MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM And BLUES FROM AN ALABAMA SKY Part Of Shadow Theatre Company's 2009/10 Season

Bucking the trend toward more modest offerings, Shadow Theatre Company expands its programming and offers six shows for its 2009-10 season. Celebrating its one-year anniversary in its new state-of-the-art facility in the East End Arts District in Aurora, Shadow Artistic Director Jeffrey Nickelson notes, "One group that is under-represented in American theatre is women-especially African American woman; which is why our upcoming season celebrates women and is entitled 'Celebrating Women, Mothers and Daughters.' Women's work, energy, thought, and spirit help build the world we live in today, and each scheduled show demonstrates the strength and beauty of womanhood." Nickelson goes on, "Funding for Shadow and all arts institutions have declined over the past year but we have faith that this exciting season will bring people out to the theatre. In tough times, we celebrate tough women-because their devotion to goodness and community is what will bring us through the current crisis."
 
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom by August Wilson
Directed by Jeffrey Nickelson
September 3 - October 17, 2009
 
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at one stroke marked Pulitzer Prize-winner August Wilson's transition from novice to celebrity. The first in his ten-play cycle and the only one not set in Pittsburgh, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom explores the racial realities of black recording artists as embodied by the famous 1920s blues singer, Ma Rainey. The playful banter and stories told by her musicians as they wait for the arrival of Ma Rainey illustrates lives and music during the time when black music was making the move from the traditional blues to the new form of jazz.
 
The Christmas of the Angels by Michael R. Duran (World Premiere)
A Shadow Theatre Company original production, Featuring the Aurora Symphony Orchestra
Directed by Richard H. Pegg
November 19 - December 20, 2009
 
A young woman's faith is put to the test. Word comes to Mary, via an angel, that she will carry the long-awaited Messiah; a miraculous pregnancy, an arduous journey, and the history-defining birth of Jesus. The Nativity story is creatively told through the Scriptures as seen through the eyes of three watching angels. This production will feature the music of the Aurora Symphony Orchestra.  A return to the religious roots of the holiday, The Christmas of the Angels provides an evening for the whole family to enjoy.
 
A Song for Coretta by Pearl Cleage (Regional Premiere)
In Honor of Black History Month
Directed by Ladi Crenshaw
February 11 - March 13, 2010
 
February 6, 2006, people began lining up at dawn outside of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church to pay respects to the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King, whose body lay in state in the small sanctuary. People of all ages stood patiently for hours, waiting to say goodbye. Beautifully written, "A Song for Coretta," focuses five women from different backgrounds and experiences, ranging in age from 17 to 57. When you wait in line for several hours you find out a lot about people.
 
Simply Simone, the Music of Nina Simone (Regional Premiere)
A Musical by Robert Neblett and David Grapes
Directed by Hugo Jon Sayles
April 15 - May 15, 2010
 
Under the masterful direction of Hugo Jon Sayles, (Director of Smokey Joe's Café) Shadow Theatre Company brings to life child prodigy, jazz superstar, civil rights activist, and political exile Nina Simone. Using the voices of four female singers representing various stages of Nina's life, this electric revue honors the life and rich artistic legacy of this musical icon. Songs include "I Loves You Porgy," "The Look of Love," "My Baby Just Cares for Me," "Take Me to the Water," and "I Put a Spell on You," among others.
 
Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage
Directed by Jeffrey Nickelson
June 17 - July 17, 2010
 
Set in New York in 1930, the creativity of the Harlem Renaissance had to make room for the harsh realities of the Great Depression. Angel is a singer who dreams only of having the luck to find a man who will pay the rent. Guy, her roommate and a costume designer, has his sights set on creating costumes for the notorious Parisian cabaret performer, Josephine Baker. While Angel can't seem to make her dream come true for long, Guy's practical approach may win him that big ticket to Paris.
 
Shadow Theatre Youth Ensemble (fka CRUNK) (Shadow Original Production)
(Celebrating Women, Mothers and Daughters)
Directed by Hugo Jon Sayles
August 5 - August 15, 2010
 
The Shadow Theatre Company Youth Ensemble is a unique summer program, designed for young people who believe that their own self expression is their greatest gift.  Classes, taught by local theatre professionals and other artists, will engage the young people in the many facets of live performance, as well as provide them with information on strategies for realizing their long term artistic goals. Classes and workshops will incorporate acting, orchestral music, dance, singing, production, stage production, sound, writing, personal reflection, and creative movement, and will culminate in a show written by the young performing artists in collaboration with a professional playwright. The Youth Ensemble in collaboration with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra will feature a performance celebrating women, mothers and daughters.
 
*Dates and Shows Subject to Change
 
Season 13 Performance Schedule
Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30pm
Sunday matinees are at 3pm
 
Season Ticket Packages
Purchase your ticket by July 30, 2009 and receive a $10 discount.
Benefits:
·         Recognition in the program
·         $5 off additional ticket purchases for family & friends
·         Complimentary glass of wine
Season Ticket - ($150) One ticket to each production
Friends Season Ticket - ($280) Two tickets to each production
Opening Night Season Ticket - ($220) One ticket to each opening night production and reception
Friends Opening Night Season Ticket - ($420)Two tickets to each opening night production and reception
Single Ticket Price: $26
 
Season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the box office at (720) 857-8000.
 
Founded by Artistic Director Jeffrey Nickelson in 1997, Shadow Theatre Company has produced more than 50 shows and in 2008 moved into a new state of the Art Theatre in Aurora.  Shadow has received countless awards including the Denver Mayors Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Aurora Chamber 2009 Business for the Arts award and numerous Denver Post Ovation Awards.

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