It's been 80 years since Bessie Smith, the celebrated Empress of the Blues, died a lonely death, after an auto accident on a desolate Mississippi road. Contrary to legend, Smith did not bleed to death after being refused admission to a white Southern hospital. That story was related to Down Beat magazine by Columbia Records impresario John Hammond, who later apologized, saying that it was all based on hearsay. But her injuries were severe enough so that when she was taken to the nearest hospital (which happened to be one that accepted blacks), that she was beyond saving, and died at the young age of 43.
Rubicon Theatre Company celebrates Black History Month with THE DEVIL'S MUSIC: THE LIFE AND BLUES OF BESSIE SMITH, starring singer and actress Miche Braden of the original Off-Broadway production (named one of the 10 Best Off-Broadway productions of the year by the N.Y. Daily Times). Described by CBC as a, "bawdy, bluesy, boozy rollicking night out at the theatre," the show follows the life, loves and career of blues and jazz singer Bessie Smith, called the "Empress of the Blues."
Rubicon Theatre Company's 2016-2017 Season was publicly announced today at a special event hosted by Joe Spano(Emmy Award and L.A. Drama Critics' Circle Award-winning veteran of stage and screen) and Peter Van Norden (whose numerous credits include five Broadway shows, regional theatre, film and television). The two actors star as Marley and Scrooge, respectively, in the company's adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which was a Critic's Choice in the L.A. Times and will be reprised this December under the direction of Brian McDonald. The season also features the third play in Arlene Hutton's celebrated Nibroc Trilogy, Gulf View Drive, helmed by London-based director Katharine Farmer; Miche Braden reprising her Off-Broadway performance in The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith written by Angelo Parra and directed by Joe Brancato of Penguin Rep; the return of the most popular comedy in Rubicon history, A.R. Gurney's Sylvia, directed by Stephanie A. Coltrin; direct from Off-Broadway, The Other Mozart written by and starring Silvia Milo and directed by Isaac Byrne, about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's equally remarkable sister Nannerl; Someone Who'll Watch Over Me, Frank McGuinness' riveting tale based on a true story about three hostages held in Beirut in1986, directed by Katharine Farmer; and King Lear by William Shakespeare, directed by James O'Neil.
Penguin Rep Theatre, under the leadership of founding artistic director Joe Brancato and executive director Andrew M. Horn, announces its 2015 season, the professional Equity company's 38th at its home in Stony Point (Rockland County), New York.
Artistic Director Mark Clements announced Milwaukee Repertory Theater's 2015/16 Season last night to an enthusiastic group of Rep Subscribers and Donors.
Artistic Director Mark Clements announced Milwaukee Repertory Theater's 2015/16 Season this evening to an enthusiastic group of Rep Subscribers and Donors.
On Stage at Kingsborough is pleased to present The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, directed by Joe Brancato (Cobb) and starring Miche Braden, tonight, November 8, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. This performance is an exclusive Brooklyn engagement.
On Stage at Kingsborough is pleased to present The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, directed by Joe Brancato (Cobb) and starring Miche Braden, on November 8, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. This performance is an exclusive Brooklyn engagement.
Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) will be celebrating its 35th season with a black-tie gala tonight, June 21. Congresswoman Nicola Tsongas will present the Paul Tsongas Award to UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan in recognition of his long-time personal support and his continued work to build and expand MRT's partnership with UMass Lowell. The event will also feature the Reduced Shakespeare Company presenting 'The Complete History of MRT (abridged),' a 10-minute sketch created especially for this event.
Penguin Rep Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Joe Brancato and Executive Director Andrew M. Horn, announces the slate of plays and special events for its 37th season.
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) is introducing the first in a series of 'Ladies Nights' at the theatre. The event, which takes place on Thursday, January 23 includes seats for the 7:30 pm performance of The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith by Angelo Parra and directed by Joe Brancato. Tickets also include a pre-show dessert reception beginning at 6:00 pm and a post-show discussion. The desserts will be provided by Dessert Yurt, a new Lowell-based specialty chocolate and dessert creator. Tickets for the event range from $48-23 and are all inclusive. They can be purchased online at www.mrt.org or by calling 978-654-4678.
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.
Lowell, MA - Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) will be celebrating its 35th season with a black-tie gala onSaturday, June 21. Congresswoman Nicola Tsongas will present the Paul Tsongas Award to UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan in recognition of his long-time personal support and his continued work to build and expand MRT's partnership with UMass Lowell. The event will also feature the Reduced Shakespeare Company presenting 'The Complete History of MRT (abridged),' a 10-minute sketch created especially for this event.
Can America Make it? Is a diverse program of six thought provoking short plays that will take place at the Stony Point Conference Center located at: 17 Crickettown Road, Stony Point, NY, tonight November 1st 2013 at 8pm.
Can America Make it? Is a diverse program of six thought provoking short plays that will take place at the Stony Point Conference Center located at: 17 Crickettown Road, Stony Point, NY, on November 1st 2013 at 8pm.
People's Light & Theatre presents The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith running October 16-November 24, 2013 on the Steinbright Stage. People's Light & Theatre is located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA 19355. For tickets call 610.644.3500 or visit PeoplesLight.org. People's Light & Theatre thanks the Lomax Family Foundation for their support of this production.
Merrimack Repertory Theatre's (MRT's) Artistic Director Charles Towers has just announced an updated schedule for the 2013-2014 Season. Due to rights availability, MRT is pleased to announce next season will now include Lanford Wilson's classic American love story Talley's Folley. An updated schedule of the 2013-2014 Season is included below. Subscriptions to MRT's 2013-2014 Season are on sale now. Discounted season tickets are available in a full 7-play subscription or 3-6 play customizable packages and can be purchased online at MRT.org or at the box office by calling 978-654-4678.
People's Light & Theatre announces its 39th season with eight productions that will stir emotions, warm hearts, and inspire the music lover in you. The season opens with Philadelphia native N. Richard Nash's breakthrough hit The Rainmaker, followed by The Devil's Music which has received raves throughout New York, Connecticut and Florida for Miche Braden's incredible performance as Bessie Smith. Highlights include a dance-filled adaptation of Jane Austen's romantic Pride & Prejudice, Itamar Moses' innovative comedy, Bach at Leipzig, and the revival of our multi award-winning holiday panto, Cinderella. Our season also includes Dear Elizabeth, Sarah Ruhl's lyrical and whimsical portrait of the relationship between acclaimed American poets, Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop and Henrik Ibsen's scandalous Ghosts.
Penguin Rep Theatre (Joe Brancato, Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director) and Morton Wolkowitz (Stomp, The Unexpected Man) will present the Off-Broadway premiere of Miracle On South Division Street, by Tom Dudzick, directed by Joe Brancato. Opening Night is Sunday May 13th at St. Luke's Theatre (308 West 46th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues). See photos from the production below!
