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A Girl's Guilt Trip
CAST (click photos for larger images)
 ALRETHA THOMAS (Yolanda Banks) is a series regular on TYLER PERRY'S ASSISTED LIVING. SHE PLAYS ANASTASIA DEVEREAUX. She graduated from USC with a degree in journalism. Shortly thereafter, she realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to become an actress and write plays and books. In the mid-eighties, she landed an agent and began auditioning, while also holding down a fulltime job. She was cast in some under five roles on a few soap operas and also landed roles in a few independent films. However, after receiving a Best Actress NAACP nomination for her role as Reecey in the stage play, A Grinning Piece of Lightning, she took a step back from acting to work on her spiritual and mental health. Over the next twenty-three years, not only did she work through the emotional fallout from childhood abuse, but she also penned over a dozen books and produced, wrote, and directed numerous plays. In 2016, she asked her husband if he would be okay with her returning to acting. He agreed and Thomas took a leap of faith and left her corporate job to write and act fulltime. She reactivated her SAG membership, put some footage together, and got an agent. All was going well until Covid hit in 2020. Little did Thomas know that in October that year, she would be cast in Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living as Anastasia Devereaux. “It was a miracle and a dream come true,” she said. Since that time, Alretha has appeared in short films, soap operas, and TV commercials and is looking forward to working on two new films later this year. Follow on IG @athomasforreal.
MARLYNNE FRIERSON-COOLEY (Roberta Renee Lisa Jackson) a graduate of The University of Cincinnati, where she majored in broadcasting, has been blessing audiences with her talent for more than three decades. Appearing in more than twenty TV series and films, like This is Us and The Assassination File, dazzling audiences with her portrayal of memorable characters like Valerie in Double Cross and Melba in Daddy Stop Embarrassing Me, Marlynne is a theatrical force to be reckoned with. Moreover, Marlynne is no stranger to theatre. She’s appeared in more than a dozen productions where she’s played numerous iconic characters, including the legendary Harriett Tubman. Not only does she act, but she’s also a voice over artist for commercials, audiobooks, spoken word, and animation. Her melodic voice can be heard on commercials for Januvia, Huggies, Maimonides Medical Center, and more. Additionally, she’s on the Popular podcast, My Mamma Told Me, as the mother conspiracy voice. A quadruple threat, Marlynne also writes and produces. She’s currently working on A Sister’s Devotion, a film about Alzheimer’s that she has written and is producing. It’s her goal to bring more attention to this insidious disease. Marlynne stated that she’s excited to have reconnected with Alretha and feels blessed to be in A Girl’s Guilt Trip. Marlynne is married, has two adult children, and an adorable grandson who recently turned seven. Follow on IG @marlynne.
HEATHER DAUGHTRY (Amy Banks) is a classically trained actor from Los Angeles, focusing on both comedy and drama. She is currently sharpening her comedic skills at The Groundlings, having completed the writing lab level. Heather has also studied at the Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy and collaborated with the Latino Theatre Company. By day, she serves as the Chief of Programming for the Black Boy Writes Media Screenwriting Mentorship program and serves as Head of Partnerships for Creatricity. She is actively auditioning and can be found in a monthly all-Black improv show, “Who All Gon Be There”, at the Barbara Morrison Theatre in Leimert Park. Alongside her theatre training, Heather has a background in music as a vocalist and violinist, as well as in dance. Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in communication & performance studies from California State University, Long Beach, with a minor in music. Looking ahead, Heather aspires to produce her own solo show and of course get booked for theatre, television, and film roles. She is honored to work with Alretha Thomas on another production! A fun fact about Heather: she won the double showcase on The Price is Right and appears in Season 4, Episode 20 of Abbott Elementary. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, karaoke, international travel, creating and laughing at TikToks, catching up on movies and shows, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Ivory Moon. Heather is repped by BAC Talent for commercials and is seeking theatrical representation. Follow on IG @hdee_.
AL LAFLEUR (Jeff Minton) raised in Ohio, caught the acting bug as a child performing in Peter Pan and Annie. Now an eleven-year veteran of the Los Angeles acting scene, his work spans film, television, and stage. Recent highlights include the lead role in the TV pilot Speakeasy (2025) opposite Alex Veadov and Carlo Mendez, and Slice, a 75-minute two-man play with industry veteran Tom Simmons. Al is also a writer and producer, most recently producing and writing the episodic pilot Pulse (2024), while also appearing in the lead role opposite Erik Palladino — a project that won Best Pilot and Audience Favorite at the 2024 LA IFS Film Fest. Additional stage credits include A Streetcar Named Desire (Stanley), The Outsiders (Dallas), The Mousetrap (Sgt. Trotter), and the Hollywood Fringe Festival award-winning production Yes/No/Maybe. Al is also a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan and wants it to be known he remains a delusional optimist. Find his recent bookings and elf-produced work on Instagram @al4lafleur.

