A young woman searches for answers in the stars, her family, and the boy next-door. Nkechi, a first-generation Nigerian-American and a med-school dropout, is looking for identity and healing in the aftermath of the devastating loss of her best friend. This play is a moving and magical exploration of grief and hope, that takes us on a journey from the fuzzy edges of mourning to the limitless expanse of the stars. Even in the darkest of times, there can be moments of beauty, joy, and profound connection. What is left of someone when they are gone?
GOOD GRIEF was a 2018 New York Times Critic’s Pick
DETAILS:
- Runtime: 90 minutes, no intermission.
- Content: Recommended for ages 12+
Location: Studio Two, Riffe Center
- Tickets: $48
- Talkbacks: November 10 & 17
“[GOOD GRIEF] dares to be as fanciful, histrionic, awkward and downright terrified as young people are in that period when the hormones kick in and emotions seesaw between extremes…Ms. Anyanwu’s language…reaches for the stars within the darkness…[a] sweet and sorrowful play.”
THE NEW YORK TIMES
THIS SHOW IS FOR YOU IF YOU LIKE…
Books that reveal tragedy, life, love, and the magic of the stars into a gripping outlook, like The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion, or Alive at the End of the World by Saeed Jones
Movies that use artistry to tell the tough and beautiful stories of life, like Reign Over Me or Things We Lost in the Fire
Shows where you get sucked into every character along the journey, like This is Us, A Million Little Things or After Life
If you like getting lost in stories that use beauty and the stars to artistically take you through the ups and downs of life, then this show is for you!
MEET THE CAST
Latifat Sulaimon
George Swarn
Chase McCants
Brian Ellis
Anita Davis
John Cuozzo
Darlene Spencer
NKECHI
Latifat Sulaimon
Latifat Sulaimon is a Nigerian born, Ohio-raised scholar and performance artist. She is currently pursuing a double major in Communication of Technology and Dance at The Ohio State University. Although a scholar, she equally values her role as a creative. Latifat is most recently a nominee for a Gifted in Visual and Performing Arts Drama award in Westerville (2019). Her most recent theater credits include Esther in Intimate Apparel (JCC Theater) and Zoe in The Niceties (Red Herring Theater). This will be Latifat’s Second Production with The Contemporary and she is ecstatic to share Nkechi’s journey with the world.
Pronouns:She/Her
MJG
George Swarn
George Swarn is a toothy grinned, happy personality from Mansfield, Ohio. He just moved to Columbus at the beginning of this year, so he is thrilled to be ending the year with his first show at The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio. You may have previously seen George at The Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield, OH with previous credits including William Shakespear (Something Rotten) and Harold Hill (Music Man). Fun fact about George: He thinks pickles are the superior pizza topping.
Pronouns:He/Him
BRO
Chase McCants
Chase is beyond excited to join the cast of Good Grief with The Contemporary. Previous roles include Stool Pigeon (King Hedley II), James Hewlett (The African Company Presents Richard III) Locrine (The Lamentable Tragedy of Locrine), Baldazzar (Politian), Judas (Jesus Christ Superstar), James “Thunder” Early (Dreamgirls), and a multitude of characters in the ongoing It’s All Been Done Radio Hour. Although theater is his first love, Chase won best actor for his performance in Static Copy Island’s short film, The Monster Inside. He’s also helped direct Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Imagine Productions), Happy Pills (Madlab Theater), and Full Exposure. He’d like to thank Ryan Yohe, Kristin Green, Jim Dailey, Zak and Melissa Richardson, and of course his mom, Gloria Adams for continuing to inspire him to keep creating. “More life, the great work begins!”
Pronouns:He/Him
PAPA
Brian Ellis
Brian Ellis [he/him] (PAPA) has performed in over 22 theatrical productions around Central Ohio, including The Ohio State Department of Theatre and Columbus State Community College. Over the last six years, he has worked in four productions with the Pickerington Community Theatre. In addition to his stage performances, Brian has been featured in several independent films, such as The Messiah, Dark Iris, and St. Gabriel. He was cast as a background actor in The Shawshank Redemption. He has appeared as an actor and voice-over artist in several local and regional TV commercials. Brian is currently writing a screenplay based on personal and true-life events.
NENE
Anita Davis
Anita is excited to return to the Contemporary Theatre stage for Good Grief! She was most recently onstage at the Contemporary in POTUS Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive and in the Columbus Makes Art Excellence Award-winning School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play, and also starred in their productions of Sisters and Crumbs from the Table of Joy. She has performed all over the country, as an actor, writer, vocalist, dancer and model, creating standout performances both onstage and onscreen. Stage credits include Steal Away, To Kill A Mockingbird, Stepper’s Ball, The Trip and Womyn With Wings. TV/Film credits include independent films The Endangered, Compensation, Cruel and Unusual, Turning the Corner and Gross Ratings, along with TV movies Skin Complex and Our Father, winner of the Regional Emmy Award. Voice and video credits include Victoria’s Secret, Macy’s, Humana Health Care, Speaking of Women’s Health and Coalescence. She is also a classically trained vocalist and a writer, director, producer and podcast host. Best of all, she is the proud mama of two young, amazing creative artists, Julian and Isabella.
Pronouns:She/Her
JD
John Cuozzo
John Cuozzo is a senior BFA Acting major attending Wright State University in Dayton. This is his first show at The Contemporary and is so thrilled to work with such a talented team. Originally a resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, John is so excited to tell this story and hopes you enjoy the show!
Pronouns:He/Him
MJ'S MOM/NEIGHBOR
Darlene Spencer
Darlene Spencer is excited to make her Contemporary Theatre debut in this beautiful and powerful piece. She is a Canadian born actor, director, and educator who currently makes her home in Dayton, OH. Selected roles include: Lillie Anne in Barbecue, Detective Fix (and others) in Around the World in 80 Days, Bernarda in The House of Bernarda Alba, Titania/Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Paulina in A Winter’s Tale, Medea in Medea and Helga Ten Dorp in Deathtrap. She is also a voice actor for dramatic podcasts including The Hidden People, Echo Protocol, Cold Storage, Think Fast and Uncanny Valley. This performance is dedicated to the loving memory of Harley.
Pronouns:She/Her
SEASON SUPPORT
PRODUCTION SUPPORT
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Schoedinger Funeral & Cremation Service
Bridget Tharp, former board member of The Contemporary, in memory of her aunt Charlotte Streeter
