An evening on stage
LOLAHere She Is!
A musical journey through a life on stage.
01 / A note of welcome
Welcome to Lola’s world.
Thank you for joining us for LOLA — Here She Is!
This evening, we invite you into Lola’s world — a life on stage filled with passion, heartbreak, grit, laughter, and unforgettable songs.
From first dreams to final bows, this is her story. Tonight, she’s here.
Enjoy the show!
“From first dreams to final bows, this is her story.”
02 / The Show
A life on stage.
LOLA — Here She Is! is a musical journey through a life on stage, bringing together the passions, heartbreak, grit, laughter, and songs that shape her story.
Watch the promos & explore the production ↗03 / The creator & lead
Lola Youngblood
Creator & star of the one-woman show
Lola Youngblood is an accomplished actress, singer, educator, director, and performing artist whose career has taken her from New York City to LA to stages, television sets, and film productions across the country.
Read Lola’s full biography
A graduate of Florida State University with a B.A. in Music/Theatre, Lola has built an impressive career in theatre, film, and television. Her stage credits include performing at The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta in Jelly’s Last Jam, and Twist under the direction of Debbie Allen, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, and Ain’t Misbehavin’. She also had the honor of performing Ain’t Misbehavin’ under the direction of the legendary cast member, Ken Page.
Lola's screen credits include Red One alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans, Burden with Forest Whitaker, Bessie starring Queen Latifah, Crazy, Sexy, Cool: The TLC Story, and Firelight with Cuba Gooding Jr. Her television credits include Atlanta, Black Mafia Family, The Oval, Fatal Attraction, and upcoming Peacock mini-series The Good Daughter. She has also appeared in national and regional commercial campaigns.
One of the highlights of Lola’s performing career came at the Apollo Theatre in New York City, where she became an Amateur Night Winner on Showtime at the Apollo.
Her training includes studies at Florida State University, Broadway Dance Center, and intensive training in jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop, and Bob Fosse technique. She has also trained with acclaimed artists and choreographers including Debbie Allen, Julio Augustin, Fatima Robinson, Shane Sparks, and Chuck Maldonado.
Today, Lola brings together her love of performance, education, storytelling, and community through her work as an educator and theatre artist. As the creator and star of LOLA: Here She Is! she invites audiences into a deeply personal celebration of music, resilience, womanhood, and the power of embracing who you are.
Lola Youngblood is grateful for every opportunity to entertain, inspire, and remind audiences that the best stories are often the ones we have lived ourselves.
04 / The company
Cast & creative team
Lola
View biography ↓
Trey Best
View biography ↓
Alisha Thomas Searcy
View biography ↓
Justin Smith Jr.
View biography ↓
Sascha Anna Simone Hurley
View biography ↓
Wilkie Ferguson III
View biography ↓Creative team
Choreographer · Performer
Trey Best
Trey Best is an actor, singer-songwriter, and entertainer best known for his role as Jeff, a member of the Hellfire Club, in Season 4 of Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning series Stranger Things. His television credits also include recurring roles on Killing It (Peacock) and Johnson (Bounce TV), as well as appearances on Atlanta (FX), The Wonder Years (ABC), and Insatiable (Netflix).
Beyond the screen, Trey is a multifaceted musician whose artistry blends R&B, soul, and storytelling. As both a performer and songwriter, he has collaborated with artists including Baby Rose & Destin Conrad while continuing to develop and share his own original music.
Trey is so excited to be a part of LOLA: Here She Is! and for the world to witness the incredible talent of Lola herself!
Stage management · Lighting · Sound · Project management
Shakeem Cota
Shakeem Cota is a creative producer, photographer, choreographer, and theatre production professional whose work connects music, movement, visual storytelling, and the technical craft of live performance. For LOLA — Here She Is!, he serves as stage manager, lighting designer, sound designer, and project manager.
Read Shakeem’s full biography
His passion for the stage began with church plays at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and grew through his involvement in music and band. A trumpet and clarinet player with experience in jazz and marching band, Shakeem went on to serve as a drum major, choreographing and leading band performances for school audiences and competitions.
His experience as a yearbook editor-in-chief and growing passion for photography led him to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he expanded into film, production, and the performing arts. His work and performance experience encompassed student projects, local productions, and performances presented by SCAD.
Shakeem’s theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet at the Windmill Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, presented August 31–September 2, 2018. He served as assistant director, choreographer, fight/stunt choreographer, photographer, and sound designer. For Hamlet, presented September 1, 2019, he contributed sound design, choreography, and photography.
In March 2022, he served as assistant lighting designer and sound designer for productions of Schoolhouse Rock and Annie at Campbell Middle School in Marietta, Georgia. Across his creative and technical roles, Shakeem brings an appreciation for collaboration, performance, and the many details that bring a story to life on stage.
Musical director
Wilkie Ferguson III
Wilkie Ferguson III is a proud Miami, Florida native!
Read Wilkie’s full biography
After graduating from New World School of the Arts, Wilkie attended Morehouse College (mathematics/music), then Eastman School of Music (Classical Piano Performance). After Eastman, he joined the faculty of the world renowned Boys’ Choir of Harlem as assistant director and music theory instructor.