MELISSA KAYE BONTEMPT (Understudy for Yolanda Banks Role) (SAG-Eligible) is thrilled to join this production as the understudy for Yolanda Banks. An actress, writer, producer, and entrepreneur, she wrote, produced, and starred in Fritchi Manor, a five-time award-winning short film released in January 2025. Since 2022, Melissa has trained at the Robey Theatre with mentor Ben Guillory, deepening her craft and passion for authentic storytelling. She is the Founder and CEO of California Performing Arts AV, a nonprofit dedicated to “Healing Through The Arts,” inspired by her own journey of resilience and transformation. Outside the arts, Melissa is a licensed real estate agent and certified Fair Housing Compliance Manager, blending creativity, advocacy, and business to serve her community. Melissa approaches every role with heart, depth, and an unshakable belief in the power of the arts to inspire change. Follow her on instagram: @therealmelissakaye.
LORINDA HAWKINS SMITH (Understudy for Roberta Renee Lisa Jackson Role) is a best-selling author, acclaimed actor, advocate, musician, comedian, and award-winning filmmaker from Altadena who earned her MBA in Business Administration while transitioning from houseless to housed. Her one woman show Justice? Or… Just Me? The Bite, self- produced at the Hudson Guild Theatre, was a recipient of the 2021 Hollywood Fringe Festival Diversity Scholarship awarded to productions with powerful community impact. Her book and play series: Justice? Or… Just Me? is based on her journey as a domestic violence survivor. Book 3: The Flight will be coming out this year. Lorinda has been recognized by the California Legislature Assembly, Los Angeles County Supervisors, and the Senate for her social justice artivism over two decades. Her self-produced short film, The Virus, has 8 wins in the film festival circuit. Stage Credits include: Costella in Because It’s Sunny in LA (Especially On Skid Row), Millie in Trouble In Mind. Television Credits include: Grey’s Anatomy, High Potential and Good Trouble. She is the host of the monthly Open Mic Night DTLA, that she started in 2012. Lorinda is excited to work in this amazing production giving breath to powerful themes that so often go overlooked. Lorinda is blessed to be the mother of two adult children. Check out her website https://lorindahawkinssmith.com/ and follow her on IG: @lorindahawk_
AMANI ROSE (Understudy for Amy Banks) is a Seattle native who fell in love with the arts from an early age, a passion that led her to attend Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences, a performing arts school where she trained in dance and acting. She went on to study Marketing at Xavier University of Louisiana and Apparel Design at Seattle Central College. She appeared in a couple of student films before moving to Los Angeles, where she has modeled for clothing brands and music videos. Amani is now excited and determined to place her acting career at the forefront. By day, she teaches classes and plans engaging programs for seniors, from brain exercises and a gardening club to a skincare class. She loves singing and dancing for her seniors, who remain among her most supportive audiences, and she looks forward to performing for audiences on a global stage.

MYERS CLARK (Understudy for Jeff Minton) is originally from the Midwest and was born in Moorhead Minnesota. He grew up in San Francisco. Myers was introduced to acting as a pre-teen when visiting New York for the summer. He was a replacement for a young cast member in Broadway’s Porgy and Bess. He returned to San Francisco and began studying acting at The American Conservatory Theater under the direction of William Ball. He was cast in a number of productions including Christmas Carol. Coached by Cliff Osmand, he began his professional career working in several Bay Area regional productions, Including, Suzan Lori Park’s The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World. He has enjoyed playing a variety of characters, such as Gabe Gabriel, in No Place to Be Somebody and Free in Superheroes. He was described as “a pure delight” in his role as Roosevelt, in the adapted version of Oscar Wilde’s, An Ideal Husband written by Scott Munson. Myers has done extensive work in ensembles across the country—work that resulted in him winning a Theater Bay Area’s best supporting actor award for his role as Sly, in Detroit 67 at The Aurora Theatre and a nomination for best actor as Cephus Miles in Home at the Lorraine Hansberry Theater in San Francisco. Myers Clark has a recurring television role as Pastor Jacobson in A House Divided on Prime. In 2024, he toured his stand up show, Comedy Soul in 20 cities in the U.S. He can be followed on Instagram @comedysoulreal.

