Charlyane Woodard's PRETTY FIRE Plays Gallatin's Palace Theatre 4/8-10

Charlayne Woodard's Pretty Fire, described as "one of the most positive shows of the black-American experience" opens tonight at Gallatin's Palace Theatre, playing April 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 10 at 2 p.m.

Presented by Mel O'Drama Theater, the production features actors from The Destiny Theatre Experience and Sista Style (headed by Shawn Whitsell, who directs Pretty Fire, and Mary McCallum, respectively).

"I have had the honor of producing this show eight times," says Melanie Roady, founder of Mel O'Drama Theater. "This is truly the most amazing shows that you will ever experience. This is the perfect show for young adults and even church groups."

The story: "The stage is bare except for a wooden loveseat and a young African-American woman. Then the lyrical, lifting words of Charlayne Woodard begin weaving stories of two young sisters in the small world of Albany, New York; of Ku Klux Klan riders burning a cross - the ironic "pretty fire" of the title - in the hilltop black town of Rosignol Hill, Georgia; of three generations of family love, struggle and triumph. And suddenly the empty stage becomes crowded with the authentic, mesmerizing experience of contemporary African-American life. Pretty Fire is an enthralling celebration of life. Filled with earthy humor, it takes readers on a universal journey through a world in which the family bond is as strong as steel."

According to Roady, Gallatin's Palace Theatre "is one of the oldest theaters in the state. It was originally a segregated theater, having a separate entrance for the African-American audience where they were required to sit in the balcony. Come experience how far we have come as a society. This is one of the most moving shows you have ever experienced."

The restored Palace Theatre is located in downtown Gallatin. Tickets are $15 per person, with children ten and under free. For reservations, call (615) 952-4985 (all advance ticket reservations are $10), leave a message with the number in your party and your name.

Pictured: Mary McCallum