Grambling State News

GRAMBLING, La. – The Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Grambling State University will bring Shakin’ the Mess Out of Misery to the stage from February 26-28, 2025, at 7 p.m. nightly in the Floyd L. Sandle Theatre inside the Conrad P. Hutchinson Performing Arts Center. This powerful stage production explores womanhood, resilience, and cultural wisdom through the memories of a young girl raised by a community of older Black women.

The play follows Daughter, a 25-year-old narrator, as she reflects on the defining summer of her 12th year—a time when she was guided into womanhood by a group of wise and nontraditional women who instilled in her the lessons of survival, healing, faith, and tradition. Set in the now-empty home of her childhood, Daughter revisits stories, faith healings, and rituals that shaped her understanding of life’s mysteries.

Meet the Creative Team and Cast

Dr. Neal Hebert, Director
A native of Charenton, Louisiana, Shakin’ the Mess Out of Misery marks Dr. Hebert’s directorial debut at Grambling State University. Hebert earned his Master’s in Philosophy and Ph.D. in Theatre History & Historiography from Louisiana State University. A lifelong theatre enthusiast, he is passionate about highlighting Louisiana artists. Hebert extends his gratitude to his wife, Christina Hebert, for her unwavering support in his journey to becoming a theatre professor.

Lois Wimsatt, Assistant Director
Originally from Sacramento, California, Wimsatt is a Mass Communication major at Grambling State with a minor in Theatre. She is eager to expand her experience in theatre, both on screen and behind the scenes.

Jaeda Garner, Stage Manager
A senior Mass Communication major from Kennesaw, Georgia, Garner brings extensive experience in performance, playwriting, and technical theatre. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and currently serves as the Delta Iota Chapter President. Shaking the Mess Out of Misery is her second time stage managing for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

Cast Bios

Kinnidy Lucas (Daughter)
A junior Theatre major from New Orleans, Louisiana, Lucas takes on the role of Daughter, bringing her passion for storytelling to the stage. This marks her fourth production at Grambling State. She dedicates her work in this production to the women in her family who shaped the woman she is today.

Ephinité Hardy (Miss Mary/Miss Tom)
A senior Theatre major and president of the Floyd L. Sandle Theatre Guild, Hardy is an experienced performer and minister in training from North Louisiana. She dedicates this performance to God.

McKinley Harbor (Miss Lamama)
A senior Theatre major from Dallas, Texas, Harbor is thrilled to perform in the Sandle Auditorium for the second time this school year. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the Earl Lester Cole Honors College, and the GSU Concert Choir.

Reygan Mullins (Miss Corine/Miss Shine)
Hailing from the Bay Area, California, Mullins is a senior Theatre major at Grambling State. Shaking the Mess Out of Misery marks her fifth production with the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and her third this year. She currently serves as Miss Floyd L. Sandle.

Liberty Anderson (DeeDee/Miss Rosa/Maggie/Miss Fannie Mae)
A Houston, Texas native, Anderson is a senior Theatre major and a member of Strut LA Modeling Troupe. She is excited to return to the Floyd L. Sandle Auditorium for her senior year.

Shymrri McDonald (Big Mama)
A proud New Orleans native, McDonald is a junior Broadcast Journalism major with a minor in Theatre. An avid photographer, she runs her own business, Shot By Shym. This marks her third production with the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, and she dedicates her performance to her own Big Mama.

Areona Richardson (Aunt Mae)
From Dallas, Texas, Richardson is a junior Theatre major with a concentration in Dance. This is her third production with the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, and she dedicates her performance to the women in her family who have supported her through thick and thin.

Performance Details

Performances will take place February 26-28, 2025, at 7 p.m. nightly, at the Floyd L. Sandle Theatre inside the Conrad P. Hutchinson Performing Arts Center on the campus of Grambling State University.

• GSU students can attend for free with a valid student ID.
• General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.