After numerous calls, inquiries and
requests, Unity Theatre Ensemble will reprise its 4-time Kevin
Kline Awards nominated musical production, The Cotton Club
Revue, May 20, 21, 22 and 23 at The Ivory Theatre, 7622
Michigan Avenue, in south St. Louis. Evening performances are
Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; matinees are Saturday
and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
Come out and spend the evening with
Unity Theatre Ensemble and take the A-train back to 1930's Harlem
for a fast-paced slice of entertaining nostalgia highlighting
music, songs and dance made popular during the era of New York's
famed Cotton Club. The show features songs from legendary singers
like Bessie Smith, Lena Horne, Ethel Waters, Louis Armstrong
and Fats Waller; music from Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and
the exhilarating energy of dancers like the Nicolas Brothers
and Josephine Baker. African dance, Tap, Ballroom and the rousing
Lindy Hop at a Harlem neighborhood rent party all help to create
one exciting and memorable evening.
This encore will feature the vocal talents
of: Willena Vaughn (Kevin Kline Award nominee), Herman Gordon,
Shelley Miller, Nakischa Joseph, Sam Huddleston and LaMesha Brown.
Featured dancers are Ashi Smythe (featured dancer from the original
Broadway cast of The Lion King), Rece Jones, Jamila Ajanaku,
Samoria Austin, Ledell Watt and Steve Martin. The production
is compiled and directed by Ralph E. Greene, Artistic Director
of Unity Theatre Ensemble. David A. Foote (Kevin Kline Award
nominee) is the music arranger and conductor. Choreography is
by Andrea Smythe (instructor/dancer/choreographer trained by
the renowned dance legend, Miss Katherine Dunham).
The Cotton Club Revue premiered in May 2008 to much critical acclaim.
The Post Dispatch called it "a delightful evening of entertainment
recalling the spirit of the Cotton Club... The company's enthusiasm
is infectious throughout the show." KDHX Independent Media
summed it up with "I further hope it's revived soon because
I want to go back again and again...Bravo!"
It was also honored with 4 Kevin Kline
Award nominations in January 2009: Outstanding Ensemble in a
Musical, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical, Outstanding
Musical Direction, and Outstanding Production of a Musical.
Don't miss the A-Train. Advance tickets
are $21.00 general admission and $18.00 for senior citizens and
students with I.D. and may be purchased at MetroTix Outlets (314)
535-1111 or at Afro World, Inc. (314) 389-5194. Tickets purchased
at the door are $25.00 and $21.00. For group rates, reservations,
and charge by phone, call the Unity Theatre Ensemble office at
(314) 355-3586.
This production is supported in part
by funding received from the Missouri Arts Council's Minority
Arts Program, the National Endowment for the Arts and funds from
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provided by
the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment
for the Arts.
