THE NEWEST REVIEWS AND ARTICLES ARE AT THE END OF THIS PAGE...(updated December 2, 2009)
A review of The Grass Ain’t Greener…
I had the pleasure of seeing one of the most enjoyable plays since well, 'The Color Purple'. Now only Oprah can put on a show the way she did but let me just tell you about a rising star!!! Her name is Elizabeth Nonie and she is the writer and director of 'The Grass Ain't Greener' - her comedic timing is excellent, attention to detail is extraordinary and I simply enjoyed every second of the unique viewing experience. I could certainly go on but I won't - If you are in the Chicago Land Area with a little time to spare, do yourself a favor and check out this wonderful addition to the creative arts world.
In the opening week, each night immediately sold out soooo it's great that a couple of new shows have been added - Check it out - You will be glad you did…The cast made me think about some aspects of life in a new way. 'The Grass Ain't Greener' was hilarious, creative, and filled with a lot of little unexpected surprises.
T. Barlow
Media & Entertainment Management
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Another review of The Grass Ain’t Greener…
The grass is greener where you water it and give it light.....and you sure did that!
My friend and I had such a good (and I mean "joyful") time at your show on Sunday. I don't know if I have ever felt so emotionally involved in a theatre production before (and believe me, I have seen my share of them!) Seeing your show was like being invited into someones home, and Jesus was invited, too.
I loved your honesty, bringing the Lord into real people's REAL lives - all the day to day (sometimes ugly) stuff. I loved your use of music, and especially Joy's live singing (just as the character Joy probably would have done!) The Hispanic friend was a hoot! The loving relationship between Joy and her sister was beautiful. The bride to be was absolutely hysterical! I know you were sharing that stage with other groups, so your very simple way of illustrating Joy's home worked well. Your play had such honest, recognizable themes that you did not need a lot of set pieces and decoration to get a point across.
Your play seemed almost to be more performance art, to reach it's hand and heart right into the audience, which makes a lot of sense. Your play was a little like church, or how church ought to be! Welcoming, truthful, exciting, a little sad, a little funny, always hopeful.
AND, because I KNOW how hard it is to work in theatre I admire you so much for finding a way to write, direct, produce and act - all with your own voice and vision.
Thank you!
-K. Skinner
Chicago Parent magazine
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ARTICLE: February, 2008 – Rolling Out - www.rollingout.com/v2/spotlight/wk022108/sp_chi_enonie.php
elizabeth nonie - equal opportunity
Founder, Plus Size Productions
While it can be a fascinating life, the entertainment business can also be a brutal industry where a person’s image overshadows true talent. Dissatisfied with the opportunities available for full-figured men and women in theater, Elizabeth Nonie decided to take matters into her own hands by establishing Plus Size Productions, where she both produces and directs Christian-based plays.
“I started the company when I noticed that there were no opportunities for plus size actresses — [I’m] not saying that there are none, but they’re really few and far between,” she shares. “On my stage, you’ll see plus size actresses; not everybody is plus size, but I try to make the lead at least have some size to her. I think people see things glorified on TV or [in songs] as the way to be, or what’s considered the norm, but it’s really not.”
Nonie, who has been writing since 1999, started Plus Size Productions in June of 2007 and has since received rave reviews for plays such as The Grass Ain’t Greener and He Ain’t Cheatin’, She Is. Her newest production, Jezebel Ain’t Dead, is due to hit the stage in March.
“People have a warped since of viewing when it comes to certain things. I would like to see [the plays] impact the audience,” she says of her work. “[The plays could] change their behavior or the things that they’ve been doing that might not be so positive.” –jason thompson
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Review from VASSARmagazine (www.march08.vassarmagazine.com)
Jezebel Ain’t Dead was produced in February, 2008
VASSARmagazine.Com "The New Urban Editorial on Life"
Jezebel Ain't Dead
by Maurice McCormick
Whoever thinks that Black Urban Theater is dead obviously has not seen any of the PLUS Size Productions plays, which are produced, written, and directed by the talented Elizabeth Nonie. A couple of weeks ago, we were asked to come out and review her latest play in the Ain’t Series, Jezebel Ain’t Dead. To our surprise, we were totally blown away by the incredibly talented actors and actresses who graced the stage to bring this thought-provoking masterpiece to life.
