MINNEAPOLIS — The Guthrie Theater (Joseph Haj, Artistic Director) today announced the cast and creative team for “Blues for an Alabama Sky” by Pearl Cleage, directed by Nicole A. Watson.
“Blues for an Alabama Sky” will play January 28 – March 12, 2023, on the Wurtele Thrust Stage. Single tickets start at $20 for preview performances (January 28 – February 2). All other performances range from $31 to $80. Single and group tickets are on sale now through the Box Office at 612.377.2224 (single), 1.877.447.8243 (toll-free), 612.225.6244 (group) or online at guthrietheater.org. Accessibility services (ASL-interpreted, audio-described, open-captioned and relaxed performances) are available on select dates. For up-to-date information about the theater’s health and safety policies, visit www.guthrietheater.org/health.
“I’m thrilled to present Pearl Cleage’s “Blues for an Alabama Sky” as part of the Guthrie’s 60th season,” said Artistic Director Joseph Haj. “This brilliant drama, set during the Harlem Renaissance, follows compelling characters and speaks to themes of relevance today, from living an authentic life to following one’s dreams. I’m also honored to have the outstanding director, Nicole A. Watson, lead our extraordinary company in telling this beautiful story of hope and determination.”
In a Depression-era Harlem apartment building, a close-knit group of friends has become a chosen family. New roommates Angel and Guy — a recently fired blues singer and a promising costume designer with Paris in his sights — live across the hall from Delia, a social worker who sparks a relationship with the hardworking doctor Sam. Their lives are upturned when Southern newcomer Leland arrives and falls hard for Angel, who is torn between a stable life in Manhattan and an exhilarating overseas adventure with Guy. Angel chooses her path, but the decision leads to devastating consequences, shifting the trajectory of everyone’s futures and long-held dreams.
“Blues for an Alabama Sky” was originally commissioned by Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, where it had its world premiere in 1995. This production marks the first time Cleage’s work has been produced at the Guthrie. The cast of “Blues for an Alabama Sky” features Brittany Bellizeare (Guthrie: “The Bluest Eye”) as Delia, Lamar Jefferson (Guthrie: “The Tempest,” “A Christmas Carol,” “West Side Story”) as Guy, Darius Jordan Lee (Guthrie: “West Side Story”) as Leland, Kimberly Marable (Guthrie: debut) as Angel and Stephen Conrad Moore (Guthrie: “The Parchman Hour”) as Sam.
The creative team for “Blues for an Alabama Sky” includes Pearl Cleage (Playwright), Nicole A. Watson (Director), Lawrence E. Moten III (Scenic Designer), Sarita Fellows (Costume Designer), Sherrice Mojgani (Lighting Designer), Paul James Prendergast (Sound Designer/Composer), Faye M. Price (Dramaturg), Keely Wolter (Vocal Coach), Aaron Preusse (Fight Director), Shae Palic (Intimacy), Jennifer Liestman (Resident Casting Director), Karl Alphonso (Stage Manager), Jackie Mercer (Assistant Stage Manager), Jessica Natalie Smith (Assistant Director) and McCorkle Casting, Ltd. (NYC Casting Consultant).
Relaxed Performance – Sunday, March 5 at 1 p.m.
A relaxed performance is intended to be sensitive to and accepting of any audience member who may benefit from a more relaxed environment. It is intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences and/or other challenges attending the theater. Single tickets to the relaxed performance of “Blues for An Alabama Sky” are $29 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Box Office at 612.377.2224. For more information, visit www.guthrietheater.org/relaxed.
