Local playwright, director, choreographer and producer Stacy J. Harrell, who professionally goes by Stacy J., is bringing her latest work to the stage in Stafford in two shows on June 29.
‘If You Loved Me,’ an original by Stacy J. Harrell, is a story of trust, heartbreak, spiritual faith, and everything in between. It is an immersive performance through acting, dancing, singing, and even roller-skating through the ups and downs of marriage. The play, which has already been shown in Baytown is called thought-provoking, engaging, and hilarious.
“What we are really trying to do is just bring marriages back together because it’s been so attacked. The church has been attacked, pastors have been attacked, and we’re just bringing all of that together and for unity to be in all of the relationships that we have,” Harrell said.
The play has an even special meaning after its previous star, Voncia Renee Shepherd, who played the leading role of Tia Reynolds was killed in a domestic violence dispute earlier this year.
“We were set to do the tour with her. We are a very tight knit cast. And so it was like a big, big sucker punch to us. This man put a tracker on her car and tracked her at rehearsals and everywhere she went. He did not want her to be in the play. He didn’t want her to have a life, just manipulative and very controlling.”
While the play is not about domestic violence, Harrell says they will address domestic violence as they try to deal with the void left by Shepard’s death.
“Her senseless death becomes another chapter in our community’s continuing struggle with domestic violence, mental illness and the all-too-familiar horrors of gun violence. All of our lives have been mortally changed forever and there remains an empty chair where she once sat. As we champion the cause of excellence and work to eradicate these and other similar tragedies in our community and world. We are committed to bringing awareness about domestic violence and mental illness on our theatrical platform,” Harrell says.
“Although it (the play) broadly talks about love and how to improve,” Lee said. “it also touches the human fabric to say ‘If you made a mistake, if you went a wrong direction, here are some tools to help you love.’”
Stacy J. is a Baytown native who grew up in Oakwood and now owns Stacy J. Productions. She has been in the theatre industry for 10 years.
Harrell has numerous awards and honors, including Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Houston in 2015. After receiving her highest award yet, Harrell took the time to give back.
‘If You Loved Me’ was written, directed and produced by Stacy J. Harrell.
Cast members include:
Dedrick Donnell as Pastor Trent Atkins
Quincy Whetsome as Deacon Mark Whitaker
Tracie Fretty as Mother Gladys James
BJ O’Neal as Xavier James
V. Renee Shepherd as Tia James
Deandra Feast as Beatrice Reynolds
Jeremy Plummer as Kurt Reynolds
Stacy J. Harrell as Nikki Reynolds
Amber Amun-Ra as Faye Williams.
Harrell’s works can be found on her website.
