Abbie Fricke and Tyler Lyn Dawson star in Kutumba Theatre Project’s return in Spy For Spy
By Mariah Reed
After a long hiatus, Kutumba Theatre Project is back and bolder than ever with the East Coast premiere of Spy for Spy by Kieron Barry. Artistic Director and Founder Kim Ehly discovered this “playful, sophisticated, funny and heartfelt” play in London and knew it was time to head back to the floorboards to share its ingenuity with South Florida audiences.
A tale that recounts the sapphic love story between characters Molly and Sarah, Spy for Spy does not unfold as your typical romantic comedy. Each night audience members choose from a collection of songs to determine the order of six scenes that tell the story of our protagonists, providing one of 720 potential versions of the narrative.
Though the story remains the same in each retelling, Ehly explains that the treatment affords audiences unique perspectives. “This is a show you can see more than once, and you will see something different each night.” Spy for Spy focuses on the experience of intimacy and posits that it is impactful no matter at what stage in the relationship.
Ehly felt that while the British production of the play was terrific, something was missing. “There were elements (for me),” Ehly says, “that were not as passionate and intense as I felt they should be to establish a deeply human connection. I wanted to bring that to the play, as well as an authenticity that comes from lived experience.”
Local musicians, visual artists, and experienced theater professionals have enthusiastically come together to support Kutumba’s mission to uplift voices of the LGBTQ+ community, and to realize Ehly’s vision with this unique presentation.
An award-winning actor, director, and playwright, Kim is no stranger to South Florida audiences. A true veteran of the stage and screen, they have brought their craft to life across theater, film, and television, leaving their mark in the creative landscapes of New York City, Los Angeles, and South Florida.
However, after decades as a professional actor, Ehly honored a call to become a therapist for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. While pursuing their master’s degree in social work, they began to contemplate using their theatrical skills to nurture and support the queer community. Ehly’s passion ignited, they founded the Kutumba Theatre Project.
As a first creative venture, they wrote and directed a semi-autobiographical play titled, Baby GirL. Ehly reached out to David Gordon at Empire Stage who provided a theater space for the work. Baby GirL was a hit, earning a Silver Palm Award, Broadway World Award, and Carbonell nomination.
Soon after the South Florida presentation, the New York Fringe Festival agreed to present the work. After a sold-out run in New York, Ehly returned to Florida, completed their master’s degree, and built a successful psychotherapy practice.
Now, Ehly is coming back to the theater with a new production and a completely fresh outlook. “Because I was immersed in professional theater for two decades, and because of my experience as a therapist, I have a unique perspective on the collaborative aspect of theatre. There are letters that are underserved under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. It’s important to have representation for all so that we can see ourselves on stage and feel validated.”
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Ehly believes that it is important to stand up to what is going on politically right now. “We have to proclaim we are here, we are queer, and we are not going anywhere,” they insist. “We are going to fight for our visibility.” Lending support to the mission of this grass roots organization, Spy for Spy is made possible by a grant contribution from Darcy J Beeman Charitable Fund at Our Fund.
What’s next for the Kutumba Theatre Project? Stay tuned. The collective is a non-traditional company that serves their community in a way that is supportive and empathetic. Unlike most theatre companies, they do not create ongoing seasons on a regular schedule but prefer to carefully curate unconventional works that support their mission and fit the parameters of a “fringe” theatre presentation.
Ehly explains, “Kutumba is not simply performance driven. Rather than seeks accolades, the company is more interested in doing something that feels important to the community, their allies, and all involved.” For more information about the organization, as well as ways to support their mission, visit www.kutumbatheatreproject.org
Spy for Spy runs from July 10 through August 3, 2025. Preview performance on July 10 at 8pm. Opening night is July 12 at 8pm. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 5pm with two Thursday shows at 8pm on July 10 (preview) and July 17. (No performances on July 18 and July 19.) All performances are at Empire Stage, 1140 North Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. FREE Parking behind and alongside the theatre and parallel parking along the railroad side. Carpool encouraged. Phone number: 954-646-1000. For tickets visit: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/empire-stage-theater-llc/spy-for-spy Tickets are also available at: www.kutumbatheatreproject.org or by calling 954-646-1000. General Admission: $40. Preview: $30. Seating is limited.
Mariah Reed is an Equity actress, produced playwright and tenured theatre professor.
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