"What happens when Black women refuse to be written out of history?" is one of the many important questions being asked in Toni Sampson's powerful new play CADILLAC CREW, which plays in the Firemen’s Kitchen at HCT from February 24th through March 4th.
Making her Hickory Community Theatre debut as Rachel is Nasha Shandri.
Originally from Greenville, South Carolina, Shandri moved to North Carolina from Atlanta over ten years ago and currently lives in Charlotte. A Health Educator for Cabarrus Health Alliance, Shandri holds a Bachelor's degree from Clark Atlanta University and a Master's degree from Maryland University of Integrative Health. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority-Charlotte Alumnae Chapter.
Shandri's most recent stage appearances include: BE A LION, THE COLORED MUSEUM, BLACK NATIVITY and BOYS TO BAGHDAD for Brand New Sheriff Productions; TONI STONE (for which she was the 2022 Queen City Nerve Critics' Pick Winner for Best Actress) and DOT for Three Bone Theatre; A LONG TIME SINCE YESTERDAY for The Legacy Theatre Productions Company; and, I'M A SURVIVOR for Do What You Do Productions. Shandri has also appeared in numerous feature film, short film and commercial works.
For Shandri, CADILLAC CREW is an important opportunity to amplify the forgotten voices of women's leadership in the Civil Rights Movement. “This story is not told in history classes and is a major part of American History." A self-described "learn anything new" person, Shandri can relate to her character's ambition and drive. Shandri also understands the importance of being able to laugh at yourself, as she considers herself the actor "most likely to show up to an unscheduled rehearsal."
Performances of CADILLAC CREW are Fridays and Saturdays, February 24th through March 4th at 7:30 PM; Sunday, February 26th at 2:30 PM; and, Thursday, March 2nd at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for youth and students.
Tickets are available online at hickorytheatre.org, or by phone at 828-328-2283. The theatre box office is open from 12-5 PM Wednesday through Friday, or one half-hour before a performance.
CADILLAC CREW is rated PG-13 for subject matter.
CADILLAC CREW is produced in association with Corning Optical Communications. The Hickory Community Theatre’s 74th season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive, SunBelt Xpress and Frye Regional Medical Center. HCT is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.
(Photo: Eric Seale)