of art & design
University Theatre presents
Wed-Sun, Oct 21-25
Wed-Sun, Oct 28-Nov 1
(8pm Wed-Sat, 3pm Sun)
Titmus Theatre, Thompson Hall
By Charles Randolph-Wright
The mesmerizing music of jazz singer Blue Williams frames the story of the
affluent African American Clark family, owners of a profitable funeral home
in rural South Carolina. Through the eyes of eldest son Reuben, this humorous
and tender family portrait spans almost twenty years of dark family secrets,
growing disquiet and unraveling dysfunction. “When sitting down to scribe
his new play Blue,…playwright Charles Randolph-Wright was determined to present
something never before seen on a major American stage: a black family drama
where the frailties of the characters, and not the condition of their blackness,
was the heart of the conflict.” Ben Patrick Johnson, executive producer for
the original cast album of Blue, Culturekiosque.com. Produced by special
arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. New York City
Some material may not be suitable for very young children.
Tickets available at Ticket Central, online (click for link) or telephone 919.515.1100
Press Release (Word format)
TICKET INFORMATION: Visit our website at http://www.ncsu.edu/arts, 919.515.1100. For more information: 919.515.1100 or www.ncsu.edu/theatre or email universitytheatre@ncsu.edu
Individual tickets: Adults $17 ($15); seniors, NCSU faculty and staff, students, alumni association members, parent association members and Encore, $15 ($13); NCSU students $5 (Discounted prices in red are for weeknight productions)
Music by Nona Hendryx
Lyrics by Nona Hendryx and Charles Randolph-Wright
Director
Ronald A. Foreman*
Costume and Hair Design
Jennifer Dasher
Set Design
Jayme Mellema
Lighting Design
Paul Pharris
Sound Design
Ronald A. Foreman & Paul Pharris
Technical Direction
David Jensen
Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., New York.
* Indicates member of Alpha Psi Omega Honorary Theatre Fraternity
Setting: Late 1970s and later, mid-1990s. Kent, South Carolina, a fictional small mill town in the northern part of the state. The Clarks are the wealthiest African-American family in the city and the proprietors of the only African-American funeral home.
Act 1
Prologue/Scene 1: A Friday afternoon in 1977.
Scene 2: Later that evening
Scene 3: The following week.
Scene 4: Friday, a week later
Scene 5: Evening of the same day
There will be one (1) fifteen-minute intermission
Act 2
Scene 1: 15 years later. Before noon at the Clark home.
Scene 2: Same day. Clark Funeral Home. Later that afternoon.
Scene 3: Later that night
Scene 4: Next day, early in the morning.
Epilogue: Several years later. Blue’s recording studio.
Cast (in order of Appearance)
REUBEN CLARK (ADULT) |
Bryce Davis |
REUBEN CLARK/BLUE JR |
Daryl “DJ” Lawrence, Jr |
PEGGY CLARK |
Kendra Sherae McCaffity |
BLUE WILLIAMS |
Anthony L Hardison |
SAMUEL CLARK III |
Kelvin Carter |
LATONYA DINKINS |
Kira Lopez* |
SAMUEL CLARK JR |
William Mitchell |
TILLIE CLARK |
Patricia C Caple* |
* Member of Alpha Psi Omega Honorary Theatre Fraternity
Production
Stage Manager |
Alyssa Johnson* |
Assistant Stage Manager |
Ryan Moseley |
Assistant Stage Manager |
Kira Lopez* |
Master Carpenter |
Randall Rehfuss* |
Scenic Carpenter |
Sarah Scott |
Scenic Artist |
Beth Caldwell |
Properties Master |
Jayme Mellema |
Properties Runner |
Carizma Thomas |
Set Crew |
Trameeka Reid, Samantha Dowless, Amanda Friesen, Nash Page, Lisa Kim, Brittney Dockery, Kenneth Howell Jr, Blake Sharrits*, Reid Phillips |
Light Assistants |
Audi Augustin, Shannon Ronan, Caitlin Barnes,Casey Watkins*, Virginia Coleman, Kayla West, Jana Cope, Margie Ray,Robert Fulton, Quinton Godley, Shaton Grant, Robert Lowe |
Costume Shop Manager |
Jennifer Dasher |
Assistant Costumer |
Kristin Grieneisen* |
Wardrobe Supervisor |
Amanda Friesen |
Dressers |
Laura Guderian |
Makeup Crew |
ARS 233 Makeup Design Class |
Costume Crew |
Emily Plonski*, Casey Watkins*, Victoria Bledsoe, Kelsey Fitzpatrick, Brittney Dockery |
|
|
Marketing |
Nancy Breeding |
Marketing |
Ellie Cooke |
Marketing, Graphics and Photography |
Ronald A Foreman* |
House Manager |
University Theatre House Staff |
* Indicates member of Alpha Psi Omega Honorary Theatre Fraternity
BLUE Cast Bios
Patricia C. Caple, Tillie Clark, associate professor emeritus in the department of Communication and retired artistic director with University Theatre, spent more than 20 years here at North Carolina State University. She holds the Ph.D. in theatre and African American studies from Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio. A recipient of the Academy of Women Art Award and the UNC Playmakers Repertory Company Theatre Award, Pat (PC) has a deep and abiding love for August Wilson and has directed 8 of his 10 plays here at University Theatre. Her University Theatre acting credits include “Medea” in Black Medea and the infamous “Gertrude Ma Rainey” in Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. PC is delighted to be back with the University Theatre staff and students. “Thanks for the opportunity.”
