By Trae Holiday

As a theater kid, I’ve grown up with the common knowledge that Michelle Lang-Raymond and Isiah Anderson know what they’re doing when it comes to putting shows together. I’ve attended several Teen Summer Musicals to see their collective work in action. Over the last few years, I’ve been able to connect with them in a multitude of ways. But when I tell you I was beyond blown away by Tia Naché’s one woman show, That Talk You Do, I thoroughly mean it! 

This show had the nodes of storytelling that I long for in any show I attend. The vulnerability that Tia showed in every piece was refreshing and inspiring. As she takes the audience through her lived experience, she shares what many would keep close to the chest in a way that lets the audience know, she means every word of it. I asked the question about how she brought the story together in such an eloquent way. She expressed that part as the brilliance of Isiah, taking each piece and weaving them together to explore the depths of her intentions and allow the entire audience to be on the journey with her. 

It was beyond the words. It was her giving her all on that stage to ensure we all felt every word. She embodied characters from her life that brought us into her family home growing up; that reminded us of our own family; that took us back to our own childhood. It was breathtaking and then some! I don’t always write about the shows I see, but I had to for this one. Although the show is over, it’s so very important that we support the work of Acts On Stage. We need that whole team to know, we stand alongside them as they bring shows like this to the stage. As they provide opportunities for us all to elevate our own stories. As they showcase the magnitude that can be felt through theatrical form. As they shine their genius on up-and-coming stars in our midst. We’ll be with them, and we’ll support them in a tangible, upfront, honest way.

I can say that I was so proud of being from Seattle on the night of November 4th, 2022. Tia did more than make us proud; she made us remember what we’re capable of; she let us see what can happen when you live in your purpose; she allowed us all to rise with her as her talent ascended to the stars. Thank you Acts On Stage for giving Tia a space to shine and for bringing us all along with her, it was simply magnificent! 

To support Acts On Stage, please go to http://actsonstage.com/.