LACKAWANNA BLUES Begins Rehearsals at the Taper

Acclaimed theatre artist Ruben Santiago-Hudson has begun rehearsals for his powerful and touching solo play"Lackawanna Blues," which will play at the Mark Taper Forum March 5 through April 21 with the opening set for March 13 at 8 p.m.Produced by Center Theatre Group, "Lackawanna Blues" is written, performed and directed by Santiago-Hudson with live music performed by Grammy-winning blues guitarist, composer and actor Chris Thomas King (who will be replacing formerly announced Bill Sims Jr.).

Original music for the production is composed by Bill Sims Jr. with additional music composed by King. The design team includes scenic designer Michael Carnahan, costume designer Karen Perry, lighting designer Jen Schriever and sound designerPhilip G. Allen. The production stage manager is David S. Franklin.

A magical, musical and deeply personal work by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson, "Lackawanna Blues" is a reminiscence of his 1950s childhood in a small town on the banks of Lake Erie. Santiago-Hudson takes on more than 20 colorful characters-from would-be philosophers and petty hustlers to lost souls and abandoned lovers-in a brilliant celebration of the eccentric boardinghouse he grew up in. Santiago-Hudson returns to his roots in this tour de force performance accompanied throughout by live blues music.

Tickets are available online at CenterTheatreGroup.org, by calling Audience Services at (213) 628-2772 or in person at the Center Theatre Group Box Office (at the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles). Tickets range from $30 - $109 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Mark Taper Forum is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012.

Photo by Benedict Evans