“It is hard to believe so much pure entertainment can be packed into a mere hour and a half.” —Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester)
Welcome to the Women's Wit & Wisdom Theatre Festival! We thank you for seeing one of our 5 productions and hope this will inspire you to see the rest of the shows during our run! Women's words, stories, personal and political issues are our focus with the festival, and this piece has all that in spades:
This imaginative and engrossing show traces the emergence and growing influence of women in literature, through deftly interwoven excerpts from the words and works of twenty-four outstanding female writers.
The play points up not only the triumphs of women in literature, but also the discouragement, derision and disbelief to which they were too often subjected. Spanning twenty-six centuries, the play evokes the words and feelings of women who were frequently obliged to hide behind anonymity or male names in order to practice their art, and from whom fantastic strength of character and indomitability were required. 
That they succeeded so brilliantly in their efforts is not only a tribute to these talented women in particular but, in a more general sense, to the irrepressible spirit of the entire “other half” of humanity, whose voice would not be denied.

THE CAST:

JOANNA JOHNSON
Mary Shelley/Charlotte Bronte/Virginia Woolf/Marianne Moore/Gossip/Narrator

Joanna is thrilled to be part of the first Woment's Theatre Festival at The Ooley!  Joanna is also excited to be able to direct and work on other projects in the festival! Some favorite roles include Rhonda in Inversion, Gwen Hailey in A Time to Kill, Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice, and Piggy #2 in Shrek the Musical. She is so excited to work with everyone here and much love and thanks to Elise for giving her this opportunity and for being an amazing friend.

TERESE LUKENBILL
Margery Kemp/Herriet Beecher Stowe/Anne Bronte/Dorothy Parker/Gossip/Narrator

“A Voice Of My Own” has been a lesson in Women’s History for Terese.  She was unaware of the depth of discrimination women suffered before her.  She would like to celebrate and pay tribute to all women writers throughout history,
to thank them for paving the way to a life with more opportunity, for herself, and all women.

EVA KIM LAURENT
Lady Muriasaki/Jane Austen/Emily Bronte/Gossip/Mrs.Montague/Narrator

Eva Kim  Laurent – is happy to be participating in Women in Wit and Wisdom for her first appearance at the Ooley Theatre. She has starred in plays throughout California including Hold ‘Em, The Graduate, Patriot Act: the Trial of George W. Bush, Song for a Nisei Fisherman, Ola Nā Iwi, A Piece of My Heart, and Oklahoma! Since early 2023 she has been the Lead in the Murder Mystery Company, traveling throughout Northern California doing full-immersion shows for private parties large and small. Eva Kim also works in television, film, and stand-up comedy.

CHLOE KIDD
Margeret Kavendish/Fanny Burney/George Sand/Lillian Hellman/Gossip/

Chloé is delighted to be part of this production with such a wonderful cast and crew! She was last seen in Green Valley Theatre Company’s production “The Old Man and The Old Moon.” She hopes you’ll be as inspired as she was by this illuminating play.

ADRIANA EDEL
Sappho/Aphra Behn/George Eliot/Mrs.Thrale/Narrator

A native of Sacramento, Adriana Edel performed in her first musical at the age of five. She continued to
perform in local musical theatre until the age of 18, when she helped form a band called Sombras. She
was a part of Sombras for 17 years. The band’s genre began as Portuguese Latin music, and then
changed to Progressive Rock. Her role in the band was lead vocalist, keyboard player, and songwriter.
During their 17 years, Sombras performed in tours on a regional level, in California and occasionally
performed out of state. They recorded three albums, two being Latin, and one being Progressive Rock.
Three year ago, she joined Actor’s workshop of Sacramento where she began performing as an actor
again, under the instruction of the late Ed Claudio. After Mr. Claudio’s passing, she became a part of The
Walking Shadow Theatre Company, which was created in honor of Mr. Claudio.
Adriana remains active in local theatre and is currently working on various projects.

ALEX FARRIS  - Musician

Alex Farris has been playing music for over 20 years. In that time he has played in multiple bands, for thousands of people, in sold-out shows and down the west coast. He is thrilled to be a part of the Women’s Theatre Festival at the Ooley and is incredibly grateful for this opportunity to bring his love of music to the world of theater!

THE CREW:

MARK HECKMAN - Director

Mark Heckman, Director and Co-producer for A Voice of My Own, has been an actor, playwright, director, and producer in the Sacramento area for many years. Most recently, he produced and directed "Waiting for Godot" at the Threepenny Playhouse, directed his own original short play "Sketch Class Feedback" at the Ooley Theatre, and acted in "The Taming of the Shrew" and "Macbeth" with the Walking Shadow Players.

CINDY RAMIREZ - Stage Manager

This is Cindy's first foray into the production side of the stage and she is thrilled to take on the challenge. She has been a long time actress and writer for the stage, but is now branching into behdind the scenes. We are grateful to have Cindy take this on, as stage managing is a demanding job. Finding her inner stage manager has been quite exciting and gratifying to witness. Rock on Ms. Cindy! And Thank You!

Some of my favorite Quotes from Women I Admire:

“It’s not about being perfect. It’s not about where you get yourself in the end. There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice.” ―Michelle Obama, “Becoming”

“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” — Maya Angelou

"If you don't like the road you're walking, pave another one." - Dolly Parton

ELISE HODGE - FESTIVAL PRODUCER
Lights and Set Design

Kicking off our Women's Wit & Wisdom Festival at The Ooley Theatre is a show I had the privilege of being in over 10 years ago and the first time I ever worked with Mark Heckman. All these years later and we still tolerate each other! Actually, I know we have a deep respect for each other and it is a pleasure to have Mark bring this show to The Ooley Theatre during this festival.
It is a timeless piece highlighting women throughout history, their passion, struggles and heart depicted through beautiful story telling and music. Mark had always wanted to do this show again and having been in it I thought what a wonderful show to have be part of this festival!
The women involved are powerful talents and we are pleased to have this show performing in the festival! Get your tickets for some of our other productions at:
In Person Tickets:
https://onthestage.tickets/the-ooley-theatre
Or get a Pass for the Gala and the festival:
https://onthestage.tickets/.../65d8906da0b0.../subscriptions
You can also LIVE STREAM a select few of our shows:
https://emhpros.weebly.com/womens-wit--wisdom.html