The Mud People live in a polyamorous idyll in the Mushroom Kingdom until a struggling artist inadvertently traps them in his imagination one day while foraging for mushrooms. Two femmes from the polycule rediscover their love, transform the artist’s mind from a prison into a spring of life, and invite him into the Kingdom he once exploited. Enter the mind-altering musical experience of this ecologically vibrant and pleasure-centered world that focuses on Black, Queer, and Femme joy.
Tix to this show are Name Your Price starting at $15, meaning you decide what you pay! We pass on 100% of the single ticket revenue directly to the show’s lead artists. You can learn more about What’s Ars Is Yours: Name Your Price Tix by visiting our How We Do It page.
The Mushroom Kingdom of Ezili will stream live from Ars Nova on June 3 @ 7pm on Ars Nova Supra. Following the live stream, you’ll be able to watch the show on-demand for up to a year. Get a cancel-anytime $15/mo subscription to stream live or on-demand.
Charlene Jean (they/them) is a Haitian-American, queer filmmaker, composer, and theatre-maker based in Brooklyn, NY. This dedication has led to significant achievements, including a FY2024 New Music USA grant, FY2024 Foundation for Contemporary Arts award, a FY2023 New York State Council on the Arts grant, 2022 MAP Grant Fund award, and their production benefiting from the Hal Prince fellowship award. Their multidisciplinary works have been presented at venues like The Apollo, ARS NOVA, 54 Below, Playbill, Queens Public Library, Weeksville Heritage Center, and Judson Memorial Church. Charlene’s dramaturgy experience includes working at the Public Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, and HERE Arts Center. Charlene also engages in teaching artistry at institutions like Manhattan School of Music, Classical Theatre of Harlem, AMAS Musical Theatre, and The Workshop Theatre. Their art examines the intersections of identity, family, land, and movement, grounded in a commitment to social justice. Born as a love child to Charles and Yolene, Charlene carries forward the legacy of their namesakes. They live with their husband, two cats, and a fabulous green couch.
Dria Brown [ creative producer] is an art doula based in New York City. Known for her dynamic and intentional approach, Dria’s work honors the natural rhythms of creativity, fostering deep connections, sustained growth, and transformative expression.
She is currently the Producing Artistic Director at the Broadway Advocacy Coalition (BAC), where she has played a pivotal role in securing BAC’s Tony Award and spearheading impactful initiatives like the Artivism Fellowship, Broadway for Black Lives, and the Arts in Action Festival.
Her independent creative work spans theater, live events, and digital media, with credits at venues such as Joe’s Pub, Abrons Arts Center, JAG, Second Stage Theater, The Whitney Museum, New Inc Museum, The Met, Bronx Arts Space, MCC Theater, Rockwood Music Hall, and more. As an ArtDoula, Dria nurtures artists and their creations through bespoke frameworks that prioritize care, authenticity, and process.
Dria is the co-creator and co-facilitator of Storytelling for Social Good (SFSG), a guided workshop experience designed to empower individuals across industries to harness storytelling as a tool for narrative change. SFSG has been a sold-out workshop at Tribeca Film Festival, SXSW, and Sundance Film Festival, engaging creators, activists, and industry leaders in the power of authentic storytelling.
Dria is currently developing Girl, Are You Okay?—a large-scale durational performance and interactive installation that explores the intimate and expansive conversations of Black women through live performance, archival storytelling, and immersive sound design.
Regi Angelou [ director ] is an Everything Artist from Queens, New York. As an educator, creative performer, and freedom fighter- she welcomes every aligned opportunity to share her gifts.
Star Mitchell (They|Them) is a luminescent force of rebirth. A Native New Yorker using their art to deepen their ancestral connection, dismantle and rebuild narratives pertaining to the black body, and provide a radical approach to healing. Star is a Multidisciplinary artist , Choreographer, and Intimacy Coordinator using the spirit of sankofa “GO Back and Get It” as their North Star, fortifying their desire to re-imagine worlds, uproot traumas, and speak the unspoken truths many of us take comfort in burying. With past works featured at Judson Memorial Church, Princeton University, Abrons arts center, The Shed, and BAAD! Star is Presently a Pioneers Go East NEXT! Mentee, and Bristol Mary Dance Company member. Seeking opportunities overseas.
