Premiere The Total Veronica Experience with Veronica Manning

Join this engaging conversation with Vanessa Codorniu as she hosts the vibrant Veronica Manning, a dynamic force in the world of theater and film. During this episode, Vanessa and Veronica discuss the journey of creativity, the empowering act of telling one's story, and the challenges and triumphs faced by women of color in the entertainment industry. As they explore Veronica’s journey from her childhood to becoming a playwright and filmmaker, listeners are treated to heartfelt anecdotes and moments of profound insight. "The more I feel like I'm expected to be silent, the more I have to say," Veronica inspires listeners to find their voice amid adversity. The conversation also sheds light on the unique challenges faced by women of color in creative fields and emphasizes the importance of stepping out of traditional boundaries to embrace a more authentic and joyful self, urging audiences to "speak your truth," even when it may feel challenging. TUNE INTO THE EPISODE & FOLLOW VERONICA FOR MORE! Life is Luvv Productions will present The Total Veronica Experience, written and performed by Veronica Manning, directed by Sandrine Dupiton. The production will be presented as part of the 2026 New York City Fringe Festival with FRIGID New York at The Rat NYC (68-117 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201) with performances on Sat April 4 at 7pm, Mon April 6 at 9:50pm, Sat April 11 at 10:20pm, Wed April 15 at 6:30pm Fri April 17 at 8:10pm. Tickets ($25) are available for advance purchase at www.frigid.nyc. The performance will run approximately 60 minutes. In this imaginative dramedy, Veronica—a Black American woman living in New York City—wakes up in a nondescript room with no windows, one door, and no memory of how she got there. She’s soon greeted by THA VOICE, an omniscient, unseen being who seems to know everything about her—including the fact that she died choking on artisanal bacon while watching cat videos. The Total Veronica Experience is a richly-layered and hilarious dialogue between life and the afterlife, highlighting the enduring human need for connection and purpose. Veronica gets taken on a wild journey where she is forced to confront the defining moments of her existence: childhood memories, traumatic family dynamics, race, identity, and bacon. At the heart of the play is a pivotal question: Why are we alive? "Writing and producing this play is just the beginning of me figuring out how to tell my story," says Manning. "I hope to inspire other Black women in their fifties, and older, to tell their own stories in whatever way they can.” The Cast - VERONICA – Played by Veronica Manning, she is vibrant, reflective, and wholly herself—learning to see her life with new eyes. - THA VOICE – Played by Ohene Cornelius, THA VOICE is a mysterious, all-knowing presence that acts as a mirror and challenger to Veronica’s soul. Veronica Manning (Writer/Performer) is a playwright, performer, stand-up comedian, and filmmaker whose work blends sharp humor, cultural commentary, and lived experience. Her semi-autobiographical play The Total Veronica Experience premiered at the 2025 Montreal Fringe Festival, where she wrote, produced, and starred in the piece, and she is bringing the work to the 2026 NYC Fringe Festival. She is the founder of Life is Luvv Productions, an independent, woman-owned company creating original work for stage and screen, including the in-progress documentary Rachelle: Raw. As a performer, Veronica’s background spans musical theatre, indie films, and commercial work. Across all mediums, she’s drawn to bold storytelling that makes audiences laugh, think, and tell the truth out loud. Sandrine Dupiton (Director) is a multi-hyphenate, intuitive leader with over a decade of experience creating programs at the intersection of creativity and spiritual healing. She founded and artistically directs *Imagining Together: Creative Healing Collective* in collaboration with New Jersey organizations coLAB Arts and New Jersey PlayLab, blending spiritual practice, storytelling, and collective healing into work that culminates in live performance. Sandrine creates transformative, soul-centered work on and off the stage. She is a proud Haitian American, born and raised in New York and now based in Montclair, NJ. Show Dates Saturday, April 4 7:00 PM Monday, April 6 9:50 PM Saturday, April 11 10:20 PM Wednesday, April 15 6:30 PM Friday, April 17 8:10 PM Creative Team Writer/Performer/Producer: Veronica Manning Director & Dramturg: Sandrine Dupiton Voice of THA VOICE: Ohene Cornelius Costume & Set Design: Veronica Manning Photography and Stage Management: Ikyo Bailey Stand-up Consultant: Tina Cruz Production Company: Life is Luvv Productions Connect with Us Follow @lifeisluvv on Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more. #veronicamanning #frigidfringe2026 #thebizbruja