Photo Flash: Opening Night of Center State's dance of the holy ghosts - Denise Burse, Sheldon Best & More!

Center Stage celebrates the Opening Night of Marcus Gardley's dance of the holy ghosts on Wednesday, October 16. Under the direction of Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah, the production runs through November 17. Check out the opening night photos below!

To set the mood for dance of the holy ghosts, the theater will feature several local Blues and Jazz musicians playing live pre-show throughout the building. Guests are encouraged to come early to hear traditional Rhythm and Blues from Memphis Gold, Jazz/funk blends from Trina Coleman, and Hill Country Blues from Jonny Grave. Music begins at 7 pm, and there will be complimentary hors d'oeuvres from Crème Restaurant and Lounge pre-show.

Marcus Gardley's acclaimed poetic family drama, dance of the holy ghosts, follows the story of Oscar Clifton, a Blues man living through his memories of the past until his estranged grandson Marcus pays a visit. Leading the cast are veteran stage and screen stars Michael Genet and Denise Burse. Mr. Genet's many film and TV roles include working with Spike Leeon 25th Hour and She Hate Me, and his numerous Broadway productions include Fences, Lestat, Hamlet, and A Few Good Men. Denise Burse, best known for the role of Claretha Jenkins on the hit TBS series Tyler Perry's House of Payne, returns to Center Stage, having previously appeared in August Wilson's Radio Golf and Fences.

Dance of the holy ghosts, directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, runs through November 17. Tickets start at $19 and can be purchased by calling410.332.0033, or visiting www.centerstage.org. Full information on the season can be found at www.centerstage.org/2013-14season.

Photo Credit: Tyrone Eaton

Michael Genet and Denise Burse

The cast of dance of the holy ghosts

Trina Coleman

Tracie Thoms and Michael Genet

Chandra Thomas and Jasmine Carmichael

Kwame Kwei-Armah and Sheldon Best

Kwame Kwei-Armah and Tracie Thoms

Memphis Gold

Sheldon Best and Doug Eskew

Denise Burse and Sheldon Best

Johnny Grave

Kwame Kwei-Armah, Denise Burse and Michael Genet