Love / Lives was written by Shaniqka Thomas and codirected with Tangie Beaty, WOW Performing Art Center director. The play was held at Midlands Technical College, and this suspenseful stage production wastes no time drawing the audience into its web of drama, danger, and intrigue.
From the opening scene, the story builds tension that keeps viewers engaged and eager to see what happens next.
At the heart of the play is a doctor caught between his past and his present. His ex-girlfriend, Mrs. Emily King—tall, beautiful, and dangerously unstable—reappears, stirring chaos. Emily’s struggles with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are powerfully conveyed through her multiple personas, most notably the volatile Sasha.
The ensemble adds depth and dimension: Angie, the doctor’s sharp-tongued and observant receptionist, fuels the drama with humor and inside knowledge. Chelsea, a wedding event planner, and the doctor’s true love is cleverly drawn into the story when Emily hires her for services, fully aware of their connec-
Jean Hopkins (left) is pictured with the Love / Lies character of “Emily King.” The play will return to Columbia in Winter 2026.
tion. Tension reaches its peak when Chelsea reveals she is pregnant, raising the emotional stakes even higher.
The narrative weaves together friendships, family ties, and forbidden romances, all colliding in a climactic wedding showdown where secrets erupt and chaos takes center stage. Smooth scene transitions and strong performances amplify the impact, while Thomas’s sharp writing and Beaty’s co-direction ensure the pacing remains taut throughout.
