Mariann  & Iona
were guests
on one of blogtalk
radio's hottest shows!
Click below to listen to their interview!

Click below to read all about it.



With the M.O.I.S.T.! Musicians!


with Stevie!!!

Reviewer Judi Drake










































































































































































































































































































































































Penny Johnson Jerald

 Ananda Lewis



 Jim & Lissa Reynolds
of Fremont Center Theater

 Director, Penny Johnson Jerald;
Vocal Arranger, Phylliss Bailey Brooks;
&  Musical  Director, Munyungo Jackson.

WINSTON-SALEM CHRONICLE  -  August 1, 2011
                   

THE JOURNEY OF M.O.I.S.T.!
  • 2007  --  M.O.I.S.T.! debuts at the National Black Theatre Festival as a workshop production.
  • 2008  --  M.O.I.S.T! is optioned to open Off-Broadway...but the economy tanks and the funding is lost.
  • 2009  --  Mariann Aalda & Iona Morris cash in their 401k's to form Al & Mo Productions to produce the show themselves...with A LOT of help from their wonderfully talented and supportive friends who worked for A LOT less than their normal rate.
  • 2009  --  M.O.I.S.T.! opens at Open Stage West in Sherman Oaks, CA, to rave reviews & packed houses.
  • 2010  --  M.O.I.S.T.! is picked up by LA's historic Hayworth Theatre...9-month run & more rave reviews and packed houses!
  • 2011  --  M.O.I.S.T.! is invited back to the National Black Theatre Festival (this time, as a Main Stage production), where -- at the insistence of NEC Artistic Director, Charles Weldon, who had seen the show in Los Angeles -- it was seen by NEC Executive Director & Tony-nominated playwright, Leslie Lee, who heralded it as "smart, funny, edgy, engaging...and worthy of an NEC production."
  • To-date  --  Onward!!!
Click below to watch a brief video of clips from the first LA production and
hear what audiences had to say...

          

      Conceived as a celebratory entertainment vehicle, M.O.I.S.T.! also has a serious social agenda, because sex is a hot-button topic that often elicits shame, embarrassment and disapproval. Therefore, candid discussion is a major component to the work -- whether it be lively conversation with friends over drinks after the show; follow-up bedroom pillow-talk, or honest sharing in a public forum.
 
"GOOD SEX/BAD SEX & SAFE SEX"
A 90-minute talk-back symposium presented by Aalda & Morris. Topics include:
  • When is the right time for the first time?
  • Is there a difference between having sex and making love?
  • What's GOD got to do with it? A discussion of sex within a religious & spiritual context.
  • Safety First!  Heterosexual teens, women of color and those over the age of 50 have been identified as increasingly high-risk for HIV/AIDS. This is a discussion of risky sexual behavior and how to comfortably broach the subject of safe sex with your partner.

    
It all started with this 2007 workshop productionat the
National Black Theatre Festival...
                               
          ...and THE BEST is yet to come!