The play’s main focus is dealing with control issues (Jezebel), and the connection of a close-knit community learning to find balance in their lives and to work as one for a common good. As the play goes on, you can see how jealousy and misunderstanding leads to a lot of conflict and flaring tempers...As the play continued, I found myself connecting to each character as each one fought with their own internal demons, while looking to God for a deeper understanding. Unfortunately, it took a severe natural disaster to bring them together as one for the good of their community.
On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, I give this play a sound 5 for the incredible talents of the actors and actresses, and especially the creative writing and directing of Elizabeth Nonie. Great job, cast! I can’t wait to see The Family Mess Expert on March 21 and 22. Make sure you check out PLUS Size Productions’ website at www.chicagoplaywrightelizabeth.com for the latest up-to-date information on current and future productions.
Review from VASSARmagazine (www.April08.vassarmagazine.com)
The Family Mess Expert was produced in March, 2008.
VASSARmagazine.Com "The New Urban Editorial on Life"
The Family Mess Expert
by Maurice McCormick
Now, to be honest with you, all I could think about the last play I saw by Elizabeth Nonie, Jezebel Ain't Dead, was that it was off the hook and there was no way I was going to be blown away by another one. At best, I thought I would just like the play a little. Boy, how WRONG WAS I?! The Family Mess Expert is off the chain with its witty antics and strong message of communication and learning to let go, learning to accept the things you can't change and change the things you can...Overall, the play was extremely funny and delivered a powerful message at the end. I would highly recommend that you go out to see this play. Therefore, once again, Elizabeth Nonie did not let me down with The Family Mess Expert---I have to rank this play a 5 out of 5 stars. Great job, cast! And don't you all forget to go out and see The Urban Relations playing on April 30th. Also, check out Plus Size Production's website at www.chicagoplaywrightelizabeth.com for the latest up-to-date information on current and future productions.
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ARTICLE: Page 4 lakefront outlook, August 6, 2008
"Delight" presents dilemma of prostitution in local theater production
by Crystal Fencke
Writer, drector and actor Elizabeth Nonie presented her eighth play, "Delight," last Friday and Saturday evening in the auditorium of the Jacob Carruthers Centr for Inner City Studies at Northeastern Illinois University, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd.
"Delight" is the name of a young prostitute living on the streets of Chicago. The play takes us on her journey of redemption as she decides to leave that life behind. The play emphasizes "how people get into bad situations and how one's upbringing can cause them to think bad situtions are normal," said Nonie, producer and founder of the company Plus Size Productions.
The production overlays bawdy humor onto a dark situation, offering a strong Christian message. Delight, played by LaToya Dotson, the "hooker with a heart of gold," conects with Matthew, a young professional who is also a savior from the local church. Pop, played by Mike Mills, the corner grocer owner across the street from the brothel, is glad to do what he thinks is his Christian duty and supply the working girls with free food. Madame P. played by Nonie, is the sad and abusive brothel operator, who ultimately looks to leave the life herself.
The producer's focus on Christian themes is not subtle - she apparently doesnt want anyone viewing to miss it. Her productions are "moral plays that represent that Jesus is the Lord." They're not stuffy, however, she does want the audience to have a good time.
Indeed, audience members laughed throughout the show, especially at the street talk of a character who uses the services of one of Delight's colleagues. They were just as vocally appalled to discover that this man is a member of Matthew's church, and that he cheats on his wife with the prostitute.
Nonie is one of the seven cast members in "Delight." She doesn't play just a walk-on, as the director Alfred Hitchcock did in his films - she instead appears in "a pivotal role." As the unforgiving Madame P, she is seen in about half of the play.
Offstage before shows, Nonie is a bundle of positive energy. She runs the entire show - except for taking tickets and running lighting and sound. She wrote the script, directed the scenes and created the stage set. In addition, she acts as her own public relations firm, contacting media outlets and writing press releases. Not only that, as a licensed cosmetologist, she oversees makeup application and hair designs.
