By Stephanie Gardner
Davidson Community Players is proud to present the world premiere production of a true Charlotte original. Playwright Stephanie Gardner digs deep into Queen City history to explore a pivotal moment in which the powers-that-be drove marginalized theatre makers toward founding a venue atop an enslaved people’s burial ground. In a sweeping, generations-spanning, and playful style, Gardner’s artistic rendering begs us all to consider what is sacrificed in the ever-problematic quest for space.
“A Small and Humble Erasure blends humor with horror through the presence of real ghosts and history that haunts us.” – Cultural Voice of North Carolina
Produced in association with Anne Lambert & Charlotte’s Off-Broadway
Charlotte's Off-Broadway entertains audiences with provocative, innovative, contemporary work that explores popular culture,
marriage, adult friendships, career successes and failures, and art. Find out more at www.charlottesoffbroadway.com.
Individual Tickets: $12-$27 (Plus NC State taxes and fees)
Recommended for ages 15+
Meet the Playwright
Stephanie Gardner’s plays have been workshopped and produced throughout the United States, and performed on stages throughout the Metrolina region. Her poetry has been published in Main Street Rag, Kakalak, and other anthologies, and her song “Figurehead” won Best Song of Enchantment at The Hosting of the Bards Folk Festival. Her screenplays—THE OTHER MRS. GILMAN, an adaptation of The Yellow Wallpaper, as well as LITTLE ROCK, an original story about the lasting impacts of state violence—were screened at the 48 Hour Film Festival.
Stephanie received her B.A. in Religious Studies from Brown University and studied poetry in the MFA program at Queens University. A member of SAG/AFTRA and The Dramatists Guild, Stephanie has written, acted, collaborated and devised with Chickspeare, Donna Scott Productions, Three Bone Theatre, Fort Mill Community Playhouse, Actors Theatre of Charlotte, JCSU Theatre Department, Davidson Community Players, Lee Street Theatre, Charlotte’s Off-Broadway, Theatre Charlotte, and others.
Stephanie is thrilled for A Small and Humble Erasure to make its debut at DCP. She offers deep gratitude to the Cherry Community members for entrusting her with this history. To Brandon, Marty, Marc and Karla for help with research and white glove work. To Yvonne Bittle for speaking the truth. To Sylvia Bittle-Patton for fact-checking and draft reading. To the amazing dramaturg Heidi Breeden, Anne Lambert for her perpetual support, and all of the actors who have helped bring these characters to life, especially this cast: Amy, Hank, Myneesha, Andy, Lowell, Cat, Pam, and Mark. Thank you Steve, Carrie, Michelle, and the entire team at DCP for making this show a reality. Finally, this work is dedicated to the Cherry Ancestors and to honoring their land and history. Follow at stephaniegardner.me
Meet the Cast
Mark Ariail (Mark/John Small)
Mark is excited to be allowed back on stage with such a talented and generous cast. Mark was most recently seen in last year's DCP's Boos and Brews 10-minute play THE PROCESSING DEPARTMENT (Thomas). Mark has also spent his time over the years entertaining Vacation Bible School kids with various characters and skits. Outside of the theatre, Mark can often be found leading worship at church with his voice and guitar.
Myneesha King (Myneesha/Johnsie Foster/Miss Burke)
Myneesha is a native of Pittsburgh, PA but Charlotte is now home. She graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a BFA in Professional Theatre. Myneesha was recently seen in the role of Prophetess Smith in THE GIFT: THE MUSICAL at the Parr Center and the role of JaJa in Three Bone Theatre’s production of JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING. She has taught middle and high school theatre in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Cabarrus County and Kipp Charlotte Academy. Myneesha also is a Director and Stage Manager and has worked with several theatre companies in Pittsburgh and Greensboro. Myneesha is the mother of 3 amazing sons whom she thanks for all of their patience and support! She appreciates the opportunity to join DCP in the roles of Yvonne/Johnsie/Ms. Burke. She wishes to thank all of her friends and family for support over the years.
Lowell Lark (Harvey/Baxter/Lowell)
Lowell is a stage performer from Prince George’s County, MD, with experience in both contemporary and classical theater. Local credits include Actor’s Lab Two’s SHAKESPEARE IN THE WRONG HANDS (Narrator/Macbeth), Davidson Community Players’ RIPCORD (Scotty), and the CAROLINA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL (Royal Court, 2024 & 2025 seasons). They are thrilled to bring this story to life and thank the cast and crew for a fantastic experience.
