregory

The Skate ……….Viveca and Female Ensemble

Sticks and Stones ……….Full Company

Walk on the Water ……….Full Company

Pass The Flame ……….Mommy, Viveca, Female Ancestors

War Is Not Good ……….Full Company

Brave New World ……….Momm, Viveca, and Ensemble

Give It Up/Belle of the Ball ……….Full Company

Bright Blue Sky ……….Gregory, Viveca

Legacy ……….Gregory, Viveca, Police Officer 1 & 2

Who’s That Bubbly Black Girl ……….Full Company

Secretarial Pool ……….Female Ensemble

Pretty ……….Viveca

Director Bob ……….Director Bob, Dance Captain, Viveca, Female Ensemble

Come With Me ……….Lucas, Viveca, Ensemble

I Don’t Need to Fake ……….Viveca

Granny’s Advice ……….Granny, Viveca, Lucas, Full Ensemble

Listen! ……….Viveca, Full Company

Bubbly Finale ……….Full Company

The Band

Flute: Tika Douthit

Keyboard I: Haidee Dollak

Keyboard II: David Lane

Electric and Upright Bass: Virginia Masius

Drums/Percussion: Steve McHugh

Keyboard Programming: Dan Gibson

Bios

Julio Agustin

Dan Gibson

Rick Earl

JP Mullican

Jaelyn Alexander

Natalie Taylor Hart

Faythe Kelly

Brooks Andrew

Keshia Wall

Kali Clougherty

Hannah Elise Brown

Zeth Dixon

Emily George

Hannah Hubbard

Kayla Jordan Jacobs

Anne-Sophie Hill

Elsa Oates Keefe

Alex Nemfakos

Sayo Oni

Haley Robles

Zion Middleton

Candace Rhodes

Lake Sims-Winfrey

Carli Shapiro

Sujaya Sunkara

Christine Wanda

Renell Taylor

Allyson Vogel

Jordan Young

Giselle Watts

Cullen Zeno

Julio Agustin

Julio Agustin is an associate professor and Director of Music Theatre at Elon University. He has performed in six Broadway shows (Chicago, Fosse, Steel Pier, others). Award nominations include Audelco Award, Best Director (Sweet Charity @ New Haarlem Arts Theatre, NYC); Syracuse Area Live Theatre, Best Choreographer (In the Heights @ Hangar Theatre); and Houston Press, Best Choreographer (Guys and Dolls @ Theatre Under the Stars). He is the author of THE PROFESSIONAL ACTOR'S HANDBOOK: FROM CASTING CALL TO CURTAIN CALL. JulioAgustin.com / @JulioAgustinNYC

Dan Gibson

Dan Gibson is a New York City-based composer and music/vocal director. Currently Assistant Professor of Performing Arts and Music Director for Elon Music Theatre. Dan is thrilled to be home at Elon for a year, where his first full-length musical, I.D., premiered in 2010. Recently a composer in Columbia University's MFA Lyric Writing Lab. In the works: Behind the Front Door with Sam Rosenblatt, Return to Flight with Alex Higgin-Houser. Music/Vocal Director: Royal Caribbean Productions, Enlightened Theatrics, and The Flat Rock Playhouse where Dan has been an actor, vocal coach, music director, or youth educator for almost 20 productions. MFA NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, BFA Elon Music Theatre, BMI Musical Theatre Workshop, AEA, BroadwayWorld-Portland Award Winner for Best Music Direction. Love and thanks to Bub!

Rick Earl

Rick Earl is the Production Manager for Cultural and Special Programs at Elon University. Rick has worked as an audio engineer, production manager, and designer with various acts and clients throughout the US, Canada and Europe. Rick is a full member of the Audio Engineering Society, USITT, and the Event Safety Alliance.

JP Mullican

JP has served as the Performing Arts Technical Director since Fall 2017. Prior to Elon, he worked as a lead craftsperson and project manager on productions such as Paw Patrol Live. Outside of Elon, he continues work as a freelance technical designer on productions such as the Frozen Australian Tour, The Beauty and the Beast in Shanghai, and The Phantom of the Opera World Tour. In his free time, JP builds custom furniture and runs an ever-increasing number of virtual Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. He couldn’t do any of this without the constant support of his amazing partner.

Jaelyn Alexander

Jaelyn is a proud member of the Elon Music Theatre Class of 2022. Some of her recent credits include: Heathers: The Musical, Beast Mode Champion, and The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin. Jaelyn thanks LINK Class 4, the Elon Music Theatre Faculty, and her family for supporting her throughout the years.

