Devine & Lewis to Co-Host Epps Diversity Celebration, 3/13

Original Dreamgirls star Loretta Devine, as well as Jenifer Lewis (Comin' Uptown), will co-host the second annual Sheldon Epps Theatrical Diversity Project Celebration at the Pasadena Playhouse on March 13th.

The event will honor playwright and director Charles Randolph Wright, whose new play Cuttin' Up (directed by Israel Hicks) begins at the Playhouse on March 9th.  Wright is also the author of plays such as Blue, and has directed, among other shows, Brian Stokes Mitchell's solo show Love/Life at Lincoln Center and the world premiere of the Frank Loesser musical Senor Discretion Himself at Arena Stage.

According to press notes, the Sheldon Epps Theatrical Diversity Project was created in 2005 as a means to "support the Playhouse artistic director's vision to build a legacy of artistic and theatrical diversity (and) will ensure eclectic and dynamic productions that might not otherwise be possible within the given resources of the theatre."

Tickets to the celebration are $500 and $250 for premiere packages including a cocktail reception, dinner at Twin Palms Restaurant and priority seating for the performance, and $100 for the performance and pre-reception at the Playhouse.  They can be orderedby calling Jackie Kopcsak at (626) 792-8672 ext. 221 or by sending an e-mail to events@pasadenaplayhouse.org.

Visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org for more information.

Photo - Loretta Devine