Cater 2U Entertainment and Reach for the Star Non-Profit’s stage play “Shoeshine Box”

“A Legacy Polished: The Heartwarming Story of Family and Love Passed Down Through Generations.” 

Contributing Writer:  Shelly Shell Williams 

Cater 2U Entertainment and Reach for the Star Not-Profit recently presented a stage play titled “Shoeshine Box” at Venice Island. The play explores life lessons that come full circle through the legacy of fatherhood, determination, and love passed down through generations of a family of men. The play is inspired by Adrienne Cater’s father, whom she cared for before his passing and his shoeshine box that lasted through generations.

Cater took to social media to see if anyone else still had a shoeshine box, and the response was overwhelming. This prompted her to write 21 pages of the stage play in one day. The play takes the audience on a journey through the eras, starting from the 1940s, and deals with hard-hitting topics such as PTSD from war, jealousy, family, being a father, and the passing down of the shoeshine box.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the writer, and director Adrienne Cater for over 15 Years and have witnessed her incredible entrepreneurial journey.  Thank you, Adrienne, for always supporting me and Urban X-pressions.   Adrienne Cater has been passionate about entertainment since she was five years old when she performed in the community theater of her hometown in the Wynnfield section of Philadelphia. In 2002, she owned a performing arts daycare center named Reach for the Stars Youth Development Center for 17 years. In 2016, she acquired ownership of A’s Place in Manayunk, which became a popular venue for live entertainment, comedy, and dinner and dancing. Cater now owns a food manufacturing company that provides prepared meals for daycare centers and home health providers. “The Shoeshine Box” is her debut theater production.

The play was a huge success, and the music, dancing, and acting were phenomenal. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience a heartwarming story of family, love, and the legacy passed down through generations. The play reminds us that no matter how small an item may seem, it can hold great significance and memories that can last a lifetime. For more information on upcoming shows, go to Cater2uentertainment.com. 

The cast included:  Renee Batts, Leroy Birtt, Angelita Byrd, Michelle Cunningham, Lashawn Elesie, Manwell Glenn, Kyle Glenn, Carolyn Hall, Adrienne “Sapphire” Hampton, Tamara Hawkins, Paula Holloway, Noah Johnson, Liam Klevence, Maximus Klevence, Elijah Lawrence, C. charming Legrand, Craig McLaren, Malachi Nisbett, Lenny Nutter, Kaylee Scott, Davita Stratton, Lee Trower, Kenny Ray Walker, T.C. Storm E. Weatherz” Caldwell, The Keystone Quartet.  The team consists of Costume DEsinger Alonnah Washington, Stage Manager Donna Carroll, Stage Hands Deborah Smith, Melanie Boone, Caleb Boone, and Andre Miller.  Music Arrangement, Sound Director Bryant Pugh, Makeup artist Devonda Dunn, Lighting Designer Tony Darrah, Color Lines lyrics by Nancy Gilliam, and Arranged by Adrienne Cater and Bryant Pugh.  For You Lyrics by Nacy Marie Gilliam, Arranged by Adrienne Cater and Obadiah Outz, and Frank Lester.