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University Theatre celebrates civil rights movementMarch 18, 2008 KALAMAZOO--University Theatre at Western Michigan University provides a timely celebration of the civil rights movement with the production "North Star," which runs March 27 through April 6 in Williams Theatre at the Gilmore Theatre Complex. Performances of "North Star" at Williams Theatre Thursday, March 27, at 8 p.m. Gloria Bond Clunie's "North Star" won the Theodore Ward Prize for African American playwrights in 1994 for its powerful and absorbing exploration of the struggle for dignity and humanity during the civil rights crusade. This dramatic production examines the racial tensions that ran high during this pivotal period in American history. Set in North Carolina, the Taylor family is caught up in the sit-in movement sweeping across the nation in the early days of the struggle for civil rights, jeopardizing the innocence of childhood and the peace of a family. The joyous promise of a Southern summer clashes with the harsh realities of racist America in this portrayal of the arduous road to desegregation. "North Star" is not appropriate for children under 10. WMU professor of theatre Dr. Von Washington directs the all-student cast, which includes Chanelle Battles, La'Avery Black, Chelsea B. Boisseau, Cornelius Davidson, Stephen Gray, Ryan Guess, Brandon Higgins, Camille James, Darren Johnston, Phoebe Kelly, Oliver Murphy, Faiz Osman, Crystal Lucas-Perry, Danielle Price, Joseph Russell, Chad Sutton, Warren Talley, Janai Travis, Bianca Washington and Iva Washington. The creative team includes WMU students Phil Baranski, stage manager; Kristen Ahern and Denise Dietrich, costume design; Megan Lammy, lighting design; and Micah Stieglitz, scenic design. General admission seating for "North Star" is $17, $12 for senior citizens and WMU employees, and $7 for students. Tickets are available by calling (269) 387-6222, online at wmich.edu/theatre, or by visiting the Gilmore Theatre Complex Ticket Office, Miller Auditorium Ticket Office or downtown Kalamazoo's Epic Center Box Office. Group discounts are available. Media contact: Jason Nuzzo, (269) 387-3227, jason.a.nuzzo@wmich.edu WMU News |
