Photo FeaturesThank You, Five: Backstage with Fedna Jacquet from Broadway’s Ain’t No Mo’
Playbill gets ready for places with Passenger #1 from the Jordan E. Cooper play.
By
Heather Gershonowitz
December 16, 2022
Before the last flight to Africa boards from the Belasco Theatre, Fedna Jacquet begins preparation for Ain't No Mo' with a fight call. Jacquet, who is making her Broadway debut as Passenger #1, plays five different characters during the show. She has been a part of the Jordan E. Cooper-penned play since its Off-Broadway run at The Public Theater. The soon-to-be new mother gave Playbill an inside look at her pre-show routine from fight call to places.
A new addition to her routine, Jacquet takes a moment to stretch.
Directed by Stevie Walker-Webb, Ain't No Mo' takes audiences onboard Flight 1619 with Black Americans flying to Africa on one-way tickets provided by the U.S. government. The play explores the 'what if' scenario under the guidance of flight attendant Peaches, a role played by playwright Jordan E. Cooper. He also played Peaches in the show's 2019 world premiere Off-Broadway.
Starring in the production alongside Jacquet and Cooper are Crystal Lucas-Perry (1776) as Passenger #5, Marchánt Davis as Passenger #2, Shannon Matesky as Passenger #3, and Ebony Marshall-Oliver as Passenger #4. Rounding out the company as understudies are Nik Alexander, Jasminn Johnson, Michael Rishawn, Kedren Spencer, Brennie Tellu, and Emma Van Lare.
Brian Strumwasser prepares Jacquet's entrance wig (one of many wigs she wears during the show).
Jacquet and understudy Emma Van Lare meet with Jordan E. Cooper to discuss notes from a previous performance.
From the back of the house, Jacquet makes her entrance, with plenty of audience interactions.
Ain't No Mo's creative team includes lighting designer Adam Honoré, scenic designer Scott Pask, costume designer Emilio Sosa, co-sound designers Jonathan Deans and Taylor Williams, and wig designer Mia M. Neal.
The Fred Ebb Award recognizes excellence in musical theatre songwriting, by a songwriter or songwriting team that has not yet achieved significant commercial success.