Photo Flash: Terry Burrell's ETHEL Begins Tonight at Alliance Theatre

Rehearsals are underway for Alliance Theatre's production of ETHEL, written by and starring accomplished Atlanta performer Terry Burrell. ETHEL is a glimpse into the magnificent and very complicated life of the legendary stage and film star Ethel Waters. ETHEL will close the Alliance's Hertz Stage season at the Alliance Theatre, running tonight, March 25, through April 17, 2016. Opening night is Wednesday, March 30, 2016. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal below!

A versatile actress who epitomized the glamour of Black Vaudeville while successfully and lucratively crossing over into traditionally white performance venues, Waters inspired directors, singers, and songwriters with her talent and versatility. Waters was the first to record "Stormy Weather" later starring in the remarkable Cabin in the Sky. Terry Burrell brings this amazing performer to life in a one-woman play with music, band, and the larger than life wit of Ethel Waters.

"For as long as I can remember I have always been attracted to stories about women who were able to overcome whatever difficult hand life dealt them with daring and intelligence," said playwright and star of ETHEL, Terry Burrell. "Ethel Waters embodied that characteristic, and, because I am a story teller at heart, what I read and heard about her provided me with such rich soil that I was inspired to share it. Her story and the many ways people relate to it continue to be a compelling life lesson to me and the audience every time I tell it."

Terry Burrell has performed at the Alliance in productions including The Women of Brewster Place, Jar the Floor, and Sophisticated Ladies. Her Broadway credits includeThoroughly Modern Millie, Three Penny Opera, Into the Woods, Dreamgirls, Honky Tonk Nights, and more. Her career also includes many Off-Broadway and regional productions, as well as jazz concerts, voiceover work, and commercials.

The creative team for ETHEL is led by Director Kenneth L. Roberson (Broadway: All Shook Up, Avenue Q; Alliance: The Women of Brewster Place). The team also includes Set Designer Kristen Robinson, Costume Designer Kara Harmon, Lighting Designer Liz Lee, Sound Designer Elisheba Ittoop, and Music Director Tyrone Jackson.

Tickets start at $20 and are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office in person or by calling 404.733.5000. Tickets are also available online at www.alliancetheatre.org/ethel. The Alliance Theatre is located at the Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, at the corner of Peachtree and 15th Street, in Midtown.

Photo Credit: Kathleen Covington