BLACK
REP KICKS OFF 26TH SEASON WITH
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT BY SANDRA REAVES-PHILLIPS 
She
has been compared to the great legends of the past and is often referred
to as the new queen of the blues. Sizzling Sandra Reaves-Phillips will
be singing and swinging in St. Louis when she opens the St. Louis Black
Repertory Company's 2003 Mainstage season, 26 THE BLUE SEASON, with THE
LATE GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ. The special limited engagement will
run January 8 through January 26 at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel
Square.
Perhaps
best known as the music teacher in the hit film, LEAN ON ME, Reaves-Phillips
created THE LATE GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ as a tribute to those
fabulous divas Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Ethel Waters, Billie Holiday,
Dinah Washington & Mahalia Jackson. "It is difficult to play
the role of a legend. You can't imitate. You have to reach the height
of your own delivery. If I can deliver the spirit of the singer to audiences
then I'm happy," Reaves-Phillips said.
"Sandra's
show is dedicated to recreating the essences of these legendary women
who put their hearts and souls into a song, spreading joy and excitement.
Her charismatic presence and sassy, classy voice makes the production
a perfect start for 26 THE BLUE SEASON," said Ron Himes, founder
and producing director of the St. Louis Black Repertory Company....continued.
St.
Louis Black Repertory Company
26
THE BLUE SEASON
|
|
SAINT
LUCY'S EYES
MIDWEST
PREMIERE
by
Bridgette Wimberly
February 5 - March 2
|
IT
AIN'T NOTHING
BUT THE BLUES
MIDWEST
PREMIERE
by
Charles Bevel, Lita Gaithers, Randal Myler, Ron Taylor
and Dan Wheetman
March 12 - April 13
|
DAMN
YANKEES
by
George Abbott
and Douglass Wallop
Music
and Lyrics
by Richard Adler
and Jerry Ross.
May 28 - June 28
|
ROBERT
JOHNSON
TRICK THE DEVIL
by
Bill Harris
April 23 -May 18
|
Season subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now. Single ticket
prices range from $22.50 to $35.00. To order your tickets call 314/534-3810
or visit the box office at 634 N. Grand, 10th Floor.
LATE
GREAT LADIES OF BLUES AND JAZZ
is sponsored by Anheuser Busch.
Performance
Dates and Times:
January 8 through 26, 2003
Wednesday and Thursday, January 8 and 9 preview performances 8:00 p.m.
Friday, January 10 Opening Night, 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances 8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday matinee performances 3:00 p.m.
Production
staff:
Musical Director, Neal Tate; Scenic Designer, John Roslevich Jr.; Lighting
Designer, Joseph Clapper; Costume Supervisor, Sara Kahn Shapiro; Stage
Manager, Tracy Holliway-Wiggins
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