The Girl Who Cried Different Workshop

The Cast of The Girl Who Cried Different

Under the direction of Executive Artistic Director, Austene Van, The Girl Who Cried Different had a two-week workshop at Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo, Minnesota which culminated in an invite-only reading on October 6. The cast included Harley Wood, Jennifer Grimm, Mariella Elm, Erika Soukup, DeZhane Antionette, Hannah Laursen, Egypt Bennett, Grace Kelly, Jane Frolland, Joey Lavine, Trejur Jones, Angie Haigh, Julie Madden, Jamecia Bennett, and Joel Liestman with Stage Management by Brandon Raghu. 

Lauren Kahane, Tommy Barbarella and Mariella Elm

Austene Van, Lauren Kahane, Mariella Elm and Tommy Barbarella

It was an invaluable experience for many reasons. Yes, it was illuminating to get to hear it out loud — we hadn’t heard it before. (Not even a table read). And it was also fantastic to workshop it with people who are active members of the Minneapolis “disabilities” community in the room. 

Thanks and gratitude of Austene Van and Yellow Tree Theatre, Bruce and Jean Johnson for their generous support, and Lisa, Mia and Robby — Tommy and Mariella’s family — for their love and support. I am very grateful that somehow, Fate led me to Tommy and Mariella and this very special project.