Florida A&M University

ESSENTIAL THEATRE’S 2009 - 2010 SEASON

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SPECIAL EVENTS

 

FAMU CONNECTION 2009: Celebrate: No Turning Back                                                      

If you like good singing and great dancing then check out The FAMU Connection’s 25^th Anniversary show, Celebrate: No Turning Back.  This popular ensemble gives a high energy performance of Broadway show tunes, contemporary gospel and the dance infused music of the “King of Pop” in this musical tradition that lends entertainment to FAMU’s recruitment fairs.  See them before they hit the road!

 

Wed., September 16    8pm

Lee Hall Auditorium

Free and open to the public.

 

FAMU LYCEUM SERIES

Florida A&M University (FAMU) proudly announces the “Rebirth” of its Lyceum Series.  Launched more that 60 years ago, the Lyceum Series hosted premier cultural events on the University campus for students and local and surrounding community members.  The 2009-2010 season will feature an impressive line-up of renowned vocalists, dance groups and theatrical performances including the Essential Theatre’s production of Crowns. 

 

CROWNS

Written by Regina Taylor

            Directed by Valencia E. Matthews

 

Based on the book Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, this gospel-infused play weaves together a variety of stories, characters, times and places as a young African American girl tries to find her identity and her place in the world.  It takes grandmother, and her circle of friends to teach the child about faith, fellowship and “church hat” fashion.

Fri. February 26     7:30pm
Sat. February  27   2pm & 7:30pm
Sun. February 28   2pm
Lee Hall Auditorium

Price: $15 Gen., $12 Sen., $7 Stud./Child  $5 FAMU Stud.

Free for the first 500 FAMU Students with valid I.D.

 

For a full listing of Lyceum events contact the Office of Communications at (850) 599-3413.

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THEATRE UNBOUND

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Emergency

            Written and Performed by Daniel Beaty

            Directed by Charles Randolph Wright

           

The year is 2006. A slave ship rises out of the Hudson River in front of the Statue of Liberty sending the nation into a whirlwind of emotion and exploration in this explosive solo tour de force featuring slam poetry, multi-character transformation, and song. Through Beaty’s portrayal of 40 characters and their individual responses to the ship and their varied testimonies on identity and personal freedom, Emergency weaves a stirring commentary on modern black life.

 

ONE SHOW ONLY! Reviewed as a "brilliant, spellbinding performance."  Don’t Miss it!

Tues., October 13, 2009   8PM

Lee Hall Auditorium

Price: $12 Gen., $9 Sen., $7 Stud.

Free for FAMU Students with valid I.D.

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MAINSTAGE SERIES

 

Classic NEC

 

This tribute to the rich legacy of the Negro Ensemble Company offers a mosaic of performances of scenes from seminal plays entwined with spoken word, archival photos and video clips of the ground breaking company’s contribution to American Theatre.   

 

Tues., December 1  & Wed., December 2           8pm

New FAMU DRS Cafetorium

Price: $10 Gen., $5 Sen. & Stud.

Free for FAMU Students with valid I.D.

 

 

AN EVENING OF ONE-ACTS

                                                                                   

A selection of contemporary comedies provide a thought-provoking and laughter-inducing evening of entertainment.

  

Beyond Therapy

Written by Christopher Durang

Directed By Luther D. Wells

 

In Durang’s bizarre and wacky comedy, Prudence answers a personal ad placed by Bruce, a bi-sexual man, after which foibles spin out of control.

 

Cover

Written by Jeffrey Sweets

Directed by Marci J. Stringer

One man jeopardizes a friendship trying to save his marriage in this mini exploration of lying.

 

Baby Food

Written by David Linsay-Abaire

Directed by Marci J. Stringer

 

An off-kilter couple, desperately searching for godparents for their newborn infant, dine friends they've chosen who are less than adventurous connoisseurs and who come with a surprise of their own.

 

Wed., Mar.  24 – Fri., Mar. 26  8PM

Sat., Mar. 27     2PM & 8PM

Sun., Mar. 28     2PM

Price: $12 Gen., $9 Sen., $7 Stud.

Free for FAMU Students with valid I.D.

Lee Hall Auditorium

 

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Group Rates are Available

For more information call 850.561.2425

Or visit our website at www.essentialtheatre.us

Or email famuessentialtheatre@famu.edu