For the past couple of years, Marcia Williams’ up-and-coming theatre company Gifted Productions has been presenting an annual show called “Decades of Divas” that highlights the musical careers of woman in the music industry from days gone by.
Even her co-stars will agree that Monya would easily be considered one of the standouts – for more than just being a mainstay.
Any doubts to the contrary regarding her star power would have been set aside by naysayers who saw the crowd strategically crammed inside the Kranzberg Arts Center several weeks back for her second “solo debut” entitled “Seasons of Monya” as part of the Presenters Dolan Cabaret Series staged in the heart of Grand Center.
The show was an extension of Monya’s performance within the show and more – including personal favorites and classics that she’s been singing over the years during her journey as a favored local performer with international aspirations.
Well before the show began, house management had to get creative with revamping table placements to make room for the crowd for the third show at the intimate venue.
“Do you mind sharing a table with this kind couple?” one of the hosts said as she attempted to finalizing seating before the house lights went down and the curtain opened.
“Yeah, come over here with us, baby,” they said while motioning.
It was a family atmosphere – even among strangers – partly because Gifted Productions is a family business in STL show business. And some kind of way the organization recreates that vibe among its audience.
Marcia Williams – who just happens to be Monya’s mother – conceived and directed “Seasons” and sang background, along with her other daughter (that’s right, Monya’s sister), Teddy.
“Stick to the script, Monya,” she said, impersonating her mother as she went on with the show. Williams just gave that “wait ‘til we get home” side-eyes. “I know, I know,” I’m such a ham!”
But it was all in fun – for the family and the audience.
The show included Monya’s contributions within “Divas” and more. The music was used as a timeline of Monya’s life through song. It was an interesting and diverse mix of genres and styles that ranged from Elvis to Patti LaBelle and Dolly Parton.
She would also add little stories about the personal significance of each tune she selected.
“When I was seven, I used to listen to this song over and over and just cry because I would think the lion died at the end,” she said, laughing at her childish naivety regarding “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by the Tokens.
“I know y’all are gonna call me crazy – if you haven’t already – but I just remember seeing this movie and hearing this song and always wanting to do this song onstage one day,” she said about the Dolly Parton classic “9 to 5.” “Well, here I am, and here it goes…”
It was more fun to watch because it was obvious that she was enjoying herself onstage at least as much as the audience was enjoying watching her perform.
And she even jumped down (literally) to join them and get up close and personal for more than one segment – including her rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Dr. Feel Good” and more than one song during her tribute to Patti Labelle.
By “Patti time,” the fans were rocking in their seats, most likely because they remembered it was her signature segment during Divas. Donning a silly wig, flapping her arms like wings and kicking off her shoes as a form of homage garnered a standing ovation for every “Diva” installment.
Sans the wig – she still kicked her shoes off, of course – it was the same segment and received the same reaction.
Barefoot and singing, she made her way through the Kranzberg, from front to back before returning to the stage under the watchful eye of her mother – who was obviously being mindful of the running time in order to be on schedule for the next sold out performance that would immediately follow the show that was currently in progress.
“I know, I know … stick to the script, Monya,” she said as her mother – who had been providing harmony all afternoon – chimed in unison.
For more information on Gifted Productions upcoming musical and theatrical presentations, visit www.giftedproductionsmo.com or call (314) 352-4857.
