Flyin' West - American Blues Theater

OCTOBER 5 – NOVEMBER 3, 2018

FLYIN’ WEST

CHICAGO REVIVAL – JOSEPH JEFFERSON AWARD RECOMMENDED

Written by: Pearl Cleage
Directed by: Chuck Smith*

Following the end of the Civil War, many former slaves took advantage of The Homestead Act and went West to build new lives for themselves and their families. Many of these homesteaders were black women who overcame tremendous odds to work their own land and make a place for themselves in an often harsh and forbidding environment. Set in 1898, this is the story of some of these African-American female pioneers who settled, together, in the all-black town of Nicodemus, Kansas. “A gripping play…a paean to women…Ms. Cleage writes with amazing grace and killer instinct.” – The New York Times. To learn more, read our Artistic Director’s note and Backstage Guide.

*Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater

PERFORMANCE INFO

Oct 5 – Nov 3
(773) 654-3103 box office

Thursday: 7:30pm
Friday: 7:30pm
Saturday: 3:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday: 2:30pm

Additional shows on 10/4 & 10/29 @ 7:30pm; 10/31 @ 2:30pm.
No shows on 10/6 or 10/13 @ 3pm; nor 11/3 @ 7:30pm

Duration: 2 hours; one intermission
Location: Stage 773 at 1225 W Belmont Ave
Ticket price: $19-$39
Recommended for ages 14+
Town Halls: we offer free post-show discussions on Sunday

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REVIEWS

“Four stars (out of four)! Triumph of the spirit and determination of remarkable women. Enthralling.” – Chicago Sun-Times

“Juicy melodrama & serious story, both…sly and entertaining direction of Chuck Smith.” – Chicago Tribune

“Winningly realized revival.” – WTTW

“Theatrical masterpiece! Highly recommended” – Let’s Play

“Golden theater!” – Stage & Cinema

“Earnest, talented cast” – Chicago Theatre Review

“Riveting…emotional drama!” – PicksInSix

ARTISTS

CAST (in alphabetical order): Sydney Charles, Wardell Julius Clark, Tiffany Renee Johnson, Joslyn Jones, Tiffany Oglesby, and Henri Watkins.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Pearl Cleage (playwright), Chuck Smith* (director), Grant Sabin* (scenic), Jared Gooding* (lighting), Lily Grace Walls (costumes), Rick Sims* (sound), Kevin Rolfs (props), Shandee Vaughan* (production manager), and Marcus Carroll (stage manager).

COMMUNITY SERVICE

We raise awareness of other non-profit organizations’ great causes through creative collaborations. We’re proud to partner with Northwestern University’s The Family Institute, Chicago Public Schools, Connections for Abused Women & Their Children, and League of Black Women. We’re thrilled to launch our “Pediatric Previews” that donate proceeds of preview performances to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.