Rachel RaQuel: Sitting With My Thoughts While Chasing the Dream

Two Years Later... Are You Marriage Material Still Has Something to Teach Me

June 4, 2026 - #RachelRaQuel

After every show, there's a moment when the audience leaves, the stage goes quiet, and you're finally left alone with your thoughts.

This past weekend was one of those moments.

On May 30, 2026, we presented two performances of Are You Marriage Material at the Lawrenceville Arts Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The excitement in the room was undeniable. Audience members traveled from different cities and states to attend, and by the end of the performances, many were already asking when the next show would be.

As I sat reflecting afterward, one thing hit me...

I've officially been part of Are You Marriage Material for two years.

And it all happened in the most unexpected way.

There was no audition.

There was no lengthy casting process.

There was simply an opportunity.

Originally, the role of Selena belonged to my friend Carmen, an incredible singer from Philadelphia's all-female group, Queen City. Carmen was presented with another opportunity that involved contractual obligations, making it impossible for her to continue with the production.

Instead of holding on to the role, she recommended me.

To this day, I'm grateful for her humility, confidence, and dopeness.

That's real sisterhood.

Then came the challenge.

Less than two weeks before opening.

Five scenes.

Four songs.

A lead role.

No time to panic.

No time to overthink.

Just time to get to work.

By the grace of God, I learned the material and stepped into the role of Selena.

What I didn't realize at the time was that this production would become my first stage role after playing the lead in Black Diamond by Brittani Williams. Looking back, it was exactly the opportunity I needed to remind myself that I belonged on stage.

Over the last two years, I've had the pleasure of working alongside an amazing cast and creative team led by Director Latoya Forman.

Our lead cast included:

• Rachel RaQuel as Selena• Steven Little as Michael• Niatesha Thompson as Grandma Hazel• Raven Dean as Monica

Alongside an incredible supporting cast:

• Penny Stern as Rose• Morris Austin as Shawn• Moneice Watson as First Lady• Leon Slim as Parker• Jazmyne Holly as Kamilah• Naquasha Lewis as Tricia• Rodney Davis as Pastor• Kayla Cokroft as Naj• David Butler as Burford• Monn Washington as Mr. Wilson• Laura Arouni as Doneisha• Corey Allen as Robert• Darlene Allen as Shay• Spencer Horton as Warren

Over two years, you become more than castmates.

You become family.

And like every family, there are moments of joy, frustration, growth, laughter, and lessons.

One lesson that kept revealing itself to me throughout this journey was leadership.

The truth is, leadership doesn't always show up when you're ready for it.

Sometimes it arrives when you're tired.

Sometimes it arrives when you're frustrated.

Sometimes it arrives when you wish somebody else would handle it.

There were moments during this production when things needed to be said.

Conversations needed to happen.

Expectations needed to be clarified.

Execution needed to happen immediately.

And whether I wanted to or not, I found myself stepping into those moments.

Not because I had a title.

Not because someone asked me to.

But because the team deserved it.

Because the show deserved it.

Because when you're chasing excellence, somebody has to be willing to say the uncomfortable thing and then help execute the solution.

That's not always the glamorous side of theater, but it's often the most important.

One person I've shared many of those conversations with over the years is Robert J. Moore.

Rob and I have worked together long enough now that our conversations feel more like conversations between siblings than coworkers.

Sometimes I tell him something and he doesn't hear me right away.

Sometimes I have to say it again.

And maybe one more time after that.

But eventually it gets through.

Honestly, I think that's most men.

What I've always appreciated about Rob is his commitment to the production and his willingness to continue growing it year after year. The success of Are You Marriage Material is a reflection of the countless hours invested behind the scenes long before audiences ever take their seats.

This particular weekend was also a personal reminder of perseverance.

I was battling a severe sinus infection.

The kind that makes you want to stay in bed.

The kind that affects your voice.

The kind that makes every ounce of energy feel borrowed.

But the show must go on.

And it did.

What I've learned while chasing this dream is that right when you think you're ready to quit, a revelation occurs.

Not necessarily a dramatic revelation.

Sometimes it's hearing the audience laugh at the exact right moment.

Sometimes it's seeing people stand up and applaud.

Sometimes it's talking to audience members afterward and hearing how much they enjoyed the show.

Sometimes it's realizing you've become stronger than the person who first accepted the opportunity.

And suddenly, you're reminded why you started.

You're reminded why you stayed.

You're reminded why you keep going.

After every successful show, I'm reminded that the reward isn't just the applause.

The reward is growth.

The reward is purpose.

The reward is becoming the person you had to become to carry the dream.

Two years later, Selena is still teaching me lessons.

And for that, I will always be grateful.

Until the next stage...

Rachel RaQuelSinger. Actress. Storyteller. Dream Chaser.