Knock Me A Kiss featuring Jason Mimms

Jason Mimms as Countee Cullen.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

"Jason (Mimms) plays the innocence and secret nature of his character very well…"
Lorenzo Marchressi - The Geek Authority

Yet Do I Marvel 
I doubt not God is good, well-meaning, kind
And did He stoop to quibble could tell why
The little buried mole continues blind,
Why flesh that mirrors Him must some day die,

Countee Cullen

Make plain the reason tortured Tantalus
Is baited by the fickle fruit, declare
If merely brute caprice dooms Sisyphus
To struggle up a never-ending stair.
Inscrutable His ways are, and immune
To catechism by a mind too strewn
With petty cares to slightly understand
What awful brain compels His awful hand.
Yet do I marvel at this curious thing:
To make a poet black, and bid him sing! 
-Countee Cullen

This weekend is the last weekend to see the Robey Theatre Company's production of Knock Me A Kiss, which ends its run on May 4th.  What I enjoyed most about the play was the experience of being a "fly on the wall" as I caught a glimpse of what it may have been like to be a member of the Du Bois family, and the impact of being part of such family had on their relationships with each other, as well as the communities in which they maneuvered.
I interviewed Jason Mimms, who plays the poet Countee Cullen in Knock Me A Kiss, and he shared with me his feelings regarding Cullen, and the climate and atmosphere in which Cullen operated.

Question: I am always fascinated when an actor gets an opportunity to play a historical figure in history.  Did you know about Countee Cullen before accepting this role?  What is one of the things you found interesting about Countee Cullen, his life, or his work?

Jason:  No, honestly I did not know much about Countee Cullen before taking the role. In the beginning I believed that my lack of knowledge of him stemmed from a vastly underdeveloped Black history education and, in particular, the history of the Harlem Renaissance.  I was more than impressed after doing some research to learn more about his genius.  I felt very honored

On stage with Jason Mimms as Countee Cullen.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

that I was selected to portray such a profound Black man.  Cullen, described as one of the most prolific writers of the early 20th century in our nation’s history, blew my mind.  The deeper I dove into Cullen’s story, I kept asking myself how did I not know about him, and why (I knew) a TON of (information) about Langston Hughes?  Countee Cullen's work was astounding to read!  His literary genius gave me a newfound appreciation for literature because of all its cultural reference, beauty, complexity, imagery and coding and, moreover, a love for his personal artistry.  I found him to be extremely interesting because of all the mysticism surrounding his life and works.  Here was a guy extremely decorated and accredited in the Harlem Renaissance period and the literary arts community as a whole.  Yet surrounded by much speculation regarding who and what we truly knew about him, now (and then).  There was gossip, almost like watching an episode of TMZ!  Lol!  There was a lot to say about him, some good, some bad, and yet amidst all the rumor mill, and his fame, he never really crest (to) the height (that) others did, career-wise. He died so young, age 42.  It’s truly a shame that he never reached the lengths he should have while living.  Simply, he was outlived by his contemporaries, and eventually was out shined in popularity.   
Amidst his vast and extensive accomplishments, he received flack personally and artistically from others that were a part of the Harlem Rennaisance, Langston Hughes in particular.  In my research I found that Hughes spoke about how he thought Cullen wanted to be white, I’m guessing he meant in his writing yet he could have meant (it) personally.  Cullen, in return, often frowned down upon Hughes’ work because of Hughes’ overuse and fusion of Jazz idioms in his work.  I’m guessing (Cullen) meant, “being too Black.”  Either way the spat between them reminded me of the blow up between Spike Lee and Tyler Perry just recently, two Blacks at the height of their careers fighting over artistic preference.
 

Jason Mimms and Ben Guillory during rehearsals for Knock Me A Kiss.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

Question:  Do you have a favorite quote or poem from Countee Cullen, if so what is it?

