Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company

Good Bad People
2023-02-14 19:30 - 2023-03-12 14:30 (America/New_York) | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Good Bad People
Written by Rachel Lynett
Directed by Ibi Owolabi
February 14th – March 12th, 2023
Digital PlaybillPerformances:
Previews: 2/14, 2/15, 2/16 at 7:30PM
Senior Matinee: Thursday, 3/9 at 11:00 AM
Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 PM
Saturdays at 2:30 PM and 7:30PM
Sundays at 2:30PM
Content Advisory:
Good Bad People contains adult language and smoking on stage. It also includes content that may be upsetting, with glass shattering, loud noises, and other potential triggers. The recommended age for this production is 14 yrs. and older.
Synopsis:
Good Bad People tells the story of the Johnsons, a prominent Black family in Los Angeles. Miriam Johnson is a law professor, her husband is a doctor, and their daughters June and Audre are prep school and Ivy League-educated. Their son Amiri, however, is another story. Having struggled to find his way, Amiri is living at a homeless shelter in the city when he is shot and killed by police in a case of mistaken identity.
June, Audre and Miriam, along with Amiri’s former girlfriend and a reporter from the Los Angeles Times, struggle with each others’ reactions to this family tragedy. The topic of “respectability politics” is raised when June’s disappointment in her family’s reluctance to decry Amiri’s death publicly is viewed as the Johnsons being “too respectable” to have something like this happen to their family.
Podcast:
Rachel Lynett Talks About Her Play Good Bad People
https://truecolorstheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/TCTPodcast_SankofaSeason_RachelLynett.mp3Additional Show Information:
All patrons and guests are required to wear masks that cover your nose and mouth at all times while inside the theatre.
Group Sales:
Special group rates are available to parties of ten or more. Please contact the Box Office for details and purchasing.
Cast:
Rachel Lynett
PlaywrightIbi Owolabi
DirectorTerry Henry
(Miriam)Asia Rogers
(Audre)Veanna Black
(June)Annie Jacob
(Camille)Kylie Gray Mask
(Lucy)

THE WIZ
2023-06-13 19:30 - 2023-07-02 14:30 | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Directed by Brian Jordan, Jr.
June 13th – July 2nd, 2023 DIGITAL PLAYBILLPerformances:Previews: 6/13, 6/14, 6/15 at 7:30 PM
Wednesdays & Thursdays at 11:00 AM (Senior Matinees)
Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 PM
Saturdays at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:30 PM
Synopsis:The Wiz was a staple of True Colors’ early years, when Artistic Director Emeritus and co-Founder Kenny Leon directed it for four consecutive years – from 2004 to 2007 – as a means to bring young talent to the stage. Many of the young performers have gone to success on Broadway, on the big screen and in the recording studio. This reimagining of the classic story is directed by Brian Jordan, Jr., well known to BET viewers as “Maurice Webb” on the popular show Sistas. Featuring an all-Atlanta cast, the production will honor the history, and illuminate the power, of True Colors’ artistic excellence in Black storytelling.
Director:Meet the director of THE WIZ – Brian Jordan, Jr. No stranger to True Colors Theatre Company, Brian credits his first experience of THE WIZ to his time spent as an actor with TCT. Having starred in the hit show “SISTAS” on BET, Brian is now bringing his depth of experience as an actor, choreographer, and artist to Atlanta for his directorial debut with THE WIZ.
Taloria Merricks
“Dorothy”Q Parker
“Tinman”George Lovett
“Scarecrow”Latrice Pace
“Auntie EM / Glinda”Greg McKinney
“Lion”Fenner Eaddy
“The Wiz”Tina Fears
“Addaperle / Evillene”Kyla Gibbson
“Ensemble”Jon Avery Warrell
“Ensemble”Christian Gibbs
“Ensemble”Kamarick Mackey
“Ensemble”AC Wilson
“Ensemble”Yvonna Hoba
“Ensemble”Cadence Lyles
“Ensemble”Nishelle Williams
“Ensemble”

