A unique presentation of cinema and theater, Lost & Found: a Story of Hope, by playwright Aleesa Mann, will run from February 15-28 at Manna From Heaven Dinner House, 3518 West Hamilton Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. This ‘Youth about Business’ presentation promises guests will have a transformative experience that bridges the power of live performance and film with a leading cast member, L. Warren Young.
L. Warren Young is a Tennessee native and graduate of Tennessee State University. Young attended Webber Douglas Academy of the dramatic arts in London, England and is best known for roles in movies and dramatic works such as, A Man In Full, The Color Purple, To Her With Love, The Wonder Years, Johnson, Greenleaf, Blindside, We are Marshall and The Heat of the Night. This exciting event will be directed by Nashville native, Brandon Hirsch. Hirsch is a seasonal actor known for his work with acclaimed directors such as Ron Howard and J.J. Abrams as he brings his experience from stage and screen.
Aleesa Mann, a journalist and non-profit communications professional, believes in storytelling and making an impact. With the writing of this story, Mann and Young bring light to a story that transforms history into hope when Congress approved the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. It reshaped America—but at what cost? Urban communities of color bore the brunt of this ambitious infrastructure project. More than one million people were displaced as their homes, businesses, and communities were lost to the expansion of the interstate highway system. Lost and Found dives deep into the impact and imagines a future where restoration and hope take root.
The community is invited as this story is brought to life shedding light on the past, inspiring us to reclaim what was lost. All ages five and over are welcome.
The production is directed by Brandon Hirsch, a graduate of Lipscomb University and founder of ‘Elemental Actors Studio.’ Hirsch is an ongoing instructor and speaker. His acting credits include television series: Atlanta (FX) and Black Lightening (CW) and films: Drumline and Undercover Brother 2.
The executive producer of Lost & Found: A Story of Hope is Sam Kirk, founder/CEO of Youth About Business. Kirk is a long-time visionary committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. His commitment to systematic change through education, entrepreneurship and economic development is a cornerstone of this endeavor.
Adding depth and texture to this production, original cinematic content and a behind-the-scenes documentary is direction by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, David Van Hooser. He is a driven storyteller, writer, producer and director who has created commercials, industrial videos, marketing presentations, infomercials, social issue programs for teens, plus Emmy-winning documentaries,
Other creative participants include: William Jenkins is curator of the project, and Bakari King with a supporting role. Jenkins is a dedicated community advocate and long-time supporter of the arts.
Join friends and other cast members for this unique night of cinema and theater at Manna From Heaven Dinner House, 3518 West Hamilton Ave., Nashville, Tenn. Get tickets by February 5 at early bird prices as an individual or group by visiting Eventbrite or scanning the QR code below.
