7:00 pm | Tickets $25 door/ $20 advanced/ $15 students | 1hr30min
Advanced purchase here: ninasimone.brownpapertickets.com
Presented by Passing the Torch Through the Arts in collaboration with the Rosendale Theatre
We trace the life of this classically trained virtuoso, who became a pop star and celebrity in the 1960’s. Then upended her career because of her belief in human rights and was a key player in the civil rights movement. We follow Nina from her dirt road in Tryon, North Carolina to international stardom. Her success and her personal failures, her struggles and triumph over mental illness.
This new musical is a play within a concert (like a jelly donut). With 11 great Nina Simone hits and a 30 minute intense drama encapsulated within the music.
This is a 90 minute explosion of music, with one of the Hudson Valley’s finest 3 piece Jazz ensembles featuring Joe Tranchina. Also featuring two amazing Dancer/choreographers, Natalie Hopson and Jhanai Alexis. It has great drama, comedy, music and dance making it one of the ultimate theater entertainment values. You will leave the theater exhilarated, inspired, joyful and full of hope over the resilience of the human spirit.
Directed by Richard Rizzo
Play by Michael Monasterial
Stars:
Evelyn Clarke as Nina Simone
Marlene Merrit also as Nina
Maya Monasterial, Eva Barrows, Sebastien Leroy, Michael Monasterial
This performance launches our week-long Local Connections Festival which has been organized to focus attention on local performing and creative artists and it is sponsored by Ulster County office of Economic Development, 1850 House, NY State Council on the Arts, and the Hudson Valley Film Commission.