The Classical Theatre of Harlem Sets 2016 Season

The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) (Ty Jones, Producing Artistic Director; David Roberts, Managing Director), will open its spring season with their 2nd Annual Spring Fundraiser, April 11, 2016. An intimate evening of music featuring the breathtaking vocals of Mykal Kilgore, most recently seen at CTH as Benny Raindrop in The Classical Theatre of Harlem's original musical, The First Noel at The Apollo Theater, and NBC's The Wiz Live. The Classical Theatre of Harlem's 2016 season is rounded out with its yearly free Uptown Shakespeare in the Park production of Macbeth in the summer, a new production of Fit For the Queen by renowned playwright Betty Shamieh, its ongoing monthly Reading Series, and the Apollo Theater mainstage production of The First Noel.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem's 2nd Annual Spring Fundraiser offers CTH supporters an intimate concert featuring the awe-inspiring voice and interpretation of CTH Artistic Associate, Mykal Kilgore. The 2nd Annual Spring Fundraiser Host Committee: Torya Beard, Patrick A. Bradford, Carl & Marina Cofield, Laurent Delly, Kwaku Driskell, Teresa Eyring, Matt Gould & Griffin Matthews, Joseph J. Johnson III, Ty & Jill Jones, Peggy & Ulrich Jorde, Jason & Yvonne Lee, Alexander & Brad Linard, Greg Mays, Nadhege Ptah, David Roberts & Paul Di Donato, Juan Ignacio Rosa, Anna Rubley, Christine Scott, Meredith Simmons, Sue Suh, Lelund Durond Thompson, Mahalia Watson, and Jason Michael Webb.

The free, family-friendly production of Shakespeare's classic, Macbeth, directed by Carl Cofield, and starring Classical Theatre of Harlem Producing Artistic Director, Ty Jones, will run from July 10th through 31st with preview performances July 8th and 9th at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park. The production, framed to reflect the diverse culture and interests of the CTH audience, will be informed by Ethiopia during the time of Haile Selassie (Ethiopia's regent from 1916 to 1930 and Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974). During the run of the production CTH will feature one pre-show performance by students of CTH's educational program, Project Classics, in collaboration with The Dream Center. Uptown Shakespeare in the Park continues to be presented in association with City Parks Foundation's SummerStage festival.

In December of 2015, The Classical Theatre of Harlem premiered its first musical production, The First Noel, at the Apollo Theater's Soundstage. The production was presented as part of Holidays at the Apollo performance series, played for 21 performances to sold-out houses, and received audience and critical acclaim. Commissioned in 2012 by CTH, with the intention of developing an evergreen holiday offering for the Harlem and greater New York City community, the annual production is on its way to fulfilling that goal. CTH looks forward to returning to The Apollo Theater with The First Noel this coming holiday season.

In addition to its annual event and three productions, CTH also produces an ongoing monthly reading series to nurture and develop emerging playwrights, actors, and directors. Since its founding in 1999, CTH has presented a world repertory ranging from works by classical playwrights (Chekhov, Euripides and Shakespeare) and established 20th-century playwrights (August Wilson, Langston Hughes and Derek Walcott) to new plays by emerging playwrights. CTH's monthly Reading Series: Future Classics, Revisited Classics, and Playwright's Playground are free and open to the public.

TICKETING INFORMATION & PERFORMANCE DETAILS

The Classical Theatre of Harlem's 2nd Annual Spring Fundraiser, April 11, 2016, 6:30pm, at the private Harlem, NY residence of Alexander and Brad Linard. Tickets, $250 donation per person, can be purchased online at www.cthnyc.org. For more information: benefit@cthnyc.org.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem's Uptown Shakespeare in the Park production of Macbeth

Performance Schedule: July 8-31, 2016, Tuesday-Sunday at 8pm. Previews: July 8 & 9, 2016; 8pm. Opening Night: July 10, 2016; 8pm. Price: FREE - no tickets required.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem's production of Fit For the Queen

Performance Schedule: Performance schedule and ticket prices TBD.

Performances will take place at The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, located at 3940 Broadway, New York, NY 10032.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem and The Apollo Theatre present The First Noel

Performance schedule and ticket prices to be announced. Visit ApolloTheater.org to sign up for email information. The Apollo Theater is located at 253 West 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027.

Playwrights' Playground Reading June 6, 6:30 pm - 9pm

Future Classics Reading May 9, 7pm - 9pm

Tickets: FREE and open to the public. Dwyer Cultural Center is located at 258 Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10027