USM to Present Blues for an Alabama Sky

The University of Southern Mississippi will present Pearl Cleage's "Blues for an Alabama Sky" at the Hartwig Theatre in the Hattiesburg campus, with performances set for Feb. 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and on Feb. 23 and 24 at 2 p.m.

"Blues for an Alabama Sky" takes place in an apartment building in Harlem, over an eight-week period during the summer of 1930. Angel, a struggling out-of-work blues singer, and her roommate Guy, an equally jobless costume designer, deal with juxtaposing feelings of wanting to belong and wanting to escape.

This play is directed by Amanda Washington, with performances by Timieya Harris (Angel), Sheldon Mba (Guy), Rakeala Thompson (Delia), R.J. Cyprian (Sam), and Tony Reimonenq III (Leland) covers many adult themes of racism, prohibition, and birth control while being contained in a small apartment.

“The Harlem Renaissance was expanding minds, changing attitudes and colliding with a country that takes steps back, sure, but also propels its citizenry forward through the spirit, engagement and determination of its people.” Stated Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune in a review.

Pearl Cleage is an acclaimed playwright and novelist from Atlanta, Georgia. An award-winning playwright whose "Flyin' West" was the most produced new play in the country in 1994, Cleage is also a best-selling author whose first novel, "What Looks Like Crazy on An Ordinary Day", was an Oprah Book Club pick as well as a New York Times bestseller for nine weeks.

Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for faculty, staff, seniors, and military; and $8 for students. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online.

For tickets, go to www.southernmisstickets.com. For more information, contact the Theatre program at 601.266.4994.