40 Minutes with a Chicago Playwright

Initially I met Elizabeth Nonie, Chicago Playwright and Actress, at a networking group in early October. She’s one of those people instantly recognizable as full of life. Elizabeth has a personality that instantly shares her joy and enthusiasm for life, without even trying. She’s contagious. In a good way.


On Friday October 30th, I had a chance to spend about 40 minutes on a phone interview with Liz. She shared a little more about herself, her production company and her new play. Rich Man Poor Man (not at all associated with the 1976 film).

Rich Man Poor Man is an exclusive event held at the Laugh Out Loud Theater Streets of Woodfield. So exclusive in fact that it has a single run date. You’ll only be able to catch it on Sunday November 15th at 6pm.

About the play…
Peter: Tell me about Rich Man Poor Man. What sparked the idea for this play?
Liz:
All my plays are Christian based. Not preachy. Just…, inspired. I’ve always been a student of the Bible and love proverbs. Rich Man Poor Man is based on Proverbs 22:2; the rich and poor meet together. The Lord is maker of them all.

Peter: Would you share a few sentences about the story line?
Liz:
Well… I won’t give it away… I got the idea for the setting from the Schaumburg Public Library. The play takes place in a fictitious city called Proverbial, Illinois. It’s about how people who think they have nothing in common, no connection, then discover that’s not the case at all. Without regard to wealth or poverty, they wind up coming together in very unique ways.

Peter: As the writer, director and producer, who’s your favorite character?
Liz:
Oh, my favorite character is Beijing. She’s been given the name of one of the most beautiful, wonderful cities of the world. Yet… She’s a very poor single mother of 7. Despite her poverty and having so many children you never see her stress. She volunteers at the library. She’s so sweet, so humble. I just love her!

Peter: What do you hope the audience takes away from the play? What message do you most want to convey?
Liz:
That whether rich or poor we all have something in common. That commonality is that we should take time to care about someone else. Take time to help someone else. We’re all here. Together…

About Elizabeth Nonie…
“Call me Liz”…

Let me share, the sound of Liz’s laughter and the rise and fall of her melodic voice. She’s so much fun to talk with!

“I’ve always been dramatic. As a child I learned to cry on queue! [trilling chuckle]… My brothers and sisters would send me in to Mama when we wanted to go outside. I’d start the tears and soon enough, Mama would send us outside.”

I asked Liz what inspired her to become a playwright. Talk about a competitive field.

“I’ve always written. I wrote an article an article when I was employed by the government that was published in their corporate newsletter for that agency. I also wrote an article when I was in high school that was published way back then. I was never happy working a 9 to 5 job. While doing hair for 1 of my clients, yes… I’m also a hair dresser and bake cakes too! Where was I…? Yes. 1 of my clients urged me to write down the jokes I would tell. Then, on a dare, I began to write plays. I was always happy at church, with my friends and family. Back in 1999 I asked my minister if I could start a drama ministry. I’ve been writing plays ever since!”

Liz also told me a little about how she finds the voices of the characters in her plays.

“In June of 2007 I was inspired, after praying. My message from God – whom I give all the glory for my plays, was to write, act in and produce 1 play a month. I’m on my 17th now! I start each play by reading the Bible, praying and then listening. Then I create an outline. I need that structure. I already know the entire play before I start writing it. The dialogue just comes to me. As I write it I read it, I act it out. I laugh, cry, and shout – I really feel it. Sometimes my sister will holler at me to keep it down! [laughing].


The characters, their voices, mannerisms, come from people I know or see. Snippets of personalities get infused. The pieces and parts of different people become the whole of my characters. I draw from everywhere. Like there was a time, a long time ago, that I saw a father scolding his son when I was down town. I was on Wabash Ave.


The little boy had thrown a piece of paper to the ground. The father said, “Pick that paper up boy. You’re down town!” As if it mattered that he wasn’t out in the country some where. Just that little incident created the idea of a family that lived out in the country and that it was a big deal to come to the city and to act appropriately when here. I laughed to myself as I walked on. “You’re down town!” How funny!”

About Plus Size Productions
Liz, in addition to being a playwright, also founded Plus Size Productions in June of 2007.

Peter: Where did that name come from? Plus Size Productions?
Liz:
Me, being plus size. Every time I’d go to an audition I’d be given, be cast in stereotypical roles. The plus size side kick. I saw a need for leading roles for plus size actresses. My friend, Pleshette Davis suggested the name, I loved the idea and it stuck. I thought it was a very cute name. It could mean so many things. Going Plus Size all the way!

Peter: Tell about the staff members of Plus Size Productions.
Liz:
Well… there’s me. My sister, Stormy Sanders manages all the box office coordination. But the actors, actresses, stage managers and prop masters… They all change with every play. Plus Size Productions is open to anyone. All they have to do is bring the character. I keep auditions open and welcome any race, size, age… As long as you can bring the character that you’re auditioning for, you’re welcome.

Liz also says she likes to keep Plus Size Productions void of permanent staff members so that opportunities are always available. There are actors and actresses she works with often. However, even when there’s not a part available, there is experience to be earned as a stage manager, prop master, costume manager. Plus Size Productions is truly a revolving as well as evolving company. From what I’ve learned from Liz, it’s a company with a conscience.

To learn more about Elizabeth Nonie, Chicago Playwright, and Plus Size Productions or to catch the exclusive 1 day presentation of Rich Man Poor Man, call their box office at 773.939.1194. You can also send email to elizabethnonie@aol.com Or, just visit them at http://www.chicagoplaywrightelizabeth.com/ I have a feeling you’ll be glad you did!

Peter Gault for Topical Content © 2009