Nonie, who lived in Hyde Park for about 10 years until 2007, has been writing plays since 1999. She is so prolific that this production is her eighth in the year of 2008. She seems unfazed when asked how incredible one might think this is. "It's a gift," she said. "The vision God gave me was to write one play a month." Not only that: It takes her less than a few days to write most of them. "I love writing," she said. __________________________________
40 Minutes with a Chicago Playwright (November, 2009)
Initially I met Elizabeth Nonie, Chicago Playwright and Actress, at a networking group in early October. She’s one of those people instantly recognizable as full of life. Elizabeth has a personality that instantly shares her joy and enthusiasm for life, without even trying. She’s contagious. In a good way.
On Friday October 30th, I had a chance to spend about 40 minutes on a phone interview with Liz. She shared a little more about herself, her production company and her new play. Rich Man Poor Man (not at all associated with the 1976 film).
Rich Man Poor Man is an exclusive event held at the Laugh Out Loud Theater Streets of Woodfield. So exclusive in fact that it has a single run date. You’ll only be able to catch it on Sunday November 15th at 6pm.
About the play…
Peter: Tell me about Rich Man Poor Man. What sparked the idea for this play?
Liz:
All my plays are Christian based. Not preachy. Just…, inspired. I’ve always been a student of the Bible and love proverbs. Rich Man Poor Man is based on Proverbs 22:2; the rich and poor meet together. The Lord is maker of them all.
Peter: Would you share a few sentences about the story line?
Liz:
Well… I won’t give it away… I got the idea for the setting from the Schaumburg Public Library. The play takes place in a fictitious city called Proverbial, Illinois. It’s about how people who think they have nothing in common, no connection, then discover that’s not the case at all. Without regard to wealth or poverty, they wind up coming together in very unique ways.
Peter: As the writer, director and producer, who’s your favorite character?
Liz:
Oh, my favorite character is Beijing. She’s been given the name of one of the most beautiful, wonderful cities of the world. Yet… She’s a very poor single mother of 7. Despite her poverty and having so many children you never see her stress. She volunteers at the library. She’s so sweet, so humble. I just love her!
Peter: What do you hope the audience takes away from the play? What message do you most want to convey?
Liz:
That whether rich or poor we all have something in common. That commonality is that we should take time to care about someone else. Take time to help someone else. We’re all here. Together…
About Elizabeth Nonie…
“Call me Liz”…
Let me share, the sound of Liz’s laughter and the rise and fall of her melodic voice. She’s so much fun to talk with!
“I’ve always been dramatic. As a child I learned to cry on queue! [trilling chuckle]… My brothers and sisters would send me in to Mama when we wanted to go outside. I’d start the tears and soon enough, Mama would send us outside.”
I asked Liz what inspired her to become a playwright. Talk about a competitive field.
“I’ve always written. I wrote an article an article when I was employed by the government that was published in their corporate newsletter for that agency. I also wrote an article when I was in high school that was published way back then. I was never happy working a 9 to 5 job. While doing hair for 1 of my clients, yes… I’m also a hair dresser and bake cakes too! Where was I…? Yes. 1 of my clients urged me to write down the jokes I would tell. Then, on a dare, I began to write plays. I was always happy at church, with my friends and family. Back in 1999 I asked my minister if I could start a drama ministry. I’ve been writing plays ever since!”
Liz also told me a little about how she finds the voices of the characters in her plays.
“In June of 2007 I was inspired, after praying. My message from God – whom I give all the glory for my plays, was to write, act in and produce 1 play a month. I’m on my 17th now! I start each play by reading the Bible, praying and then listening. Then I create an outline. I need that structure. I already know the entire play before I start writing it. The dialogue just comes to me. As I write it I read it, I act it out. I laugh, cry, and shout – I really feel it. Sometimes my sister will holler at me to keep it down! [laughing].
The characters, their voices, mannerisms, come from people I know or see. Snippets of personalities get infused. The pieces and parts of different people become the whole of my characters. I draw from everywhere. Like there was a time, a long time ago, that I saw a father scolding his son when I was down town. I was on Wabash Ave.
The little boy had thrown a piece of paper to the ground. The father said, “Pick that paper up boy. You’re down town!” As if it mattered that he wasn’t out in the country some where. Just that little incident created the idea of a family that lived out in the country and that it was a big deal to come to the city and to act appropriately when here. I laughed to myself as I walked on. “You’re down town!” How funny!”
About Plus Size Productions
Liz, in addition to being a playwright, also founded Plus Size Productions in June of 2007.
