The 5-Question NYMF Interviews: THIS ONE GIRL'S STORY

As the first performances of NYMF quickly approach, up next in the 5-question interview series comes This One Girl’s Story (by Dionne McClain-Freeney and Bil Wright), a musical based on the true story of Sakia Gunn who was a victim of a hate crime in 2003. Beginning as a fun story of four women out on the town, this powerful musical also confronts themes of identity and sex when an incident changes the course of these women’s night. The show starts performances on September 27th, and you can buy tickets here. In the meantime, here are 5 questions about This One Girl’s Story answered by book writer Bil Wright:

Me: How would you describe your show in one sentence?

Bil Wright: This One Girl’s Story is a celebration of everyone who has ever been “the other” and didn’t completely understand that they were deserving of being loved.

Me: Where did the inspiration to write This One Girl’s Story come from?

Bil: The story is inspired by a young woman named Sakia Gunn who was the victim of a hate crime in 2003. Reading about what a brave, vibrant young woman she was inspired me to loosely base This One Girl’s Story story on her. It’s not biographical as much as it is written out of love and admiration for her spirit and others like her such as Matthew Shepherd and Brandon Teena.

Me: This story is based on true events. What was it like adapting this story to the stage?

Bil: It was truly exhilarating because I didn’t try to tell the story of someone I didn’t know, but allowed her story to continue to inspire me to create characters that are also brave and funny and vulnerable. There are four women at the center of This One Girl’s Story who are all people you want to spend time with and I must say I love them all!

(Book Writer Bil Wright)

Me: What has the development process been like for this show?

Bil: We’ve had several readings and a short workshop that was really well received. I invited Aaron Glick to one of the readings and he fell in love with the show and the characters and has been a real guiding force for the show since then. He was the person who suggested that This One Girl’s Story would be perfect for NYMF.

Me: What are you most looking forward to about NYMF?

Bil: Our cast for NYMF is brilliant and our director, Jeremy Dobrish and choreographer Tanisha Scott are so supportive and smart, the rehearsal room feels like we’re all preparing for a really important moment. I can’t wait for that energy to hit an audience! Dionne McClain Freeney’s music combined with the voices we have singing it will blow the roof off and I can’t wait to be there and be a part of it!