I Know I'm Somebody! The Musical

I Know I’m Somebody is a 2008 American stage play produced by Sheba Jordan. Released on October 31, 2008 by Rychew Publishers, it is the 1^st stage play by Sheba Jordan. The story takes place in a modern day setting in America.

Plot

The play opens with Tina coming home from work greeting her (normally hardworking) husband who has run into some tough luck. Tyrone was laid off from work and has been searching vigorously for employment for the past eight months. A stressed economy and outside influences make matters more challenging. Jr. is the couple’s son and only child. As emotions flair and misfortune brings an enormous wedge between the couple, Jr. suffers a breakdown and makes a supplication to “Put Them Back Together.” Witnessing her son’s suffering hastens Tina’s struggle to fix her damaged marriage.

Production

The first production of I Know I’m Somebody! took place at the South Orange Performing Arts Center in South Orange, New Jersey on October 31, 2008. The script was originally written in 1997 by Sheba Jordan.

Local director Michael DeBradley joined the project in the summer of 2008 as its initial director. After the first month, he was replaced by Tracey Stewart due to creative differences. Two months later Stewart was off the project due to schedule conflicts and finally, the following day, Sheba announced that she would be directing the play.






CAST

Tina Jones is married to Tyrone. Good mother, spoiled wife and homebody. Not used to party life. Was an only child whose parents are well-off and both in law enforcement. Family is very important to Tina although she is frustrated about the need to be the breadwinner while her husband looks for work. She has picked up the wrong end of the stick about this issue. She breaks up with her husband (temporarily) with hopes that he will get back on his feet quicker so they can resume their normal life. Tina is an impressionable friend and a bit naive. She looks up to best friend Lisa’s wit and social life, and is easily influenced by her. Currently works as an administrator on the police force. She holds a degree in the field of Criminal Justice. Generally loyal to family and friends and expects the same in return. Easily hurt, but usually recovers quickly. Holds grudges when she feels she’s been wronged. Sincere about keeping her family together and will do anything to accomplish that. Currently lives in a suburban home that she and her husband own. She walks with a small pistol in bra for protection. Uses target practice as a means of relieving stress.

Tyrone Jones is married to Tina. He is a great father and family man who takes pride in bringing home the bacon. He comes from a large family, so family values are of utmost importance to Tyrone. High School graduate. Did not attend college. Totally in love with his wife and son and spends most of his spare time with them. Gets together with friends occasionally but prefers being with family. Tyrone is an entrepreneur by nature and has taken a course in how to own & operate a business. He becomes bitter when his wife makes a decision that jeopardizes the marriage. He moves out with the intent to start up his business and return to reclaim his family. Forgives easily but tends to give the cold shoulder even though he has already forgiven the wrongdoer in his heart as a way of teaching them a lesson.

JR. is the 10 year old, son of Tina and Tyrone. Smart student, well mannered, respects his parents and has a very strong sense of family values. He attends a school of the arts- music major. Looks up to his father and doesn’t believe that life is worthwhile without both of his parents. He chooses his friends carefully. Takes it very hard when his parents separate.

Lisa is Tina’s best friend. Sexy, very upbeat, chatty personality. Liked by almost everyone who encounters her because of her humorous personality, good looks, quick wit and the way she comes across as having it all together. Is generally a genuine friend but secretly jealous of Tina’s marriage to Tyrone.  Really sorry about making the wrong decision, but hardens her heart when Tina seems unwilling to forgive her. Has some deeply rooted insecurity issues.

Michelle is Michael’s twin sister and friend of Tina’s.  Educated, laid back personality. Has a good handle on life. Very discerning person who is able to offer sound advice to friends. Spiritually grounded but not an extremist. Does not require or desire attention from others. Very comfortable with and confident about who she is and where she is going. Spoiled by her parents. She’s the only girl and has 5 brothers, including Mike (her twin). Often put in the middle of Mike and Karen’s drama.

Karen is Tina’s friend. Warm spirited. Raised by a single mom. Loyal to everybody and wants to be loved more than anything else. Very pretty but insecure because of her weight. Has an abusive boyfriend of several years and can’t seem to let him go partly because of fear but mostly because of her insecurities about her weight and ability to find love.  When her boyfriend beats her up in the club in front of her friends, she finally musters up the strength to move on with the support and encouragement of her friends. She begins to take care of her own needs and finds a good man.

Michael is Karen’s abusive boyfriend. He comes from a good family. The 3^rd of six siblings, including twin sister Michelle. Bitter about life in general because he doesn’t believe he can live up to his father’s standards. Likes older women. Requires lots of attention. Is not loyal, but women find him charming. Exaggerates to make himself seem to be more than he really thinks he is.

Reverend has a quirky personality. Knows the Bible and likes to keep a peaceful environment by interjecting when things seem to be going haywire.

Police Officer arrests Michael at the club.

George is Tina’s lover. A very charming gigolo. Handsome, nice dresser.

Tammy is George’s lover. She often visits George at Tina’s house while Tina’s at work.

Basketball Buddies 1 & 2 are friends of Michael’s. Funny personalities. Instigators.

Sean is Karen’s new boyfriend. Caring and protective. A good guy.

Nurse is Tyrone’s nurse.

Copyright 2007