That Serious He-Man Ball
2023-09-19 19:30 - 2023-10-16 14:30 | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Written by Alonzo D. Lamont, Jr.
Directed by Eric Little
September 19th – October 15th, 2023
BUY TICKETSPerformances:Previews: 9/19, 9/20, 9/21 at 7:30 PM
Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 PM
Thursday, October 5th at 11:00 AM
Thursday, October 12th at 11:00 AM
Saturdays at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:30 PM
Synopsis:Sky, Jello, and Twin have been friends since high school. Now in their 30s, they meet up on their local basketball court to talk trash and attempt to exorcize the demons that pursue them through their everyday lives.
True Colors looks forward to bringing this story back to the stage. This production was first seen in Atlanta on the stage of the 14th Street Playhouse (back then known as The Academy Theatre), where Tom Jones (Jello), Tony Vaughn (Twin) and our very own Kenny Leon (Sky) performed as in the 1988 Jomandi production.
Eric J. Little (Director). Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company Directing Credits: “Fetch Clay, Make Man;” “Between Riverside and Crazy,” Assistant Director- “Holler If Ya Hear Me.” Other Directing Credits: Actor’s Express: “The Brothers Size,” Neat;” and “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train.” Theatrical Outfit: “Lady Day,” and “Thurgood.” Aurora Theatre: “The Mountaintop.” Alliance Theatre: (Reiser Lab)- “Confessions of A Hitman.” Theater Emory: “We Are Proud to Present…” North Carolina Black Rep/National Black Theatre Festival- “Run No More” and “Succession.” Selected Theatre Acting Credits: Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company: “Miss Evers’ Boys,” “Our Town,” and “Broke-ology.” Alliance Theatre: “Toni Stone.” Theatrical Outfit: “Gee’s Bend,” “A Lesson Before Dying,” and “Fly.” Horizon Theatre: “Superior Donuts,” and “Third Country.” Film/TV Acting Credits: “Praise This,” “Bandit,” “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne,” “Necessary Roughness,” “Hamlet’s Ghost,” “Lottery Ticket,” “Christmas Deja’Vu,” and “Stalker.” Eric is also a Georgia Lottery Host as well as a Professor & Director/Theater Coordinator at Clark Atlanta University. And he’s a three-time Suzi Bass Award Winner for acting. Follow him on IG: iamejlittle and Facebook: Eric J. Little.
That Serious He Man Ball Cast:Eugene H. Russell IVEnoch KingNeal Ghant

Jaja's African Hair Braiding
2025-02-11 11:30 - 2025-03-09 17:00 | GA
Written by Jocelyn Bioh
Directed by Ibi Owolabi
February 11th – March 9th, 2025 Get TicketsDigital PlaybillPerformances:Feb 11th – Feb 13th 7:30PM (Previews)
Feb 20th and 27th 11:00AM (Matinees)
Thursdays 7:30PM
Fridays 7:30PM
Saturdays 2:30PM and 7:30PM
Sundays 2:30PM
We are bringing you nights filled with culture and fun during our run of Jaja’s! Get an exclusive backstage look February 11th with a Post Show Talk with the Creative Team. Have a taste of the culture with our West African Night February 22nd featuring light bites from Nema’s Kitchen and a performance by Giwayen Mata. Jaja’a African Hair Braiding will feature an ASL interpreter to assist our audience members with access needs February 27th and March 2nd. And you won’t want to miss your cue during our Greek and HBCU roll call February 27th-March 2nd. There is fun for all at Jaja’s! Purchase your tickets today!
Synopsis:Jaja’s African Hair Braiding invites you to step into a vibrant hair salon in Harlem, where a lively community of West African immigrant hair braiders weaves together humor and heart in a celebration of artistry and resilience. Amidst the laughter and playful shop talk, a diverse group of women share dreams, love stories, and hidden secrets, all while creating stunning braided masterpieces. On a sweltering summer day, the lighthearted banter reveals deeper reflections on the challenges of feeling like outsiders in their own neighborhood, sparking a powerful exploration of identity and belonging. Join us for this dazzling regional premiere that masterfully balances comedy with poignant themes, highlighting the magic of Black salon culture and the connections that unite us all.
Review: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding Brings Humor and Heart
Director:Ibi Owolabi is the current Drama League Stage Directing Fellow, with a residency at Manhattan Theatre Club that led to her recent Broadway debut on Cost of Living. Her work has been seen at 7 Stages, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Theatre Emory, The Weird Sisters Theatre Project, and the DC Black Theatre Festival. Ibi is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, the Actors Express directing internship, and the Kenny Leon fellowship. Ibi directed several Zoom productions, including Well-Intentioned White People, Good Bad People, White-Ish, Stew, and Faith. Ibi’s recent in person productions include a socially distanced You on the Moors Now at USC, The Bluest Eye at Synchronicity Theatre, Intimate Apparel at Actor’s Express, and Good Bad People at True Colors Theatre. She is also a producer for Weird SIster’s Theatre Project, a mixed media production company by women, for everyone.
Aba Arthur
“Jaja”Asha Basha Duniani
“Marie”Zora Umeadi
“Bea”Adetinpo Thomas
“Miriam”Shakirah Demesier
“Aminata”Ernaisja Curry
“Ndidi”Veanna Black
“Jennifer”Paris Cymone
“Vanessa, Radia, Shelia”Marita A. McKee
“Michelle, Chrissy, Laniece”Dane Troy II
“James, Sock Man, Jewelry Man, DVD Man”

