ALWAYS AND FOREVER to Play Cowles Center

To celebrate the conclusion of its 40th Anniversary Season, Illusion Theater is excited to present a concert version of its beloved musical, ALWAYS AND FOREVER, for four performances only, September 24-27, at its downtown Minneapolis theater, located on the eighth floor of the Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Ave.

Created by Richard D. Thompson, Sanford Moore and Garry Q. Lewis, and starring Julius C. Collins III, Dennis Spears, Gevonee Ford and Isaiah Cummings, the hit musical revue features songs by The Jackson Five, Percy Sledge, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Earth, Wind and Fire.

When the first production of Always and Forever was on stage at Illusion Theater in 1996, it played to standing-room-only crowds for more than three months. It returned in 2010 and again for a special holiday run in 2011. Set in a 1970s urban neighborhood barbershop, the heartfelt production revealed the ups and downs of all kinds of love through the eyes of four African American men relating their stories through the pop tunes of the 60s and 70s.

"It's a fitting end to our extraordinary 40th year," said Michael Robins, Illusion's founder and co-producing director. "We wanted to give a gift to the community and bringing back a show so full of love seemed like the perfect choice."

Single tickets are $25-$40. All tickets can be purchased at the Illusion Box Office at 612-339-4944 or online at www.illusiontheater.org.

An Always and Forever original cast recording is available for $10 at performances or through the Illusion box office (612-339-4944). The Always and Forever CD features vocalists Julius Collins III, Jackson Hurst, T. Mychael Rambo and Dennis Spears. Musicians include Sanford Moore (Piano, Conductor), Kevin Anderson (Guitar), David Hurst (Keyboards, Hammond Organ), Kenyari Jackson (Drums) and James A. Young (Bass).

Performance schedule

Thursday, September 24 @ 8pm

Friday, September 25 @ 8pm

Saturday, September 26 @ 8pm

Sunday, September 27 @ 7pm

About Illusion Theater

Since the Illusion Theater's beginning in 1974, Producing Directors Michael Robins and Bonnie Morris have used the power of theater to catalyze personal and social change, illuminating the illusions, myths, and realities of our times. In 40 years, Illusion has generated over 500 plays, developed thousands of artists and created ground-breaking educational works. Plays developed at Illusion have been produced in theaters throughout the world. Illusion's work has catalyzed conversations in living rooms, kitchens, coffee houses, schools and board rooms, and has led to transformations in policy, in organizations and in individuals.