Back to Fall A&E Guide 2014 Index…
Local theatre productions are bringing real life to the big stage this fall — taking audience members back in time, exploring rural themes and highlighting minority history and culture.
9/26-10/4 // EVENING STAR PRODUCTIONS
‘A Raisin in the Sun’
“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore…” These famous words, created by Langston Hughes sparked the concept for “A Raisin in the Sun,” the most famous work of Ms. Lorraine Hansberry. This dramatic masterpiece centers on the Youngers. We meet them during a major period of transition, as they wait for a life insurance check that will change their lives. As Mama and Walter Lee have very different ideas of how the money should be spent, tensions arise, dynamics shift, and if the Younger’s are to pull together and fix what is broken, they must call on the most valuable thing they possess; the power of love, and discover more importantly, the power of Family. Contains strong language and adult themes. Presented by Evening Star Productions after a popular sold-out run in 2012.
704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
10/8-18 // ON Q PRODUCTIONS
‘For the Love of Harlem’
With book, lyrics and original songs by local playwright and LGBT community leader Jermaine Nakia Lee, “For the Love of Harlem” is a musical sensation profiling the lives of some of the brightest artistic visionaries of the Harlem Renaissance from Langston Hughes to Alberta Hunter. Nestled in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, this movement impacted the entire cultural spectrum; literature, drama, music, visual art and dance. The movement afforded unique ways to explore the historic struggles of Black America and the contemporary relevance of black life in the urban North. “For the Love of Harlem” takes us on a musical journey that shadows these brave artists who refused to be inauthentic, no matter what the black or white public thought. Directed by Sidney Horton, with music by Tyrone Jefferson and A Sign of the Times Band and choreography by Latanya Johnson.
704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org. onqproductions.com.
10/24-11/9 // THEATRE CHARLOTTE
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’
Set in Alabama during the Great Depression, “To Kill a Mockingbird” follows the journey of Jem and Scout Finch, whose father has been appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a black man framed for a crime he didn’t commit. As the trial progresses, Jem and Scout witness their community in a tense tug of war between justice and racism. This timeless classic compels us to take an honest look at our nation’s past and our moral responsibility to each other. Harper Lee found instant fame after “To Kill a Mockingbird” was published in 1960. The novel was showered with literary awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1961. Recommended for ages 12 and older.
704.372.1000. theatrecharlotte.org.
12/3-28 // ACTOR’S THEATRE
‘The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical’
Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte presents this raucous comedy — The lovable, zany residents of Armadillo Acres are back! While preparing to decorate a holiday contest, a new Scrooge-like resident begins to wreak havoc on the festivities. With songs like “My Christmas Tin Toy Boy” and “Christmas in My Mobile Home,” get ready for a cat-fightin’, sun-worshippin’, chair-throwin’ good time that’ll make grandma blush.
704-342-2251. actorstheatrecharlotte.org.
— compiled from releases and marketing materials