FROM SPIRITUALS TO HIP-HOP,

TRAVELIN’ BLACK

COVERS EXTENSIVE MUSICAL GROUND AT THEATRICAL OUTFIT MARCH 16 – APRIL 10, 2011

This spring, Theatrical Outfit presents the vibrant world premiere musical Travelin’ Black, conceived by Patdro Harris, written by Patdro Harris and S. Renee Clark, with original music by S. Renee Clark.  The play combines dance, poetry, story and song to explore how the centuries-old legacy and evolution of African American music have helped to shape and define a nation’s cultural and historical identity.  Travelin’ Black takes audiences on a journey through the rich musical genres and traditions—from beloved standards to jazz, gospel, soul and hip-hop—that have inspired, encouraged and united us.

Theatrical Outfit Executive Artistic Director Tom Key says of the production, “I view this work as inclusive and celebratory in the way it captures through existing and original African American music, words and dance the importance of music—not only in a particular culture, but as an agent of change in the world.  I am intrigued by their approach to this piece, which challenges moral consciousness by informing and uplifting, and I believe it is a unique addition to the contemporary dramatic musical canon.”

Cast includes T. Renee Crutcher, Gavin Gregory, Thomas Hamilton, Ursula Kendall Johnson, Eric Moore, Adrienne Reynolds and Sheila Wheat.  Patdro Harris and S. Renee Clark direct.

March 16 – April 10, 2011. Tickets are $15-$35. For more information, call the Box Office at 678.528.1500 or visit www.theatricaloutfit.org; Box Office hours are Tues. – Friday, noon to 6 pm and prior to performances. Previews March 16 – 18 with opening March 19. Performances are Wednesday – Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm; Saturdays, March 26 & April 9 at 2:30 pm; $15 Student Matinee March 30 at 11 am; $15 Seniors Matinees April 6 & 9 at 2:30 pm; Talk-Back Friday April 1. Group discounts available; call 678.528.1497. Theatrical Outfit in The Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie Street, Atlanta, GA 30303.

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About Theatrical Outfit

Theatrical Outfit is an Atlanta-based professional theatre company whose purpose is to provide its diverse audiences, actors and artists with a rich theater experience and produce works that stimulate thoughtful discussion. It is intentional about using local talent to tell its “Stories that stir the soul” –which often come from classic and contemporary literature – featuring themes that are both relevant and revelatory.

Theatrical Outfit is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization supported by private and public funding, along with ticket sales revenue.  Major support is provided by the Fulton County Commission through the Fulton County Arts Council, the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund, the Georgia General Assembly through the Georgia Council for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.