Everyman Theatre proudly presents Queens Girl: Black in the Green Mountains, a powerful exploration of identity, race, and adolescence through the eyes of Jacqueline Marie Butler, a young African American woman. Set against the backdrop of the late 1960s and early 1970s, this play is a continuation of Jacqueline’s journey, first introduced in Queens Girl in the World and Queens Girl in Africa. This third installment, written by acclaimed playwright Caleen Sinnette Jennings, captures the complexities of navigating life in a predominantly white environment during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.
“I’ll never forget the first time I met Jacqueline Marie Butler. It was in October of 2015 at Theatre J in Washington DC. She came onto the stage and stole our hearts as she pulled us into her fascinating coming of age story,” said Everyman Founder, Artistic Director, Vincent M. Lancisi. “I couldn’t help but wonder how Jackie’s story would end, so I asked Caleen if she’d accept a commission from Everyman Theatre to complete the trilogy.”
Queens Girl: Black in the Green Mountains is a deeply personal and semi-autobiographical story that captures the confusion, resilience, and ultimate growth that many young people experience as they seek to find themselves in a world that doesn’t always make room for them. Jennings’ skillful storytelling places Jacqueline’s journey in the context of broader societal struggles, ensuring her personal experiences resonate on a universal level.
Originally scheduled to debut during Everyman Theatre’s New Voices Festival in 2020, the play had a brief run before theaters were shuttered due to the global pandemic. In a remarkable pivot, Everyman Theatre filmed a live performance, streaming it to audiences worldwide. This innovative approach allowed Jackie’s story to transcend geographical boundaries, bringing her narrative of self-exploration to a larger audience. Now, Everyman Theatre is thrilled to bring the production back to the stage with a fresh creative vision.
Lancisi continued, “It gives me great pleasure to present this brand-new production of Queens Girl, this time with the role of Jacqueline Marie Butler being played by the incredible Deidre Staples and directed by Danielle A. Drakes.”
Drakes, known for her innovative work as an “artistic doula,” will guide this powerful performance, helping to shape a narrative that is as emotionally profound as it is visually striking. The production team also includes notable names such as scenic designer Daniel Ettinger, lighting designer Harold F. Burgess II, and sound designer Sarah O’Halloran, among others. Together, they aim to transport the audience to a pivotal time in history while simultaneously delving into Jackie’s internal world.
Queens Girl: Black in the Green Mountains is more than just a story of one young woman—it’s a reflection on the complexity of identity, the necessity of resilience, and the universal human quest for belonging. With its poetic dialogue, rich historical context, and universal themes, this production promises to be a standout in Everyman Theatre’s season.
To learn more or to purchase tickets: https://everymantheatre.org/event/queensgirl3/
