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Lynn Nottage comedy, ‘Clyde’s,’ shines light on quest for second chances
Beginning July 26th, The Laboratory Theater of Florida will present the Southwest Florida premiere of Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s. In this dark comedy, the second chances and redemption are centerstage … along with the quest for the perfect sandwich.Clyde’s is a sandwich shop and last-chance haven for those cast aside by society. The indomitable Clyde, played by Sonya McCarter, oversees her eclectic team of misfits with an iron fist as they grapple, individually and collectively, with their own demons and 
strive for a better future. A searingly honest portrayal of life on the margins, this story of redemption and hope is brought to life by one of the most celebrated playwrights of our time.
strive for a better future. A searingly honest portrayal of life on the margins, this story of redemption and hope is brought to life by one of the most celebrated playwrights of our time.Lynn Nottage has won the Pulitzer twice, once in 2009 for Ruined and again in 2017 for Sweat. She was the first and remains the only woman to have won
the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice.
the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice.“Clyde’s is a gripping story of systemic oppression and survival, redemption, love, and loving oneself that’s sure to stir the hearts of all,” comments Director Tijuanna Clemons. “Crossing all racial and cultural barriers, Clyde’s pleasantly gives life to the formerly incarcerated 
by undressing the stereotypes and putting humanity on display.
by undressing the stereotypes and putting humanity on display.Over 10,000 ex-prisoners are released from America’s state and federal prisons every week and arrive in our communities with no job and no prospects. In the year after their release, only 55% of formerly -incarcerated individuals report any earnings, with the median income being a paltry $10,090. And it’s lack of meaningful employment and concomitant poverty that drive recidivism. Not surprisingly, approximately two-thirds of former inmates will be rearrested within three years of their release. 
Those with a secure job within two months of release are far less likely to return to prison in comparison to those who don’t have paid work. Yet, there are 11,138 laws and regulations nationwide that restrict the ability of formerly incarcerated individuals to obtain occupational licenses.
Those with a secure job within two months of release are far less likely to return to prison in comparison to those who don’t have paid work. Yet, there are 11,138 laws and regulations nationwide that restrict the ability of formerly incarcerated individuals to obtain occupational licenses.“You are more than your worst last mistake,” adds Clemons.
Clyde’s provides audiences the rare opportunity to walk a mile in the shoes of a felon’s quest for a second chance and redemption.
About the Author
Tom Hall is both an amateur artist and aspiring novelist who writes art quest thrillers. He is in the final stages of completing his debut novel titled "Art Detective," a story that fictionalizes the discovery of the fabled billion-dollar Impressionist collection of Parisian art dealer Josse Bernheim-Jeune, thought by many to have perished during World War II when the collection's hiding place, Castle de Rastignac in southern France, was destroyed by the Wehrmacht in reprisal for attacks made by members of the Resistance operating in the area. A former tax attorney, Tom holds a bachelor's degree as well as both a juris doctorate and masters of laws in taxation from the University of Florida. Tom lives in Estero, Florida with his fiancee, Connie, and their four cats.