The Color Purple (Musical) - January 2022
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The Color Purple is a musical adaptation based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker; like the book, the show follows the journey of Celie, an African-American woman in the American South from the early to mid-20th century. It shows the problems African-American women faced during the early 20th century, including domestic violence, poverty, racism, and sexism. Celie is transformed as she finds her self-worth through the help of two strong female companions. This production was well received by audiences and in 2006, The Color Purple earned eleven Tony Award nominations. A revival of the musical opened in late 2015 and ran through early 2017, and the production ended up winning two 2016 Tony Awards, including “Best Revival of a Musical.”
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The Wiz - May 2016
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The Wiz is an urbanized retelling of L. Frank Baum's classic 1900 children's novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the context of modern African-American culture. The musical opened on October 21, 1974 at the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland and moved to the prestigious Majestic Theatre.
The 1975 Broadway production won astonishing seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The musical was an early example of Broadway's mainstream acceptance of works with an all-black cast. A big-budget film adaptation of the same name was released in 1978 and has since become a cult classic. |
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The Mountaintop - June 2015
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The Mountaintop is a play by famous American playwright Katori Hall. The play features a gripping re-imagining of the events taking place the night before the assassination of Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968.
After delivering his magnificent and memorable “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, an exhausted and defeated Dr. King retires to Room 306 at the Lorraine Motel where he encounters a mysterious and spirited stranger as an epic storm rages outside. The play won the prestigious London’s Oliver Award for Best New Play and Broadway Hit. New York Times described the play as “an undeniable thrill.” Philadelphia Inquirer wrote that the play “exceeds all expectations,” while The Daily News commented that the play is “soul-stirring and eye-opening.” These were just a reason more to bring this famous play in our production to the community. |
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Fences - March 2015
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Fences is a 1985 play by American playwright August Wilson.
Set in the 1950s, the play explores the evolving African-American experience and examines race relations, among other themes. The play won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1987 Tony Award for Best Play. The play was first developed at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's 1983 National Playwrights Conference and premiered at the Yale Repertory Theatre in 1985. |
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A Raisin in the Sun - July 2014
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A Raisin in the Sun is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that debuted on Broadway in 1959.
The title comes from the poem "Harlem" by Langston Hughes. The story tells of a black family's experiences in the Washington Park Subdivision of Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood as they attempt to "better" themselves with an insurance payout following the death of the father. The New York Drama Critics' Circle named it the best play of 1959. |
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