Ain't No Mo
2025-07-29 08:00 - 2025-08-24 22:00 | The Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30303, United States
Written by Jordan E. Cooper
Directed by Jamil Jude
Live at the Balzer, 84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
July 29th – August 24th, 2025 TICKETS AVAILABLE NOWDOWNLOAD DIGITAL PLAYBILLSynopsis:This ain’t your typical True Colors show.
This summer we’re bringing the bold, the brash, and the brilliant Ain’t No Mo’ to downtown Atlanta — yes, we’re stepping outside our usual space and into something a little wilder.
Written by Jordan E. Cooper, the youngest Black playwright to ever open a show on Broadway, Ain’t No Mo’ is a jaw-dropping rollercoaster of a play that imagines what would happen if America offered every Black person a one-way ticket back to Africa. What follows is a wild mix of sharp satire, hilarious sketches, drag, and unfiltered Black truth. Think In Living Color, Key & Peele, and SNL — but louder, bolder, and unapologetically Black.
This show is raw. It’s real. It’s got teeth. And it’s bringing something Atlanta hasn’t seen quite like this before.
If you’re the kind of person who loves to laugh, gasp, and talk about it after — Ain’t No Mo’ is your show.
This one’s for the bold. Don’t miss it.
Performances:Previews: July 29th – July 31st @ 730PM
Performances: August 1st – August 24th
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday @ 730PM
Saturday @ 230PM & 730PM
Sunday @ 230PM
Additional Matinees and Evenings:
August 14th & 21st @ 11AM
August 10th, 17th, and 24th @ 730PM
Advisory: This production contains strong language and mild adult themes
Director: Jamil JudeJamil Jude is the Artistic Director of True Colors Theatre Company and a dynamic force in American theatre. A director, producer, playwright, and dramaturg, Jamil is committed to socially relevant art that builds community. He co-founded The New Griots Festival to support emerging Black artists in Minneapolis and has held major artistic roles at institutions like Park Square Theatre and Mixed Blood Theatre, where he was a National New Play Network Producer-in-Residence. Jamil is a recipient of the Mellon Foundation’s prestigious Leadership U grant and has directed across the country, from Arena Stage in DC to theatres throughout Minnesota and Colorado. An affiliated writer with The Playwrights’ Center and former Jerome Many Voices Mentee, Jamil continues to be a national leader in the development of new work and the nurturing of emerging voices.
Cast:Amber A. HarrisJay JonesJason Jamal LigonCandice Marie SingletonSierra Nicolette SmithTequilla WhitfieldTechnical Sponsor:

Cinderella
2026-06-09 19:30 - 2026-07-05 19:30 | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA
Music by Richard Rodgers Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Adapted for the Stage by Tom Briggs
From the Teleplay by Robert L. Freedman
Directed by Juel D. Lane
Choreography by Juel D. Lane
Musical Direction by Rahbi Hines
CINDERELLA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization (www.concordtheatricals.com).
June 9th – July 5th, 2026BUY TICKETSSynopsis:This ain’t your traditional fairy tale.
True Colors is bringing you Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella — bold, iconic, and full of possibility. This Enchanted Edition keeps the heart of the classic story while turning up the confidence. Our Cinderella isn’t waiting to be rescued — she’s stepping into her moment. #DoItLikeCinderella
It’s nostalgia. It’s magic. It’s main-character energy.
Atlanta, you already know!
Recommended for ages 6+
Performances:Previews: June 9th – June 11th @ 7:30PM
Opening Night: June 12th @ 7:30PM
Regular Performances: Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30PM Saturdays @ 2:30PM & 7:30PM Sundays @ 2:30PM
Additional Matinees & Evening: June 18th, June 25th, July 1st & July 2nd @ 11:00AM June 17th @ 7:30PM
Download the official CINDERELLA ’80s R&B playlist on Apple or Spotify!!
It features classic hits from the 80’s as well as anthems from our cast and creative team!DOWNLOAD ON APPLE MUSICDOWNLOAD ON SPOTIFYDirector and Choreographer:Juel D. Lane is a multifaceted artist known for his bold creativity and powerful storytelling through movement. He has performed with acclaimed companies like Ronald K. Brown/Evidence and Camille A. Brown & Dancers, and his choreography has been featured by Ailey II, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, BODYTRAFFIC, Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Atlanta Ballet, and universities across the country. He also serves as an Executive Associate of The Black Acting Methods Studio.
As Director of The UNCSA Choreographic Institute, Lane curates space for choreographers to explore process and creation on their own terms. In 2025, he brought his dynamic voice to the theater world by choreographing the new musical Co-Founders at American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco. In addition, Lane choreographed the 2024–2025 Geffen Playhouse and The Shed production of The Brothers Size by Tarell Alvin McCraney.
Lane is also passionate about dance on film. He was awarded at the BronzeLens Film Festival for The Maestro, a short film honoring the iconic artist Ernie Barnes. Most recently, he co-directed and choreographed the music video Only-1 for recording artist Dixson.
Music Director:RAHBI is sophisticated funk personified—bold, genre-defying, and unapologetically original. An Atlanta native, he began his professional career as a member of the ’90s R&B group 4th Avenue before touring internationally as a background vocalist for Motown recording artist Donnie. He further refined his talents as a singer, songwriter, and actor through the Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta and The Thearadicals at Georgia State University.
Since launching his solo career, RAHBI has become one of Atlanta’s most sought-after independent artists, captivating audiences at AFROPUNK, Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater, and venues throughout Europe. His electrifying performances have earned praise from celebrated artists including Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu.
As the founder of STRANGE, Atlanta’s premier live indie music concert series, RAHBI champions individuality, culture, and creative freedom while creating platforms for innovative artists and emerging voices. His work has been featured on WABE’s television series Sounds Like ATL and the PBS two-time Emmy Award-winning Hope Givers, an inspirational program serving teens, educators, and families.
Most recently, RAHBI served as a featured Music Director for Season 2 of Diarra From Detroit. He also serves as the in-house Music Director for the world-renowned Black Acting Methods Studio, founded by Dr. Sharrell Luckett.
In recognition of his artistic contributions and community impact, RAHBI received the 2026 Georgia State Resolution Award and was selected as a recipient of the 2026 BMAC x America250 Voices of Tomorrow Music Maker Grant.
RAHBI’s latest single, “ALL I NEED,” is available on all major streaming platforms.
Cinderella:Jai’len Josey will appear as Cinderella in special performances. We encourage audiences to secure tickets early to experience her highly anticipated turn in the glass slipper. Select dates are indicated on the ticketing page.
Cast:

Tank Stranger
2026-09-15 19:30 - 2026-10-04 17:00 | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Written By: James Ijames
Directed By: Jamil Jude
Dramaturg: Jonathan McCroryEVERY FAMILY HAS ROOTS.
When generations of the Stranger family are drawn back together, long-buried truths begin to surface, blurring the line between ancestry, mythology, and destiny. As Tank searches for where he belongs, he discovers that understanding the future means confronting the past.
Launching the final year of True Colors Theatre’s Blackness Is Not a Monolith series, Tank Stranger is a bold world premiere that blends Afrofuturism, Black folklore, and breathtaking theatrical storytelling into an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Because every family tree has a story. BUY TICKETS HEREPerformances:Previews: September 15th – September 17th @ 7:30 PM
Opening Night: September 18th @ 7:30 PM
Regular Performances: Fridays @ 7:30 PM, Saturdays @ 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM, Sundays @ 2:30 PM
Additional Evening Performances: September 22nd & September 30th @ 7:30 PM
Additional Matinees: September 24th @ 11:00 AM & 7:30 PM, October 1st @ 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Jamil JudeDirectorjames IjamesPlaywrightJonathan McCroryDramaturgCast:

Jitney
2026-10-09 19:30 - 2026-10-11 17:00 | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Written by: August Wilson
Directed by: Renzo Carbonera
Presented by: Sardegna Teatro and La Piccionaia
Presented in Italian with English supertitles
October 9th – October 11th, 2026Performances:Friday, October 9, 2026 @ 730PM
Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ 230PM
Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 230PM
BUY TICKETSSynopsis:Pittsburgh 1977
In the midst of the steel industry crisis, for which the city is known worldwide, five drivers, Becker, Youngblood, Turnbo, Fielding and Doub, struggle to get by. Clinging nostalgically to the past, while seeing only the dark outlines of an uncertain future on the horizon.
In the early decades of the twentieth century, an alternative form of transport to buses and licensed taxis emerged in the predominantly African American neighborhoods of U.S. cities: the “jitney”. In those neighborhoods, taxis did not circulate; they were too expensive and they refused to pick up Black passengers. The “jitneys” operated outside the boundaries of the law, but provided job opportunities for people like our five protagonists, while also offering an essential service to the community.
August Wilson, the most prolific and influential African American playwright of all time, is being translated for the very first time into another language (Italian) and staged with an entirely Black Italian cast.
The stage set is minimal and abstract, designed to focus the gaze on what is said and how it is said, on the shades of meaning enriched by the actors’ double roles, on the cinematic side lighting, and on the projections displayed on two vertical, smartphone-like screens.
When Booster, Becker’s son, is released after twenty years in prison for murder, a cathartic journey begins, intertwining the language of the street with the syncopated rhythms of jazz and with the classical language of tragedy.
Cast:Miguel Gobbo Diaz(Becker/Shealy)Federico Lima Roque(Doub/Fielding)Marcos Piacentini(Turno/Booster)Rosanna Sparapano(Rena/Philmore)Tomiwa Samson Segun Aina(Youngblood)