Kelvin Carter, Samuel Clark III, is a sophomore in computer and electrical engineering. Blue is Kelvin’s second production with NC State University’s University Theatre. With support from his family and friends, he hopes to continue working in more productions here. “Thank you to all who have supported and encouraged me.”
Bryce Davis, Adult Reuben, is a junior in chemistry and is making his debut performance here at University Theatre. Bryce would like to thank his family, friends, and the cast and crew of Blue for making this an unforgettable experience. Most importantly, thank you, the audience, for your support of live theatre. It is this support that maintains and progresses this wondrous art. “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” – Max Ehrmann
Anthony L. Hardison, Blue Williams, is a graduate of North Carolina State University with degrees in arts application—theatre and criminology. Anthony’s first role in a University Theatre production was as “George Murchinson” in A Raisin in the Sun. Additional credits include “Sheally” in Jitney, “Mister” in King Hedley II, “Levee” in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and “ Miss Roj,” “Walter Lee Beau Willie,” and “The Kid” in The Colored Museum.
Daryl “DJ” Lawrence, Jr., Young Reuben/Blue Jr., is a 7th grader at Centennial Middle School. This is Daryl’s first theatrical production. “Dee” would like to thank his mom for getting him to rehearsal every night.
Kira Lopez, Latonya Dinkins, is a junior in zoology. Previous theatrical credits include “Ophelia” in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and “Pfc. Santiago” in A Few Good Men. Kira was assistant stage manager for Godspell and Never the Sinner – all here at University Theatre.
William Mitchell, Samuel Clark II, is a senior in English (creative writing) with a minor in film. William’s previous theatre credits include a cameo role in A Few Good Men.
Kendra Sherae McCaffity, Peggy Clark, is a junior in communication media and psychology. Kendra is making her University Theatre debut in the role of Blue’s Peggy Clark.
Production Bios
Ronald A. Foreman, Director, is a graduate of North Carolina State University and is graphic designer with University Theatre. He is making his directoral debut. Under the tutelage of Dr. Patricia Caple, Ron became an avid fan of the theater. His credits include “Toledo” in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, “Bynum Walker” in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, “Wining Boy” in The Piano Lesson, “Memphis Lee Green” in Two Trains Running, “Troy Maxson” in Fences, “Turnbo” in Jitney, “Elmore” in King Hedley II, and “Hedley” in Seven Guitars—all August Wilson works. Additional credits include “Jason” in Black Medea, “Guy”in Blues for an Alabama Sky, and “Charlie” in Bourbon at the Border. Musical director credits include Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Purlie, The Amen Corner, and The Colored Museum. “Thanks to University Theatre for this great opportunity; Dr. Patricia Caple for all the years of mentoring; the design staff for all of your efforts; and the cast and crew for placing such trust in me. Break a leg!”
Alyssa Johnson, Stage Manager, is a junior in elementary education with a minor in theatre. This is Alyssa’s fourth University Theatre production, but her first time as stage manager. Previous UT credits include roles in Christmas Belles, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Dearly Departed. She would like to thank her family, the fabulous cast, everyone who helped her learn how to be a stage manager, and all her past stage managers who were severely underappreciated. Alyssa wishes “break a leg!” to the whole cast!
Ryan Moseley, Assistant Stage Manager, is a sophomore in communication – communication media. This is Ryan’s first production with University Theatre and his first technical role. His theatrical credits prior to University Theatre include Fools, Grease, Guys and Dolls, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Native Son.
Kira Lopez, Associate Stage Manager. See description above.
Acknowledgements
North Carolina State University Music Department
Mr. Ron Cornelous