The Story (stage play)

• Yvonne
• Latisha
• Neil
• Jeff
• Jessica
• Pat
• Tim
• Carla
• Detective
• Reporter
• Ensemble

The play follows Yvonne, an ambitious African American journalist newly assigned to the “Outlook” section of a major metropolitan newspaper. Eager to advance her career, Yvonne becomes frustrated with the marginal status of her beat and seeks a story that will elevate her to the front page. Despite trepidation from her editor, Pat—a veteran reporter who has fought to establish credibility and integrity at their publication—Yvonne pursues a sensational murder case involving a white schoolteacher. Struggling to gain access and recognition, she ultimately fabricates key elements of the story, inventing a young Black girl, Latisha, and attributing to her a confession that links her to the crime.

Yvonnes article garners widespread public attention and professional acclaim, propelling her into prominence within the paper. However, as inconsistencies begin to emerge, the truth behind her story unravels. Her deception places her colleagues, including her friend Neil and her boyfriend Jeff, under scrutiny, exposing underlying tensions surrounding race, ambition, and journalistic responsibility. Once her fabrication becomes public knowledge, Yvonne faces the collapse of her career and reputation. The play concludes by foregrounding the ethical ramifications of her actions and the broader implications of truth, representations, and power in media.

Summarize Timeline Fact Check

The Story had it's World Premiere at The Public Theater in New York City, running from November 18, 2003 through January 2004. Directed by Loretta Greco, the production featured Phylicia Rashad, Erika Alexander, Stephen Kunken, Damon Gupton, Sarah Grace Wilson, Michelle Hurst, Kalimi Baxter, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Tammi Clayton. The creative team included Robert Brill (sets), Emilio Sosa (costumes), James Vermeulen (lighting), and Robert Kaplowitz (sound).^[4]

Rashad was nominated for the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance, while Kaplowitz was nominated for the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Sound Design.

The Story had it's Regional Premiere at Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, CT, running from February 4 through March 14, 2004. Directed by Loretta Greco, the production featured Lizzy Cooper Davis, Kalimi Baxter, Tammi Clayton, Duane Boutté, Michelle Hurst, David Wilson Barnes, Sharon Washington, Christen Simon, and Sarah Grace Wilson. The creative team included Robert Brill (sets), Emilio Sosa (costumes), James Vermeulen (lighting), and Robert Kaplowitz (sound).^[5]

The Story was produced by Philadelphia Theatre Company in Philadelphia, PA, running from January 28 through February 27, 2005. Directed by Maria Mileaf, the production featured Kala Moses Baxter, Kenajuan Bentley, Brienin Bryant, Danai Gurira, Miriam A. Hyman, Pamela Isaacs, Christine Long, Michael Polak, and Karen Vicks. The creative team included Neil Patel (sets), Janus Stefanowicz (costumes), Russell H. Champa (lighting), and Eileen Tague (sound).^[6]

For her direction, Mileaf won the 2005 Barrymore Award for Outstanding Direction.

The Story was produced by Goodman Theatre in Chicago, IL, running from March 5 through April 10, 2005. Directed by Chuck Smith, the production featured Kati Brazda, Monét Butler, Josh Bywater, Lizzy Cooper Davis, Tonya Latrice, Kevin McKillip, Patrick Sims, Penelope Walker, Alma Washington, and Jacqueline Williams. The creative team included Todd Rosenthal (sets), Birgit Rattenborg Wise (costumes), Robert Christen (lighting), and Ray Nardelli (original music & sound).^[7]

The Story was produced by Zeitgeist Stage Company at Boston Center for the Arts in Boston, MA, running from September 2 through 24, 2005. Directed by David J. Miller, the production featured Kortney Adams, Chantel Bibb, Nydia Calón, Michelle Dowd, Gabriel Field, Caryn Andrea Lindsey, Yvonne Murphy, Kalli Turner, and Keedar Whittle. The creative team included David J. Miller (sets), Tracy Campbell (costumes), Darren Evans (lighting), and Walter Eduardo (sound).^[8]

For their performances, Bibb was nominated for the 2006 IRNE Award for Best Actress, while Dowd won Best Supporting Actress.

The Story had it's West Coast Premiere at the San Francisco Playhouse in San Francisco, CA, running from March 18 through April 25, 2009. Directed by Margo Hall, the production featured Afi Ayanna, Dwight Huntsman, Halili Knox, Awele Makeba, Craig Marker, Allison Payne, Ryan Nicole Peters, Rebecca Schweitzer, Kathryn Tkel.^[9]

This production was nominated for three Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards, including Best Ensemble, Best Director (for Hall) and Best Supporting Actor (for Marker).

The Story is scheduled to make it's UK debut at the Royal National Theatre on the West End. Directed by Clint Dyer, the cast will include BAFTA Award-winner Letitia Wright, Ashley Thomas, Lorraine Toussaint, and Wilf Scolding.^[10]