From Box Office to Stage: Everyman Theatre's Majenta Thomas

Photo by Teresa Castracane Photography

By Frankie Kujawa
Audiences will dive into the world of literature, laughter, and friendship with Everyman Theatre's THE BOOK CLUB PLAY. Running through Sunday, April 14th. Written by popular DC-based playwright Karen Zacarías, THE BOOK CLUB PLAY follows the story of Ana, a devoted book club leader, and her eclectic group of friends who become the subject of a legendary documentarian. Making her Everyman debut, Majenta Thomas stars in the role of Lily Louise Jackson. Thomas recently chatted about the upcoming performance and her journey from Everyman's box office to stage.

Frankie Kujawa: In your opinion, what can audiences expect from THE BOOK CLUB PLAY?
Majenta Thomas: Audiences can expect a fun night of theater! I think Karen Zacarias does a good job of transporting you into the world of the play and taking you on a wild ride with these characters. It’s funny, it’s lively, and it even touches your heart.
 
Frankie Kujawa: Could you describe for our readers your character Lily Louise Jackson?
Majenta Thomas: Lily is the youngest member of the book club, by a couple of years. [She's] the one that is most welcoming of change. She is never afraid to speak her mind, which differs quite a bit from me as a person. Lily is new to the city and is grateful to be a part of this zany but also very loving group of people. Throughout the play, she finds a little family to call her own.

Photo by Teresa Castracane Photography

Frankie Kujawa: As someone who has worked and experienced the many facets behind the scenes at Everyman Theatre, how does it feel to now be making your debut on stage?
Majenta Thomas: Quite literally a dream come true. I remember so vividly walking into the building on my first ever Box Office shift and staring up at the wall of gorgeous faces peering over the lobby and thinking, “I've got to get my face up there.” A big benefit of having a regularly utilized Resident Company is the chemistry that exists between these actors that have been working together for years. Having worked in the Box Office, on the bar, in education, and even backstage on run crews for productions, I have gotten to know these actors as well and so sliding into the role of an actor myself, the chemistry was there for me too. It was nerve-wracking at first, this is the biggest show I’ve been a part of in my young acting career, but these folks are so kind and so talented and loving that I felt so safe in the rehearsal room and now performing on stage. I’d been wanting to be in an Everyman show for a long time, so I’m often brought to tears by how joyous this process has been.
 
Frankie Kujawa: In your opinion, what makes Everyman Theatre such a special place to be part of?
Majenta Thomas: The answer is so easy: the people. From the Box Office staff to the folks in the shop building these stunning sets to the theater administration folks to my beautiful cast and crew, everyone is a joy to be around. I think I’m lucky that I’ve worked in multiple facets because I get to meet so many amazing people. They’re smart and funny and kind and excited about making theatre, which is my exact kind of people.

For more information on THE BOOK CLUB play, please visit: everymantheatre.org/event/bookclub/