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Whew Chile! Black Women Working

A musical celebration of the brilliance, burden, and freedom of Black women at work.

Penn State Downtown Theatre Center 
146 S. Allen Street, State College, PA 16801
January 31, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Meet the Talented Cast, Musicians and Crew

rasa-ray-dray-drane

Rasa "Ray Dray" Drane

Black Woman
lasha-hardy

Lasha Hardy

Whew Yeah #1
jessica-dr-jess-henry

Jessica "Dr. Jess" Henry

Whew Yeah #2
chantel-harley

Chantel Harley

Whew Yeah #3
issa-rae-drane

Issa Rae Drane

Lil' Black Girl
stephen-m-mariner

Stephen M. Mariner

Keyboard
gary-abdullah

Gary Abdullah

Bass
jaden-adkins

Jaden Adkins

Drums

Be Part of the Movement. Amplify the Story. Fund the Freedom.

Whew Chile! Black Women Working is more than a show — it’s a movement that celebrates the strength, humor, and humanity of Black women navigating work and wellness. Your support helps us take this production on tour, create space for healing and conversation, and invest in the next generation of artists and storytellers. Whether you donate, sponsor, or host a performance, your partnership keeps the message — and the music — moving.

Support the Movement

Join Our Donor Program

Whew, Thank You!

$100+
  • Name listed in program & on website donor page
  • Special donor thank you from creative team

Whew, Yessssssss!

$250+
  • Name listed in program & on website donor page
  • Special donor thank you from creative team
  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes digital update
  • Priority notification about future performances & events

Whew, Glory!

$500+
  • Name listed in program & on website donor page
  • Special donor thank you from creative team
  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes digital update
  • Priority notification about future performances & events
  • Invitation to donor reception with cast & creative team
  • Exclusive merchandise

Whew, Chile!

$1000+
  • Name listed in program & on website donor page
  • Special donor thank you from creative team
  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes digital update
  • Priority notification about future performances & events
  • Invitation to donor reception with cast & creative team
  • Exclusive merchandise
  • Recognition as founding supporter
  • (2) Complimentary tickets to performance
ways to join:
Tap here
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Cash or check
Made payable to Ray Dray Presents

Whew Chile! Sneak Peek

Host a show

A Huge Thank You to Our Donors and Corporate Partners So Far!

Whew Chile!
Anthony & Trimeka Benjamin
Whew, Yessssss!
Andrew Mason
Whew, Thank You!
Leslie Laing
Terry Watson
Shih-In Ma
Corporate Partners
State College