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Blues for an Alabama Sky

January 30 – February 23, 2025

Bagley Wright Theater

In 1930s New York, the hopes of the Harlem Renaissance have been tempered by the realities of the Great Depression. Best friends and artists Angel and Guy dream of a glamorous future but can barely eke out a living in the jazz clubs, while their neighbor Delia and local doctor Sam deal with bombs and break-ins as they try to bring a family planning clinic to the neighborhood. When Angel catches the eye of a handsome newcomer, their clashing values set off a chain of events that will change everyone’s lives.

Lyrical and deeply moving, Pearl Cleage’s classic drama will immerse you in the joy, sorrow, and resilience of a society on the brink of change.

The piece is a stunner... oodles of talent

Broadway World

A message for our times

The Guardian

Important Dates

Event Type Event Dates
Preview Performances Jan. 30–Feb. 4
Pay What You Choose Performances Jan. 30 & Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Opening Night Feb. 5
Community Pop-Ups Feb. 5 & 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Insider Theater Tours Feb. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Mask Required Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
English Open Captions Feb. 13
Teen Night Feb. 14
Sensory Friendly Feb. 15 at 2 p.m.
Post-Show Panel: Black Women's Healthcare in America Feb. 19 at approx. 10 p.m.
Student Matinee Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m.
ASL & Audio Described Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.

More Videos

  • Artwork for Audience Reactions

    Audience Reactions

    “Loved it! Clearly 10 out of 10!” Hear more from audiences about Blues.

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  • Artwork for Behind the Scenes: Costumes

    Behind the Scenes: Costumes

    Hear from Tailor/Draper Christina Hobbs about how costumes come together for Blues for an Alabama Sky.

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  • Artwork for Quick Q&A with the Cast

    Quick Q&A with the Cast

    Etta James, decompressing after rehearsal, and Josephine Baker. Watch our Quick Q&A with the cast of Blues for an Alabama Sky.

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  • Artwork for Teaser

    Teaser

    "A message for our times" —The Guardian

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Engage with the Play

  • Artwork for Show Program

    Show Program

    Explore the Encore+ digital program before you arrive at the Theater.

    Show Program
  • Artwork for From the Director

    From the Director

    We sat down with director Valerie Curtis-Newton to talk about Blues for an Alabama Sky, playwright Pearl Cleage, and the importance of creating theater that builds community.

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  • Artwork for Sensory Guide

    Sensory Guide

    A chronological guide to the sensory impacts that individuals may experience during this show. Produced with guidance from our partners at Sensory Access.

    Sensory Guide
  • Artwork for Youth Guide

    Youth Guide

    Check out short articles, activities, and more in the show's Youth Guide.

    Youth Guide
  • Artwork for In the Press

    In the Press

    Check out what the press are saying about Blues for an Alabama Sky.

    Read
  • Artwork for Inside Blues for an Alabama Sky

    Inside Blues for an Alabama Sky

    Head over to Inside Seattle Rep to explore content about Blues, including words from our Artistic Director, a show-inspired reading list curated by librarians at Seattle Public Library, and more.

    Explore

Creative

Pearl Cleage

Playwright

Valerie Curtis-Newton*

Director

Matthew Smucker

Scenic Designer

Melanie Taylor Burgess

Costume Designer

Porsche McGovern

Lighting Designer

Larry D. Fowler, Jr.

Sound Designer

Tré Cotten

Dialect & Singing Coach

Devin E. Haqq

Irene Gandy Directing Assistant, The Drama League

Stina Lotti

Stage Manager

Shaina Pierce

Assistant Stage Manager

Cast

Ayanna Bria Bakari

Angel

Nathan Breedlove

Musician

Ajax Dontavius

Leland

Jamar Jones

Guy

Esther Okech Lewis

Delia

Yusef Seevers

Sam

Additional Staff

Ian Evans

Lighting Design Apprentice

Joi Elise Green

Directing Apprentice

Adam Zopfi Hulse

Flyperson

Jacqueline E. Lawton

Dramaturgical Research

Adam Michard

Drafter

Dave Misner

A2

K.D. Schill

Wardrobe

Charles Trowbridge

Wardrobe

Sophia Tuell

Stage Management Apprentice

hansberry project circle graphic logo uk7fc4

About The Hansberry Project

The Hansberry Project is a professional Black theater company dedicated to the artistic exploration of African American life, history, and culture. From initial sketches to fully-realized productions, The Hansberry Project promotes and supports Black theater artists of diverse interests and disciplines, centering them in the artistic process. The Project's goal is to create a space where the entire community can be enriched by the voices of professional Black artists, reflecting autonomous concerns, investigations, dreams, and artistic expression.

Visit hansberryproject.org for upcoming events and updates, and learn about the Project's partnership with The Drinking Gourd, a national cohort of Black Theaters focusing on the development and production of work by Black playwrights.

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Blues for an Alabama Sky is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service imprint (www.dramatists.com)

Blues for an Alabama Sky is sponsored by:

Producing Partners

Alida & Christopher Latham

Production Sponsors

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* Support for the role of Director is generously provided by
Grace Nordhoff and Jonathan Beard