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
A message for our times
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
Engage with the Play
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From the Director
ReadWe 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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Sensory Guide
Sensory GuideA chronological guide to the sensory impacts that individuals may experience during this show. Produced with guidance from our partners at Sensory Access.
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Inside Blues for an Alabama Sky
ExploreHead 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.
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
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

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