Playhouse On Park

Event Guide

Table of Contents

Sponsors

Producing Partner

Production Partners

Season Sponsors

Playhouse Partners

Playhouse Friends

Adams & Knight

The Hartman Foundation

Hertz Herson

Lux Bond & Green

Plymouth Realty

Richard & Lea Rubenstein

Waypoint Wealth Solutions

Additional Support Provided By





	The Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation

PROGRAM

Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc.

Co-founder/
Executive Director
Tracy Flater

Co-founder/
Artistic Director
Sean Harris

Co-founder/
Artistic Director
Darlene Zoller

Presents

TONI STONE

An Original Play

By Lydia R. Diamond

Director Jamil A.C. Mangan		Choreographer Maurice Clark

Scenic Designer Johann Fitzpatrick	Costume Designer Vilinda McGregor	Lighting Designer Johann Fitzpatrick

Sound Designer Rachel Landy	Props & Set Dressing Judi Manfre	Production Stage Manager Rebecca Donaghy

CAST

TONI STONE: Constance Sadie Thompson

MILLIE: Brandon Alvión*

STRETCH: Adeyinka Adebola

KING TUT: Tony N. King

ELZIE: Jamar Jones

ALBERGA: James Edward Becton, III*

SPEC: Celester Rich

JIMMY: Bernard Scudder

WOODY: Nathaniel J. Ryan

* The Actor appears courtesy of the Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors, and Stage Managers in the United States.

Toni Stone runs 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 15-minute intermission

SETTING

1920s - 1950s USA

“Commissioned by Roundabout Theatre Company and Samantha Barrie. Originally Produced by Roundabout Theatre Company, New York, NY in Association with Samantha Barrie” “Toni Stone” received development support from the Resident Artists Program at Arena Stage, Washington, D.C. Based on “Curveball, The Remarkable Story of Toni Stone” by Martha Ackmann

“Tony Stone” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists

WORDS FROM THE DIRECTOR

Before Title IX, before the spotlight on women's sports, there were trailblazers like Toni Stone who defied expectations and shattered barriers. "Toni Stone" is not just a story of one woman's journey through baseball; it's a testament to the resilience and determination of all those who dared to challenge the status quo.

Set against the backdrop of the male-dominated world of baseball, Toni Stone's story is a reminder of the countless women whose talents and contributions were overlooked and marginalized. Through her eyes, we glimpse into a past where opportunities for women in sports were scarce, yet the passion and drive to play knew no bounds.

But "Toni Stone" is more than just a tale of individual triumph; it's a chapter in the larger narrative of the Negro Leagues, an essential and often overlooked part of American history. The Indianapolis Clowns, with their showmanship and skill, represent the spirit of a league that defied segregation and discrimination to showcase the incredible talent of African American ballplayers.

In this production, we invite you to step into Toni's world, to witness her journey and share in her triumphs and setbacks. The fourth wall dissolves, allowing for an immersive and interactive experience where the audience becomes an integral part of the storytelling. My work gives permission to the viewer, to open their mouths to laugh, hearts to feel, therefore allowing their minds to be open to think.

"Toni Stone" is a celebration of resilience, fortitude, and the enduring power of the human spirit. It's a reminder that greatness knows no gender or race, and that the stories of the Negro Leagues are quintessentially American stories, woven into the fabric of our nation's history.

Join us as we pay tribute to Toni Stone, The Negro League, and all those who paved the way for future generations of athletes. Welcome to "Toni Stone." Enjoy the show!

Jamil A.C. Mangan

CAST BIOGRAPHIES

Constance Sadie Thompson

James Edward Becton, III *

Alberga

Bernard Scudder

Jimmy