The AUDELCO and Obie Award-winning Billie Holiday Theatre concludes its 39th season and trilogy of new Jackie Alexander plays with the world premiere of The Right Reverend Dupree in Exile. The Equity production will begin previews April 29 and open May 12, running through June 26 at the 200-seat Billie Holiday Theatre, Restoration Plaza, 1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn; Thursdays - Saturdays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm, and Sundays at 4:00pm. Tickets are $15 - $25 and available at (718) 636-0918 or www.thebillieholiday.org.
A lifelong man of faith, Reverend Charles Dupree (Ralph McCain) is being pressured to give up the church he built as he fights a crippling terminal illness. During a self-imposed exile to his lakehouse in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, he and his devoted wife Miriam (Marcelle Gover) are briefly reunited with their sons after years of estrangement: Kenny (Rege C. Lewis), a professional basketball player, and Brendan (Brandon Jones), home to introduce his fiancée Olu (Eboni Witcher), a practicing Muslim whose engagement to Brendan, a Christian, has caused her to be disowned from her own father. As each of them is forced to deal with the escalating decline in Dupree's health, they gain strength in their ability to face their own challenges.
In addition to playwright/director Jackie Alexander, the creative team includes AUDELCO Award winners Felix E. Cochren (scene design), Helen Simmons-Collen (costume design) and Avan (light design/stage management).
The drama is third in the Billie Holiday Theatre's season of new plays by Jackie Alexander, all which take place in modern-day Louisiana and explore universal African-American themes. Alexander's first two plays received critical acclaim for their thoughtful handling of issues including religion, family, gentrification, and the dichotomy of the individual versus the community.
Now in its 39th season, the AUDELCO and Obie Award-winning Billie Holiday Theatre serves over 30,000 people annually and has garnered a well-earned reputation for providing outstanding professional theater productions at affordable prices. Under the leadership of Marjorie Moon, the 200-seat theater has a 40-week season dedicated to producing work relevant to the African-American experience. A training ground for performing artists, notable alumni include Samuel L. Jackson, Debbie Allen, Samm-Art Williams, Weldon Irvine, Tichina Arnold, and more. www.thebillieholiday.org
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The Right Reverend Dupree in Exile
Written & Directed by Jackie Alexander
A once-powerful religious leader, haunted by feelings of betrayal, clings to his dignity with the support of his most beloved congregation: his family.
April 29 - June 26, 2011
Opening Night: Thursday, May 12 at 8:00pm
Performances Thursday-Saturday at 8:00pm; Saturday at 3:00pm, Sunday at 4:00pm
Press Previews: Thursday May 5 & Friday May 6 at 8pm, Saturday May 7 at 3pm & 8pm
Tickets $15-$25
Children & Seniors: $12 matinees and $15 evenings
On sale now at (718) 636-0918 or visit www.thebillieholiday.org
Box Office: Restoration Plaza, 1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn NY
The Billie Holiday Theatre
Restoration Plaza | 1368 Fulton Street | Brooklyn, NY
A train to Nostrand Avenue; off-street parking available
www.thebillieholiday.org
Playwright/Director: Jackie Alexander
Producer: Marjorie Moon
Scenic Design: Felix E. Cochren
Costume Design: Helen L. Simmons-Collen
Production Stage Management/Lighting Design: Avan
Cast (*denotes member of Actors' Equity)
Reverend Dupree: Ralph McCain*
Miriam: Marcelle Gover
Brendan: Brandon Jones*
Olu: Eboni Witcher*
Kenny: Rege C. Lewis
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