Pam Coble Newcomer (Pam/Mary Myers/Jack Knell/Albea)
Pam is so excited to be back on the DCP stage after last appearing in MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (Linda Arden/Mrs. Hubbard). She has appeared onstage around Charlotte and the surrounding areas in productions at Three Bone Theatre, Old Courthouse Theatre, Ft. Mill Community Playhouse, Little Theater of Gastonia, Warehouse Theatre, and Matthews Playhouse, just to name a few. Some of her other favorite roles have been 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE (Lulie), TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (Aurora), NOISES OFF (Dottie/Mrs.Clakett), YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU (Penny), THE ODD COUPLE FEMALE VERSION (Florence), TIL BETH DO US PART (Beth), and SYLVIA (Kate). Many thanks to Michelle for trusting me to play an actor who begrudgingly plays an 85 year old woman and two men. Talk about stretching your acting skills! Love to the playwright, Stephanie for bringing this important story to life. Last, but definitely not least, numerous hugs and kisses to my sweet husband. Thank you for supporting my theatre habit and for always asking, ‘how was rehearsal.’
Andrew C. Roberts (Andy/Harold Dwelle/Mayor Douglass)
Andrew, also known as Drew or Andy, began his thespian career in high school and has since gained experience in both acting and technical support roles. His acting credits include stage roles in various plays and musicals, voiceover work, and film extras. GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER (John Prentice, Sr), BLESSED ASSURANCE (Lewis), 12 ANGRY JURORS (Juror No.11), THE GIFT (THE MUSICAL) (Pastor), THEN THERE NONE (General McKenzie), PROPHESY TO THE BONES: AND OTHER STORIES BLACK FOLX WHISPER (Nathan), CHRISTMAS SPIRITS, (The StoryTeller), MISSING LISA, TWISTED ISLAND (Ceasar). VICES (Voiceover), ONE YEAR TO DIE (Voiceover), A SOLDIER’S PLAY (Wilkie), CHRISTY MARTIN BIOPIC (Emergency Doctor extra) and THE FORESAKEN (Bookstore Owner). Andy is keen on expanding his acting career into film and theatre.
Cat Rutledge (Cat/Mary Dwelle, Wilkinson/Dorothy Knell)
Cat was last seen in EXIT LAUGHING (Millie) here at the Armour Street Theater/DCP. She has performed in several DCP productions including LOVE, LOST & WHAT I WORE, BENEDICTIONS, DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER and RUMORS as well as numerous plays like SYLVIA & THE ALLERGIST’S WIFE at the Warehouse PAC. She is lucky enough to have the support of her wonderful husband Kyle whenever the acting bug bites.
Amy Wada (Amy)
Amy is honored to have been a part of the development of ASHE since 2023. Thanks to Stef for including me. Over the years, Amy has worked at many companies in the Charlotte region - Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, The Warehouse PAC, CAST, On Q Productions, and Theatre Charlotte. She was most recently seen with Three Bone Theatre in Lloyd Suh’s, THE CHINESE LADY.
Hank West (Tom Humble/Hovis/Hank)
Hank has been part of the Charlotte/Metrolina theater scene for over 35 years now as an award-winning performer, theater advocate and theatre fan and is excited and honored to be a part of this incredible cast and crew. He was last seen at DCP as Erik in THE HUMANS last fall and he was last seen onstage in December as Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL with Theatre Charlotte (his 5th year). Favorite roles include Richard in RICHARD III, Nijinsky in NIJINSKY’S LAST DANCE, the gentleman in THE STORY OF THE LITTLE GENTLEMAN, Mozart in AMADEUS, John Merrick in THE ELEPHANT MAN, and Bette Davis in ME AND JEZEBEL. He would like to thank Michelle Medina Villalo for her vision and especially Stephanie Gardner for her words and bringing this vital and relevant story to life. He feels very honored and "humbled" to be a part of this amazing adventure and a special shout out to the exceptional cast and crew. And to all: Imagination is Power!
Production Team
Michelle Medina Villalon, Director
Shawn Halliday, Scenic Design
Kel Wright, Lighting Design
Christy Edney Lancaster, Sound Design
Stephanie Gardner, Playwright
Savannah Deal, Stage Manager
Caden Ryan, Props Design