10 Questions
Take Ten - IYONA BLAKE
Regina Taylor's gospel musical Crowns was inspired by a collection of photographs of African-American women in their elaborate church hats. 17-year-old Yolanda has been sent from Brooklyn to stay with her grandmother in the South after the shooting death of her brother. Part musical, part oral history, Taylor tells the stories of Yolanda, Mother Shaw, and four other women through the hats they were to church. Crowns is currently playing at Creative Cauldron and in this week's Take Ten from theatreWashington, cast member IYONA BLAKE, who plays funeral director Velma, talks about her own mother's church hats and how "Taylor has painted a remarkable picture and provided awesome insight on the African American history of our 'crowns.'" Blake also tells us about childhood dreams of being the next Diana Ross, the "overwhelmingly inspiring" first show she saw, and hugging Whoopi Goldberg. Crowns runs through March 8 at Creative Cauldron.
1) What was the first show you ever saw, and what impact did it have?
The first show I ever saw was The Wiz. What little black girl didn’t dream of being the next Diana Ross? She embodied class, talent, and beauty. Along with being a huge Michael Jackson fan, it was overwhelmingly inspiring to see so many black people on the television singing, acting and dancing. I remember dancing around the house trying to keep up with the dance moves.
2) What was your first involvement in a theatrical production?
Growing up in South Arlington (The Nauck Community), we had a musical theater group called “Binding in Unity.” We gathered regularly to rehearse and perform throughout the area. It was a phenomenal introduction to the stage. I had the opportunity to learn, develop a passion, and explore my creativity. Other members of the group have also gone on the pursue a life in the arts. We are lifelong friends.
3) What’s your favorite play or musical, and why do you like it so much?
This month, my favorite musical is Gypsy. I simply love the music. From the Overture on, the music has me in front of the mirror with a hairbrush belting for my life. I can literally listen to all of the Ethel Merman recordings, then move on to Patti LuPone recordings. By the end of my Gypsy fix, I’ve ended it by listening to the Bernadette Peters recordings. I just love the show!
4) What’s the worst day job you ever took?
One of my summer jobs in college was a Gallery Attendant at the Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. Although, I had the opportunity to learn about and monitor each exhibit, it was tough on my legs and feet.
5) What is your most embarrassing moment in the theatre?
I’m not sure if you would say I was embarrassed, but it definitely was my most laughable moment in theater history. A few years ago, I braved the role of Gran Mimi in Signature Theatre’s Jelly’s Last Jam. My costume was fierce! It was huge (big and long) and it required more than one set of hands to get into. One day we were on stage waiting for a cue, as we normally do during a tech rehearsal. Once we received the cue, the scrim was to go up and we were to walk out for the scene. Well, the scrim went up and so did I!! My dress got caught up in the scrim and I suddenly took flight. By the time everyone was notified, by the screams of “hold”, I was about 4 feet in the air. Thanks to my colleagues, they held me up until the scrim was released. What a tough costume! I was the laugh of the week.
6) What are you enjoying most about working on Crowns for Creative Cauldron?
What I am enjoying most about my Crowns experience is wearing the hats. My mother wears hats to church weekly. If I’m honest, she wears the best hats in her church. My grandmother also wore some of the best hats to church as well. In my family, it is our tradition to put on our Sunday best when attending church. Regina Taylor has painted a remarkable picture and provided awesome insight on the African American history of our “crowns.” There is a sense of pride telling the stories of our people and the traditions we hold dear to our hearts.
7) Other than your significant other, who’s your dream date (living or dead) and why?
My dream date would be with Whoopi Goldberg, American actor, comedian, author, and television personality. Not only is she one of my favorite people on Earth, she is an EGOT. She’s also the second black woman to win an Academy Award for acting. On our date, I would sit her down and ask her a thousand questions about her life, her comedy, her new clothing line and book, and so much more. Then I would ask her for some tips. I know she’s not much of a hugger, but I would ask for one.
8) What is your dream role/job?
Unfortunately, there isn’t just one. I’ll be a tie amongst the following: Rose from Gypsy, Dolly from Hello, Dolly!, and Shug Avery from the The Color Purple.
9) If you could travel back in time, what famous production or performance would you choose to see?
I would love to be at the opening night of Irving Berlin’s As Thousands Cheer in 1933. I would have loved to see Ethel Waters perform "Supper Time" for the first time. I would have loved to just be in the room and take in the moment as she made history.
10) What advice would you give to an 8-year-old smitten by theatre / for a graduating MFA student?
Be disciplined. Be honest. Be the best student. BE YOU!
IYONA BLAKE is a DC based actor, singer, educator, a sought after private vocal coach, and playwright. Iyona Blake is the 2017 Helen Hayes Award Winner for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical for her role as Caroline Thibodeaux in Caroline, or Change (Creative Cauldron). Iyona has recently been seen in The Sound of Music (The Mother Abbess), Spunk (Blues Speak Woman), Ain't Misbehavin' (Armelia McQueen), The Scottsboro Boys (The Lady, understudy/performed), Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill (Lady Day), Titanic (Caroline Neville), Jelly’s Last Jam (Gran Mimi), The Wizard of Oz (Glinda), Blues in the Night (The Lady), Once on This Island (Asaka), Thunder Knocking on the Door (Good Sister), to name a few. Iyona has written plays for children and adults, including Girls of Madison Street, a story about a journey to love, sisterhood and reconciliation. Iyona aims to bring mental health awareness and hope with her latest play, Diagnosed.
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