Jason:  “If I am going to be a poet at all, I’m going to be a poet and not a negro poet.”  
I like that quote because I believe Countee was saying, I don’t want people to just consider me a Black poet, I want to be known as an poet period.  Moreover, I believe he was saying that he is an artist, and not to be pegged as someone one dimensional, and, or, categorized. 
I really like (Cullen’s poem) “Heritage.”  All the imagery and the words he used to describe his day dream for Africa and what he imagined it to be like really drew me in.  It was poignant to hear what he, and possibly other Blacks during that time, may have been thinking when it came to the conception of Africa.  It was very relatable but complex.

Question:  Yolande Du Bois has some very interesting notions regarding romance.  I'm having some fun with a game of word association with some of the other cast members.  So here it goes Jason, I say "Romance" and you give me the first word that pops into your head. Ready?
Romance…
 

Cullen on bended knee in front of Yolande played by Toyin Moses.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

Jason:  Romance equals Passion.  Passion carried out sweetly and expressively like grape jelly slathered across a piece of bread with a cold butter knife, until it blankets the entire surface and oozes off the side.









Knock Me A Kiss ends this weekend!

Left to right: Jason Mimms, Toyin Moses, Rosie Lee Hooks, and Ben Guillory
in Knock Me A Kiss.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

Catch the Kiss at:

The Los Angeles Theatre Center

514 South Spring Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

General Admission - $30
*Student - $20  *Senior (60+) - $20  *Veteran - $20  *LAUSD Teacher - $20
Thursdays - $10 (Limited Number Available)
*with ID

Tickets:
http://www.thelatc.org

Or call: 886-811-4111

Knock Me A Kiss featuring Keir Thirus

Jimmy knocking a kiss.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

“Keir Thirus, as the always-ready-for-a-party Jimmie Lunceford, nearly steals the show with his easy cadence, good looks, charm, clever repartee and resolute intention.”

A quote from a review by Darlene C. Donloe for Donloe’s Lowdown.  

James Melvin "Jimmie" Lunceford was a man who made an indelible imprint in the Harlem Renaissance.  He was a bandleader, entertainer, and a talented musician who played many instruments, but most known for his skills as an alto saxophonist.

I spoke with Keir Thirus who plays a Jimmie in Knock Me A Kiss, to get his impressions about Jimmie.

Jimmie Lunceford.

Question: I am always fascinated when an actor lands a role of as a historical figure in history.  Did you know about Jimmy Lunceford before accepting the role?  What are one of the things you found interesting about Lunceford, his life, or his work?

Keir: No, I didn't know anything about Jimmy Lunceford before Dwain (the director of Knock Me A Kiss) presented me with the part. Upon researching him, what I found most interesting was that he seemed to be an all around entertainer, not just a musician. He learned to play multiple instruments when he was young, graduated from Fisk University, and became a big band leader with his own distinct style.  Jimmy was incredibly serious about the music, but also liked to have fun and add comedy to his performances.  He brought in a lot of vaudeville aspects. I could see why, at he peak, he was in such demand.  I'm sure if you were out clubbing and dancing back then, Jimmy's show was not to be missed.  So I try to lace that humorous, party loving entertainer aspect of his personality into my performance where it fits.

Keir Thirus as Jimmie Lunceford.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

Question:  Do you play an instrument, or are you musically inclined?

Keir: I played the trombone in grade school and high school.  I also played bass trombone in the high school jazz band.

Question:  Yolande Du Bois has some very interesting notions regarding romance.  I'm having some fun with a game of word

Yolande and Jimmy.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

association with some of the other cast members. So here it goes Keir, I say "Romance" and you give me the first word that pops into your head.  Ready?

Romance... 

Keir: Brings the word, INTIMACY, to mind.      

Question: Now, how would Jimmy Lunceford respond to the word association?  Ok, Ready Jimmy?

Romance...

Jimmy:  DANCING UNDER THE COVERS.

Keir Thirus as Jimmie Lunceford.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

What happens when you mix ambition, romance, and betrayal with Harlem Renaissance aristocracy?  Why, the marriage of the century of course!  Knock Me A Kiss written by Charles Smith is a tale that explores the ideas surrounding romance, marriage, intimacy, and legacy in 1928 Harlem.  It is a fictional account of the true event when the daughter of W.E.B. Du Bois, Yolande, marries the poet Countee Cullen.  W.E.B Du Bois called the nuptials, “The symbolic march of young and black America…a new thing rejoicing in a ceremony as old as the world.”