PRODUCTION STAFF (click photos for larger images)
 ALRETHA THOMAS (Playwright, Co-Producer, Co-Director) graduated from USC with a degree in journalism. Shortly thereafter she realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming. This led to plays outside of the church, including Alretha’s One, Woman Two Lives starring Kellita Smith. In between plays, Alretha’s first novel, Daughter Denied, was launched in 2008. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing. In 2014, her novel, Four Ladies Only, was the recipient of the Jessie Redmon Fauset Fiction Award. Alretha made her foray into suspense with the release of her book Missing Melissa and followed that up with her Detective Rachel Storme Series. Her most recent suspense novel is The Truth About Gretchen. In 2016, Alretha left corporate America to write novels full time and she also returned to acting. In 2020, she was cast as Anastasia Devereaux in Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living on BET. Alretha’s latest novel, The Daughter Between Them, was voted one of the top 100 indie suspense novels in 2024. She is thrilled to be back with a new play and is honored to work with her talented actors and production staff. She gives God all the praise for her success. Follow on IG @athomasforreal.
ROY THOMAS (Co-Producer/Co-Director) enjoys playing the piano. He has studied under Michael Nash, Timmy Wong and George Ramirez. What makes Roy unique is that he didn’t make his foray into music until he was in his forties. Nonetheless, with commitment and dedication, he has made significant strides and is able to play improvisational jazz. He has performed at numerous events in Los Angeles, including a New Year’s eve gala, book club launch and film screening. A philanthropist and patron of the arts, music isn’t his only interest. After working for Sempra Energy for thirty-three years, he was able to retire and fully enjoy his love for reading eclectic books, interior decorating and creative landscaping. This is the seventh professional project he has partnered with his wife on as a co-producer and his first as a co-director and co-scene designer. He’s delighted that he has been able to support her in her artistic endeavors. Two of Roy’s proudest moments in life are helping his sister take care of his aging mother who lived to be 101 and being nominated for a NAACP Theatre Award for Sound Design on Alretha’s play, Sacrificing Simone in 2007.
SUSAN BACON (Stage Manager/Assistant to the Directors) is a dynamic talent whose passion for the performing arts is matched by an impressive career in public service. A newly retired Assistant District Director with the U.S. Department of Labor, Susan dedicated 46 years to federal service, where she managed high-profile investigations such as wage theft, retaliation, harassment, and child labor. Susan brings the same dedication, discipline, and collaborative spirit to her creative pursuits. A lifelong lover of the arts, she has always found joy in acting. Even while balancing a demanding federal career and raising two sons, she remained committed to her passion for the arts. She has acted in several stage plays written by acclaimed playwright Alretha Thomas, including The First Family, The Big Blue Christmas Gift, A Baby Blue Christmas and Civil Rites, all directed by Byron Nora. Susan also appeared as an extra in the short film Mrs. Park produced by Xochilt Mayo and in Grace for a Gangsta, produced by Aaron King. Behind the scenes, Susan is equally skilled. Her organizational talents and ability to connect with people make her a valuable asset to any production team. She is enthusiastic about contributing both onstage and offstage. With a warm presence, natural leadership, and a deep love of the craft, Susan is eager to bring her talent and professionalism to future stage and film projects. Susan is a proud mother of two adult sons and a doting grandmother to two beautiful new grandchildren. She’s now embracing this exciting new chapter—ready to perform, create, and inspire.
JAMES DAUGHTRY (Set Designer) was born and raised on St. Simons Island, Georgia. He moved to Los Angeles in 1969 and became a member of Trinity Baptist Church in 1988 where he now serves on the Deacon Board. Before making his foray into theater production, he spent 33 years working for the Southern California Gas Company where he first met Roy Thomas. After retiring in 2006, he enjoyed spending more time with his family, gardening with his wife, cycling, and firing up the grill during holidays. He also made sure he was always present to support his daughters in the arts, attending school plays, basketball games, and violin recitals. In 2015, he began to broaden his interests and it was during this time he found himself volunteering to work on stage sets. He first helped with set design and set building for Alretha Thomas’s play, Sacrificing Simone and in 2022 he worked on the set for Mommie & Clyde, another Alretha and Roy Thomas production. James is no stranger to the arts. His daughter, Amber Daughtry, is now a professional violinist and teacher and his daughter, Heather Daughtry, plays Amy Banks in A Girl’s Guilt Trip. James has been happily married for 35 years, has three daughters, and a son. He says he looks forward to more set work and thanks God for the wonderful life that he has.
