Production History
SEASON ONE (2006-2007)
HOME
22 September – 15 October, 2006
Written by Sam-Art Williams
Directed by Ekundayo Bandele
Sponsored by The Jeniam Foundation with Gene and Carol Katz
Cephus Miles returns home to South Carolina after being jilted, imprisoned as a draft-dodger, and suffering unemployment, drugs, and street-scams in Harlem.
UNIQUELY US: A DRAMATIC DANCE PERFORMANCE
3 November -12 November 2006
Nubian Dance Theatre
A musical theatre production that moves through audiences with the passion of a Sunday sermon and the pulsating rhythms of the Saturday night cabaret, Uniquely Us teaches inside the audience. It is a touching portrayal of characters and music. . .an experience to be enjoyed by all.
THEY SING CHRISTMAS UP IN HARLEM
24 November – 24 December 2006
A Musical by Eric Leroy Wilson
Directed by Dennis Whitehead
Sponsored by Dr. John Lochemes
Harlem, late 1930’s, Scrooge, a numbers running miser, has a run in with spirits resembling ‘Bob’ Marley, Adapearl, and Aunt Esther. This interpretation of Dickens’ classic tale integrates jazz, gospel, and classical works.
LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS
12 January – 4 February 2007
Written by Neil Simon
Directed by Ekundayo Bandele
47 year old Barney Cashman wants to join a sexual revolution before it’s too late, but he is a gentle, sober soul with a true-blue wife and absolutely no experience in adultery.
I AIN’T YO UNCLE
23 February – 18 March 2007
Written by Robert Alexander
Directed by Reggie Brown
Old Black stereotypes take Harriet Beecher Stowe to court and draw sharp parallels on matters of race between yesterday and today.
MAHALIA
13 April – 6 May 2007
A Musical by Tom Stolz
Directed by Dennis Whitehead
Including music by various gospel composers as well as hymns and spirituals made famous by Mahalia Jackson, this is a joyous celebration of the life and music of the world’s greatest gospel singer. The joy and inspiration of her heartfelt songs provide a counterpoint to the urgent messages delivered by her friend, Martin Luther King, Jr. Standing at his side, Mahalia Jackson became the musical voice of the civil rights movement.
JAR THE FLOOR
1 June – 24 June 2007
Written by Cheryl West
Directed by Tony Horne
Set in suburban Chicago, a college professor, a widowed grandmother, an insecure middle-aged mother, and an overly liberal college student touch on almost every conceivable.
