Thank You, Five: Backstage with Fedna Jacquet from Broadway’s Ain’t No Mo’

Before the last flight to Africa boards from the Belasco Theatre, Fedna Jacquet begins preparation for Ain't No Mo' with a fight call. Jacquet, who is making her Broadway debut as Passenger #1, plays five different characters during the show. She has been a part of the Jordan E. Cooper-penned play since its Off-Broadway run at The Public Theater. The soon-to-be new mother gave Playbill an inside look at her pre-show routine from fight call to places.

Fedna Jacquet rehearses a mid-show fight alongside cast members Crystal Lucas-Perry, Ebony Marshall-Oliver, Marchánt Davis, and Shannon Matesky.

Crystal Lucas-Perry, Fedna Jacquet, Ebony Marshall-Oliver, Marchánt Davis, and Shannon Matesky rehearse for *Ain't No Mo'* Heather Gershonowitz

A new addition to her routine, Jacquet takes a moment to stretch.

Fedna Jacquet backstage at *Ain't No Mo'* Heather Gershonowitz

Directed by Stevie Walker-Webb, Ain't No Mo' takes audiences onboard Flight 1619 with Black Americans flying to Africa on one-way tickets provided by the U.S. government. The play explores the 'what if' scenario under the guidance of flight attendant Peaches, a role played by playwright Jordan E. Cooper. He also played Peaches in the show's 2019 world premiere Off-Broadway.

Starring in the production alongside Jacquet and Cooper are Crystal Lucas-Perry (1776) as Passenger #5, Marchánt Davis as Passenger #2, Shannon Matesky as Passenger #3, and Ebony Marshall-Oliver as Passenger #4. Rounding out the company as understudies are Nik Alexander, Jasminn Johnson, Michael Rishawn, Kedren Spencer, Brennie Tellu, and Emma Van Lare.

Brian Strumwasser prepares Jacquet's entrance wig (one of many wigs she wears during the show).

Brian Strumwasser and Fedna Jacquet backstage at *Ain't No Mo'* Heather Gershonowitz

Jacquet and understudy Emma Van Lare meet with Jordan E. Cooper to discuss notes from a previous performance.

Fedna Jacquet, Emma Van Lare, and Jordan E. Cooper backstage at *Ain't No Mo'* Heather Gershonowitz

From the back of the house, Jacquet makes her entrance, with plenty of audience interactions.

Fedna Jacquet makes her entrance in *Ain't No Mo'* Heather Gershonowitz

Ain't No Mo's creative team includes lighting designer Adam Honoré, scenic designer Scott Pask, costume designer Emilio Sosa, co-sound designers Jonathan Deans and Taylor Williams, and wig designer Mia M. Neal.

The producing team led by Lee Daniels is joined by BET: Black Entertainment Television, Len Blavatnik, Ron Burkle, Aryeh B. Bourkoff, 59th & Prairie Entertainment, RuPaul Charles, I'll Have Another Productions, Jeremy O. Harris, Tucker Tooley Entertainment, CJ Uzomah, Ann Cox, Gina Pulia, Bob Yari, Marvin Peart, Colleen Camp, Marvet Britto, Jeremy Green, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Jillian Robbins, and The Public Theater. Wagner Johnson Productions serve as executive producers and general managers.

Visit AintNoMoBway.com.