PHILADELPHIA, PA — Theatre Exile is set to close its 2024–25 season with the East Coast premiere of Glitter in the Glass, a daring and imaginative new play by celebrated playwright R. Eric Thomas. Previews began on May 29, and the production officially opens on June 5 at Theatre Exile’s home in South Philadelphia (1340 South 13th St). Strong early demand has already led to an extended run through June 22.
The play features Jennifer Nikki Kidwell as Chelle, a Black artist tasked with creating a replacement for a Confederate monument removed from the park near her childhood home. What starts as a high-profile commission evolves into an extraordinary, time-bending exploration of identity, artistic pressure, and historical reckoning. Directed by Ontaria Kim Wilson, the production also stars Kishia Nixon and Danny Wilfred, rounding out a highly accomplished cast.
“This play is a cosmic mirror,” said Deborah Block, Theatre Exile’s Producing Artistic Director. “Through Chelle’s journey, R. Eric Thomas invites us to reflect on what it means to create art under pressure, to confront the ghosts of history, and to imagine new futures. It’s hilarious, searing, and deeply theatrical— a perfect conclusion to a season that’s asked us all to reconsider how we see the world.”
Glitter in the Glass originated in Theatre Exile’s Studio X-hibition program, which provides a platform for public readings of new works. Thomas, who also penned The Ever Present for Exile in 2021, has earned acclaim as an essayist, memoirist, playwright, and television writer. His works include the bestselling memoir Here for It, a Stonewall Honor young adult novel Kings of B’more, and Reclaiming Her Time, a biography of Maxine Waters. Thomas has received multiple awards, including the Lambda Literary Award and Dramatists Guild Lanford Wilson Award.
A key collaborator for this production is Monument Lab, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit dedicated to rethinking public monuments as spaces of justice and belonging. Monument Lab will host a post-show discussion on June 18 with Thomas and its Director, Paul Farber, to explore the play’s themes within the context of public memory and community engagement.
The cast is led by Jennifer Nikki Kidwell, widely recognized for her dynamic performances with companies like Pig Iron Theatre and Wilma Theater. She is joined by returning Exile performer Kishia Nixon and Theatre Exile newcomer Danny Wilfred. The creative team includes Christopher Haig (Set Design), LeVonne Lindsey (Costume Design), Natalie Robin (Lighting Design), and Liz Atkinson (Sound Design and Composition).
Special events during the production’s run include a Young Exile’s Night on June 4, Industry Night on June 9, and multiple post-show discussions, offering audiences deeper insights into the play’s themes and creative process.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Glitter in the Glass! Secure your tickets now at www.theatreexile.org before they’re gone!
Glitter in the Glass marks a significant culmination of Theatre Exile’s commitment to bold and thought-provoking storytelling while fostering local and national artistic talent. Tickets and information about special events can be obtained directly through Theatre Exile’s website or box office.
This East Coast premiere solidifies Theatre Exile’s role as a regional leader in presenting innovative new works that challenge, inspire, and engage audiences.
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