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Stage Plays
 

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Ylonda’s original stage plays are available for licensing for theatrical productions, readings, and community events. To bring one of her impactful and inspiring works to your stage, please use the contact information below to inquire about licensing opportunities.

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Written by Ylonda Powell

A gripping and emotionally charged stage play by Ylonda Powell

STUCK follows the multigenerational journey of an African American family wrestling with cycles of poverty, broken relationships, and spiritual despair. At the center is Margaret, a hardworking single mother trying to raise her two daughters, Karen and Shelley, amidst financial struggle, family dysfunction, and unresolved pain from her failed marriage to Darryl. With the looming presence of a visible "Evil Spirit" symbolizing generational curses and personal demons, the family fights to break free from the patterns that have held them back for decades.

When teenage daughter Karen begins sneaking out, gets involved with the wrong crowd, and faces a life-altering crisis, the family is forced to confront hidden wounds, including substance abuse, teen pregnancy, church hurt, and the emotional scars of absent or toxic fatherhood. Intertwined with moments of humor, raw confrontation, and faith, the play spans from present-day hardships to a powerful 15-year time jump showing the long-term impact of their choices.

Through heartfelt monologues, comedic moments, and a powerful gospel message, STUCK is a story of resilience, redemption, and the urgent need to stop generational cycles before they take root in the next generation. Perfect for church audiences, community theaters, and faith-based productions, STUCK is a relatable and transformative theatrical experience that speaks to anyone who has ever felt trapped by life's circumstances.

Themes: generational trauma, single motherhood, teen rebellion, forgiveness, faith, poverty, domestic tension, redemption

Genre: Urban drama / Faith-based

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Total Speaking Roles: 17

  • Female Roles: 11

  • Male Roles: 6

Female Characters (11)

  1. Margaret – Leading mother of Karen and Shelley

  2. Karen – Margaret’s oldest daughter

  3. Shelley – Margaret’s younger daughter

  4. Carlene – Margaret’s sister

  5. Jaylin – Karen’s youngest daughter (optional, minor)

  6. Leslie – Karen’s oldest daughter (appears as teen/adult)

  7. Sasha – Karen’s middle daughter (appears as teen/adult)

  8. Ms. Lewis – Shelley’s harsh landlord

  9. Lorna Mae – Willie’s intoxicated girlfriend

  10. Marissa – Church youth department secretary

  11. The Angel of the Lord – Dancer (non-speaking/spiritual role)

Male Characters (6)

  1. Darryl – Margaret’s ex-husband

  2. Willie – Margaret’s father

  3. James – Margaret’s brother

  4. Eddie – Karen’s abusive boyfriend

  5. Pastor Moore – The family’s long-time pastor

  6. Person #1 – Teen at the church (small part)

Estimated Runtime

The play contains three acts with extensive dialogue, character development, and multiple time jumps (including a 15-year jump in Act III). Given the content and pacing:

  • Estimated Runtime: Approximately 2 hours

    • With optional intermission, it could run up to 2 hours and 15 minutes

This play is ideal for a full evening performance and balances drama, humor, and heartfelt emotion with spiritual undertones.

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Written by Ylonda Powell

Big Boys Do Cry is a powerful and emotionally charged stage play that explores the inner battles of African American men dealing with unresolved trauma, family dysfunction, and the pressure to remain emotionally stoic in a world that often denies them vulnerability.

At the heart of the story is Demetrius, a hardworking husband and soon-to-be father, who is haunted by a painful childhood marked by abandonment, foster care, and emotional neglect from his mother. As Demetrius juggles the stress of financial strain, caring for his pregnant wife, and housing his unemployed brother-in-law, buried pain begins to rise to the surface.

The play unpacks generational wounds, secrets, and healing as Demetrius reconnects with his estranged mother following a near-fatal car accident. Meanwhile, Camille’s brother, Eric, reveals a dark secret from his past that has shaped his troubled adulthood. Through these revelations, Big Boys Do Cry offers a rare and honest glimpse into the emotional landscape of Black men who are often forced to suffer in silence.

Blending humor, drama, and faith, this production underscores the importance of mental health, reconciliation, and the courage it takes for men to confront their pain and say, “I need help.” It is a deeply human story about family, forgiveness, and the quiet strength found in vulnerability.

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  • Male Roles: 7
    (Demetrius, Eric, Jimmy, Voiceover of Young Demetrius, Quentin/Scooter, Voiceover of Quentin)

  • Female Roles: 6
    (Camille, Tracey, Porchia, Voiceover of Tracey, Voiceover of Tiara, Ms. G)

        Note: Some voiceovers could be doubled by existing cast members.

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        (Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, with a possible intermission between               Acts I and II)

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Written by Ylonda Powell
In the fast-paced world of ambition and status, Alicia Monroe seems to have it all—wealth, power, and a reputation as a top executive who built her company from the ground up. But as she climbs higher, the costs begin to show. She misses precious moments with her daughter, forgets her father’s birthday, and slowly loses her connection to God. When scandal and dwindling contracts threaten to destroy everything she's worked for, Alicia is forced to face the consequences of putting success before faith and family.

A Life For A Life is a powerful modern-day parable told through gripping drama, poignant emotion, and spiritual truth. The play explores the sacrifices we make for career and recognition, and the ultimate price of neglecting what truly matters. With a dynamic cast, heartfelt storytelling, and moments of both humor and conviction, audiences are taken on a journey of downfall, awakening, and redemption.

Ideal for churches, theater companies, and faith-based audiences, this stage production delivers an unforgettable message: when we trade eternal purpose for temporary gain, we risk losing everything—but grace still offers a way back.

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  • Female Characters: 7

  • Male Characters: 2

  • Flexible/Non-gendered: 1 (Angel)

       (Note: Some minor roles like a co-worker or voiceover can be doubled or pre-recorded for         smaller casts.)

       Estimated Runtime: 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes

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Primary Characters (Speaking Roles)

  1. Alicia Monroe – Ambitious businesswoman in her 30s–40s (Female – Lead)

  2. Jordan Monroe – Alicia’s teenage daughter (Female – Supporting)

  3. Tracy – Alicia’s colleague; supportive and spiritual (Female – Supporting)

  4. Cameron – Alicia’s other colleague; skeptical, slightly mocking (Female – Supporting)

  5. Tasha – Alicia’s friend who tries to keep her grounded in faith (Female – Minor)

  6. Pastor Moore – A passionate preacher who ministers to Alicia (Female – Supporting)

  7. Angel – Spiritual guide who gives Alicia a vision (Can be Male or Female – Supporting)

  8. Mary (Crucifixion scene) – Deeply emotional and expressive (Female – Supporting)

  9. Jesus (Crucifixion scene) – Represents the sacrifice (Male – Symbolic/Non-speaking or minimal lines)

  10. Alicia’s Father (Voice only or cameo) – Elderly, sickly, loving (Male – Minor)

 

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