MRT to Present 'THE DEVIL'S MUSIC,' 1/9-2/2

Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) presents The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith by Angelo Parra and directed by Joe Brancato, January 9- February 2, continuing the theater's 35th season with the soulful blues. The play will be performed in the recently-renovated Nancy L. Donahue Theatre, located at 50 East Merrimack Street in historic downtown Lowell. Tickets range from $60 - $20 and are on sale now through www.mrt.org or by calling 978-654-4678.

The play tells the tumultuous story of Bessie Smith, the legendary "Empress of the Blues," whose life was as large and as outrageous as her talent. It takes place in 1937 in a Memphis "buffet flat," where the partying, laughter, and bawdiness all come together to deliver an entertaining, unforgettable, and surprisingly touching evening. The Devil's Music explodes with the best of the songs that Bessie Smith made famous, including "I Ain't Got Nobody," "St. Louis Blues," "Baby Doll," and "Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do," all performed by the electrifying Miche Braden, who has immortalized the role of Bessie Smith.

In late 1988, director Joe Brancato approached playwright Angelo Parra about creating a show based on the life of blues singer Bessie Smith with actor Miche Braden. The three collaborators created the show, which premiered in 2000 at Penguin Rep Theatre in Stony Point, NY. The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith has since been performed at more than a dozen theatres around the country, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Off-Broadway at the St. Luke's Theatre in 2011. Both the Off-Broadway production and Miche Braden were nominated for Lucille Lortel Awards.

Director Joe Brancato is thrilled to present The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith at MRT. "The Devil's Music has been a labor of love from the very beginning. My hope was to develop a compelling and thoroughly entertaining evening of story and song as an introduction for a new generation to the incredible 'Empress of the Blues'. As you will see, I have been blessed with success.... first and foremost because of my collaborators: The wit and wisdom of Angelo Parra, complemented by the raw brilliance of Miche Braden, has been a gift any creative director would kill for! Secondly, to be dealing with a subject matter as talented and complex and a litmus test for compassion as Bessie Smith was a solid head start on the journey. When you round this out with three exceptionally talented musicians, a crack design team and a theatre as welcoming as MRT.... Hell, the stage is set to tell the story of a music legend that became a grand influence on music icons including Janis Joplin (who finally marked Bessie's gravesite with a headstone in tribute to this music legend)."

Angelo Parra, who wrote the show, also commented on bringing the show to Lowell, "It's been a great source of personal and artistic satisfaction to me to experience the enthusiasm with which audiences have greeted performances of The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith. To me, there is no higher compliment than to hear audiences discussing Bessie Smith and her story as they leave the theatre. Audiences from Montreal to Florida have been thoroughly entertained by the show, and, at the same time, maybe learned a little more about the life of the American music pioneer. When Miche, Joe, and I created The Devil's Music years ago, we could not have anticipated the remarkable journey we would travel with the show. I'm eagerly looking forward to our visit to the prestigious Merrimack Repertory Theatre. I'm sure its audiences will have a rousing, foot-stomping great time at The Devil's Music."

MRT is pleased to welcome the astounding Miche Braden, making her MRT debut as the legendary Bessie Smith. Miche has received nominations for the 2012 Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Audelco 2011, and Off Broadway Alliance awards for her role as the blues singer. She has performed the show for People's Light and Theatre Company (PLTC), Florida Rep, Florida Stage, Hartford Stage, 7 Angels, Penguin Rep, and the Montreal Jazz Festival. Miche has also starred in The Bluest Eye, Gee's Bend at Hartford Stage and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grille at the Wilma Theatre, PLTC, and Penguin Rep.

On stage with Ms. Braden will be Jim Hankins who takes on the role of Pickle and plays the bass, and fellow musicians Aaron Graves on piano and Anthony E. Nelson, Jr. on saxophone.

The creative team for The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith consists of James J. Fenton (Scenic Designer), Todd Wren (Lighting Designer), and Patricia E. Doherty (Costume Designer).

Admission: Tickets range from $60 - $20 and are available at www.mrt.org or by calling 978-654-4678. Senior discount 10% off adult ticket price. Student tickets $15. Group discounts are available for groups of six or more by calling 978-654-7561.

$5 Night - Thursday, January 9 at 7:30 pm. Patrons may purchase tickets for $5, cash only, at the Box Office between 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Limit 2 tickets per person. Cookie Matinee - Wednesday, January 29 at 2:00 pm. Patrons enjoy complimentary cookies and coffee in the lobby before the show, courtesy of Brew'd Awakening Coffeehaus. Lowell Night - Wednesday, January 22 at 7:30 pm. Lowell residents may purchase tickets for $10 at the box office from 4:30 pm-7:30 pm. Proper ID required, limit 2 per person. Ladies Night - Thursday, January 23. Includes a wine and dessert pre-show reception and Post-Show Discussion. Post Show Discussions - January 9, January 16, January 23, and January 30.

MRT (Merrimack Repertory Theatre) is one of Massachusetts' most highly-regarded theatre companies and one of only three theatres in the state to be a member of LORT (the League of Resident Theatres) which represents the 74 leading non-profit theatres in America. Under the artistic direction of Charles Towers since 2001, it has become known for producing an eclectic mix of new plays and regional premieres, with an emphasis on writers giving voice to the American experience. Since its founding in 1979, MRT has served as a vital cultural, educational and economic resource for Greater Lowell and its surrounding region.

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