Anthony E. Nelson, Jr.

The Mosaic Theater Company ignites its third season with a sure hit, a proven crowd-pleaser about the Empress of Blues.

The blues may be cool, but Miche Braden and the music are hot in this lively production of playwright Angelo Parra's THE DEVIL'S MUSIC: THE LIVE AND BLUES OF BESSIE SMITH at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell. Even if you don't know much about Smith, you'll walk out of the show feeling as though you've just spent the evening in her company. A trio of outstanding musicians joins the actress on the richly-rendered set by James J. Fenton. Don't miss this!

Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) presents The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith by Angelo Parra and directed by Joe Brancato, January 9- February 2, continuing the theater's 35th season with the soulful blues. The play will be performed in the recently-renovated Nancy L. Donahue Theatre, located at 50 East Merrimack Street in historic downtown Lowell. Tickets range from $60 - $20 and are on sale now through www.mrt.org or by calling 978-654-4678.

Penguin Rep Theatre (Joe Brancato, Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director) and Edmund Gaynes, in association with Don and LizAnne Mitchell, presents The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, a musical by Angelo Parra, conceived and directed by Joe Brancato. Miche Braden stars as Bessie Smith, along with Aaron Graves, Jim Hankins, Keith Loftis, and Anthony E. Nelson, Jr. Performances began June 7th Off-Broadway at St. Luke's Theater (308 West 46th Street). Tracie Bennett, currently starring in END OF THE RAINBOW on Broadway, stopped by the show with her co-star Tom Pelphrey. View photos below!

Anthony Nelson will perform on Fri., Oct. 14 & Sat., Oct. 15 with 9pm & 11pm sets. He will be joined by Larry Willis (10/14) on the piano and Allyn Johnson (10/15) on the piano, as well as Steve Novosel on the bass and Howard 'Kingfish' Franklin on the drums.

Anthony Nelson will perform on Fri., Oct. 14 & Sat., Oct. 15 with 9pm & 11pm sets. He will be joined by Larry Willis (10/14) on the piano and Allyn Johnson (10/15) on the piano, as well as Steve Novosel on the bass and Howard 'Kingfish' Franklin on the drums.

Penguin Rep Theatre, in Association with Edmund Gaynes, will present The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, written by Angelo Parra, conceived and directed by Joe Brancato. Miche Braden stars as Bessie Smith, along with Aaron Graves, Jim Hankins, Keith Loftis, and Anthony E. Nelson, Jr.

Penguin Rep Theatre (Joe Brancato, Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director) and Edmund Gaynes, in association with Don and Lizanne Mitchell, will present The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, a musical by Angelo Parra, conceived and directed by Joe Brancato.

Penguin Rep Theatre (Joe Brancato, Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director) and Edmund Gaynes, in association with Don and Lizanne Mitchell, will present The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, a musical by Angelo Parra, conceived and directed by Joe Brancato.