Playwright: Idris Goodwin
Directed By: Shardai R. Davis
Production Snapshot
Hank, Julian, and Luann are three talented, determined suburban teens coming of age in the 1980s. Dreaming of fame and fortune in the new Hip-Hop music scene, they must overcome cultural isolation, familial dysfunction, and ruthless rivalries to make the music that defines their lives. Spoken word poet and hip-hop playwright Idris Goodwin gives us an inspiring, theatrical mix tape about how we become the people we’re meant to be, flowing and rhyming our way to adulthood.
The performance lasts approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. This show contains some swearing.
Cast
LaShanette ‘LaLa’ Harrison
Selector
LaShanette ‘LaLa’ Harrison is an entertainer in the Metro Detroit area, and has been seen at Open Book as Tabitha and Emma in “Breaking Laws to Gain Freedom” and Adenikeh in “Nollywood Dreams”. Over the years, she has immersed herself in all forms of art and isn’t looking to stop. Her training began at a young age as she became enamored with film, television, writing, comedy, and more. She found herself taking lessons at and eventually working for the Michigan Actors Studio. The next step in her journey was getting on stage as a stand-up comedian. This allowed LaLa to tell stories and connect on a level she hadn’t before. It didn’t take long for the calls to come in requesting her specific brand of humor. LaLa continues her journey towards her dream of being a full-time entertainer and making it to the big stage. "How We Got On” is LaLa's biggest role to date at Open Book Theater and she's excited to see where it'll take her.
Aaron Jackson
Hank
Aaron Jackson is thrilled to be playing Hank here at Open Book Theatre! Aaron Jackson is an artist born and raised in Michigan, some of his recent credits include: Travis in “Footloose” at Meadow Brook Theatre, Paul Matthews in “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals” at Oakland University, and Ensemble in “Guys & Dolls” at Michigan Stage. ENJOY THE SHOW! Instagram: @_agosof_
Antonio Hood
Julian
Antonio Hood is thrilled to make his debut at Open Book! He has been a part of many productions such as Jim Conley in “Parade”, YEAHHH, Kenickie in “Grease”, Mitch Mahoney in “Spelling Bee” and originating Harry Rose in “Charlie Hu$tle”. Outside of theatre he is a musician. He is a music producer, director, composer, writer and arranger. This May, he is going to Italy for the Broadway Al Monte program to train with Broadway professionals under their Music Director scholarship. He is currently writing his own rap/rock/pop musical. He also has been on the Detroit Pistons drumline as a cymbals player. He knows how to rock a camera. His favorite musical is “In The Heights” so he is MORE than excited to be a part of “How We Got On”. He would like to thank his parents, siblings, grandparents, aunties and uncles, cousins, mentors and Bella. To continue to watch his journey as an artist follow his instagrams: @a.hood_, @bigtonebeatz_ and @bigtonevisuals. Fun fact… he is 6’8 (unfortunately NOT 6’7)
Princess Beyoncé Jones
Luann
Princess Beyoncé Jones is excited to be making her debut performance with Open Book! Princess is a multifaceted artist and an Oakland University alumna with a B.F.A. degree in Acting. She’s had the privilege to portray many impactful roles in dynamic productions such as The Woman (“The Woman In Black”), Gladys Atkinson Sweet (“Eclipsed”), Petrushka (“Moon Man Walk”), Ayanna/Little Golden Fairy (“The Golden Loc”), and more! Princess is looking forward to audiences experiencing this show and its storytelling of the Black experience with this talented ensemble. Princess thanks the cast, crew, and director Shardai Davis for sharing this space and musical experience with her. She also thanks her loved ones, for all of their support, and inspiring her with the arts, their great taste in music, and so much love! Awards: Best Performer In A Play, Best Supporting Performer In A Play (2025 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards)
Crew
Shardai R. Davis
Director
Shardai R. Davis is a classically trained actor, dancer, musician, and stage manager who has performed and been behind the scenes in many different mediums from plays and shorts films, operas, and even traditional Hula Luaus. Shardai received her Bachelors of Science in Individualized Studies Degree w/Concentrations in Kinesiology, Theatre, and Music from Eastern Michigan University in 2014. Some of her performances include: Polonius in “Hamlet,” Calpurnia in “To Kill A Mockingbird,” Kitty Duvall in “The Time of Your Life,” Athena in “The Odyssey,” and as Mrs. Walker in “Tommy”. She has stage managed at DDC Dances, Puzzle Piece Theatre, Marquis Theatre, Open Book Theatre, and at the historic Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. Davis has a high level of proficiency in piano, martial arts, directing and scenic design, and has won several accolades for her skills and techniques in the traditional Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. She would like to give a shout out to her Mom & Dad for always supporting her and inspiring her to live her dreams!