MICHELLE VASQUEZ (Technical Operator) As an LA based professional, Michelle has had the pleasure of working on many different productions with some amazing creatives. When she's not in a booth working a show, she is working with middle & high school students as a stagecraft mentor and choreographer, utilizing her many years of performance experience. Her notable credits include End Days (Assistant Production Manager – Windy City Playhouse), 2nd Annual Music Is Instrumental Concert (Stage Manager – Burbank USD Arts For All), Feast of Fools (Tech Operator - Harvest Theatre Company), Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground (Lighting Assistant - New LA Repertory Company), Titanic The Musical (Assistant Stage Manager - Griffin Theatre Company) and Secret Comedy of Women Tour
(Production Stage Manager – Playhouse Production) @mich.eliz.vasquez

BLANCA CHIVICHON (Running Crew Member) As a recent graduate from the CSUN theatre department, Blanca is excited to join the running crew on this production. She has a background in stage management and previously served as ASM for Adventures in The Great Beyond at The Hudson Theatres Mainstage. She has also been a part of the tech operating team for the 2024 and 2025 Hollywood Fringe Festival and the 24 Hour Plays. In between productions, she works as an actress and photographer in LA.
CHERI DARLING (Production Assistant) is the author of Me First Darling, a photographer, and host of The Darling Universe podcast. Owner of TaTa Darling Airbnb in Temecula, she believes with God all things are possible and is honored to support this production.
CAROLYN JOHNSON ) ran her own successful carpet cleaning and interior decorating business for more than three decades while also holding down the position of an executive receptionist for a major investment bank’s private banking department. Her business acumen couple with her administrative skills definitely facilitated her foray into theatre production. Prior to entering the field, she was already an avid theatregoer and she says she absolutely loved seeing live performances where the energy on stage and the energy from the audience was electric. At the time, she had no idea she would have the opportunity to work up close and personal with the crew and cast of a stage play. She had her first experience working behind the scenes in Alretha Thomas’s production of MOMMIE & CLDYE in 2022, and she says she’s thrilled to be working on A GIRL’S GUILT TRIP. In addition to her work in theatre production, she’s done some producing of her own. Carolyn is the proud mother of three daughters, eight grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren.
TYREESE BURNETT (Art Director) is a native of Dayton, Ohio, and a 1997 graduate of Central State University, where he earned a B.A. in Communications with a concentration in Radio & Television. Shortly after graduation, he was selected as one of only six candidates nationwide to join Turner Entertainment’s prestigious T-2000 Program in Atlanta, Georgia. This 10-month initiative provided in-depth exposure to mass media, giving Tyreese hands-on experience in production and marketing across multiple networks, including TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, Turner Production, and Turner Classic Movies—all while he pursued his passion for acting. Tyreese made his on-camera debut as a Titan football player in Walt Disney Pictures’ Remember the Titans, starring Denzel Washington. He went on to earn his most notable role as an assistant band director in 20th Century Fox’s Drumline, appearing alongside Nick Cannon, Orlando Jones, and Zoe Saldana. After relocating to Los Angeles, Tyreese established himself both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. His producing credits include the animated pilots The Slimbones and Tic Tak N’ Toe. On screen, he has appeared in national commercials—including two campaigns for Ben’s Original—and projects such as Speed Dating, 2 Mins 2 Kill, and Tyler Perry’s Sistas. In addition to live-action roles, Tyreese has built an impressive career in voice acting. His work can be heard in Netflix’s Carol & The End of the World, MTV2’s Celebrity Deathmatch, and Air Bud Entertainment’s Puppy Star Christmas. Most recently, he voiced three characters in Disney Pixar’s Academy Award nominated animated feature Inside Out 2. Follow him on Instagram @tyreeseburnett.
LEONARD CONNER (Photographer) was born in
Killeen, TX and raised in Compton, CA. Shortly after turning 18, he was awarded first place in a national competition through the Act-So NAACP program. He decided that photography would be his career of choice. He moved to North Hollywood where he polished his kills as a photographer by taking photography and art/design courses. Over the last twenty years, he’s photographed a variety of VIP clients, and his photography has varied ranging from commercial, weddings, events to freelance photography. Conner’s says, “If you’re looking for a creative and enthusiastic photographer, then let’s create some magic together!” 323-252-4864, Instagram.com/luckyvirgophotography, luckyvirgophotographypro@gmail.com.