Mary McCallum's FLY, GIRL! Opens at Darkhorse Theatre, 2/19

In celebration of Black History Month, SistaStyle Productions presents the world premiere of Mary McCallum's Fly, Girl!, a fictionalized look at the life of aviatrix Bessie Coleman. The play, directed by noTed Nashville actor/director/educator Barry Scott, opens at Darkhorse Theatre on Friday, February 19, continuing through February 27.

Coleman (1892-1926) was the first African-American to become a licensed airplane pilot and was the first American of any race or gender to hold an international pilot's license. McCallum's play follows Bessie from her girlhood in Texas, where she picked cotton and dreamed of flying, then on to Chicago and ultimately to France, becoming known in the process as "Queen Bess" the aviatrix.

"I have always been fascinated by earlier aviators and Bessie's story of bravery and sheer determination is a reminder that anything is possible if we work hard enough," McCallum says.

Scott's cast features Molly Breen, David Chattam, Jene India, Mary McCallum, Tamiko Robinson, Rodrikus Springfield, Jordyn Tucker, Shelena Walden and Shawn Whitsell.

McCallum is also the writer of The 70% Club, a New York International Fringe Festival selection and the winner of "Best Feature" at the 2009 International Black Film Festival of Nashville. In addition, she's also written 70% More and The 'D' Word.

Performances of Fly, Girl! will be held at Darkhorse Theater, 4610 Charlotte Avenue. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 19 and 20, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, February 21 at 4 p.m. Performances Thursday through Saturday, February 25-27 are at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online at www.sistastyle.net. For more information, reservations or group rates, call (615) 476-6430.