What happens when the same Airbnb is unknowingly booked by two separate groups of strangers for a girls trip and guys getaway? A weekend full of fun, suspense, romance, drama and laughs.
“The Weekend,” written by husband and wife team Gill and Pam Nelson of Timeless Entertainment, is a comedic drama centered around relationships. The play follows two groups of friends who accidentally meet at an overbooked Airbnb and the dynamics that occur as the two groups of strangers navigate a three-day weekend together.
With more than 1000 attendees flocking to the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 11-12, for “The Weekend’s,” two-day run, the Nelsons emphasized that the mission of their work was beyond entertaining the crowds. They hoped to offer art with a message.
“For the past few years, the whole world has been going through huge transitions. Our goal was to have a play that was really funny, but also showed respect for serious issues and life challenges that affect all of us.”
With 15 years as an actor and 13 years as a writer and producer, Gill Nelson is able to take his many years of experience to effectively communicate as a director. With a large cast of 20 actors, ranging from 10 to 60 years old, Nelson’s experience enables him to uniquely identify with the actors in his stage plays.
“Positioning of the actors on stage, especially with a cast this large, timing of lines, understanding the audience, and writing plays that are relatable to people of different ages and backgrounds is a talent at which Timeless Entertainment excels,” said actor Faheem Saadiq Abdus-Salaam, 59.
The Story Behind Timeless Entertainment
Timeless Entertainment has worked diligently to develop their expertise in front of the camera, on stage and behind the scenes.
After 15 years as an actor, Gill decided to move to Los Angeles, California, in order to study stage and film. Pam, who owned a business in D.C., made the difficult decision to remain in the DMV.
Living bicoastal for seven years, the couple returned to D.C. invigorated about the film and stage industry. Creating film and theatrical works in the Washington, D.C. region was a major goal for the couple who stressed, “Once we got an opportunity to create opportunities, we were going to do it here in D.C.”
Today, they have co-written and produced nine plays as well as various films. In its fifth season on the All Blk and Prime television networks, Pam currently has a major role in “Double Cross,” on which Gill serves as a director.
“It’s important that people recognize that the independent film market is an extremely viable entertainment medium. There was a time when we, as people of color, got dressed up and made a grand event of attending the theater. The Nelsons’ productions are taking us back to that place,” said Abdus-Salaam.
Creating Experiences
“The Weekend” offered attendees stellar theatrical performances and an experience at once.
Upon entry, ticket holders were warmly greeted by a friendly line of ushers. The lobby, tastefully decorated by Polished Events, welcomed theatergoers with posh touches, a red carpet and photo backdrop for those wishing to memorialize the experience. Six vendors sold quality wares and refreshments in a large room adjoining the lobby.
Accompanied by a live band, upscale set design, and performances of timeless music classics, the audience did not simply attend “The Weekend,” they participated in an immersive event.
As dynamics between the friend groups develop during the play, the characters decide on a women-against-men talent competition. Audience members danced, shouted, cheered, and sang along to favorites like: “My Mic Sounds Nice” by Salt n Pepa, “Tell Me” by Dru Hill, and “Who Can I Run To?” by Xscape. For many, this interactive sing-along was one of the highlights of the play.
“Theater, with the advent of home streaming services, is becoming a dying art. When you are in live theater, there is a different kind of connection that happens. There is a type of energy that cannot be experienced anywhere else,” said Marcia Holton, 55. “[Theater] is community, It is an experience shared, it is tapping into our culture and who we are as a people.”
Actress and stage set designer, Dereky Martin Hagler, 53, said that” The Weekend” offered inspiration for both the cast and the audience.
“We all come from different backgrounds. Many of us are very new actors, so when people see us in these diverse roles, they come away knowing that they too can stretch to reach their own dreams.”
Crowd favorite Faith Malonté, 30, indicated that it takes more than talent to provide characters to which people relate; it takes work ethic and constant study in one’s craft.
“The arts are a reflection of events in reality. It is important to keep learning and growing as an actor because life doesn’t imitate art. Really, we make art out of reality. Remembering that our art is in some way touching someone’s reality causes us to continually strive for improvement. I’ve seen people have mental, psychological, and even spiritual awakenings while attending theater,” Malonté explained.