Jimmy played by Keir Thirus
with Ashlee Olivia as Lenora and Toyin Moses as Yolande.Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

Knock Me A Kiss will be performed April 5th- May 4th 

At:

The Los Angeles Theatre Center

514 South Spring Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

General Admission - $30

*Student - $20  *Senior (60+) - $20  *Veteran - $20  *LAUSD Teacher - $20

Thursdays - $10 (Limited Number Available; No Show April 10)

*with ID

Tickets:

http://www.thelatc.org

Or call: 886-811-4111

Knock Me A Kiss featuring Toyin Moses

Lenora and Yolande in Knock Me A Kiss.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

 What happens when you mix vision, romance, and betrayal with Harlem Renaissance aristocracy?  Why, the marriage of the century of course!  Knock Me A Kiss written by Charles Smith is a tale that explores the ideas surrounding romance, marriage, intimacy, and legacy in 1928 Harlem.  It is a fictional account of a true event, the marriage of the daughter of W.E.B. Du Bois, Yolande, to the poet Countee Cullen.
W.E.B Du Bois called the nuptials, “The symbolic march of young and black America…a new thing rejoicing in a ceremony as old as the world.”

Toyin Moses as Yolande.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

"This is Yolande’s story, and so we are left with only her point of view, a liminal view of a larger period. This is the very definition of a dramatization. And the playwright, Charles Smith, understands how best to incorporate the larger societal elements and focus them into a smaller family drama, a tricky thing for a writer to do successfully. The period was captured effectively in this production through the costumes, by designer Naila Aladdin Sanders, and the music (Gilbert Glenn Brown)."
-Review by Patrick Hurley for Life in LA.

I caught up with Toyin Moses who plays the daughter of W.E.B Du Bois, Yolande, in Knock Me A Kiss and asked her thoughts about the production.

Question: I am always fascinated when an actress lands a role of a historical figure in history.  Did you know about the "Black marriage of the century" prior to accepting the role?  What aspects did you find interesting about Yolande and her life?
Toyin:  I first learned of the "Black marriage of the century" when we did an in house reading of the play a couple of years ago.  After reading about how the marriage came to symbolize and encompass so much possibility and hope for one race, I immediately became intrigued in Yolande.  What it must have been like to be the daughter of such an influential person. Very rarely do we get to glimpse into the lives of the people behind the historical figures. There are some wonderful letters between Yolande and her father that show the dynamics of their relationship.  Through these readings I became interested in Yolande's innocence at a critical time in her life when she is asserting her independence.  I think the playwright, Charles Smith, captures this dichotomy beautifully.

Question:  Do you have a favorite Countee Cullen quote or poem?
Toyin:
I have a rendezvous with Life,
In days I hope will come,
Ere youth has sped, and strength of mind,
Ere voices sweet grow dumb.
I have a rendezvous with Life,

Yolande and Countee.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita 

Jimmy making his move on Yolande.  
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita.

When Spring's first heralds hum.
Sure some would cry it's better far
To crown their days with sleep
Than face the road, the wind and rain,
To heed the calling deep.
Though wet nor blow nor space I fear,
Yet fear I deeply, too,
Lest Death should meet and claim me ere
I keep Life's rendezvous.

"(Charles) Smith’s play skillfully hints at the curse implicit within the idea of “being an example” to others, and there’s a genuine sense of tragedy in the notion that these characters are crucified to their reputations. Moses’ beautifully identifiable Yolande champs against the bridle of being forced to choose a “suitable” mate, as opposed to the un-presentable man she is really attracted to."
-Review by Paul Birchall for Stage Raw.

Question:  How about a favorite W.E.B Du Bois quote?
Toyin:  "There is but one coward on earth, and that is the coward that dare not know."

Question:  Yolande Du Bois has some very interesting notions regarding romance.  I'm having some fun with a game of word association with some of the other cast members. So here it goes Toyin, I say "Romance" and you give me the first word that pops into your head. Ready?
Romance...

