Coming soon at PlayMakers is the compelling coming-of-age story by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, brought to life on stage by a dynamic 5-person cast. Meet the characters and actors who are portraying them!
Ernestine Crump – Played by Jadah Johnson
As the heart and soul of the Crump family, Ernestine is a 17-year-old navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence in 1950s Brooklyn. Jadah brings a blend of vulnerability and strength to Ernestine, capturing her journey of self-discovery with grace and depth. Jadah is in the second year of UNC’s Professional Actor Training Program with the Department of Dramatic Art.
Godfrey Crump – Played by Nate John Mark
The stoic and deeply religious patriarch, Godfrey, is a man searching for salvation and stability after the loss of his wife. Nate infuses Godfrey with a quiet intensity, portraying his struggle to keep his family together while grappling with his own inner demons. Audiences will be moved by the subtle power Nate brings to this complex role. Nate is in the second year of UNC’s Professional Actor Training Program with the Department of Dramatic Art.
Lily Ann Green – Played by Jasminn Johnson
Lily, Godfrey’s sister-in-law, is a vibrant, outspoken woman who brings a burst of energy and modern ideas into the Crump household. Jasminn will light up the stage with her charismatic and fearless portrayal of Lily, delivering the sharp wit and unfiltered opinions that challenge the family’s status quo. Prepare to be dazzled by Jasminn’s dynamic performance. This marks Jasminn’s PlayMakers debut!
Ermina Crump – Played by Mengwe Wapimewah
As Ernestine’s younger sister, Ermina is a playful and curious girl, eager to make sense of the world around her. Mengwe captures Ermina’s youthful exuberance and innocence, providing a perfect counterbalance to the heavier themes of the play. Her portrayal adds warmth and light to the Crump family’s story, making her a joy to watch. Mengwe is in the second year of UNC’s Professional Actor Training Program with the Department of Dramatic Art.
Gerte Schulte – Played by Elizabeth Dye
Gerte, a German immigrant and Godfrey’s new wife brings an unexpected twist to the Crump family’s dynamics. Elizabeth masterfully embodies Gerte’s outsider status, portraying her with both tenderness and strength as she navigates the challenges of fitting into a new culture and a new family. Her nuanced performance adds another layer of complexity to this rich narrative. Elizabeth is in the second year of UNC’s Professional Actor Training Program with the Department of Dramatic Art.
This cast is ready to transport you back to a time of social change, family struggles, and the quest for the American Dream. Crumbs from the Table of Joy is a story of resilience, identity, and hope, and these extraordinary actors are set to deliver a performance that will resonate long after the curtain falls.
On stage September 11 – 29, 2024. Tickets start at just $20.