“Art is created to make you feel,” he continued. “That is the gift and power of art.”
It was such an honor to MC such a great stage play! To see the hard work backstage come to life on stage, while interacting with the audience was awesome. Wishing continued success to Timeless Entertainment. TPX,LLC & #TeamNosey . http://www.linktr.ee/theTPX
Working with Gil and Pam was a complete joy. They truly create a family atmosphere and allow their actors to be free to embody their roles. Their directions combined with their words, create stories that everyone can relate to. I can’t wait to work with them again or just be an audience member of one of their productions.
A great experience-Amazing Energy and stage production- Hoping it goes on tour!
Timeless Entertainment has done it again!!!!
The Weekend stage play was nothing short of Amazing.
Each actor brought there A game and lit up the audience with Award winning acting. Bringing to life the story of two groups of people over the weekend. Bringing back memories for all.
A good time was had!!!
Wow, what a remarkable and explosive narrative, written about the Timeless Entertainment Stageplay “The Weekend.” As one of the thespian casted in the role of Anthony, I am honored to have been intricately involved in this production that Gill and Pam Nelson created. From the auditions to the final curtain call, we laughed, until we could barely breath and cried real tears of joy. There was a family atmosphere, displaying nothing but pure love and appreciation for one another.
Patrise Holden, your article captured the synergy of our intent, with an accurate depiction of the plays plot. You are an amazing linguists, with platable and thought provoking phrases, allowing the reader to become one with the production, as if they were actually present. Thank you, for your dedication to bringing to light, what should never be in the dark. I look forward to reading many more of your articles, highlighting events, within the Arts and Entertainment arena.
We are honored to have had Dr. Patrise Holden do a write up in your newspaper. We work very hard at what we do and pray for an appreciative turn out. We are forever grateful. Thanks to our phenomenal cast and all who supported us in any way.
It was such a pleasure to have so many people come out and be apart of our recent stage production “The Weekend” We want to thank everyone involved the entire cast and crew. All the hard work paid off, the show was received well. I want the personality thanks Dr. Patrise Holden for work on this article and The Washington Informer for covering the show.
An outstanding and breathtaking production from start to finish. The sultry decor and set. The Weekend was excellent. With many years of experience, Timeless Entertainment is a mainstay in both the community and the theater. We, as viewers, are left wanting more and eagerly anticipating the next production because the dynamic husband and wife team always brings something fresh and bright to the table. Excellent work by the actors and crew.
This play had so many funny moments. A few shocking and intense moments and unexpected ones as well, that had the crowd engaged. I wish continued success to the cast, as well as Gill & Pam!
What an amazing play… I laughed the entire time. Even when the unexpected guests came in dressed in all pink, showing off her ring turned things upside down,.. The young lady singing to her friends was a great addition as well. Great job cast
I loved the play, having two families part of the play was great. Even having the two sisters Ambreia Williams & Aniyah Samuel both shocked by what the husband was up too, showed great acting and range. Aniyah Samuel did a phenomenal job in the end when she had a surprise for her love interest. It was one of the funniest highlights. As always the two kids in the play was amazing. Gill & Pam great job …
It was truly a awesome wonderful and hilarious play and I want to praise Gill and Pam Nelson @ Timeless Entertainment for bringing us this play
What an amazingly talented cast and stage production! We have become accustomed to Timeless Entertainment producing some of the best stage plays the city has to offer. As the article states, its an EXPERIENCE! TE has the “it” factor to bring theatre back to DC in a way thats so relatable to the culture. The productions are always done well with local talents and musicians. Gill and Pam are on to something with how they stay positive in motivating and encouraging up and coming actors, while giving them a chance to live out their dreams on stage! I’m so excited and can’t wait to see what they bring to us next!
The play was hilarious. It gave a variety of characters for everyone could relate to. You had about three different story the audience could follow with a twist with the two thugs. My favorite part was the battle. Seeing everyone lips sing old song brought back memories. I would definitely go see this again.
This was an amazing experience to be apart of! The cast and crew were a blast to work with. This play is a must see! Thank you Pam and Gill for your continuous creativity to the arts!