2026 Season
Nina Simone: Four Women
Written by Christina Ham
Directed by Faye M. Price
Amid the tumultuous Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s, Nina Simone’s songs captured America’s anguish and galvanized activists working to alter the course of history.
Performance Dates
September 3–27, 2026
Pillsbury House + Theatre
3501 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407
Preview
Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m.
Preview
Friday, September 4 at 7 p.m.
Opening Night
Saturday, September 5 at 7 p.m.
Performance
Wednesday, September 9 at 7 p.m. Industry Night + Pre – Show Social at 5:30pm
Performance
Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m.
Performance
Saturday, September 12 at 7 p.m.
Post-Show Q&A
Sunday Matinee
Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m.
ASL-interpreted performance
Performance
Thursday, September 17 at 7 p.m.
Karaoke Night
Performance
Saturday, September 19 at 7 p.m.
Audio-described performance
Sunday Matinee
Sunday, September 20 at 2 p.m.
Mask-required performance
Performance
Thursday, September 24 at 7 p.m.
Mask-required performance
Performance
Friday, September 25 at 7 p.m.
Performance
Saturday, September 26 at 7 p.m.
Closing Performance
Sunday, September 27 at 2 p.m.
Set in the aftermath of the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Nina Simone: Four Women imagines a conversation between Simone and three Black women whose personal stories help inspire her cathartic anthem, “Mississippi Goddam.” Through live music, movement, and charged conversation, witness the birth of a song that gave voice to a movement.
This PH+T production marks a homecoming and reunion for original cast members Aimee K. Bryant, Thomasina Petrus, and Traci Shannon. Directed by PH+T’s former visionary co-artistic director Faye M. Price, the production brings together a powerhouse of talent to deliver the medicine and inspiration we need in these turbulent times.
Cast
Thomasina Petrus*
Thomasina Petrus is a professional jazz singer, songwriter and 35yr (AEA) actor who cultivated her multi-talents through study, mentorship, and friendships of many twin cities elite artists. She is a creative muse rooted in the legacy of black women’s voices. Thomasina now creates exceptional music and theatre experiences for stage, film, corporate and commercial marketing. She has toured the country honoring Billie Holiday with productions of “Lady Day @ Emerson’s Bar & Grill” by Lanie Robertson. Thomasina has staged original productions “The Best of Billie & Me”. “Etta James…Dreams to Remember”, “Hot Chocolate”, a multi-Holiday concert series and full musical stage production. Thomasina is co-author of “Hold” a musical poem/play with incarcerated women through HCL. She scored music for the world premiere of “Ashti’s Journey to Jazz” by Carmen Rubin and was just honored by the Twin Cities Film Festival 2023 for her work on the documentary soundtrack “The Water Cries” for “The Juneteenth Story, From Galveston, TX to Minnesota”, and “Bells for Philando” 2022, both produced with OMG Media Solutions.
Her final sweet addition/addiction is “Thomasina’s Cashew Brittle” (.com) available in many local fine food & gourmet shops., Amazon, and her own site.
All initial inquiries for booking performances, commercial collaboration in film, marketing and ‘jingles’ at: http://Thomasinasmusic.square.site
Aimee K. Bryant*
Aimee K. Bryant has built a lengthy resume performing on stages throughout the Twin Cities since she graduated from Howard University. Most recently, she appeared in Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope, at Penumbra; A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Nacirema Society at the Guthrie; and History on a Schtick at the MN State Fair. In addition to being a director and actor, Aimee is a teaching artist, songwriter, and vocalist. Her debut cd Becoming is available online. Aimee was named City Pages 2015 Actress of the Year, and is a McKnight Theatre Artist Fellow for 2015-2016.
Traci Shannon
Traci Shannon is thrilled to return to the stage in this production after a hiatus from live performance. A former company member at the renowned Children’s Theatre Company; some of her favorite credits there include Cinderella and The Wizard of Oz. Her work across the Twin Cities theater community also includes performances at Pillsbury House Theatre, Penumbra Theatre, Park Square Theatre, and The Ordway.
All her love to Daniel for his unwavering support, and she dedicates this performance to her extraordinary children, who inspire her every day to be great.
Creative Team
Ashawnti Sakina Ford
Sanford Moore
Patricia Brown
William Boles
Karin Olson+
Ellie Simonett
Jacourtney Mountain-Bluhm
Jamakah Webb
Jenny Moeller
Peter Morrow
Stage Manager: Elizabeth McNally*
* Appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
+ Member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829
Location
Pillsbury House + Theatre
3501 Chicago Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Questions?
For additional information, contact Sara Abdelaal at SaraA@pillsburyhousetheatre.org or call 612-825-0459.
ABOUT PILLSBURY HOUSE + THEATRE
From the Makers Series to Chicago Avenue Project and Naked Stages, PILLSBURY HOUSE + THEATRE brings audiences closer—to the edge, to the actors, to affordable adventurous theatre, to fellow audience members, and to a strong, vibrant community. Now in its 33th year, the theatre continues to inspire enduring change towards a just society. An integral part of Pillsbury United Communities, one of the largest human services organizations in the state, Pillsbury House + Theatre demonstrates that the highest quality art is an integral part of all healthy communities, winning community trust, accolades and awards across the metro and nationally.