The Very Last Days of The First Colored Circus at Restoration Stage Inc

ANNOUNCING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF “THE VERY LAST DAYS OF THE FIRST COLORED CIRCUS,” WRITTEN BY STEVEN A. BUTLER, JR. (2016 ARENA STAGE PLAYWRIGHTING FELLOW) OCTOBER 19- NOVEMBER 12, 2017 "A hugely satisfying saga bursting with heart, humor, and song." ~DC Metro Theatre Arts "Musical sequence in the second act makes you sit up straight." ~The Washington Post "Butler has the grit and talent to go far." ~DC Theatre Scene (Washington D.C.) From the creators of last year's Helen Hayes Awards recommended hit, "Chocolate Covered Ants,"

Restoration Stage, Inc. returns with a redemptive new story of love, loss, and family set against the backdrop of the 1927 Charles County Fair. Written by Arena Stage Playwright's Arena Fellow Steven A. Butler, Jr. and directed by Courtney Baker-Oliver, "The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus" is an epic story that you won't soon forget. Butler’s intense and heartwarming drama about the plight of Black Entertainers in 1920’s America is laced with infectious musical performances and set in his rural hometown.

This must see production showcases a rare moment in local African American history and is a love letter to the complicated lives, love, and loss of the forgotten Black circus performer. The show received rave reviews in its debut workshop presentation earlier this year. THE PLOT: "The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus" tells the story of how Butler’s great-great grand parents Ollie Tyson and Ruby Dyson fell in love and settled in La Plata, Md. Interweaved into the intense drama is original and 1920’s music guaranteed to put you on the edge of your seats. As the performers navigate the struggles that Black performers had to endure in order to survive doing the art they loved, they persevere with noble dignity and remarkable courage. “The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus” is written by Steven A. Butler, Jr. and is directed by Courtney Baker-Oliver (Duke Ellington School of the Arts). Baker-Oliver and Christopher John have composed original songs. Wilkie Ferguson (Motown, the Musical) is the Musical Director. Raquis Petree (Set It Off, the Musical) is the Choreographer. Desire Dubose is the Assistant Director. Baker-Oliver, Butler, Suli Myrie and Rikki Howie Lacewell are producers. “The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus” runs October 19– November 12, 2017 at the Anacostia Playhouse (located at 2020 Shannon Place, SE, Washington DC 20020). Tickets are $45-55, subject to change and based on availability, plus applicable fees. For tickets and additional information on The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus and Restoration Stage, Inc. please contact 202-714-0646 or visit www.restorationstage.org