Wilkie’s next chapter as a full time musical theatre performer saw him on stage on Broadway: (The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess; Motown the Musical; Wonderland), 1st National Tours: (In the Heights; Hairspray), and a list of regional productions including: Kirk Douglas Theatre: (Fetch Clay, Make Man; Spamilton; Recorded in Hollywood) and Pasadena Playhouse: (Jelly’s Last Jam; Stormy Weather; Ray Charles Live; Sister Act).
As a Musical Director/Music Supervisor, Wilkie has led productions including: 44: The Obama Musical (Off Broadway); 3 Summers of Lincoln (La Jolla Playhouse); Tarantino Live! (For The Record); 9 to 5 (Musical Theatre West), Newsies (5 Star Theatricals); and Kinky Boots (Moonlight Amphitheatre).
Wilkie’s scoring and orchestrations can be heard in Parrotheads (Netflix) and his original musical revue, Take On Me (Green Room 42).
Today, Wilkie is very much looking forward to giving Melissa Lola Youngblood a very hard time, cracking the whip and getting this music together!
Educator · Designer · Seamstress
Mia L. Franklin
Mia L. Franklin is an educator, designer, and accomplished seamstress whose creativity extends far beyond the classroom. With decades of sewing experience, Mia has developed her craft through designing, constructing, tailoring, and altering garments for numerous individuals, special events, and school productions.
Read Mia’s full biography
Throughout the years, Mia has designed and created costumes for school shows and performances, bringing characters and productions to life through custom-made pieces. Her sewing accomplishments also include creating garments for weddings, proms, formal occasions, and other milestone celebrations, as well as designing stylish leisure wear and everyday clothing.
Her experience spans clients of all ages, from children to adults, and includes custom dresses and gowns, formalwear, tailored garments, coordinated pieces, costumes, alterations, and specialty designs. Whether creating a child's costume, designing for an entire school production, constructing an elegant prom gown, preparing garments for a wedding, or tailoring an outfit specifically for an individual client, Mia approaches each project with creativity, attention to detail, and an appreciation for fit and personal style.
Cast biographies
Dancer · Student · Performer
Sascha Anna Simone Hurley
Sascha Hurley is a dedicated young dancer, student and performer with a growing passion for the performing arts. An honor student and student ambassador, she brings the same commitment to learning and creativity that she brings to the stage.
Sascha began her dance journey at A.D. West Dance Academy, progressing from the recreational program to its competitive dance team. She continues developing her artistry at Lisa’s Dance Spot as a member of the Competition Dance Team and Competition AcroDance Team.
With a special passion for acro-contemporary dance, Sascha blends emotion and storytelling with strength, flexibility and the artistry of acrobatics. She is honored to share the stage with her beloved godparents, Melissa L. Youngblood and Wilkie D. Ferguson III, in this special production.
Dance artist
Justin Smith Jr.
Justin Smith Jr. is a sophomore dance student at New World School of the Arts High School in Miami and a proud member of Armour Dance Theatre, Miami’s longest-standing dance institution.
With four years of training in Horton, Limón, Martha Graham, Taylor, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz funk, and Fosse, they were also awarded a scholarship to attend the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Summer Intensive, further strengthening their technical training and artistic development.
Through rigorous training and performance opportunities, Justin continues to grow as a versatile and expressive artist.
Artist biography
Alisha Thomas Searcy
Alisha Thomas Searcy holds a bachelor’s degree in Theater and Sociology from Spelman College and has always maintained a deep love for the performing arts. For more than a decade, she has danced with the Lady Diamonds, a group of dancing moms who perform annually at Lisa’s Dance Spot’s recital.
An avid theatergoer, Alisha enjoys every opportunity to let her hair down, embrace her creative side, and perform. Offstage, she is a television and radio political commentator, speaker, CEO of the Center for Strong Public Schools, and former Georgia State Representative.
05 / The music
Musical Numbers
Act I · BROADWAY or BUST!
- Rose’s Turn
- Creep — featuring Sascha Hurley
- Sunday in the Park with George
- Out of Love
- Little Girls
- Memory / And I Am Telling You
- Home
- I Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer — featuring Justin Smith, Jr. (Special dedication to Mama & Daddy)
Act II · FOSSE FOSSE FOSSE!
- All That Jazz / Bad Girl
- Viper’s Drag
- Reach for the Gun / Big Spender (Tap Combo)
- I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling
- Whatever Lola Wants
Act III · LOVE SET!
- My Baby Just Cares for Me
- L-O-V-E
- Them Their Eyes
- Mean to Me
- It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie
Finale · I’m Here
06 / With gratitude
Thank you for making it possible.
With heartfelt appreciation to the sponsors who have contributed to this production.
★ Solid Gold Sponsors ★
Alisha and Carlos Searcy
Your generosity and support help bring Lola’s world to the stage. Thank you for being part of this journey.
- Toniece Walker
- Eric Duffy Wilkins
With special thanks
Angela Youngblood · Kim Youngblood · Marietta Daily Journal
A dedication to Mama & Daddy
Thank you Mama and Daddy for the unconditional love. I miss you dearly and this show is dedicated to you.
07 / The visual world
Behind the marquee.
Tap either poster to view the full artwork.
View the original welcome artwork
08 / Take a little Lola home
Marquee Trucker Cap
Marquee Graphic T-Shirt
Framed Marquee Poster