Barbara Morrison's I WANNA BE LOVED Nominated for Three NAACP Theatre Awards

The theatrical production "I Wanna Be Loved" starring Barbara Morrison as Dinah Washington has been nominated for three NAACP Theatre Awards by the Beverly Hills/Hollywood Branch Theatre Viewing Committee.

Morrison was nominated for Best Costumes--Local, John Stephens for Best Musical Director--Local and Mara and Ron New and Harold Garrison for Best Producer-Local. "I Wanna Be Loved," co-written by Morrison and Michael Cormier, opened at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center in February, 2013, with an extended run that met the criteria of five consecutive weeks for productions from San Diego to Bakersfield. The show continues to play monthly to sold-out crowds at the BMPAC. The next performance is Sunday starting at 4 p.m.

"This is so exciting for me and the entire production," Morrison said. "In 2009 when I won for Best Musical Director, I didn't have a chance to attend because of a European tour. This year, there is no way I'll miss this prestigious ceremony."

Morrison's award in 2009 was for "Howlin' Blues and Dirty Dogs! The Story of Willie Mae 'Big Mama' Thornton." Morrison played the lead role of Big Mama Thornton in addition to being Music Director.

"I Wanna Be Loved" tells the story of Washington's life and loves during a legendary career that ended in her accidental death at age 39 in 1963. Washington, known as "Queen of the Blues" was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. She had crossover rhythm-and-blues and pop hits including "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes!" in 1959 and two hits in duets with Brook Benton. Singer and actor Jay Jackson plays Benton in "I Wanna Be Loved."

Stephens is a talented saxophonist and conductor who directs the 18-piece Barbara Morrison All-Star Jazz Band in the staged musical tribute to Washington.

Morrison is a legendary Los Angeles-based vocalist who has performed worldwide and is the founder and organizer of the BMPAC. Her latest CD, "I Love You, Yes I Do," reached No. 4 on the JazzWeek.com national chart in August, spent two weeks at No. 6 and eight straight weeks in the top 20.

The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center is located in Leimert Park at 4305 Degnan Blvd. Suite 101 in Los Angeles. For tickets, call 310-462-1439.

The 24th annual NAACP Theatre Awards will be held Nov. 17 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills.

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