Blues For An Alabama Sky

The University of Memphis Department of Theatre & Dance closes the 2014-2015 season with a production of Blues for an Alabama Sky written by Pearl Cleage. An Atlanta based writer, Mrs. Cleage's work occupies a unique niche in contemporary African-American fiction. Her characters are complex, multi-faceted and honest conveying her optimistic worldview and belief in positive change and transformation, and her unwavering faith in the possibility and power of romantic love. Exposing both the characters' strengths and weaknesses allows us to see them as characters from our own lives. Set in 1930's Harlem, New York, Blues for an Alabama Sky introduces us to a rich cast of characters scrambling to survive the depression and to fulfill their artistic hopes and dreams. A witty and lively examination of social issues of the 1930s that are still relevant today; unemployment, homelessness, the fight for reproductive rights, gay bashing and the search for self and for our place in the world.

Director: LAWRENCE BLACKWELL
Scenic Designer: KEENAN MINOGUE
Technical Director: JAKE LACHER
Music and Dance Coordinator: WAYNE M. SMITH
Costume Designer: CORINNE LANGFORD
Sound Designer: JAMES VITALE
Stage Manager: KATIE SUGGS

CAST
Guy: TRISTAN PARKS
Angel: EMILY MCCORMICK
Delia: DESTINY FREEMAN
Sam: MARLON FINNE
Leland: ROMAN KALEI
Special Appearances: JESSICA OTIS and CHRISTIAN BOYD