We Are all the Strong Friend (The Creative Collective Network)
- stagedoorlouisville
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Midnight
Written By Stephanie Michelle Collins
Directed by LiAndrea Goatley
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
Once upon a time, there were three beautiful ladies. Pony, Blue and Jingle have been friends since college and even with the challenges of adult life, their relationship is deep. The Creative Collective Network in partnership with the KPA ArtsReach MeX Project displays the unbreakable bonds between women in Midnight.
To write a review for a play that is still in progress would not be fair to the ensemble or the playwright. Director LiAndrea Goatley candidly informed the audience during the curtain speech that this play is still being workshopped. Instead of getting into the weeds of moments that needed a little more care, the production deserves to have every laugh and cheer it received from its enthusiastic Thursday night audience. This play is a celebration of community and chosen family told in the most honest and loving way possible.
The set and staging bring us into Blue, Jingle and Pony’s homes. The audience is witnessing the snapshots of these friends lives that move rather quickly and the set reinforces that fact. The detailed setting gives insights to these women’s lives, hopes and dreams. Most notably, orange, blue and green are put to great use. Whether in lighting, props or costume pieces, the color palette of each character provides individuality and depth. These colors are bold representations that display the complexities of Blue, Jingle and Pony and their friendship.
Stephanie Michelle Collins’ script pops with contemporary dialogue that is realistic with a resounding poetic flow. Jingle, Pony and Blue face hardships that are relevant and authentic. The play does well to depict how things such as job setbacks, having a baby, divorce and death in the family can bring friends together or create distance and strife. The action moves quickly and methodically as the friendship between the three faces big tests.
From start to finish, Stephanie Michelle Collins’ Blue, Micah Ndiaye’s Pony and Dedra Chandler-Reid’s Jingle are a tightknit ensemble. They bring love and warm comedic timing to the lighter moments whether they are dancing, taking shots of tequila or packing for a big trip to the beach. Constantly breaking the fourth wall, Collins, Ndiaye and Chandler-Reid engage their audience as though it was a casual hang out session and we are along for the ride.
Individually, each actor brings an inimitable performance that is both strong and endearing. Collins’ Blue is the mediator of the group, keeping her friends on steady ground. This lawyer brings intelligence and charisma in later scenes as she delivers her opening statements on systematic oppression with confident ease. Ndiaye’s Pony relishes in her independence through the many gentlemen callers she spends the night with yet she is no wilting flower. Ndiaye is strong and confident as the social worker who cares deeply for her students and the community.
The core conflict arises between Pony and Chandler-Reid’s Jingle who faces a failing marriage. What starts as a professional clash between the two friends unearths years-old betrayals and secrets. Chandler-Reid does well to find deep emotional range as she must find new beginnings, seek amends with her friend and understand how her professional decisions will affect her relationships.
Midnight is a joyous production. Pony, Blue and Jingle are true symbols of friendship and how that support makes the challenges of life easier to bear. As they find love, pivot in life and grief losses, the overwhelming power of female friendship is insatiable until the very last line.
Midnight
The Creative Collective Network in partnership with the KPA ArtsReach MeX Project
June 25-27, 2026
Kentucky Performing Arts Mex Theatre
501 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 584-7777
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