American Blues Theater to Stage LOOKING OVER THE PRESIDENT'S SHOULDER, 2/5-3/6
American Blues Theater continues its 30th anniversary season with the Chicago premiere of Looking Over the President's Shoulder, by Artistic Affiliate James Still and directed by Timothy Douglas. A solo show featuring Ensemble Member Manny Buckley, Looking Over the President's Shoulder tells the story of African-American White House Butler Alonzo Fields, who served four presidents between 1931 and 1953. Looking Over the President's Shoulder runs February 5 - March 6 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N Lincoln Avenue. Opening night is Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 773-404-7336 or visiting www.AmericanBluesTheater.com.
"Long before the election of President Barack Obama, there was an African-American man who, for 21 years, had very much been running things at the White House," comments Director Timothy Douglas. "It is with great honor and eagerness that I return to Chicago to stage this intimate and moving tribute composed by longtime friend and colleague James Still."
Before Lee Daniels' "The Butler," playwright James Still shared the real-life, inspirational story of Alonzo Fields, grandson of a freed slave, who grew up in an all-black town in southern Indiana. Forced by the Depression to give up his dreams of becoming an opera singer, Fields accepts a job at the White House and served there for 21 years. This tour-de-force solo play is told from the unique perspective of serving four U.S. presidents and their families: Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight Eisenhower. "Gentle Americana, amiable, and dignified...the appeal is its peeking through the keyhole quality," said The Washington Post.
The creative team for Looking Over the President's Shoulder includes Brian Sidney Bembridge (scenic and light design), Christopher J. Neville* (costume design), Rick Sims* (sound design), Amanda Herrmann (properties) and Jaclyn Holsey* (stage manager).
*Denotes Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater.
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