True Colors Theatre Company presents World Premiere Musical Based on the Life of Bessie Smith

Don’t you just get excited when you hear about another Kenny Leon and True Colors Theatre Company production?  They are so very proud to announce a World Premiere Musical about the life of Bessie Smith, written and directed by former Alliance Theatre Associate Artistic Director, David H. Bell.  “Gut Bucket Blues” premiered at the Balzer Theatre at Herren’s located at 84 Luckie Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
on October 1, 2010 and will run through November 7, 2010. Performances are Tuesday – Saturday @ 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday @ 2:30 PM.  Several shows are already sold out so hurry and get your tickets. Tickets and Season Subscriptions are available by contacting Ticket Alternative @ 1.877.725.8849 or www.ticketalternative.com and more information can be found at www.truecolorstheatre.org. Group Sales for groups of 10 or more are available by contacting True Colors’ Group Sales department at 404.588.0308 ext. 201.

ABOUT BESSIE SMITH
Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, TN and was known as the “Empress of the Blues”. She ran away as a teenager to join a traveling show as a dancer and in 1912 she began performing in the same show as a blues vocalist  called “Ma Rainey.”  She later signed to Columbia Records and Bessie Smith recorded her first song “Down Hearted Blues” in 1923 which was a huge success.  Now you will just have to see the show to learn more about Ms. Bessie Smith or wait for my review coming soon, because I can’t wait to see it!!

ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT/DIRECTOR
David H. Bell For the last 30 years, David H. Bell’s career has spanned a wide range of International and National projects as director, choreographer and author. As Artistic Director of the historic Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., David inaugurated such World Premiere musicals as Elmer Gantry, A Christmas Carol (adaptor) and Hot Mikado (author – winner Helen Hayes Award, Best Director). His work at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Marriott Theatre and Drury Lane Oakbrook in Chicago has earned him 40 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations (winning the award 11 times). In New York City, David has directed both on and off Broadway, include the Diffa Tribute to Edith Head (Michael Douglas, Lauren Bacall, Julianne Moore), Heartstrings (Sandy Duncan, Patti LuPone, Salt N’ Pepa, Sara Gilbert) and Give My Regards to Broadway at Carnegie Hall (Richard Kiley, Jule Styne, Carol Channing, Jerry Orback, Chita Rivera, Jerry Herman, George Abbott). Internationally, David has worked on London’s West End on Hot Mikado (author – Laurence Olivier Award Nominee), Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, Berlin, Barcelona (1992 Olympic Closing Ceremonies), the Harlem Gospel Singers and the Dirty Dancing Concert Tour. As Associate Artistic Director to Kenny Leon at the Alliance Theatre, David directed over 20 productions. David has written numerous musicals, including Cowboys and Lawyers and The Good War with Craig Carnelia. David currently heads the Music Theatre program at Northwestern University.

ABOUT THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR
JMichael holds BA and Masters Degrees from Alabama State and the University of Michigan, respectively. He has produced corporate shows at The Mirage and Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas. His "Platters Tribute" concept performed ten shows with Marvin Hamlisch and the prestigious Pittsburgh Symphony and he has been a featured performer for Disney cruises and Disneyland. Black Nativity, The Wiz, Ain't Misbehavin’, and Blues in the Night are among the many shows he has been Musical Director. His acting performances include Piano Lesson and Mahalia. He co-wrote and performed the title song for the movie Olive Juice.

THE CAST
Adrienne Reynolds* (Bessie Smith)
Christopher Morgan* (Clarence Smith)
Jahi Kearse* (Jack Gee, Lonnie Fisher)
JC Long (Man #1)
Amber Iman* (Woman #1)
Latrice Pace (Woman #2)

Bios for the cast are available at http://www.truecolorstheatre.org/gutbucketblues.
*Denotes that actors appear courtesy of the Actor’s Equity; the union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

THE DESIGNERS
Rochelle Barker (Scenic Designer)
Joseph Futral (Lighting Designer)
Jeremy W. Floyd (Costume Designer)
MC Park (Props)

THE MUSICIANS
Freddie Beyah (Guitar)
John Kaleefa Haamid (Drums)
Ramon Pooser (Bass)
JMichael (Piano)

True Colors Theatre Company is a national theatre company based in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Founded by Artistic Director Kenny Leon, and Managing Director Jane Bishop, True Colors strives to be an important voice in the American discussion of diversity including plays and playwrights from various times, cultures and perspectives.