Ebony Nixon is a 2022 graduate from The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts with an associates degree in musical theatre. Ebony is a Richmond, Virginia native. They studied West African dance and drumming professionally since the age of 6 years old before branching out into the musical theatre world. Some of their credits include Taylor(Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares), Althea (Ella The Ungovernable), Focus 1 (Here I am: Off Broadway). Ebony would like to thank their family and friends for the continued love and support.
Emilyn Sosa (they/she/fae) is a queer Black femme, native Brooklynite, storyteller, and educator with roots in Ayiti Quisqueya Bohio—Afro-Dominicanx de pura cepa. They are the founder of Folk Mondaze and co-creator of the Seed to Practice Herbal Gardening program, blending ancestral wisdom with everyday practices through spiritual herbalism and nature exploration. A shapeshifter, Emilyn weaves layered passions: supporting beginning farmers, creative directing, facilitating workshops, intimacy modeling, and podcasting. Grounded in cultural connection and collective liberation, their rebellious spirit fuels all they do. When not out in the world, they’re in their cozy home conjuring new worlds with good eats and plant play.
Leslieanne Okorie (Elle/Esukemi/The Ellemental) is a dynamic artist, entrepreneur, singer, choreographer, dancer, actress, Birthkeeper/Doula, and Priestess of the Ifa tradition. Her work blends spirituality and artistry to empower and connect communities. With over five years of training in musical theatre and improv at Irondale Ensemble Project and dance studies at Alvin Ailey, she has performed and choreographed in acclaimed productions. As the founder of By The Ellemental, a holistic lifestyle brand, she centers Black women’s health and experiences. Leslieanne’s work is deeply rooted in cultural celebration, healing, and honoring ancestral wisdom through movement, performance, and holistic care.
Colin Pieters is a Guyanese-born actor. He was most recently seen on stage as Hamlet in Hamlet at The Collapsable Hole. His credits include short films Welcome to Afrotree, The Apps, Dressed, and One of the Guys. He has also modeled for Sony, Jansport, and Penguin Books. He has trained continuously at HB Studio, T. Schrieber Studio, and with The Barr Hill Players. When not acting, Colin can be found behind the camera as a photographer archiving life and as a creative producer creating stories for digital platforms.
I am Maleek Rae (they/them), a multidisciplinary chain breaker through the arts and the great-grandchild of Joseph Gilbert from Detroit’s Eastside. My work explores the intersections of ritual across theater, visual arts, and cultural cultivation. I’ve appeared in series like “Law & Order: Organized Crime” and performed at esteemed venues such as La MaMa Experimental Theatre. My plays include “Love Birds” and “Ceremonies for Alligator Bait.” Currently, I am a 2025 Create Change Fellow with The Laundromat Project. My music is available on all streaming platforms under my name. IG: maleekrae
Donna-Marie, a born-and-bred New Yorker, returns to the stage reigniting a lifelong passion for storytelling. She danced Off-Broadway by age 6, later sharing stages with icons Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov, and captivating luminaries like Oprah. At 16, she starred in Candyland, blending acting into her artistry. A serial entrepreneur, she launched a wellness business in high school, produced concerts in college, and founded an entertainment management agency by 2009. In 2016 an endometriosis diagnosis paused all endeavors, leading to a transformative hiatus focused on healing. Now, she has returned back to performing, proving creativity’s resilience and the power of second acts.
TaVares, a North Carolina native, has been a creative force since childhood. After pursuing a degree in vocal performance at North Carolina Central University, he founded a campus-based non-profit modeling organization EVALESCO models that mentored over 200 students, including the talented Regi Angelou. His journey took him to New York, where he initially worked as a background actor in various TV shows and commercials.
