Janette Jones, writer & director | Sista’ Girl, written and directed by Janette Jones, shares the lives of eleven women in the Bible, but with a twist. These biblical movers and shakers are depicted in the year 2002. The story was delivered to Jones, she says, courtesy of the Holy Spirit. "I was chosen to be the Chairperson for my church’s Women’s Day, I had to come up with an idea for a fundraiser." After an unsuccessful hunt for out of town acts Jones soon realized she needn’t look outside of Omaha for an act. "The Holy Spirit told me to go out on my own, it was very brazen of me," says Jones. "When I was reading about Deborah and Jezebel in the Bible, they really stood out because they were out of the norm." Jones especially senses a strong spirit in the Old Testament women. "In the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus summoned for Queen Vashti during a big banquet with many of his nobles and officials. The Queen turned her nose up at the King, " Jones says in astonishment. "You don’t do stuff like that, cause the King could have your head. Queen Vashti embarrassed him in front of his quests and I got to thinking what the Queen would say to King Ahasuerus in today’s terms." Jones, with her best Sista Girl attitude, and a laugh, imitates what she thinks Queen Vashti would say in the year 2002, "’I don’t know who he thinks he is!’" After her impromptu performance, Jones continues, "so that is how the concept came about to write the play in today’s terms and still keep it scriptural." With one successful run under their belt, the cast of Sista’ Girl, are back by popular demand. The play starts out in the home of Etta Mae Smith (Mona Lisa King-Ward) a married woman living a good life. Etta Mae and a friend Tonika (Tammy Freeman) are discussing the content of a few popular magazines. Before you know it the two friends are talking about any and everything. Soon Etta Mae starts relating each incident to women in the Bible. Etta Mae’s husband Donnie (Ernest Gause) gets in the conversation adding his two cents. Soon the lights fade and in struts Eve (LaToscha Calloway), a woman done wrong. Eve shares her side of what really happened in the "Garden." Applause fills the audience as each biblical woman shares her story, some with song, some with dance. This was a smashing performance by all cast members. Jones, however, does not take the credit saying, "I was obedient to the spirit. When all was said and done Jones delivered a hit play with Broadway appeal yet with a heartland touch. Sista’ Girl plays Sept 29 at 6 p.m. at the Witherspoon Concert Hall. Tickets are available at Psalms 100 and Sista’s Beauty Supply for $20 in advance or $22 at the door. For more information call (402) 291-7301. |
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