Toyin Moses as Yolande Du Bois. 
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita.

Toyin:  Patience.  I think there is nothing more romantic than a Love being patient with their partner.  Patience to come to a true understanding of the other; Patience to listen; Patience to fall in favor of the others likes and wants.  Just patience, the world turns slowly if you want it to, so you might as well enjoy the moment with each other....

Question:  Now, how would Yolande respond to the word association?  Ok, Ready Yolande?
Romance...
Yolande:  Flowers baby, flowers!  Holding hands and strolling through the park, candlelight, kisses, that butterfly feeling you get when his eyes smile at you....

Knock Me A Kiss will be performed April 5th- May 4th

At:

The Los Angeles Theatre Center

514 South Spring Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

General Admission - $30

*Student - $20  *Senior (60+) - $20  *Veteran - $20  *LAUSD Teacher - $20

Thursdays - $10 (Limited Number Available; No Show April 10)

*with ID

Tickets:
http://www.thelatc.org
Or call: 886-811-4111

Knock Me A Kiss featuring Ashlee Olivia

“I would give it a 10 out of 10.  I’m going to Facebook it tonight.”  

- Nicole.   An audience member interviewed opening night of Knock Me A Kiss.

April 5, 2014 opening night audience of Knock Me A Kiss. 

“Amazing!  I thought it was really well done.  Entertaining and funnier than I expected.  Love the costumes and just enjoyed the whole thing...My favorite character was Yolande's friend Loneora. I loved her spirit and her attitude. 

           - Ama, an audience member.

Lenora and Yolande

I had an opportunity to catch up with Ashlee Olivia the actress who plays Lenora in Knock Me A Kiss to ask her thoughts and feelings regarding the play.

Ashlee Olivia playing Lenora and Toyin Moses playing Yolande.

Question:  What aspects did you find interesting about Lenora?  What are your likes or dislikes with this character?
Ashlee:  What I find interesting about Lenora is her thought pattern, her infatuation with gossip and her sensitive side. She's insecure and wanting but lives in the moment so she doesn't get bogged-down by life. Yes she wants a man and a ring and for a man to give himself to her, but the excitement of the thought and fantasy of these things is so alive in her that she doesn't fret about not having it...at least not in public! Lenora likes: A good time, a handsome man with an ego and a soft side, Jimmy's music, Jimmy's band, Jimmy's hands, his feet, his eyes....Jimmy's kick. Lenora's dislikes: Snakes, amphibian and human. When nothing's goin' on. Two bit scheezuhs. That last brotha she was dealin' with.

Ashlee Olivia as Lenora in Knock Me A Kiss.  Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita.

Question:  I have notice a little thematic cord with you as an actress Ashlee.  You seem to attract roles from days that have gone by; your role as Anna in Anna Lucasta, your One Woman Show about Eartha Kitt, and now Lenora who was deeply entrenched in the Harlem Renaissance.  What is it about these types of women from American history that fascinates or attracts you?
Ashlee:  Thank you Kellie!  I like being able to live in my feelings more.  I always like wearing a dress and a heel of some sort; being able to explore the essence of my feminine side; being able to not know so much.  And being a real lady’s lady is what fascinates me about playing these women of American history.

Question:  Yolande Du Bois has some very interesting notions regarding romance.  I'm having some fun with a game of word association with some of the other cast members. So here it goes Ashlee, I say "Romance" and you give me the first word that pops into your head. Ready?
Romance...
Ashlee:  Flowers.

Question:  Now, how would Lenora respond to the word association?  Ok, Ready Lenora?
Romance...
Lenora: YES.

Song In Spite Of Myself

Never love with all your heart,

It only ends in aching;

And bit by bit to the smallest part

That organ will be breaking.

Never love with all your mind,

It only ends in fretting;

In musing on sweet joys behind,

too poignant for forgetting.

Never love with all your soul,

for such there is no ending;

though a mind that frets may find control,

and a shattered heart find mending.

