2008-2009 Theatrical Season
Main Stage
Why A Sistah Can’t Get No Love?
From the creators of Bessie's Blues and Black Nativity—a hilarious new adult comedy on the taboos of sex, love, and infidelity.
Written and Directed by Thomas W. Jones II
Starring Karl D'Wayne Gardner and Veronica Byrd
September 13 – October 19, 2008
Encore Theatre
3264 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Saturdays: 7 PM and 10 PM (BYOB - 10PM show only)
Sundays: 5 PM
Tickets:
$15 (advance)
$20 (door)
$12.50 each for groups of 10 or more
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKET(S)
For group information call 404-735-5282
Black Nativity
December 2008
Musical -Annual Christmas Production
Written by Langston Hughes
Directed By Thomas W. Jones
Musical Director William Hubbard
This gospel musical explosion is inspired by renowned poet Langston Hughes. Black Nativity celebrates the “greatest story ever told,” the traditional Christmas story, using a soulful point of view and distinct energy of the black urban church. Powerful narration and glorious gospel music fill the stage in a jubilant expression of human love, joy and celebration. Black Nativity is an uplifting musical experience for the whole family, people of all persuasions, religious and secular alike.
Waiting to Be Invited
February 2009
Drama Written by S. M. Shephard-Massat
Black History Month Production
It's the summer of 1964 in Atlanta, Georgia. Four middle-aged black women, co-workers from a local doll factory, travel by city bus to a "whites only" eating establishment inside a downtown Atlanta department store Their purpose is to "test" their newly acquired civil rights handed down by the Supreme Court outlawing segregation in eating establishments. This funny, touching play received the Kennedy Center Roger L. Stevens Award for New Playwrights and the Adrienne Kennedy Award for Most Promising Young Dramatist.
Back By Popular Demand...The Helen Hayes Award Winning Musical
Bessie’s Blues
Drama - Written and Directed By Thomas W. Jones II
April 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19
Chattanooga Theatre Centre
BESSIE’S BLUES is more than a biography of Blues legend Bessie Smith it is a musical journey A Blues Odyssey through the 20th Century of Hip Shaking, Earth Quaking Rhythms. BESSIE’S BLUES is a travelogue thru the blues as voices are heard thru the Blues icon Chattanooga’s own and Empress of the Blues Bessie Smith. It is a non-stop musical journey that reaches the heart of a people and the soul if it’s music. For anyone with a pulse; a soul; Bessie’s Blues shakes the rafters with the foot stomping rhythms of the blues.
Season Finale
TBA
Youth Theatre Series
2nd Annual City Wide High School Monologue Competition
October 2008
This competition is part of our arts and education initiative to showcase the very talented youth of our next generation. This competition not only gives these young men and women an opportunity to showcase their talents, but also it helps to build self confidence and self discipline.
New Works Series
Artistic Director Thomas W. Jones II
Feature new published and unpublished works of established artist and emerging artists.
Why A Sistah Can’t Get No Love?
From the creators of Bessie's Blues and Black Nativity—a hilarious new adult comedy on the taboos of sex, love, and infidelity.
Written and Directed by Thomas W. Jones II
Starring Karl D'Wayne Gardner and Veronica Byrd
September 13 – October 19, 2008
Encore Theatre