New McCree Theatre Presents JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE, 2/24-3/12

The "New" McCree Theatre is proud to present Joe Turner's Come and Gone as its winter production of the 2010-2011 Season.  Preview performances will be held February 18 and 19, 2011 at 8:00 p.m., regular performances are February 24 - March 12 with performances on Thursday and Friday at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  Advance admission for previews is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and senior citizens, at-the-door admission for previews is $10.00 and $6.00.  Regular admission is $12.00 for adults in advance, and $7.00 for students and seniors, while at the door prices are $15.00 and $10.00.

 Joe Turner takes place in 1911, right at the turn of the second decade of the century, when African Americans were still transitioning from chattel slavery, near chattel slavery (sharecropping), and the trials and tribulations of being black in a country that outright disdained people of color.
Many African Americans went from pillar to post trying to find their place in America.  They worked building roads and bridges and the country's burgeoning infrastructure.  They moved from place to place, living in boarding homes if one was lucky, or sleeping underneath bridges and embankments.  Many of these so-called "free" blacks were bum rushed into forced labor gangs by well-placEd Whites, who would profit by selling their muscle and sweat to farms in the labor- depleted south.  JoeTurner was one of those well placEd White men. When a black man suddenly and mysteriously disappeared, the old folks would say:  "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."  Joe Turner held Herald Loomis captive for seven years.

Joe Turner's Come and Gone is directed for McCree Theatre by veteran  local actor and director, Dennis Sykes.  The cast features special guest performer, Alfred Bruce Bradley, who has performed in the hit Off Broadway musical "One Mo Time" in the lead role as Papa Du, which resulted in an extended run at The Village Gate in Toronto, Ontario.  His other notable performance experiences include the off Broadway musical "Staggerlee" , "Rollin With Stevens and Stewart", "A Raisin In The Sun", the Broadway hit musical "Black and Blue", and it's world tour.  He also teamed with his mentor and teacher, the late great Lloyd Storey from Detroit, MI to perform the "Class Act".  The cast also includes former local television personality, Pat Scott, , Cassandria Wilson, and Henry Bates. Tickets can be purchased by calling the theatre at (810) 787-2200, or visiting the website online at www.thenewmccreetheatre.com.