Roanoke, VA — Mill Mountain Theatre is proud to present Dissonance, a gripping 90-minute, two-person play about race, love, and friendship, premiering on the Waldron Stage from February 6–9, 2025. Written and performed by Florida-based actor-writers Marci J. Duncan and Kerry Sandell, Dissonance promises an unforgettable theatrical experience that explores the complexities of race and the resilience of friendship.
Set in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the racial reckoning of 2020, Dissonance tells the story of Angela, a Black woman, and Lauren, a White woman, who have been friends for 20 years. As they open a café in a historically Black neighborhood, their long-standing relationship is tested when they decide to confront their deeply held beliefs about race. Through raw honesty and emotional vulnerability, Angela and Lauren ask the question: Can their friendship survive the truth?
Meet the Creators
- Marci J. Duncan brings an impressive array of theatre, film, and television credits to her role in Dissonance. A graduate of Florida A&M University and the University of Florida, Marci has appeared in acclaimed productions such as Two Trains Running, Crowns, and HBO’s Young Rock. She currently serves as the Director of the Acting Program at the University of West Florida.
- Kerry Sandell, a seasoned performer and first-time playwright, holds degrees in Theatre Performance and Strategic Communication from the University of West Florida. Her stage credits include roles in Steel Magnolias and Medea. Kerry is passionate about storytelling’s power to connect people, a passion that fueled her collaboration with Marci on Dissonance.
The play is directed by James Webb, a celebrated playwright and educator whose work focuses on the southern Black experience. Webb’s accolades include the Lorraine Hansberry National Playwriting Award for The Contract and multiple productions at the National Black Theatre Festival and other prestigious venues.
Audience Reviews
Audiences across the nation have been captivated by Dissonance, praising it as “an emotional tour de force” and “a necessary and transformative experience.” The play’s powerful narrative resonates deeply, leaving viewers inspired and engaged in meaningful conversations long after the final curtain.
Performance Details
- When: February 6–9, 2025
- Where: Waldron Stage, Mill Mountain Theatre
- Tickets: Available now at millmountain.org
The Fringe Series at Mill Mountain Theatre
Mill Mountain Theatre’s Fringe Series is dedicated to presenting contemporary plays that challenge traditional boundaries between actors and audiences while sparking meaningful conversations about timely and thought-provoking issues. The Fringe Series has become a cornerstone of our programming, offering productions that may explore challenging themes or present innovative storytelling.
Housed on the intimate Waldron Stage, the Fringe Series creates an up-close and personal connection between performers and audiences, making it the perfect home for plays like Dissonance. Past productions in this series, such as Next to Normal and Every Brilliant Thing, have tackled topics like mental health and emotional resilience, resonating deeply with our community.
The Fringe Series thrives on the support of passionate theatre-goers who champion bold and innovative storytelling. We invite patrons to join the “Friends of the Fringe,” an affinity group dedicated to preserving and growing this vital addition to our cultural landscape. To learn more, contact Suzanne Cresswell, MMT’s Development Director, at 342-5761 or development@nullmillmountain.org.
Mill Mountain Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors for this production. Dissonance is generously supported by Ceres Foundation Inc., with additional sponsorship provided by The Harrison Museum of African American Culture and MaryJean & John Levin. Their dedication to fostering meaningful and thought-provoking art makes this production possible.
Special Double Feature Package
Save 10% when you bundle tickets for Dissonance and Mill Mountain Theatre’s first MainStage production of the season, Waitress, The Musical. This exclusive package is available for seating in Price Tier 1 and does not include Waitress preview performances (the first two performances).
Don’t miss your chance to enjoy two unforgettable productions at a discounted rate!
For press inquiries, interviews with the cast and crew, or additional information, please contact Chris Tucker at chris@nullmillmountain.org.
About Mill Mountain Theatre
Mill Mountain Theatre is a professional regional theatre committed to enriching, educating, and inspiring the community through the transformative power of live performance.
