Theon Phillips and his family are a true-life story of the emotional play “Unforgettable” which will be performed at 7 p.m. June 29, 2024, at Harris-Stowe State University.
Phillips and his sister, Adrianne, grew up in East St. Louis. While raised in what he describes as “humble beginnings” both rose to success. He says his sister was gifted in many ways, with a particular for business and entrepreneurship.
She was an outstanding student at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and began her career with Ameren. Advancement soon took her to Colgate Palmolive near Detroit.
Phillips said his sister loved “jazz music on the Detroit scene” and called her “laser focused.”
was also developing a new business concept of her own.
Suddenly, friends shared with Theon that his siter “was acting oddly.’
“I knew something was wrong when she called and asked for a loan. She was not that kind of person.’
Relatives who live in Michigan told Theon that Adrienne could sometimes not find her keys or park at a grocery store, walk home, then say she lost her car.
At 58, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Phillips and his wife Caroline are her primary caregivers.
“I encourage everyone to see the play,” said Phillips.
“There has been a life adjustment. We have had to give up some things. But this has been a blessing. Adrianne hasn’t taken from our lives; she has added to our lives.”
Developed by Gdavis Productions and Films, LLC, the play is a presentation of the Alzheimer’s Association. It examines early detection and diagnosis of the disease, and the importance of underrepresented communities participating in clinical trials.
St. Louis is one of 10 cities hosting productions of “Unforgettable” this year.
Currently there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, including 120,000 Missouri residents.
Older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as white Americans. Black Americans are also less likely to receive a timely diagnosis, with many receiving a diagnosis much later in the disease, when their medical needs are greater.
“There is a lack of culturally appropriate and tailored programming that resonates with disproportionately affected and underserved audiences as it relates to Alzheimer’s and other dementia care and support,” said Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., M.P.H., chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Alzheimer’s Association.
“This community theater gives us the opportunity to deliver important disease-related information in a fun and entertaining way. We want audiences to come away with a better understanding of Alzheimer’s, other dementia and the resources and support that are available from the Alzheimer’s Association to help families who are affected.”
Creator Garrett Davis wrote “Unforgettable” in tribute to his late grandmother, Goodness, whose dementia diagnosis left his family feeling lost. Davis’ experience as a Black male caregiver inspired the story of the Davenport-Rodriguez family, and its plan to care for matriarch Mama D after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
First staged in 2022, “Unforgettable” has been viewed live by more than 10,000 people, including many affected by the disease.
“My focus is not just on the incredible performances but also on highlighting the profound impact of our collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association,” Davis said.
“We’re dedicated to addressing health disparities in communities of color, working towards a future where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the care and support they deserve.”
Several cast members of “Unforgettable” starred in the drama series “Daddy’s Boys,” including Dartez Wright and Kenneth Pierce.
“American Idol” finalist Scott Savol, LeJuene Thompson from Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers, and Yessie Rodriguez from the drama series “My Family” are also featured. The “Unforgettable” theme song was written by songwriter and vocalist Blanche McAllister, one of the lead singers from the Grammy award-winning group Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers.
“Reaching and engaging underserved audiences that are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias is a top priority for the Alzheimer’s Association,” Hill said.
“Engaging diverse perspectives is critical to achieving health equity — meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care.”
Greater Missouri Alzheimer’s Association staff will be on hand before and after the play to provide information on local support and education services and to answer audience questions.
The play will be preceded by a community concert featuring Adrian Crutchfield, saxophonist and the last horn-man to perform and record with Prince and the New Power Generation. The concert will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 28 at Harris-Stowe State University.
For more information about “Unforgettable” and to reserve a free ticket for the performance, visit Unforgettableplay.com.
