Coming up January 24 through February 10 is Nashville Children's Theatre (NCT) production of “Don't Tell Me I Can't Fly, an uplifting story for families and children ages 8 and up.
An original play by Y York, the story is inspired by the life and art of Milwaukee collage artist Della Wells. The script was presented in 2010 as a staged reading at New Visions/New Voices which is a new play symposium hosted at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
Tonia is an artistic 9 year-old with fantastic dreams of a giant future. Tonia's mom wants her to be like a doll, perfectly mannered and always the same size. Tonia's dad wants her to blend into the crowd in a world where African-Americans who stand tall are easier to cut down. But Tonia longs to soar. She knows that the best part of life and creativity is found where the colors blur. She believes it is okay to billow and fly, and that is where she feels both safe and whole.
This regional premiere, a story sure to be adored by young and old alike, is an engaging and humorous look at family life, inspired by the life and work of collage artist Della Wells.
The NCT production is performed by Jessica Kuende, Bralyn Stokes, David Chattam, Aleta Myles and Alicia Haymer. Scenic and lighting design is by Scott Leathers and costume design is by Patricia Taber.
On Saturday, February 2, artist Della Wells will be at NCT to participate in an audience Question and Answer segment and to discuss the play and her art, with some of her art on display in the NCT lobby. The Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission will also host a gallery show of Wells' art. (see below)
Tickets for this or any other NCT production can be purchased online at nashvillect.org or by calling 615-252-4675. Tickets are $12 up to age 17, with adult tickets $19 each. Groups of ten or more tickets can be purchased for $11 per person.
There is a preview performance on Thursday, January 24 at 6:30 pm, when NCT offers a a first look at the performance at discounted prices of $6 youth and $12 adult and is open to the general public.
Special Production Events:
- Preview Performance: Thursday, Jan. 24 at 6:30 pm - NCT offers a preview performance of Don’t Tell Me I Can’t Fly. This performance has discounted pricing of $6/youth and $12/adult and senior, and is open to the public.
- Opening Saturday: Saturday, Jan 26 – Prior to the 2 pm performance on this day, NCT offers special show related activities. These activities are free.
- Open Captioning: Saturday, Jan 26 – The 2 pm performance will offer open captioning for patrons who are hard of hearing.
- After-words: Saturday, Feb 2 – After the 2 pm performance, the audience is invited to enjoy a Q & A with artist Della Wells, the cast, and some of the show’s technical staff to learn more about the show’s creation.
METRO ARTS GALLERY SHOWING OF DELLA WELLS ART
The Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission (Metro Arts) will host an exhibit of Della Wells’
art. This exhibition is free and open to the public.
Dates: January 21 – March 1, 2013 (Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Location: Metro Arts Gallery is located on the 4th Floor of the Metro Office Building at 800 2nd Ave S. Please bring a valid ID to check in with security. A special artist reception will be held at Metro Arts Gallery on Friday, February 1 from 2pm to 4pm. Ms. Wells will be in attendance. This reception is open to the public.
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