Spotlight on our Frybread Ladies


As you know, this week, Native Voices will be holding two readings of Carolyn Dunn's The Frybread Queen, as part of our First Look Series and in conjunction with the American Indian Arts Marketplace at the Autry. With that in mind, I thought this would be as good a time as any to introduce you to the incredible actors who will be bringing the play to life at the Wells Fargo Theatre. I've asked each of them to share their favorite Halloween/ Fall photo with us and answer two questions that will surely put you in the "frybread state of mind." I hope you enjoy the read!

LaVonne Rae Andrews, dressed as the Rich Witch, will be reprising her role as Jessie

Carlenne: Have you ever seen a ghost or had a supernatural encounter?
LaVonne: Believe it or not, I hear voices all the time! Usually those "inner" kinds that tell you what off-ramp to take (to avoid a traffic snarl) or one that warns me about "unsavory" behaving people (even though I know that people are basiclly perfect at their core). And yes, I get visits from my now departed family and friends in my dreams. I especially like the visits from my wonderful Dad from time to time, my Wisdom Teacher.

Carlenne: Is there anything you cook that you're the "queen" of?
LaVonne: Me cook?! My best meals are those I've made via "reservations"! No, not Indian reservations but at restaurants! My cooking days are over! Loved it then but have since used up my cooking gene!

Adeye Sahran, dressed as Miss Scarlett O'Hara, will be joining the cast as Carlisle

Carlenne: Have you ever seen a ghost or had a supernatural encounter?
Adeye: When I was a freshman in high school, the ghost of a dark haired girl of about 8 years old used to follow me around for about a year. Even on sleepovers. She never really scared me, I actually got really used to her.

Carlenne: Is there anything you cook that you're the "queen" of?
Adeye: My eggs benedict, french toast, and chicken pot pie have ruined all others for my family. I rule at them!

Arigon Starr, dressed as Judge Ito along with her friend Brian who's dressed as Andy Warhol, will return to the role of Annalee

Carlenne: Have you ever seen a ghost or had a supernatural encounter?
Arigon: The Frybread Queen seems to come with its own built-in ghosts. I was privileged to be part of the Montana cast of Frybread Queen in September and the cast and crew were buzzing about odd happenings. At least five people working at the theater lost their keys, then found them later nowhere near where they were originally lost. I had a sighting of a figure in black behind one of the set flats. I was heading backstage and saw someone dressed in black looking back towards the stage. I was going to squeeze around them, say “excuse me” and was surprised when I got closer that there was NO ONE standing there. As all of the stage hands were dressed in black, I figured it was one of them. Boy, was I chilled when there was no one really there. It must have been one of those “shadow people” they talk about on “Coast To Coast AM” all the time. AAY!

Carlenne: Is there anything you cook that you're the "queen" of?
Arigon: Would have to be rice and beans. I’m a vegetarian and there are usually rice and beans on standby on the stove or in the fridge. There is nothing like the scent of carrots, onions and celery browning on the stove... and then the final product. Make all the jokes you want about beans being the “Magical Fruit” - but I swear by ‘em!

Rayanna Zaragoza, loving the fall crisp air, will step back into Lily's shoes

Carlenne: Have you ever seen a ghost or had a supernatural encounter?
Rayanna: I don't think I have. But once, during a choir retreat, my friends and I were playing with a Ouija Board and we thought we heard something in the bushes. We all were incredibly freaked out. It was probably our imagination.

Carlenne: Is there anything you cook that you're the "queen" of?
Rayanna: No. I'm an absolutely terrible cook. I eat whatever is made the fastest. Whenever I do try to make something exciting it either results in a horrible mess or a horrible meal.

We certainly hope you'll be able to join us this Thursday at 7p or on Sunday at 2p for the next step in the development of Frybread Queen. For reservations or more information, please click here or check out the flyer above. You may also call 323.667.2000 ext 354 or email us. See you there!