Divas, Jesus and Jazzy Numbers

Ivory and Genesis are both pursuing professional singing careers. Their childhood friendship is put to the test on the road to success. Big Toni, an unscrupulous music producer, is one of many obstacles they must overcome. The play is a dramedy with several exciting choreographed numbers.

Los Angeles, CA -- What Does It Profit?" --written, directed and choreographed by E. Tiffani Glass, opened July 10, 2003 at the Hollywood Court Theater in Hollywood. The play centers around Ivory and Genesis both of whom are pursuing a professional singing career. Their childhood friendship is put to the test on the road to success. Big Toni, an unscrupulous music producer, is only one of many obstacles they must overcome in this soul searching dramedy. Ivory [alternately portrayed by Trina Johnson (back up singer at the Barbara Streisand farewell performance) and Caianda Handley (an All American Girl finalist)] has been blessed with a beautiful voice, despite a childhood tragedy. Genesis [alternately portrayed by Shannon Marshall (West Wing -- recurring secret service agent) and Michelle Merring] the daughter of a preacher, is searching for a chance to be special. Throughout her childhood she has stood in the shadow of her gifted friend Ivory. She goes against her family and her religious upbringing in hopes of unleashing her inner diva. Big Toni [Tasia Sherel (Strong Medicine, CSI Miami, Days of our Lives) and Marci House) is the cutthroat CEO of HaRu Entertainment who forces every to sing a different tune.

Secondary storylines involve a singing group called 312, wacky stylist to the stars, Alize, Crystall and Remi, FBI agents and unconventional grandmas. The entire show is double cast and each actress alternates performances.

What Does It Profit" is Executive Produced by Tasia Sherel, presented by EMBODI Entertainment Company of which Sherel is founder and CEO. The Company is comprised entirely of African American women. It was founded in January of 2003 and is currently 15 members strong. What Does It Profit?" is the sophomore show for the Company. The shows cast consists of resident members and visiting artists. When I arrived from Chicago I noticed Black women are really underrepresented in the Los Angeles theater community. I saw an opportunity to give them an outlet and a voice," said Sherel when asked why she founded EMBODI Entertainment Company. I have always been a woman of action, no point in just talking -- we [as African American women in the entertainment industry] have to take our destiny in our own hands."

E.T. Glass is a visiting artist to EEC. She also wrote Billies" which was presented as a one act in EMBODIs flagship production Voices of the Black Woman". The diversity and depth of her writing is what makes her writing so interesting. You get involved with the characters and whatever issues they have", remarked Sherel. Hey, laughter through tears is my favorite emotion, so thats my main objective", quipped Glass. Ms. Glass recently served as one of the Executive Producers for the film version of Billies". In addition she is also a working actress.

What Does It Profit? runs at the Hollywood Court Theatre (6817 Franklin Ave@ Highland -- Hollywood) through August 3, 2003. Showtimes are at 8:00 pm Thursday through Saturday and at 4:00 on Sunday. General admission is $20. Please visit www.EMBODI.org to purchase tickets or for more information.