Natalie Taylor Hart

Natalie Taylor Hart is a Scenic Designer and the Associate Chair of Performing Arts at Elon University. Selected Scenic Designs: New York: Tech Support (59E59TH, Off-Broadway); Tartuffe (Queens Theatre, Off-Off-Broadway); Slave Shack (Algonquin Theatre); Associate Designer for The Wiz (The Netherlands). Regional: Life in the Fat Lane (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park); Having Our Say, Our Town {Scenic Consultant}, Fences {Finalist in World Stage Design 2017 Taipei}, White Lightning (Triad Stage). Exhibitions: USITT Design Expo, Prague Quadrennial, World Stage Design Finalist 2017, Lincoln Center Portfolio Review. MFA, Ohio University. Proud member of IATSE USA Local 829. natalietaylorhart.com

Faythe Kelly

Faythe is a senior Music Theatre major and Dance minor and is so excited to be a part of this production! You may have seen her onstage in Grand Night, Elon Cares, Collage, or The Elephant Man. She has also worked behind the table at Elon on The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin (Asst. Choreo) and Into The Woods (Choreographer). Thank you to Elon Music Theatre for making me the artist I am today and to my friends and family for always supporting me through everything. Fail Forward.

Brooks Andrew

Brooks is currently a Senior Music Theatre major at Elon and is looking forward to graduation and moving to NYC. His past favorite roles include Prince Topher (Cinderella, Wagon Wheel Center For The Arts), Robert Kincaid (The Bridges of Madison County, Elon University). Brooks looks forward to returning to Wagon Wheel Center For The Arts this summer to play the role of Prince Eric in Disney's The Little Mermaid. Brooks would like to extend a special thanks to his family, his Music Theatre Class of '23, and his Vizsla puppy "Rugby". Find him on Instagram @brooks_andrew

Keshia Wall

Nekeshia Wall, of Greensboro, NC earned a BA from UNC Greensboro in Dance and African American Studies and an MFA in Dance at Hollins University in collaboration with Kunstlerhavs Mousontvrm and The Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts; with support from The Dresden Frankfort Dance Company. She is also the founder of Matriarch Dance Co. LLC.Wall is currently an Assistant Professor of Dance at Elon University and specializes in Traditional West African and Contemporary Dance. Her current research focus seeks to explore how binary dancing forms such as West African Dance, can be engaged as valued and valid epistemological and ontological domains in scholarship.

Kali Clougherty

Kali is a senior Music Theatre major and is excited to perform in her final Grand Night. She was previously seen in Elon's productions Into the Woods and Beast Mode Champion. She wants to thank her professors, family, and friends for their support during her 4 years at Elon.

Hannah Elise Brown

Hannah Elise Brown is a senior with majors in Arts Administration and Theatrical Design and Technology, with concentrations in stage management and lighting design and a minor in Business Administration. She is so excited to be able to be the lighting designer for both Concord Floral and Inferior Sex along with the stage manager for Clue! Some of her past credits at Elon include Movin' On (Lighting Designer) and Fall Dance Concert 2021 (Stage Manager/Lighting Designer). She would like to thank her family and friends, as she would not be able to do this without them!

Zeth Dixon

Zeth Dixon is a 3rd year Music Theatre Major here at Elon University. Some of his favorite credits include Eddie in Mamma Mia (Bigfork Summer Playhouse), Crapshooter/Ensemble in Guys & Dolls (Bigfork Summer Playhouse), Pat Denning/Ensemble in 42nd Street (Elon University), and Man #1 in Songs for a New World (Nashville Children’s Theatre). He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and also serves in many leadership positions here on campus.

Emily George

Emily is a senior Theatrical Design and Technology major and is thrilled to be working as the Scenic Charge on the mainstage Spring productions this year! All my love to the TDT department (past & present). You make this worth it. <3

Hannah Hubbard

Hannah is a current senior in the Music Theatre and Arts Administration program here at Elon and she cannot wait to get back on stage, especially in a tap dance show. Hannah's been tapping since she was four years old and has been in various tap shows like Anything Goes and Crazy For You. When not tapping on stage you can find her tapping in the garage with her dad or trying to convince her mom to join in. I hope you enjoy the show!

Kayla Jordan Jacobs

Durham, NC native, Kayla Jordan Jacobs is currently a Senior at Elon University and is working toward a B.F.A in Music Theatre and B.A. in Arts Administration. Her most recent credits include "Stepmother," in Into the Woods and "Granny," in The Bubbly Black Girl. Kayla is grateful and excited to be performing in her very last Grand Night and would like to thank God and her family for getting her through these last four years!

Anne-Sophie Hill

Anne-Sophie is a sophomore Musical Theatre major at Elon University this year. She has performed in various regional performances such as Chicago, Bring it On, Legally Blonde, as well as Elon’s The Moment and The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin. She is beyond excited to continue her journey at Elon!

Elsa Oates Keefe

Elsa is a junior Music Theatre Major from Lowell, MA. Recent credits include; Fun Home (Paramount Theatre Aurora), Sister Act (Geva Theatre Center), Head Over Heels (Elon University), 42nd Street (Elon University), Bubbly Black Girl (Elon University), The Who’s Tommy (Seacoast Rep). She is a proud YoungArts 2020 winner in Theatre. Many thanks to her mentors, friends, and family for their unwavering support. Special shoutout to her voice teacher Kenneth Lee! @elsakeefe

Alex Nemfakos

Alex is a Senior TDT major with a concentration in lighting and stage management. This year she is the lighting designer on Heart of Shrapnel, Sense and Sensibilities, and The Cherry Orchard. Additionally, she is one of several lighting designers on the Fall Dance Concert and an assistant lighting designer on 42nd Street.

