'The Devil's Music: The Life And Blues Of Bessie Smith'

Sexy & Racy Blues Musical Closes Florida Rep's Season

Florida Repertory Theatre announced the opening of the rocking musical sensation, The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith.

Playing May 6-22 with discounted previews on May 3, 4 and 5, The Devil's Music tells the thrilling life story of one of America's most beloved entertainers, and stars Miche Braden, who originated the role of Bessie Smith Off Broadway.

"Our Lucky 13th season has been one of the most exciting to date," said Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo, "and The Devil's Music is the perfect way to bring this season to a close. It is a riveting story about an important entertainer, and has some of the best blues you're likely to hear south of New York City and east of New Orleans."

Sexy and racy blues singer, Bessie Smith, was the definition of a Red Hot Mamma and the most successful entertainer of her time. On the eve of her tragic death in 1937, Bessie takes center stage in a Memphis "buffet flat," having walked out of the whites-only theatre where she was to perform earlier that evening. Now, among friends, she tells the story of her amazing life, career, her loves and losses. Put your troubles aside, and soak up the blues as Bessie Smith comes to life and sings the songs that made her so unforgettable including St. Louis Blues, Need a Little Sugar in my Bowl and Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out.

The production stars Miche Braden, the award-winning actress and singer who originated the role of Bessie Smith ten years ago - and has played it countless times since then in theatres across the country. The New York Times called Braden "teriffic," saying that she "fills every molecule of airspace with the joy of the blues," and The New York Daily News raved that "Braden shines as Bessie Smith!" Also the arranger and music director for the production, Ms. Braden has done the same for a number of other productions, including Gee's Bend, The Bluest Eye and Mahalia: A Gospel Musical. Her work as an actress, singer, musician, songwriter, arranger and musical director has been seen across the country.

Braden is joined by Aaron Graves, Jim Hankins and Keith Loftis, a dynamite three-man blues band. On piano, Graves has played for jazz and blues singers across the country, and has both performed and conducted on Broadway, in regional theatres, and appeared on film and television. Hankins, on bass, is an original Devil's Music cast member who has performed with some of the country's most well known jazz and blues artists. Loftis, on saxophone, is new to the Devil's Music company, and has also performed with jazz and blues artists across the country.

Joe Brancato, who serves Artistic Director of Penguin Repertory Company in New York, directs the Florida Rep production, and is a co-creator of The Devil's Music. He both conceived and directed the premiere production, and has directed each subsequent production of the piece. He is joined by an expert team of designers that include set designer, Bruce R. Bailey (Alone Toegther; Greetings!), lighting designer, Todd O. Wren (Gaslight), costume designer, Patricia E. Doherty (Off Broadway, Penguin Rep, Cleveland Playhouse) and production stage manager, Amy L. Massari (August: Osage County).

The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith by Angelo Parra plays at Florida Rep May 6-22 with discounted previews on Tues. May 3 at 8pm, Wed. May 4 at 2pm, and Thurs. May 5 at 8pm. Regular performances are Tues. - Sat. at 8pm, with matinees on Wed., Sun., and selected Saturdays at 2pm.

The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith is sponsored by the Fred & Jean Allegretti Foundation.

Single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 or online at www.floridarep.org. Single tickets are priced at $44/$39 and $25/$20 for discounted previews. Subscriptions to Season 14 (2011-2012) are also now on sale.

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Find them on Facebook and Twitter by searching for FloridaRep.

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