New Era Theatre
August 8 - 10, 2025 at the MATCH!
I AM THE BLUES is a captivating romantic comedy written by Donna Holloway. This play tells the story of Alora Anwar, a woman who aspires to become famous for her poetry. Throughout the play, Alora faces the difficult decision to either pursue marriage and a family or dedicate her life to achieving recognition as the greatest poet to ever live.
Meet the cast
Amanda Ashley Grant (Alora Anwar) graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. She debuted with New Era Theater earlier this year as Tylenda Plymire in the original thriller Tabatha Winbush’s Novel written by Donna Holloway. She appeared as a Reader for Grown-up Storytime #180 at The Continental Club. She is an entertainer on Tower Stage at the Texas Renaissance Festival in Rondini The Great’s show! Previously, as cast member at Sherwood Forest Faire, she created and played an original medieval character. Amanda is a native Houstonian who has performed her own poems in the slam poetry community.
T-4 Harris (Luckie) is a theatre performance major in his junior year at Fordham University in New York City. He looks forward to performing for you with New Era Theatre for the third summer in a row. He appreciates the director and playwright for entrusting him once again with the opportunity to sharpen his craft by bringing their vision to life. He wishes to thank friends and family for their continuous support. He is grateful to work alongside this gifted cast and crew.
Michael Wert (Shobuck) is a theatre performance major at the University of Houston. He debuted with New Era Theatre as Marvin Gaye in Sunny and Blue. Michael will play Shobuck, the charismatic poetry bar manager, in I Am The Blues.
Clarissa Roman (China Doll) is an actress from Houston, Texas! She is a Texas Southern University alumni and has been studying theatre since high school. Since childhood, she has taken up all sorts of performing opportunities and has grown in many different fields including playwriting, acting, voice acting, and improvisation! Some of her professional works have been with New Era Theatre including Sharron from There’s Nothing I Can Do About It, Regan from Sunny and Blue, and Della from Tabitha Winbush’s Novel. She even starred in her own play, At a Cross Roads, as her final project at Texas Southern University.
Martha E. Rodriguez (Reunite) is currently attending the University of Houston. She is getting back into acting and made her debut with New Era Theatre as Jarusala Stoll in Tabitha Winbush’s Novel. Being a part of this production has helped her learn new skills to enhance her acting technique. Working with New Era Theatre has been a great experience, and Martha is excited to bring the character of Reunite to life in I Am The Blues!
Brittany Turner (Thora Dawn) was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She is currently a theatre arts major in her senior year at Texas Southern University. Her previous roles include Sophia in The Color Purple , Jocasta in Oedipus, and Titania in Midsummer Night's Dream. Brittany made her debut with New Era Theatre as Eureka Hudson in There's Nothing I Can Do About It. I Am The Blues is Brittany's second production with New Era Theatre, and she is excited to once again work with such a wonderful company!
Austin McLeod (Landers) is beyond thrilled to be playing the role of Landers in I Am The Blues! This is his first play with New Era Theatre, and he is incredibly blessed to work alongside such a talented group of actors. Austin holds a bachelor's degree in theatre performance and production from Texas State University, and he has acted in many theatre productions, films, and a few commercials. Austin would like to thank his friends and family for supporting him in his acting career, especially his mother and brother. He hopes you all enjoy the show!
DONATIONS
Please help support New Era Theatre! Your generosity will allow us to continue to produce and promote high-quality productions. You can donate by clicking on the link below. Any amount that you choose to give will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for supporting our theatre company!