Give but a grain of the heart's rich seed,

Confine some undercover,

And when love goes, 

bid him God-speed,

and find another lover.

-Ashlee Olivia's favorite Countee Cullen poem

On the set of Knock Me A Kiss.

Please check out this video link from Melvin Ishmael Johnson from the Qumran Report: A Conversation with Dwain A. Perry and Cast Members from Knock Me A Kiss.

http://www.skidrowstudios.com/the-qumran-report/2014-04-08/31982/qumran-report-conversation-actor-director-dwain-perry-2

About Knock Me A Kiss

What happens when you mix vision, romance, and betrayal with Harlem Renaissance aristocracy?  Why, the marriage of the century of course!  Knock Me A Kiss written by Charles Smith is a tale that explores the ideas surrounding romance, marriage, intimacy, and legacy in 1928 Harlem.  It is a fictional account of a true event, the marriage of the daughter of W.E.B. Du Bois, Yolande, to the poet Countee Cullen.  

W.E.B Du Bois called the nuptials, “The symbolic march of young and black America…a new thing rejoicing in a ceremony as old as the world.”

Cast of Knock Me A Kiss
Top left to right: Jason Mimms, Ben Guillory, Keir Thirus.
Bottom left to right: Toyin Moses, Rosie Lee Hooks, Ashlee Olivia.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

Knock Me A Kiss runs April 5th- May 4th 

At:

The Los Angeles Theatre Center

514 South Spring Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

General Admission - $30

*Student - $20  *Senior (60+) - $20  *Veteran - $20  *LAUSD Teacher - $20

Thursdays - $10 (Limited Number Available; No Show April 10)

*with ID

Tickets:

log onto: http://www.thelatc.org 

Or, call: 886-811-4111

Content contributor and writer: Kellie Dantzler 

Knock Me A Kiss featuring Ben Guillory

Knock Me A Kiss opened this past weekend!  

Cast of Knock Me A Kiss
Top left to right: Jason Mimms, Ben Guillory, Keir Thirus.
Bottom left to right: Toyin Moses, Rosie Lee Hooks, Ashlee Olivia.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

Here's what a few people had to say Opening Night:

“Loved the show; the writing and the performances.  And it seemed to be cast very well...I thought the direction was phenomenal.” 

- Bill 

“Very captivating.  (The play) draws you in, makes you care for the characters. It was entertaining and I really enjoyed it.” 

 - Jessica

Knock Me A Kiss written by Charles Smith is a tale that explores the ideas surrounding romance, marriage, intimacy, and legacy in 1928 Harlem.  It is a fictional account of a true event, the marriage of the daughter of W.E.B. Du Bois, Yolande, to the poet Countee Cullen.  
W.E.B Du Bois called the nuptials, “The symbolic march of young and black America…a new thing rejoicing in a ceremony as old as the world.”

I asked Ben Guillory Artistic Director of the Robey Theatre Company, who also plays W.E.B Du Bois in Knock Me A Kiss, how he came to know the production and why he thought it was a fit for the Robey to produce.

Ben: First, it was Dwain A. Perry's interest in the play that got my attention because I'm very respectful of Dwain's taste in theatre and his understanding of what the Robey Theatre

Ben Guillory as W.E.B. Du Bois in
Knock Me A Kiss
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita

Company is all about; the kind of work that reflect's the social conscience that Robey represents.  Then, of course, the play itself.  The private moments in the Du Bois family dynamic and what's revealed, the sacrifice we are forced to make in the battle for social justice and how that plays out in the relationships with those we love.  All of these elements are present in this story.  A hard realistic look is taken.  I'm interested in that and I believe our audience is as well.

"...It's German, made from a special hybrid grape which the Germans developed after years of careful crossbreeding.  You see, that's the secret of superior quality.  Careful crossbreeding.  Care to join me?" 
 - W.E.B. Du Bois from Knock Me A Kiss.




Question:  I had some fun with Dwain, the director of Knock Me A Kiss, and played a little game of word association, in light of Yolande Du Bois' rather interesting notions about

Dwain A. Perry and Ben Guillory.
Photo courtesy of Tomoko Matsushita.

romance.  If I say romance to you Ben, what is the first word that comes to your mind?

