First Lady Diaries opens to Packed Audience!

April 17, 2010, The First Lady Diaries opened to a packed audience of nearly 250 people! The play was held at the Norman James Theatre on the campus of Washington College and is the first stage production written and produced by Tamika Hall, Mrs. Maryland Essence 2010. Hall graduated from Washington College in 2004 with a degree in Theatre and a minor in Hispanic Studies. "I am thrilled to have debuted the First Lady Diaries at my Alma Mater," Hall says with a smile. "The success of the show has surpassed my wildest dreams! I wrote the play as a ministry piece for women and that is exactly what it was." The First Lady Diaries brought women and men together from throughout the states of Maryland and Delaware and left people wanting more! One audience member said "I was touched by this play because it was so real and it gave every woman hope no matter what situation or place they are in, in there life! This play showed Romans 8:28 manifested in each life! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!" One male member said, "Wow!!! This play gave me a different perspective on the thinks First Ladies go through spiritually. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLAY!" One audience member said it best, "The play should be used as a catalyst for discussion for groups of women of varying age. Literally, women should see the play and immediately meet to dialogue about elements presented in the play." The First Lady Diaries is a show that profiles the lives of 8 women from the pastor’s wife who is often overlooked, to the bag lady who carries other’s issues, to the clean up woman who will take your man if you turn your back. The cast brought women together from Delaware and Maryland, different ministries and age groups: Rosetta Brickhouse (the Leading Lady), Joyell Johnson (Hat Lady), Ty Bolden (Bag Lady), Elder Donna Hicks (Mad Lady), Athena Brown (Lady Shame), Pandora Walters (Shoe Lady), and Sonjia Thomas (Lady Love), and Hall rounded out the cast as the Clean Up Lady. One interesting spin on the production was that while it was an all female cast, it was directed by Terrelle Hall, Hall’s husband and a long time stage veteran. When asked how a male directs an all female cast, he laughingly states, “with a lot of prayer and fasting. In all seriousness, you have to first understand a woman and once you understand what she needs then you can more effectively communicate with her.” With plans to expand the First Lady Diaries into an annual conference, Hall is planning to travel the Country with the production. For more information visit: www.elshaddaiproductions.info or www.thefirstladydiaries.info.