Dixon Place Presents COMMITTED: THE MUSICAL UNPLUGGED

"Committed: The Musical Unplugged" written and directed by, Jerome Brooks, Jr. is based on true events with fictional elements. The story is about Jazz Johnson a black male and aspiring Broadway pianist in New York who is committed to playing music of all genres for his friends until he finds himself committed to the psych ward. On January 18th, 2019, Dixon Place presents, "Committed: The Musical Unplugged" at 7:30 p.m., concert of the first 45-minutes in The Lounge located at 161A Chrystie Street in New York 10002. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door.

In 2007, writer and director, Jerome Brooks Jr. was committed to the Bellevue psych. But with the encouragement of Tony Award Winner George Faison, Brooks began a journey to create the musical sharing the story of his experiences through the main character, Jazz Johnson. Initially, the project was created to provide an opportunity for friends to collaborate and have a role in pursuing their dreams to a project that will leave the audience with a message of hope and healing in the midst of pressures from society, peers, and family.

"I want the audience to have compassion for the artists who struggle with pleasing people, God and themselves" Brooks states. "I am alive and did not commit suicide. There will be those coming behind me who need to know it's ok to live...and stay committed."

Featured cast members include Jerome Brooks, Jr., Emma Claye, Maurio Brown, Aisha Phillip, Bernadette Allen, Esjae, Heidi Crane, Dakari Brown, Angela "Missy" Billups, Josh FS Moser, and Kevin Michael Kennedy along with Marlon Townsend, Music Director and Bill Johnson, Stage Manager.

"I believe this is a story that needs to be told because it is raw, true, and we all know these characters but often are ashamed of them" states Bernadette Allen, whose character is Zacreesha. "We don't want to deal with their issues and it's easier to bottle them up in silence. It is uncomfortable to talk about mental illness and sexuality in Church. This work will hopefully prompt honest dialogues in places that shy away from it."

The goal for the January presentation is for investors, industry insiders, and regular supporters and fans of the show and new theater to help move it to an Off-Broadway production. Tickets are available at http://dixonplace.org/performances/committed-the-musical-unplugged/

For more information on cast profiles, visit https://www.instagram.com/CommittedMusical/ and https://www.facebook.com/CommittedMusical/

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