Strand Theater and StillPointe Present THE BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER CHAMELEON SKIN, Now thru 2/23

Strand Theater Company joins forces with StillPointe Theater Initiative to co-produce The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin - an Obie Award-Winning, autobiographical, "smartly sweet" musical about a woman named Bubbly learning to embrace her color, as she pursues a dream of becoming the greatest dancing star in the world. Directed by Ryan Haase. The production will begin with Previews tonight, February 8-14, will officially open on February 15, and run through February 23. Tickets to Previews are $15, Opening Night - $25, general admission $20, Seniors $15, Students $10.

The Story: What's a black girl from sunny Southern California to do? White people are blowing up black girls in Birmingham churches. Black people are shouting "Black is beautiful" while straightening their hair and coveting light skin. Viveca Stanton's answer: Slap on a bubbly smile and be as white as you can be! In a humorous and pointed coming-of-age story spanning the sixties through the nineties, Viveca blithely sails through the confusing worlds of racism, sexism and Broadway showbiz until she's forced to face the devastating effect self-denial has had on her life.

"The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin is a show about identity, and is perfect for Baltimore, especially during Black History Month.", says the Strand Artistic Director, Rain Pryor "Here is a chance to put race in your face and on the table." Pryor has selected a long-time friend and Artistic Director of StillPointe, Ryan Hasse, to direct the production. "Ryan is a director and designer with integrity and sharp wit. He doesn't try to fit in, and we just all get to stay open." Ryan Haase is thrilled about the collaboration between StillPointe and the Strand, and shares Pryor's excitement for the production. "The cast of The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin tells a story of self discovery. This dynamic group of performers will be your tour guide on Viveca Stanton's quest to find her "brave new world", says Haase. "Come join us. Feel the energy. Find your groove, and start "keeping it real"".

Production cast features: Nizel J. Austin, Montel Butler, Jacquelyn Clemmons, Kristra Forney, Jay Hargrove, Sherna Johnson, Zoe Kanter, Nina Kauffman, Jon Kevin Lazarus, Bobby Libby, Ines Nassara, and Ben Shaver.

Artistic team includes: Director/Set Design- Ryan Michael Haase, Assistant Director- Grace Anastasiadis, Musical Director- Stacey Antoine, Choreographer- Amanda J. Rife, Costume Designer- Anna Tringali, Lighting Designer- Charles Long, Hair/Makeup- Danielle Robinette, Scenic Artist/Muralist- Stefan Ways.

Kirsten Childs is a Musical Theater Writer. Winner of Edward Kleban, Jonathan Larson, Rockefeller and Richard Rodgers Development Awards, Audelco, Gilman & Gonzalez-Falla and Richard Rodgers Production Awards, Black Theatre Alliance Award; Lucille Lortel, NAACP nominations, Drama Desk nominations for The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin (originally produced at Playwrights Horizons. 2013 productions - StillPointe Theatre Initiative, Baltimore MD and The Black Theatre Troupe, Phoenix AZ). Fly with playwright/co-lyricist Rajiv Joseph, composer Bill Sherman and director Jeffrey Seller (Dallas Theatre Center, 2013); Playwrights Horizons commission with playwright Lynn Nottage & writer/director Steve Cosson (The Civilians). Disney's Wishes, Disney's Believe, Disney Theatricals/Disney Cruise Lines. Funked Up Fairy Tales (Barrington Stage Company, Sundance White Oak, Sundance at BAM, Manhattan Theatre Club. Depot Theatre, 2013). The Princess And The Black Eyed Pea (San Diego Repertory Theater). Miracle Brothers (Vineyard Theatre) - NEA, Larson grants, Meet The Composer and Kitty Carlisle Hart Musical Theatre awards, Sundance Ucross. American Songbook series, Lincoln Center. Songwriter, PBS's new Electric Company. House Of Flowers - CityCenter Encores! Wasted - George Street Playhouse. If You Give A Mouse A Cookie (Amazing Grace) - Theatreworks/USA. Guggenheim Museum - classical compositions for the poetry of poet Paul Muldoon and for the poetry of NEA chairman/poet Dana Gioia. Music design, Doris to Darlene with playwright Jordan Harrison (Playwrights Horizons). Professor at NYU's Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program, Tisch School Of The Arts. Professor, NYU Open Arts Undergraduate Musical Theater Writing. TDF Mentor in Wendy Wasserstein's Open Doors Program. Dramatists Guild Publications Committee member and Dramatists Guild Fund Council member.

Performance Schedule:
Thursday, February 7th, 8pm - Final Dress
Friday, February 8th , 8pm - Preview
Saturday, February 9th, 8pm - Preview
Wednesday, February 13th, 7pm - Preview
Thursday, February 14th 8pm Preview (Valentine's Day Special 2-for-1)
Friday, February 15th , 8pm -Opening Night (Pre-show reception, post-show Q&A)
Saturday, February 16th, 8pm
Thursday, February 21st , 8pm
Friday, February 22nd , 8pm
Saturday, February 23rd , 8pm

Ticket Prices: Final Dress: $5, Preview: $15, Adult: $20, Senior (over 65): $15; Student (with current ID): $10, Opening Night: $25; Valentine's Day Special 2-for-1 - $15.

The Strand Theater Company champions challenging and provocative theater that especially celebrates women's diverse voices and perspectives while bringing together the creative talents of both women and men as artists, technicians, and administrators. We invite patrons to experience some of the region's best contemporary and reinterpreted works for the stage in our intimate midtown theater.

Since launching in 2008, the Strand has presented 17 full-length plays, including eight World Premieres; offered 75% of the artistic positions on its productions-as playwrights, directors, designers, stage managers, and actors-to women; provided affordable theater space to many organizations and independent artists; and played an integral role in the revitalization of the Station North Arts & Entertainment District.

In August 2011, the Strand was honored as one of Baltimore magazine's "Top 5 Baltimore Theaters," along with CENTERSTAGE, Everyman, the Hippodrome, and Single Carrot. To learn more about the Strand Theater Company, visit strand-theater.org.

StillPointe Theatre Initiative is a group of artists committed to the birth and rebirth of all art forms. By conceiving fresh ideas with new composers, film makers, choreographers, and visual artist, as well as reinterpreting old ideas in New Mediums, StillPointe Theatre Initiative drives to create completely unique, groundbreaking, and inspiring pieces of theatre performance. All Graduates from the Towson University Department of Theatre Arts. All for the expansion of new artists and their works! To learn more about StillPointe Theater Initiative, visit stillpointeti.tumblr.com or email stillpointe.theatreinitiative@facebook.com.

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