Ayres Went
Stage Manager
Ayres Went (she/they) is overjoyed to be joining the Open Book team! Ayres is a proud Wayne State University alum and a current Physical Therapy student. When she isn’t reviewing anatomical terminology, Ayres is a Detroit-based stage manager, director, and actor for the stage and screen. They have been involved in theatrical productions across Michigan and Florida and dedicate time specifically to youth theatre, assistant directing teen intensives at the Detroit Opera House. Ayres’ evolving physical therapy practice spotlights performers - dancers, actors, and stunt professionals - and they are passionate about fostering full mind and body awareness on the stage and in the clinic. @awentwhere
Harley Miah
Lighting Designer
Harley Miah is a freelance artist designing and programming for theatres, nightclubs, concerts and festivals across the country with IKO Global Productions. As the resident Lighting Designer for Open Book Theatre. Harley has earned Wilde Awards for Best Design – Lights for “Red” in 2014, and “This Random World” in 2022. Harley's work can also be seen this season at Tipping Point Theatre, The Inspired Acting Company, and at The Williamston Theatre. Harley spends his spare time with his loving partner Reyna spoiling their cats, traveling, and seeing as many shows as they can in this great theatre community we have in Southeast Michigan. He hopes you do the same.
Amanda Bates
Scenic Designer
Amanda Bates is a theatre artist from the Detroit area working both in technical roles and as a performer, and is happy to return to Open Book Theatre as a Scenic Designer for the entire season. Previously she has worked at Open Book as a Props Designer (“Too Heavy for Your Pocket”, “The Taming”, “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley”) and Scenic Painter (“Every Brilliant Thing”, “Bernhardt/ Hamlet”). Her past Scenic Design credits include “It’s Only Life” at Inspired Acting Company, “Death of A Driver” at Theatre Nova, and “Return to the Forbidden Planet” at Penny Seats Theatre. Amanda received her MA in Theatre Arts from Eastern Michigan University and is a Scenic Carpenter at Meadow Brook Theatre.
Zuwaib Razzaq
Costume Designer
Zuwaib Razzaq is a Detroit-based artist/designer, pursuing his MFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Fashion Design at Wayne State University. Zuwaib is inspired to dress people who, like himself, can’t help but wear their hearts on their sleeves. For the fearless revolutionary who’s quick witted, sharp tongued, and majorly flirty. He hopes his garments empower people to embody their fullest potential with hearty, unapologetic gusto and joy. Zuwaib was a 2018 Broadway League Diversity and Inclusion Fellow for his work in international marketing and booking on Broadway and has also received national recognition from the Kennedy Center for his Distinguished Achievement in Costume Design for his work on WSU’s production of “Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again.” He is currently working on his debut collection, slated to show in Detroit in Spring of 2026. @groovy_zoobi
Henry Ballesteros
Properties Designer
Henry Ballesteros is beyond excited to return to Open Book designing props for this entire season, after designing props for “Ripcord” and “Artemisia” last season. Henry is also an actor, who was most recently seen on the OBTC stage as Bellomy in “The Fantasticks”, and will made his Open Book directing debut with our recent show, “Clue.” For my love Bryan, B, R & A.
Meet the Playwright(s)
Idris Goodwin
Idris Goodwin is an award-winning writer and storyteller whose work spans stage, screen, audio, and page. From his widely produced breakbeat plays and historical dramas to his growing catalog of books for young readers. A United States Artist Fellow and seasoned educator, he has created content for HBO Def Poetry, Sesame Street, and NPR, and will soon join Arizona State University as Associate Professor of Dramatic Writing. www.idrisgoodwin.com