With nearly a decade of experience as a seasoned location/set manager in film and television, along with 20 years in event management and wedding planning, TaVares established “A Genuine Event,” a company dedicated to fulfilling all event planning needs. His passion for creativity and commitment to excellence continue to shine through his work in the bustling world of New York City. Basically a Renaissance man …who just happens to live in Harlem.
Jalen Rashad (he/him) a NYC-based actor and writer originally from Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, where he studied Film and Television Performance, developing a strong foundation in on-camera and stage techniques. Jalen has performed as Jasper in At God’s Back with Sanguine Theatre Company, Omar in What We Deserve with the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, and Jordan in Void with The Workshop Theater. A proud alumnus of Michigan State University. Jalen is grateful to his family and friends for their unwavering love and support, inspiring him to pursue storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences.
LeiOra Hughes grateful to experience her off-broadway debut with this incredible group. Multi-instrumentalist, singer, writer, producer, audio engineer, and actor. She joined the casts of 𝘙𝘢𝘨𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺, and 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘴 at the Crane School of Music. Since she has written, produced, and recorded original songs, starred in music videos, curated musical showcases, and played different instruments in various ensembles. She is grateful to return to the stage and bring seasoned experience to the craft. She is especially thankful to help her friend Charlene portray this story of blackness, queerness, serenity, love, exploration, and healing.
Ty Yasi Velines blends sound, visuals, and technology to create immersive experiences that move hearts and minds. From web development for nonprofits to soundscapes that captivate audiences, their work is the pulse you feel but can’t see. A classically trained vocalist and actor turned IT Strategist with 10 years of experience in both fields. Notable Acting Credits: A Wind in the Door (Progo) – The Kennedy Center; Film: POSTMORTERM (Narissa), Directed by Marilyn Ness and Sheryl Kaller. www.blacknoisehq.com
Tori Grass is a fashion-forward Dallas native who moved to NYC over 10 years ago with big dreams, too many shoes, and not enough winter coats. She earned her Master’s from Parsons and now works as a Strategy Manager at Condé Nast, supporting iconic brands like Vogue, Allure, and GQ. When she’s not crafting consumer insights, she’s either hanging with her besties, reading on her kindle, or taking up one of her MANY creative hobbies (ADHD anyone?). Working with the team on this production has been a dream – and the perfect a way to flex my newfound sewing skills!
This show will take place at Ars Nova, located at 511 W 54th Street, New York, NY 10019.
Seating is general admission and first-come first-served. So, the earlier you arrive at the theater, the more choice you’ll have about where you sit! (Bonus: cheapest drinks in Midtown are at Bars Nova!)
The only way to guarantee you reserved seats is to become a Super Nova. Super Novas never hear “sold out,” get reserved seats in prime locations, and make fair wages and accessible tickets possible. Learn more about becoming a Super Nova here!
Tix to this show are Name Your Price starting at $15, meaning you decide what you pay! Best of all, when you name your price, 100% of the single ticket revenue is passed on directly to the show’s lead artists! You can learn more about What’s Ars Is Yours: Name Your Price Tix by visiting our How We Do It page.
If a performance is sold out, you can join a standby line for day-of-show tix made available by minute cancellations and no-shows. Standby will begin 1 hour prior to curtain and will form outsideFolks from the standby line will be admitted into the show on a rolling basis as availability is confirmed. Standby tix are name-your-price starting at $15 + fees.
Additionally, Supra is never sold out! If you can’t make the show in-person, you can always stream online for only $15/mo, which gets you unlimited streaming access to performances from the last year. You can cancel your membership anytime by emailing contact@arsnovanyc.com.
Once you’ve selected your performance date and time at check-out, you’ll see a number of ticket price options ranging from $15 to $100. Select the price point you want to pay and the number of tickets you’d like to purchase and they’ll be added to your cart. After that, continue through the check-out process and you’ll be all set!
Yes. The processing fees are charged by our ticketing and credit card processors, and increase along with the base price of your ticket.