Sayo Oni

Sayo Oni is a Junior at Elon University in the Musical Theatre BFA program. Some of his most recent credits are The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, Beast Mode Champion, and Songs for a New World. Sayo would like to thank his mom, dad, sisters, niece, and extended family and friends for their unlimited support. Sayo would also like to thank the creative team and cast for all of their hard work on this production. He's incredibly grateful for the opportunity to perform and be surrounded by this talented ensemble.

Haley Robles

Haley Robles is a Junior Theatrical Design/Tech and Psychology major. Haley is excited for The Inferior Sex to be her Stage Management debut at Elon University. Over the summer she gained professional experience by working as an Assistant Stage for The Lexington Theatre Company in Chicago and The Little Mermaid. At Elon, she has served as the Assistant Stage Manager for 42nd Street, Into the Woods, and The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin. Haley is incredibly grateful for her experience with this talented cast and team.

Zion Middleton

Zion Middleton is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from McDonough, Ga. His passion for social justice and change in today’s society is what drives his need to perform. Outside of performing he enjoys directing, playing soccer, and working at the Boys and Girl’s Club of Alamance County. Other theatre credits include: Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, Judas in Godspell. Lucas in Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, and Fortinbras in Hamlet. Special thanks to his mother, grandmother and brother!

Candace Rhodes

Candace Rhodes is a senior music theatre major at Elon University. She has played various roles such as Working the Musical, Grand Hotel, Once on this Island, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, and Elon’s workshop production of Movin' On. Candace is thrilled to be a part of the production of Elon’s Head Over Heels. She wants to thank God, her family, and her closest friends for their consistent support. @candace.roseee

Lake Sims-Winfrey

Lake is a senior Drama & Theatre Studies double major w/ Music in the Liberal Arts! She has been a part of numerous productions in the Performing Arts, such as a student director for senior thesis, Triptych, a performer in The Vagina Monologues, Once on this Island, & The Moment, and a Wardrobe Supervisor for Damn Yankees! This school year she worked as the Assistant Director for Beast Mode Champion as well as the Dramaturg for The Moment and the Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin! Lake is so grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Dramaturg for this production. It was such a collaborative and beautiful process with so many talented people!

Carli Shapiro

Carli Shapiro (they/she) is a Senior Theatrical Design and Technology Major who loves being involved in theatrical productions at every capacity. They had a blast working as a props artisan for Clue. Huge thanks to the entire cast and crew for their trust and support!

Sujaya Sunkara

Sujaya Sunkara is a graduating senior BFA Music Theatre major from Cincinnati, OH and she is so blessed to have Deep Water Ballad be the show to close out her Elon career. She was most recently seen as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods here at Elon and Gabrielle in Cinderella  at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. Sujaya would like to thank her friends, family, her dog Turk, for everything they have given her. Last one!

Christine Wanda

Christine Wanda is a Senior Music Theatre major from Arlington, VA. She recently starred in Elon's winter musical, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, as the title character, Viveca Stanton. Other credits include: Ti Moune in Once On this Island, John Merrick in The Elephant Man, and the ensemble of American Idiot. She'd like to thank the entire Elon Performing Arts program for shaping her into the artist she is today. Thank you for a beautiful four years. Website: thechristinewanda.com

Renell Taylor

Renell Taylor is a senior Music Theatre and Arts Administration double major. Renell has been in multiple Elon productions such as Damn Yankees, 42nd Street, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, and more. Renell is super excited to be performing some of his original choreography in his final performances at Elon. He would like to thank his family, his friends, and the amazing mentors and professors that have continued to support him.

Allyson Vogel

Allyson Vogel is a senior majoring in Biology and Theatrical Design and Technology with a focus in stage management. She is excited to assistant technical direction and lead the crew for Clue! Her recent shows include Head Over Heels (assistant lighting designer) and 42nd Street (stage manager). She is so proud of all the hard work put into this show, and she looks forward to the rest of her senior year.

Jordan Young

Jordan Young is a junior Cinema and Television Arts major at Elon University. She is currently a show producer for sketch comedy show Elon Tonight and was a member of the Juliet cohort of Elondocs. Some previous projects she worked on have been the short film The Right Black, produced by an iMedia alum, her documentary on representation of HBCUs in media, and Dancing in the Landscape. Jordan is passionate about inclusion and representation in media and is incredibly grateful to be a part of this project, The Moment.

Giselle Watts

Giselle is a senior Music Theatre major and Creative Writing minor from Richmond, VA who couldn’t have been more grateful to perform, learn, and grow alongside such amazing people! As she embarks on her last Grand Night at Elon, she can’t help but thank God for bringing her here and for giving her this gift to share with you all. Giselle is also thankful for her family and friends for their constant support. Sit back and enjoy the show!

Cullen Zeno

Cullen is thrilled to be a part of the legacy that is The Moment. He loved collaborating with his fellow black performers to celebrate our blackness. Lastly, WE DEM FLAMES! Go Phoenix!