Joining the cast of “The Color Purple” would be the most
challenging role Whyte had landed to date. In addition to being an
understudy for two of the principal characters – Celie and Nettie – Whyte
was also what is known as a ‘swing.’ “Which means I was responsible
for knowing 11 parts,” says Whyte. “Sometimes I didn’t know until an
hour before a show who I was playing that night. It was a big learning
experience, but it was a lot of fun at the same time. I was exhausted by
the end of the run. And that’s when I decided to come home. It was time
to sit and be with my baby. Now he’s 14 and attends Shaker High.”
As important as places like New York and Chicago are to the theater
world, Whyte feels regional companies like Karamu House, Dobama
Theatre, and Cleveland Public Theatre are equally important.
“I think it’s wonderful that we have so much theater in our area,” says
Whyte. “Karamu and Dobama, CPT and Ensemble, they’re extremely
important because they showcase local talent and they produce
groundbreaking works. I think it’s remarkable what Karamu has done for
the African American community, and what Tony Sias (Karamu’s president
and CEO) has been able to do in the past five years, the rich material and
the education they are giving to our young people.”
Music continues to play a large part in Whyte’s life. She served as a
paraprofessional and substitute music teacher at Boulevard Elementary
School from 2014-2019. Her album is scheduled to be released through
her production company, Earth to Mars Entertainment, in 2021.
Two singles, “Hey You, It’s Me” and
“Pinch Myself” were released earlier
this year and will be included on
the album.
Firmly re-rooted in Shaker, Whyte
serves on the Shaker Schools Alumni
Hall of Fame Committee and the
Shaker Schools Foundation Advisory
Committee. In fact, her family is firmly
entrenched in the Shaker Schools. Her
sister, Miata Hunter, is the principal
of the Middle School and her mother,
Donna M. Whyte, served on the
School Board and Library Board.
“Shaker Schools gave me a very
solid foundation and a rich artistic
experience,” she says, “and I’m
extremely grateful.” SL
www.mariamawhyte.com
/www.mariamawhyte.com