I WISH YOU LOVE Returns To The Stage at Penumbra Theatre

The Penumbra show that sold out both its Saint Paul world premiere and its follow-up Kennedy Center engagement is back by popular demand. I Wish You Love, by Dominic Taylor and directed by Lou Bellamy, returns to the Penumbra stage Friday, November 18 through Sunday, December 4. The encore production features Dennis W. Spears in his Ivey Award-winning Nat "King" Cole role along with the original cast and creative team.

"There were so many people who wanted to see I Wish You Love the first time around but couldn't get tickets. In fact, one family traveled to Washington, D.C. to catch a performance. This show clearly touched people, which is why we're excited to bring it back so soon after its initial staging," said Bellamy. "There are only 16 performances for this return engagement and we are already 60% sold."

This drama with music focuses on a fictionalized episode in the life of Nat "King" Cole. In 1957, Americans were falling in love to his sweet sounds while racial violence raged in the streets. Still, Cole believed that he would be judged on the content of his character as opposed to the color of his skin. Featuring 20 of his signature songs, the play uses Cole's television show, newscasts and commercials to illustrate the man, the times, and the real life drama behind the sanitizing lens of the television camera.

The cast also includes Eric Berryman (Jeffrey Prince), Michael Tezla (Bell Henry & News Anchor) and Kevin D. West (Oliver Moore).

The artistic team includes Lance Brockman (Scenic Designer), Don Darnutzer (Lighting Designer), Mathew J. LeFebvre (Costume Designer), Martin Gwinup (Sound and Video Designer), Sanford Moore (Musical Director) and Mary K. Winchell (Stage Manager).

I Wish You Love was developed in OKRA, the Penumbra new play development program, and originally produced with the assistance of Travelers. The play was the 2011 recipient of the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays, which provided funds to develop the play and present it at the Washington, D.C. center for the performing arts. This special reprise is presented by Target.

PENUMBRA THEATRE was founded in 1976 by Lou Bellamy to make socially responsible art - art with intent, art that could create change. At a time when roles for black artists were limited to stereotypical representations, Penumbra produced theater that roared with authenticity through the unrestrained and rich voice of black artists and playwrights. This respect for cultural authenticity became Penumbra's signature style - and demand for it has reached new heights from theatres around the country fostering collaborations, new productions, tours and awards.

OKRA, the Penumbra Theatre new play program was launched in 2008-a rigorous culturally specific program for playwrights to develop their plays in a safe, nurturing environment without restriction or reservation. The program has three components dedicated to play development - the expansion of early ideas, the exploration of a play script, and a developmental workshop to share the script with an audience, with the ultimate goal to move a new play onto the main stage.

Friday, November 18 @ 7:30pm - Opening Press Night
Saturday, November 19 @ 7:30pm
Sunday, November 20 @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Wednesday, November 23 @ 10:00am
Friday, November 25 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, November 26 @ 7:30pm
Sunday, November 27 @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Wednesday, November 30 @ 10:00am & 7:30pm
Thursday, December 1 @ 7:30pm - Audio Described
Friday, December 2 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, December 3 @ 7:30pm - ASL
Sunday, December 4 @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm - Closing

Tickets: 651-224-3180 or penumbratheatre.org
Price: Adult single $40; Students $10
Theatre Location: 270 North Kent Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102-1744

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