Ben: Imagination.

Congratulations to Ben Guillory for receiving the 2013 Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award for profound contributions to the world of Black and American Theatre and the Entertainment Industry.

Ben Guillory with Sylvia Hamlin after receiving the 2013
Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award.

Cullen and Du Bois.

Father and Daughter Du Bois.

Knock Me A Kiss runs April 5th- May 4th 

At:

The Los Angeles Theatre Center

514 South Spring Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

General Admission - $30
*Student - $20  *Senior (60+) - $20  *Veteran - $20  *LAUSD Teacher - $20
Thursdays - $10 (Limited Number Available; No Show April 10)
*with ID









Tickets:
log onto: http://www.thelatc.org 
Or, call: 886-811-4111

Content contributor and writer: Kellie Dantzler

Knock Me A Kiss 

Opens this Weekend on April 5th

(Previews on Thursday, April 3rd and Friday, April 4th)

What happens when you mix vision, romance, and betrayal with Harlem Renaissance aristocracy?  Why, the marriage of the century of course!  Knock Me A Kiss written by Charles Smith is a tale that explores the ideas surrounding romance, marriage, intimacy, and legacy in 1928 Harlem.  It is a fictional account of a true event, the marriage of the daughter of W.E.B. Du Bois, Yolande, to the poet Countee Cullen.  
W.E.B Du Bois called the nuptials, “The symbolic march of young and black America…a new thing rejoicing in a ceremony as old as the world.”

Recently, the director of the Robey Theatre Company’s production of Knock Me A Kiss, Dwain A. Perry, was asked a question or two regarding the production:  

Yolande and Lenora

Question:  It was my understanding that you first came to see this play Knock Me A Kiss at the 2011 National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC and fell in love, is that true?  What struck you about the piece that made you feel you wanted the Robey to produce it?

Dwain:  Yes, the first time I saw Knock Me A Kiss, I believe it was the National Black Theatre Festival.  As for why I wanted to do the show?  Well I knew of the show because I am friends with the director of the original production, Chuck Smith. (Not the playwright, Charles Smith)  However, I had never seen it.  My oldest brother, Dennis James Perry, was a high school music teacher and he also directed the musicals.  He would always say that you should make sure you can cast a show before you pick it.  When I saw Knock Me A Kiss I knew the perfect person for the role of Yolande Du Bois, Toyin Moses!  And the show fit the mold of the types of shows that the Robey Theatre Company produces.  I suggested the play to Ben Guillory, he saw the show and he agreed that it was a match for Robey.

Top: Jimmy Lunceford played by Keir Thirus
Bottom left to right: Lenora played by Ashlee Olivia; Yolande Du Bois played by Toyin Moses.
Picture by Tomoko at T.Photograhy.

Question:  Here's a fun one.  In the play, Yolande Du Bois has some very specific notions about romance, what do you consider romantic?  I'll make it easier for you Dwain, word

Knock Me A Kiss
Ashlee Olivia and Toyin Moses.
Picture by Tomoko at T.Photography

association here.  I say "Romance" and you tell me the first thing that comes to your mind, ready? 
Romance...  

Dwain: Love. 
Romance and love are both things that require action.  It is about what you are willing to do for someone that you care about.  Are you willing to place their needs above your own?  Romance can be bringing someone some soup when they are sick.  Romance can be waking up in the middle of the night to pick them up from the airport after their plane was delayed for several hours.  Romance is being there to listen without judgement.  Romance isn't just flowers, candy, and sweet words. Romance is sharing your spirit with another completely and unconditionally.

Knock Me A Kiss runs April 5th- May 4th 

At:

The Los Angeles Theatre Center

514 South Spring Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013

General Admission - $30
*Student - $20  *Senior (60+) - $20  *Veteran - $20  *LAUSD Teacher - $20
Thursdays - $10 (Limited Number Available; No Show April 10)
*with ID

Tickets:
log onto: http://www.thelatc.org 
Or, call: 886-811-4111

Content contributor and writer: Kellie Dantzler