San Diego REP to Closes Storyville, 12/12

It's 1917 in the middle of Mardi Gras. Just two blocks from the French Quarter is Storyville, the red light district of New Orleans with its saloons, gambling joints and brothels. Louis Armstrong, Ma Rainey and Jelly Roll Morton are creating the unique sound of American jazz and this is the place to hear it. The third production in San Diego REPertory Theatre's 35th season is Storyville, written by award-winning playwright Ed Bullins, revised and directed by Ken Page and produced by special arrangement with Muse Enterprises. Previews begin Fri., Nov. 13 on the Lyceum Stage. Opening night is Fri., Nov. 19. Storyville runs through Dec. 12, 2010.

From the opening street parade down the aisles of the Lyceum to the soaring climax on the tracks of the infamous Basin Street Railway Station, Storyville is a soulful jazz musical that will have audiences dancing in their seats. Join Butch Cobra Brown, a former prizefighter who arrives in New Orleans with trumpet in hand to join the musical renaissance. The star of the cabaret scene is torch singer Tigre Savoy, a single mother on the verge of a soaring musical career. Butch and Tigre might become lovers, but the political machine has its own plan for their futures. Butch is forced into a high-stakes boxing match that leads to a street brawl. The Department of the Navy shuts down the Storyville red light district forever, forcing the musicians, their culture and their music to roll north up the river, spreading the new sound and energy of jazz music across the heart of American culture.

Storyville was written by Ed Bullins, a leading figure in African-American theatre of the 1960's and 1970's. San Diego REPertory Theatre's production of Storyville has been revised and will be directed by Broadway veteran Ken Page, an original cast member of the award-winning companies of Ain't Misbehavin' and Cats. With music and lyrics by Mildred Kayden, this musical features a cast of 21 electric singers and dancers and a live seven-piece band. Set in the bawdy "Mulligan's Saloon and Cabaret Club," Storyville will ignite the stage with music duels between two kings of the jazz trumpet and sizzling dance numbers.

"Storyville is a perfect REP show; a banquet of musical styles and live jazz musicians telling a story that reflects a collision of cultures and desires set in one of America's most magical cities," says Sam Woodhouse, artistic director and co-founder, San Diego REPertory Theatre. "Based on true events in American history, Storyville is another REP journey into the tapestry that makes American culture so rich and fascinating."

Previews for Storyville begin Fri., Nov. 13, 2010. Opening Night is Fri., Nov. 19, 2010. Performances run through Dec. 12 on the Lyceum Stage.

San Diego REP will host Surround Events to enhance the performance experience for guests. Discussions, performances and interactive events related to the themes of Storyville will be held in the Lyceum Lobby before selected performances. Surround Events are free and open to the public. See below for a complete list of events or visit www.sdrep.org.

San Diego REP's box office is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on non-performance days and 12 noon to curtain on performance days. Ticket prices are $34 to $53. There are discounts for seniors and members of the military. Student tickets are $18. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets at a discounted rate. For more information, please see our website at www.sdrep.org

About The REP

San Diego REPertory Theatre (REP) produces intimate, exotic, provocative theatre. We promote a more inclusive community through vivid works that nourish progressive political and social values and celebrate the multiple voices of our region. San Diego REPertory Theatre feeds the curious soul. To learn more about San Diego REPertory Theatre, visit www.sdrep.org. Join us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/sandiegorep) and follow us on Twitter (@SanDiegoREP).

 

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