Yes! Ars Nova Supra is our digital platform where you can live stream all of our one-night shows and watch premieres from the past year on-demand. For the low price of $15/mo, you can access an entire seasons worth of comedy, music and theater from our groundbreaking artists, and additionally you can cancel your subscription anytime!
All sales are final – there are no refunds or exchanges.
If you’re unable to use your tickets, you may donate them in exchange for a letter of tax credit by emailing tix@arsnovanyc.com.
We ask that you stay home if you aren’t feeling well or are awaiting the results of a COVID test. Please let us know prior to your ticketed performance, and we will work with you to find a solution if you’re unable to attend.
We welcome and encourage mask-wearing to protect yourself and others. However, as mask mandates have lifted and city, state and federal guidelines have changed, we will not be requiring them at performances.
We no longer require proof of vaccination, but we strongly encourage all audience members to get vaccinated and boosted in accordance with public health guidelines.
Our staff will clean and sanitize the theater and common areas and we’ll continue to provide hand sanitizer for your personal use.
Signage is posted in all spaces encouraging washing or sanitizing hands frequently.
Ars Nova is uncensored. We provide content advisories — to the best of our ability — to inform audiences when shows contain racial violence, racist language, sexual violence or nudity. We provide information about this type of content in advance, based on our core values, so that each audience member can make an informed decision about if and how they’d like to engage with that content. We welcome artists to share additional information about their shows based on their own core values.
Ars Nova is wheelchair accessible. If you wish or need to remain in your wheelchair throughout the show, our staff will remove the theater chair. This can be done by letting us know your needs/plans in advance; just email Declan Zhang. It can also be done without prior notice when you arrive! If you wish to transfer to the theater seat from your wheelchair, we are happy to store your wheelchair or motorized mobility aid in the lobby during the performance. The House Manager will return your mobility device to you at the end of the performance as this show has no intermission.
About 25% of the seating is on the ground floor of the theater and does not require using stairs to access. There are five six-inch steps to get into the building.
All remaining seats require no less than one and no more than three steps to access.
Licensed service animals (any dogs that are trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities) are welcome at Ars Nova. They must rest in your seating area throughout the performance and are unable to occupy the aisle. Please bring proof of certification or a license for your service animal and be prepared to present it to the House Manager upon request. You can send advance notice to tix@arsnovanyc.com, which is appreciated, but not required.
Our bathrooms are stalled, all gender restrooms – everyone is welcome to use any bathroom of their choice. We have two single-person restrooms in the lobby; with the wheelchair accessible option located right outside the theater on the first floor (doors 7 feet 10 inches x 3 feet 10.5 inches).
We have space that can be made to offer privacy for feeding should you need at any time. See the House Manager onsite and they will arrange a comfortable space, with storage and refrigeration for your materials.
The audience seating locations could be in, around and throughout the playing area. Performers will be within 3’ of you.
The seating is a combination of chairs.
Black Chairs with back: 19” wide x 32.25” high x 21.75” deep with a 500lb capacity
Black Counter height: 16.5” wide x 38” high x 18” deep with a 500lb capacity
The doors for entry into the building are 7 feet 10.5 inches x 3 feet 7 inches (external) and 7 feet 10 inches x feet 10.5 inches (internal).
Box Office height is 3 feet 6 inches and the Bar height is 3 feet 8.5 inches.
ANT Fest is our annual festival of All New Talent showcasing new work from New York’s most adventurous emerging artists. Learn more and get into our other ANT Fest shows here!
Charlene Jean, Regi Angelou, Star Mitchell, Dria Brown
ANT Fest 25
Mack Brown, Murphy Taylor Smith, Emerson Mae Smith
ANT Fest 25
Xhloe Rice, Natasha Roland
ANT Fest 25
kanishk pandey, Milo Tucker-Meyer, Lauren Serafica, Katie Walenta
ANT Fest 25
Carsen Joenk, Molly Bicks, Rat Queen Theatre Company
ANT Fest 25
Dalia Ashurina and Go Home
ANT Fest 25