Peter: Where did that name come from? Plus Size Productions?
Liz:
Me, being plus size. Every time I’d go to an audition I’d be given, be cast in stereotypical roles. The plus size side kick. I saw a need for leading roles for plus size actresses. My friend, Pleshette Davis suggested the name, I loved the idea and it stuck. I thought it was a very cute name. It could mean so many things. Going Plus Size all the way!
Peter: Tell about the staff members of Plus Size Productions.
Liz:
Well… there’s me. My sister, Stormy Sanders manages all the box office coordination. But the actors, actresses, stage managers and prop masters… They all change with every play. Plus Size Productions is open to anyone. All they have to do is bring the character. I keep auditions open and welcome any race, size, age… As long as you can bring the character that you’re auditioning for, you’re welcome.
Liz also says she likes to keep Plus Size Productions void of permanent staff members so that opportunities are always available. There are actors and actresses she works with often. However, even when there’s not a part available, there is experience to be earned as a stage manager, prop master, costume manager. Plus Size Productions is truly a revolving as well as evolving company. From what I’ve learned from Liz, it’s a company with a conscience.
To learn more about Elizabeth Nonie, Chicago Playwright, and Plus Size Productions or to catch the exclusive 1 day presentation of Rich Man Poor Man, call their box office at 773.939.1194. You can also send email to elizabethnonie@aol.com Or, just visit them at www.chicagoplaywrightelizabeth.com I have a feeling you’ll be glad you did!
Peter Gault for Topical Content © 2009
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Review of Rich Man, Poor Man
A play written, directed and produced by Playwright Elizabeth Nonie ~ Plus Size Productions
Venue was the Laugh Out Loud Theater in the Streets of Woodfield
Rich Man, Poor Man, not at all associated with the 1976 film, was based on Proverbs 22:2 – The rich and poor meet together: The Lord is maker of them all.
I was invited by Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Nonie to attend a full run technical rehearsal. Since then, this is the fourth time in as many days that I’ve started writing this review. The feelings I left with are harder to put into words than I’d thought they’d be.
Simply put, I liked the story. I enjoyed watching characters come to life, some of whom Liz had already told me about during an earlier interview. Since I enjoyed myself, I keep asking myself, ‘why is the experience so hard to write about’? …Then it struck me.
I hadn’t seen just a play. I’d watched the physical manifestation of an idea. There before me in the material form of the cast and crew was the birth of the intangible. I watched as Liz’s creation came to life. To me, as a writer, that is very significant.
I’ll back up a little here and be honest. Although in the end I really liked the story, after the 1st act I wasn’t sure I was going to like the play. It started on such a negative note. Much to their credit, the characters portrayed by the actors and actresses gave off a very intense negative vibe. The stress and frustration these characters were feeling was very tangible. I don’t like stress, no one does. But, I reminded myself that was the point. The stage was being set.
As the play continued and the characters were introduced, I was drawn in. Despite the overwhelming stress I was watching the characters endure, I wanted to know more about them. As the acts progressed, I was rewarded with surprise twists, and spots of comedy sprinkled throughout this drama. Acts 10 and 11, almost reminiscent of an episode of Jerry Springer were actually my favorites!
I was honored to be given the opportunity to talk with Liz and the cast after the rehearsal performance. I asked each of them about the development of their characters, how they found the source of negativity needed to start the play and then the joy to finish it with such a positive note. The answers were by and large about drawing from daily life and using their own personal experiences. That makes sense.I then asked each cast member to tell me who their favorite characters were, excluding the one they played. 5 out of 11 cast members chose a character by the name of Beijing. Why? She was the nicest, sweetest most caring character of all.
Surprise, surprise! Even in acting out a story, the portrayers themselves were drawn to the most positive character. Is it human nature to be drawn to kindness over anything else?
In the end, Rich Man, Poor Man took me from a very low negative place on a ride that ended in positivity and joy. When I asked my final question of the group, ‘what do you want me to leave here thinking, what message to you want me to take away from this?’ Nyasha Young replied…
“It’s about empathy for other people, making human connections. We all live different lives but we’re all God’s children.” Thank you, Nyasha. I like that. And thank you to Liz and the cast and crew for sharing this creation with me.
Peter Gault ~ Owner, Topical Content