Lela Elam In 'No Child...' At The Waterfront

One actress. Sixteen roles. And a play that is brimming with humor, inspiration and hope. The Waterfront Playhouse presents the award-winning Off-Broadway hit, "No Child..." by Nilaja Sun. Directed by Rich Simone, the play stars Carbonell award-winning actress Lela Elam, who wowed audiences in last year's Waterfront production of "Doubt." "No Child..."opens on January 26 and runs only two weeks to February 6. The production is sponsored by Jennifer Cornell and Small Chef At Large. The opening night gala party is sponsored by Blake Hunter, with catering by Ms. Cornell.

           "No Child..." shines a light on the struggles and miracles that occur in America's public schools. Set in a New York City school, Ms. Elam gives a tour-de-force performance by embodying 16 different characters. She plays an entire classroom of children, their parents, teachers, the principal, the janitor and even a security guard. Through multiple accents and chameleon-like physicality, Ms. Elam takes the audience on a roller coaster ride that illustrates the real magic that happens when teachers and students truly connect. "Riotously funny...brilliant and highly entertaining" - The Washington Post.

          "No Child..." was the breakout hit of the 2007 Off-Broadway season. It received an Obie Award, a Lucille Lortel Award, 2 Outer Critics Awards, a Theatre World Award and the US Comedy Arts Festival Award. Ms. Sun created the play based on her experiences as a teacher in New York City and has performed the play Off-Broadway, as well as in major regional theaters. Ms. Elam starred in the critically acclaimed 2009 production at Gable Stage, directed by Joe Adler. The Miami Herald theater critic Christine Dolen said in her rave review, "Elam is inspired...compelling...'No Child' earns a solid A."

          While dazzling Key West audiences with her portrayal of Mrs. Muller in"Doubt" last season, Lela fell in love with Key West, and Key West took her into their collective hearts. After hearing of Lela's triumphant appearance at Gable Stage in "No Child...," Danny Weathers, artistic director for the Waterfront, scheduled the play for the '09/10 season and is thrilled to have Lela return in this amazing performance. A member of Actors Equity, Lela has won South Florida's prestigious Carbonell Award, and has appeared in such productions as "In the Continuum," "Just A Kiss," "Intimate Apparel," Seven Guitars," "Radio Golf" and the recent "Naked Women Fully Clothed."

          Director Rich Simone is also a Carbonell Award-winning director, designer and actor. His South Florida hits include "Popcorn," "The Goat," "James Joyce's The Dead," "Blood Brothers" and "The Rocky Horror Show." In Key West, he has directed "The Graduate" and "Dinner With Friends" at the Waterfront, as well as "The Rocky Horror Show," "Meshuggah-Nuns" and "Showtune" for the Red Barn, "Most Happy Fella" for Island Opera and "Follies" for the Pops.

          For tickets, call 305-294-5015 or go to WaterfrontPlayhouse.org to purchase tickets online. For this production, student tickets are only $15 (under 18 years of age and best-suited for students 12 and above). They are also offering tickets for all teachers and school administrators for only $20. Be sure to check out their Friday Night Date Special.

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