By the Way, Meet Vera Stark

March 21-30, 2025

Get ready for a dazzling and provocative evening of theater with By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, the critically acclaimed play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage. This sharp, witty, and deeply entertaining production shines a spotlight on the untold stories of Black actresses in Hollywood’s Golden Age, offering a fresh perspective on race, identity, and the pursuit of fame.

Step back into 1930s Hollywood, where Vera Stark, a talented and ambitious African-American actress, is determined to break through the industry's barriers. As she navigates the glamorous but treacherous world of film, Vera’s journey from maid roles to the silver screen reveals the complexities and challenges of carving out a space in a world that often refuses to see her as more than a stereotype.

With its clever mix of comedy, drama, and a bit of mystery, By the Way, Meet Vera Stark takes audiences on a journey across decades, uncovering the legacy of a trailblazer whose story is as relevant today as it was then. The play’s innovative storytelling, rich characters, and sharp social commentary make it a must-see for anyone who loves smart, thought-provoking theater.

Presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service

Show Details

Dates: March 21-30, 2025

Location: The Playhouse at the Von Braun Center (map)
Address: 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

Director: Shonda Devine

Performance Dates & Times

Theatre Huntsville will give eight performances of By the Way, Meet Vera Stark and offer both evening and matinee shows. All shows will take place at the Playhouse in the Von Braun Center Playhouse.

Evening shows - 7:30pm

  • March 21, 22, 27, 28, 29

Matinees - 2:00pm

  • March 23, 29, 30

Media Interviews

WAAY interview - click here to watch

Production Photos

A woman dressed as a maid with a surprised or shocked expression on stage, with a colorful backdrop and sofa behind her.
A woman in a cream-colored dress with dark, curly hair sits on a couch, holding a glass, with a woman in a beige uniform standing beside her, reading a book or script. The scene appears to be a stage performance with props and cushions on the couch.
A man and woman sitting on a couch, holding glasses of drinks and engaging in a serious conversation in a dimly lit room.
A woman with styled black hair in a costume, standing confidently on a stage with a large green plant in the background.
Three actors on stage performing a play, seated on chairs, with glasses on tables next to them. The woman in the center is speaking passionately, wearing a colorful dress. The woman on the left is dressed in a red outfit, and the man on the right is
A man with light skin and brown hair wearing a beige plaid suit, a beige shirt, and a striped tie speaking on stage with a dark background and partial view of a person on the right.
A woman standing against a black background, wearing a white bathrobe and a blue headscarf, with a serious expression on her face.
A man stands on a dimly lit stage with four empty chairs behind him, a large screen above displays a photograph of two women, one smiling and the other seated in a bed with a wooden headboard.
A woman with short, curly, reddish hair, wearing a magenta blouse, is pointing and speaking passionately in a dark theater or auditorium. A young man in a dark shirt is sitting beside her, listening attentively.