Photo Flash: First Look At Flint Youth Theatre's AKEELAH AND THE BEE

Flint Youth Theatre - Michigan's Professional Theatre for Young Audiences presents "Akeelah and the Bee," based on the screenplay by Doug Atchison and adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West. Performances begin Saturday, February 10 and run through Sunday, February 25. Tickets are now on sale.

Akeelah has a crazy passion for words: the more abstruse and labyrinthine, the better. But this gift is almost overwhelmed by the challenge of her daily life in a tough, Chicago neighborhood. Akeelah's aptitude earns her a spot in the National Spelling Bee, which inspires the people in her neighborhood with her courage and tenacity. "Akeelah and the Bee" is an uplifting show for the entire family.

The play is directed by B. Alex Reed (The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963) and features Scenic Design by Lisa Borton, Costume Design by Katherine Nelson, Lighting Design by Doug Mueller, Sound Design by Natasha Thomas-Jackson. Stage Managed by Nicole Broughton.

The cast includes: Michaela Anderson, Curr'esha Beatty, Alexis Crochran, Safiyah El-Ganainy, Jesse Glenn, David Guster, Kenn Hopkins Jr., Bary Lehr, Clalexis Martin, Tomoko Miller, Giovanni Moore III, Kaya Oliver, Addison Peter, Madelyn Porter, Myah Sanders, Yasmine Searcy, Ava Swank, Antonio Sweeney and Enrique Vargas.

Performances are: Saturday, February 10 at 7:00pm, Sunday, February 11 at 2:00pm, Friday, February 16 at 7:00pm, Saturday, February 17 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, February 18 at 2:00pm (ASL Interpreted). Friday February 23 at 7:00pm, Saturday February 24 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Friday February 25 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, veterans and teens, children (12 & under) are $14 and $8 for college students. Tickets may be purchased through The Ticket Center at 1241 E. Kearsley St., Flint, 810.237.7333 or through www.TheFYT.org. "Akeelah and the Bee" is recommended for ages eight and up.

"Akeelah and the Bee" is sponsored by Charles Stewart Harding Foundation and is produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences. Flint Youth Theatre is located at 1220 E. Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48503.

Since 1957, Flint Youth Theatre's nationally acclaimed, award-winning intergenerational programming has provided Flint area residents with opportunities to experience the unique joys of discovery and self-expression through the performing arts. A program of the Flint Institute of Music, FYT is the resident theatre company at the Flint Cultural Center. A nonprofit organization, FYT receives support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information about Flint Youth Theatre please visit www.TheFYT.org.

Photo Credit: David-Lorne Photographic

Jesse Glenn and Alexis Crochran

Alexis Crochran, Micheala Anderson, Clalexis Martin, Antonio Sweeney

Yasmine Searcy and Alexis Crochran

Alexis Crochran

Kenn Hopkins Jr and Alexis Crochran

Giovanni Moore III, Cur'esha Beatty, Alexis Crochran

Madelyn Porter and Jesse Glenn

Ensemble

Alexis Crochran