New Rep Announces 'Dessa Rose'

New Repertory Theatre announces the New England premiere of Dessa Rose, from the award-winning composer-lyricist team of Ragtime. This powerful story of two strong-willed women explores diversity and unlikely friendship in the antebellum South.  Dessa Rose opens for the press on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. and plays through May 18, 2008 at the Arsenal Center for the Arts.

New Rep favorites Leigh Barrett and Todd Alan Johnson will be featured as Ruth and Adam Nehemiah, and Broadway actress and Boston University alumna Uzo Aduba will return to Boston to play Dessa.

"Two outcasts, one a fallen lady of society abandoned by her husband, the other a pregnant slave sentenced to death on the gallows, are thrust together. As they attempt escape, they form an uneasy alliance, securing them both their freedom and that of their infant children. The journey proves treacherous, and their lives become further intertwined. The women are forced to transcend racial barriers. They forge a true friendship that makes them realize they have far more power together than they ever would alone. Based on imagined details of real events, this dangerous adventure of a musical brings with it laughter, love, hope, and a pair of unlikely heroines," press notes state.

New Repertory Theatre presents provocative and intelligent works of both established and emerging playwrights in an intimate setting that involves and engages the audience.  New Rep has earned a reputation for dynamic productions that honor the writers and feature talented professional actors from the New England theatre community as well as guest artists from around the U.S.  New Rep has received Elliot Norton and IRNE Awards for outstanding acting, scenic design, direction, and production. New Rep's Broadcast Partner is CN8 the Comcast Network. Programming at New Repertory Theatre is supported in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. 

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