Penumbra Theatre Company, the nation’s preeminent African American theatre, announces the casting of I Wish You Love, by Dominic Taylor, directed by Lou Bellamy. The production features Dennis W. Spears as Nat “King” Cole, singing over 20 of Mr. Cole‘s beloved songs. This world premiere opens on the Penumbra stage April 21, 2011; Previews April 19 & 20; Runs April 21 – May 22, 2011. After its run at Penumbra, the production will travel to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. where it will run from June 11 – 19, 2011 in the Terrace Theater.
The production, I Wish You Love, is a drama with music about a moment in the life of Nat “King” Cole. The play uses Cole’s television show as a way to illustrate the man, the times, and the real life drama behind the sanitizing lens of the television camera. In 1957, President Eisenhower had the Civil Rights Act on his desk that he may or may not sign. Althea Gibson had won Wimbledon.
Nine children were about to integrate Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas. And, Nat “King” Cole was the first black man that many in America let into their living room as they swooned to his tunes, including “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” and “Let There Be Love.” Cole came to the forefront of American life as the storm clouds of the modern civil rights era grew. Still, he believed that with enough talent and persistence he would be judged on the content of his character as opposed to the color of his skin. This production will be relevant to all ages and engage everyone in a dialogue about the power of advocacy – and how it can create change.
The cast also includes Kevin D. West (Oliver Moore), Eric Berryman (Jeffrey Prince), and Phil Kilbourne (Bell Henry/Anchor/Announcer).
The artistic team also includes Lance Brockman (Scenic Designer), Don Darnutzer (Lighting Designer), Mathew J. LeFebvre (Costume Designer), Martin Gwinup (Sound and Video Designer), Sanford Moore (Musical Director), and Mary K. Winchell (Stage Manager).
I Wish You Love was developed in OKRA, the Penumbra new play development program and produced with the assistance of The Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays.
PENUMBRA THEATRE was founded in 1976 by Lou Bellamy to make socially responsible art – art that demanded a response, art with intent, art that could create change. At a time when roles for black artists were limited to stereotypes and comical representations, Penumbra produced theater that roared with authenticity through the unrestrained and rich voice of black artists and playwrights. This respect for cultural authenticity became Penumbra’s signature style – and demand for it has reached new heights from theatres around the country fostering collaborations, new productions, tours and awards. For the latest news and updates, visit www.penumbratheatre.org.
OKRA, the Penumbra Theatre new play program was launched in 2008– a rigorous culturally specific program where playwrights can develop their plays in a safe, nurturing environment without restriction or reservation. The program has three components dedicated to play development – the expansion of early ideas, the exploration of a play script, and a developmental workshop to share the script with an audience. The ultimate goal of OKRA is to move a new play onto the main stage. Each year, we conduct Word(s)Play!, an intense development workshop for playwrights to refine completed scripts with the help of actors, directors, designers and musicians – readying it for full production. Penumbra has nurtured three plays that have received further production opportunities at New York Theatre Workshop and LAByrinth Theatre Company in New York City; Providence Black Rep in Providence, Rhode Island; and American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, California. Word(s)Play! has quickly gained critical acclaim within the industry for the caliber of the playwrights involved and the complexity of the works selected. The program receives generous support from the Jerome Foundation.