Photos from The Man Store (May 2013)
Delilah Banks and her daughter, Portia, have solved one of the biggest problems facing single Black women. Through a scientific process, Delilah, an acclaimed scientist, has successfully developed male clones in the image of Black men, designed to remedy the shortage of marriageable options for Black women. The Man Store is a state-of-the-art husband retail establishment specializing in six quality clones of Black men from various walks of life. Women can make an appointment for a sales consultation with Portia, who manages the Man Store, and purchase the man of their dreams! While enjoying the meteoric success of the business, Delilah & Portia also have to face outside pressures as well as internal problems that could shake the foundation of their bond as mother & daughter. This original stage play, written by Chandra Kamaria, is one part satire, one part comedy, and one part drama. It will explore Black love from a unique perspective, challenging how Black women relate to Black men, while offering an enlightening approach to gaining the love that a woman desires.
The Cast
There are a total of fourteen cast members for The Man Store. Here's the complete cast listing (Character's name on the left, Actor's name on the right):
1. Portia Banks -- Chandell Carr/Chrisla Tidwell
2. Delilah Banks -- Jasira Montsho
3. Tina Parsons -- Leslie North
4. Ada Garvey -- Helena Leigh
5. Nigel Hobbs -- Terel Key
6. Kinetra Stallings -- Karen Lyons
7. Tonya Davis -- Taneirva Dodson
8. Carla Newman -- Tymika Chambliss-Scurlock
9. Frances Clay -- Sonya Reed
10. Ms. Brittman -- Antoinette K. Harris
THE CLONES:
11. Artist Model/Process Server -- James Gordon
12. Standard Model Business Executive -- Marcus Tolbert
13. Deluxe Mode Business Executive -- John C. Cornes
14. Standard & Deluxe Blue Collar Edition -- Jarrett Logan
1. Portia Banks -- Chandell Carr/Chrisla Tidwell
2. Delilah Banks -- Jasira Montsho
3. Tina Parsons -- Leslie North
4. Ada Garvey -- Helena Leigh
5. Nigel Hobbs -- Terel Key
6. Kinetra Stallings -- Karen Lyons
7. Tonya Davis -- Taneirva Dodson
8. Carla Newman -- Tymika Chambliss-Scurlock
9. Frances Clay -- Sonya Reed
10. Ms. Brittman -- Antoinette K. Harris
THE CLONES:
11. Artist Model/Process Server -- James Gordon
12. Standard Model Business Executive -- Marcus Tolbert
13. Deluxe Mode Business Executive -- John C. Cornes
14. Standard & Deluxe Blue Collar Edition -- Jarrett Logan
Watch a Clip from The Man Store
Testimonials for The Man Store....
"We all enjoyed the play not knowing what to expect. We really enjoyed that it did NOT have any singing in it. Just acting. The play was well written and brought to life what most women think about, creating the perfect man." -- Janice Walker
Enjoyed my tour of The Man Store! The talented cast and firm script definitely opened the door for a healthy dialogue between men and women and what's expected of both in their relationships with each other. The show unexpectedly touched on the complex issues that abound between women as parents, daughters and friends. I look forward to peeking into the inner workings of Chandra's thoughts and emotions, as I'm certain her next production will not disappoint" -- Kimberly Brown
"At first I thought sure I'll go just to be supportive of my black sisters. But then I say it. As I sat there with tears in my eyes, I realized that a "real" black woman wrote this. Not just any, but a woman who has lived life and experienced its ups and downs. And she is not afraid to talk about it. Actually she can't stop talking about it. Therefore, she embraces it. Shares her thoughts with the world. Front and center stage. Not waiting for a miracle to happen. But instead, creating her own future. In the full acknowledgement of the creator, no doubt. Woman, you rock. My husband who didn't want to come said "that was better than any Tyler Perry play we've seen." let me know when you will have another production. I WILL make it my business to fill the theater up. No charge!" -- Loretta Smith