Jhonika Wright, second-year Resident Actor in our 46th season and last seen as Ti Moune and Erzulie in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, has been leading the cast in the role of Emma Nolan in our season-opening production of THE PROM! Get your tickets here before it closes on September 17, and read on to hear about how she’s prepared for this special role.
Please introduce yourself! What are you looking forward to with Charleston Stage as a Resident Actor this year?
Jhonika Wright here! I graduated with my BFA in Musical Theatre in 2020. I’m from Maryland, and this is my second year as a Resident Actor with Charleston Stage. I’m so happy to be back for another year in Charleston! My favorite aspects of being a Resident Actor are not only getting to know my fellow “RAs”, but also seeing how we all grow and transform through this company’s mentorship. I came into this job thinking I was only one “type” of performer, and while working here I have been cast in a wide range of roles! I love that I’m being challenged and trusted to take on these characters, and I can’t wait to see what this season has in store for me this year.
What do you love about theatre as an art form?
Theatre has remained a constant creative outlet and form of expression for myself, and has shaped me into the person I am today. I discovered a love for myself through my love of performance. As a performer who is a woman of color and plus-size, it has allowed me to be comfortable in my own skin and to live my truth authentically. In theatre I discovered my voice and my want to connect and impact those around me through storytelling and representation on and off stage.
How have you been preparing for your role in The Prom?
I started my table work for this show very early, and have kept a notebook with me to write down any thoughts or discoveries I’ve had about Emma through the rehearsal process to contribute to my previous thoughts. The very first time I met with Gracie (Alyssa Greene) to talk about Emma and Alyssa’s relationship, it resulted in a 2+ hour conversation! We also discovered a book adaptation of The Prom that was so helpful to read.
I gave myself time to deeply examine who Emma is as a person from her likes, dislikes, how I imagined she would decorate her room, what kinds of things she does at school, what her coming out experience was like, how she navigated being in an interracial relationship in a small town, etc. Once I felt that I knew who she was inside and out, I then looked at Emma’s relationships with everyone that she does and doesn’t interact with on stage, and broke down all of her songs to discover the true meanings behind them. It’s very easy to miss the real message to these songs when they all sound so upbeat.
It was very important to me to get Emma right. She has so many layers, so I wanted to make sure I explored that instead of playing to her surface level of what people might think they know about her. I wanted her to be represented in the best way possible, especially for queer teens and people of color to feel seen through her experiences.
Tell us more about Emma. What do you want us to know about her?
“Emma Nolan is the bravest and strongest person on the planet, but she has no idea.”
Emma keeps her head down in an attempt to keep a low profile, going through the motions to get to graduation day so she can finally leave Indiana. She has lost her parents, friends, and now Prom all because she wants to be her authentic self. When we see Emma around other students and adults, she displays a hard exterior and wall to protect herself. However, when we see Emma around Alyssa and Principal Hawkins, people she feels safe around, her gentle side is revealed – it’s a drastic shift.
Emma is extremely creative, smart, a fighter, and has a big heart for those that are close to her. I admire her courage to advocate for what she wants and fight for change, especially in a small town surrounded by people who claim to hate her. It has been an adventure of a lifetime as an actor getting to explore who she is down to her core.
What has come easily in preparing for this show? What has been more difficult?
I always knew that this show would challenge me in the best way possible. The Prom is demanding vocally, with dancing, and acting. I took extra dance classes so that I could get back into the swing of picking up choreography quickly and to build the stamina needed to sing and dance simultaneously. My vocal warm up became more extensive for this role; how I take care of myself vocally has changed a lot.
With this story carrying a more intense weight, I started my table work and acting process much earlier than I have for other shows. The plan of preparation to take on this show was easy, but executing and sticking to these new regiments was sometimes difficult. I had to push myself to not give up and to stick to what I had planned so that I could give this show the absolute best of me. It’s so nice to feel and see that my hard work is paying off!
What do you hope audiences will receive and ponder after seeing this show?
We live in a country where the rights of POC and LGBTQIA+ are threatened daily, and this show is just a small glimpse into what queer teens go through. I want The Prom to leave our audiences more open-minded about these issues. At the end of the show we see a divided community come together, and I can only hope that this production gives us an optimism to hope that in despite such polarizing beliefs in our country, we can come together to accept and protect the rights of one another.
What is your favorite show of all time?
HADESTOWN! I saw it on Broadway for the first time in 2022 without knowing anything about it, but I walked out of the theatre speechless and so moved. It’s a show that gives me the giddy feeling of hearing and seeing it for the very first time anytime I listen to it.
Jhonika Wright is thrilled to be returning to Charleston Stage for her second year as a Resident Actor! Originally from Maryland, Jhonika spent most of her life in Arkansas where she graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Her favorite roles include Ti Moune and Erzulie (Once On This Island), Wendla (Spring Awakening), Cairo (We Are the Tigers), Grizabella (Cats), and Yertle the Turtle (Seussical the Musical). Sending all the love to her incredible family and friends for their endless support, “This one is for you!” To keep up with all things Jhonika, you can visit her Instagram: @jhonikaaaa
THE PROM performs at the Historic Dock Street Theatre until September 17th. Get your tickets here before they’re sold out!