BEETHOVEN & MISFORTUNE COOKIES
- By Joni Ravenna -
The true story of Kabin Thomas - An African American Music Appreciation Professor at The University of Arkansas - who was fired after a white student complained about the use of profanity and a graphic image depicting a lynching in one of his lessons. This is the story of how he lost himself and then found his way back.
"BEETHOVEN AND MISFORTUNE COOKIES"
- A Solo Show with Special Guest-
Written by Joni Ravenna
Directed by Allison Bergman
Brief Description
Beethoven and Misfortune Cookies is a solo theatrical presentation about a black music professor teaching in the south who truly mattered to his students, until the university decided that he didn’t. It is inspired by the true events surrounding charismatic Kabin Thomas’ dismissal from the University of Arkansas after a white student complained about his unorthodox teaching style.
How does he reinvent himself after being fired? And why should he have to? Teaching music was as important to him as breathing! In his search for answers, Thomas shares his life- long passion for music – classical, jazz and even Motown, as he journeys into his past with the help of a counselor assigned to him by the Reality Weight-Loss show he’s landed on the Discovery Channel. Kabin confronts some personal demons, in order to finally find his way forward. The play deals with issues of race, free speech, mental health and the healing power of music. Strong language.
Rayshawn Chism
Actor - Professor Thomas
Rayshawn has been entertaining people since he was a child. A native of Los Angeles, CA; Rayshawn debuted on stage in 2005, and since then Rayshawn has been in over 20 theatre productions including, A Raisin in the Sun, Fences and most recently 7 Guitars. Rayshawn has also been featured in web series and film garnering him 2 awards for best supporting actor.
You can find and follow Rayshawn on Facebook and Instagram for all upcoming projects.
Allison Bergman
Director, Script Consultant
Allison Bergman is a director, script consultant and performance coach based in California. Favorite stage directing credits include THE ELEPHANT MAN, SEMINAR, ARCADIA, ARABIAN NIGHTS, URINETOWN, DANCING AT LUGHNASA, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, DADDY’S DYIN’ WHO’S GOT THE WILL, THERE GOES THE BRIDE, THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, DRIVING MISS DAISY, THE ROAR OF THE GREASEPAINT, BARNUM, THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO and SWEENEY TODD.
She has also directed many premiere productions and development workshops in NYC and LA. She is thrilled to return to Los Angeles where she recently directed BEETHOVEN AND MISFORTUNE COOKIES, completed her first feature length film, and is in post-production on a short film.
She is developing new stage projects with Moving Arts, Unbound Productions and Musical Café. Ms. Bergman is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Boston University, L.A. City College Theatre Academy, and Directors Lab West. She has been honored with a Drama-Logue Award, and named Women In Theatre’s Outstanding Woman In Theatre.
Her book ACTING THE SONG is used in musical theatre training programs as a textbook and a teacher’s guide. Please visit allisonbergman.com to learn more.