BLACKLISTERS at Brelby – What People Do to Create Art, What They'll Give to Protect It

KatiBelle Collins has been doing theatre most of her life, and performed in shows, in several cities across the country. She learned her craft in Minneapolis, and at the University of Wisconsin's celebrated Summer Theatre Festival at Steven's Point. She received a San Francisco Bay Area Gold Award for Outstanding Female Vocalist-Night Club/Cabaret. Since moving to Phoenix she been seen as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Madam Arcati in Blythe Spirit, Mama Rose in Gypsy, Charlotte in Moon Over Buffalo, Hannah in Angels in America and Grandma in Lost in Yonkers and Earth Mother in Menopause the Musical. She won a Zoni award for her turn as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma at Mesa Encore.

Brenna Jackson graduated from NAU with a BA in Theatre Performance. She is remembered at Brelby for her performances in Ghost: The Musical and After Hours at Rosie's Pub. She was seen in Urinetown and Evita with the Tuscany Theatre Company and in Hello, Dolly! at the Scottsdale Musical Theatre Company.

"Emma Winston is first in command in the archives of the Ministry of Culture," Jackson said of her Blacklisters character. "She is a hothead and a cynic, but she's a thoughtful person and an earnest worker, and she is accepting of her place in the Ministry as means to provide for herself and for her brother," she continued.

Collins plays the Subminister. "She is the highest ranking official in the archive. She is an intimating figure. People should see this show," Collins said, because, "It is oddly timely."

Jackson agrees. "There have been countless times throughout history where theatre was considered the lowest art form and became prohibited to the public. Every time it's been banned, it's found a way back into society. But what if our leaders did everything to prevent the arts from returning again? I encourage mature audiences to come see our show to witness just what people will do to create art, and what they'll give to protect it," she said.

Brelby partners with local downtown Glendale businesses to offer more options for audience members. By showing their digital ticket, audiences can receive 10% off of their bill at the Hop Stop Diner, 10% off of any entrée at Haus Murphy's Restaurant, and 10% off of a customer's bill at the Olde Towne Glendale (OTG) Beer & Wine Bar or the Gaslight Inn.

Blacklisters plays Feb 17-18, 24-25 and March 3-4 at 7:30pm and at 2pm Feb 19 and 26. Tickets are available by visiting the official web site at brelby.com/tickets. General admission is $15 per performance. Admission to Blacklisters is included in the benefits of Brelby's ShowGO subscription: brelby.com/showgo. The Brelby Playhouse is located at 7154 N 58th Dr, Glendale, AZ 85301.