By The Way, Meet Vera Stark Playbill

Black and white promotional poster showing two women from the TV show 'Maude.' One woman with dark, shoulder-length hair, dressed in a vintage style, is sitting on a couch holding a glass of drink. The other woman, with curly hair and a dress, stands with her hands on her hips, looking at the seated woman. The poster features text promoting 'By The Way, Meet Vera Stark,' with dates March 21-23 and 27-30.

By Lynn Nottage

Presented by Theatre Huntsville

Dates: March 21 -30

Von Braun Center Playhouse

The Cast

Background

Want to dive deep into the world of Vera Stark?

The world of the play: Click here to read about the history of film in the 1930s when Vera began making movies.

Read about some of the real-life inspirations for Vera Stark - Stepin Fetchit, Hattie McDaniel, Theresa Harris

Want more insight into the author? Check out this interview with Lynn Nottage.

Want to get to know Vera Stark? Check out this website dedicated to the fictional star.

A smiling woman with a short haircut, wearing a yellow patterned top, pearl necklace, pearl earrings, and a silver wristwatch, standing against a brick wall.

From The Director

This play is relevant today because it explores the complexities of race, identity, and representation in Hollywood. These themes are still deeply resonant in contemporary society.

The play sheds light on the struggles faced by Black actresses in finding authentic roles, reflecting ongoing conversations about diversity, inclusivity, and the intersection of art and politics.

It encourages a critical examination of how history shapes current perceptions, making it an essential work for understanding how far we've come and how much further we need to go in achieving true representation.

I think its an opportunity for anyone interested in art and theater to come and experience an amazing cast and riveting subject matter.

A woman with dreadlocks styled to one side, wearing a colorful patterned jacket and a blue scarf with small white dots, looks to the side against a gray background.

About the Author

Lynn Nottage is the first and only woman to have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice. A screenwriter, playwright, and installation artist, she is known for her powerful, socially conscious storytelling.

Her work often explores themes of race, class, and resilience, highlighting overlooked voices in history. Notable plays include Sweat (2017 Pulitzer Prize), Ruined (2009 Pulitzer Prize), Intimate Apparel, Clyde’s, and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark.

A graduate of Brown University and the Yale School of Drama, Nottage has received numerous honors, including a MacArthur “Genius” Grant. In addition to her work in theatre, she has written for film and television and is a passionate advocate for the arts.

Learn more on her website.