Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College selected the musical, “Blues in the Night,” to be presented by the Music and Theatre Department to celebrate Black History Month. “In addition to its unique style and evocative musical numbers, the play honors original music by Sheldon Epps. I wanted to feature the works of talented black artists and a musical directed by a black producer for Black History Month,” said SMWC Theatre Director and 2011 graduate, Danielle O’Connor. “It’s important to me, as a woman of color, to pay homage to the men and women who came before, especially in theatre, where they can sometimes be overlooked. The students, musicians and educators know these artists and these songs so well already, that they are able to make them their own and add such intense character to them.”
“Blues in the Night” is a scorching, Tony-nominated musical with twenty-six hot and torchy numbers that tell of the sweet, sexy and sorrowful experiences three women have with the lying cheating snake of a man who does them wrong. This performance will leave the audience energized, inspired and ready to wail.
SMWC students performing will have the opportunity to share their talents of acting, singing and dancing — all in one show! With little spoken text, the interweaving stories are defined through glorious songs which cover the range of this indigenous American art form, from Bessie Smith to Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arien, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox and more. The “Blues in the Night” tell of the pain and misery of life and love and also of the determination to get through it all that is the essence of the blues.
Performances will be held on the SMWC campus in the Cecilian Auditorium of the Conservatory of Music. Shows are presented February 26 – 28, 2016. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children. Entrance is free for area college students with an ID, SMWC faculty and staff and Sisters of Providence.
For more information, contact the Department of Music and Theatre hotline at 812-535-6211.
Cast List:
The Girl with a Date…………………Sara Langenberger*
The Lady from the Road…………………….Mya Terrell
The Woman of the World…………………..Alli Payonk*
The Man…………………………………….Nathan Mensah*
Chorus:
Jessie Bowen*
Devyn Burns*
Shea Davis*
Jaclene Estremera
Kristin Foster*
Kelli Seida*
*Denotes Music and Theatre majors/minors
Director….Danielle O’Connor
Musical Director/Conductor/Technical Director…..Anthony Dinkel
Accompanist….Kurt Perry
Costume Designer….Joni Hooper
Lighting Designer….David G. DelColletti