By Romulus Linney — Based on the novel by Ernest J. Gaines

Previews: September 10–14, 2005
Runs: September 15–Oct. 9, 2005

Stage adaptation of the story of a young black man wrongly placed on death row,
and the investment his grandmother and a small town teacher make in opening his
eyes on how to die with dignity.

Rating: PG — Parental discretion on content.

Conceived and directed by Leslie Dockery & David A. Tobin

Previews: November 19–23, 2005
Runs: Nov. 25–December 31, 2005

The sequel to last season’s crowd-pleaser, features new plot twists, and new gospel and holiday songs, when some familiar ‘Saints’ and new ones, too, gather at the home of Mother of Oatman to discover the joy of Christmas all over again!

Rating: General audiences.

Adapted for stage by Jerome Hairston

Previews: Janurary 21–25, 2006
Runs: Jan. 26–Febuary 19, 2006

Reminiscent of “The Color Purple,” this is an uplifting story of love between two sisters, and a black family which moves North when their lives are touched by racism. Based on the award-winning book by Patricia McKissack, “Color Me Dark” reflects on how even our young possess the power and possibility of healing and overcoming prejudice.

Rating: General audiences.

By William Parker

Previews: March 4–8, 2006
Runs: March 9–April 2, 2006

Why are 50 percent of marriages ending in divorce? Why are more black men marrying women of other cultures? Who “wears the pants” in today’s professional marriages? William a. Parker’s new drama offers a man’s searing perspective on America’s number one domestic topic.

Rating: Mature Audiences due to content and language.

By George C. Wolfe

Previews: April 22–26, 2006
Runs: April 27–May 21, 2006

An encore presentation of Wolfe’s priceless satire on the contradictions of being black and living in America. Through a series of humorous to poignant vignettes, he parodies our preoccupation with image, hair, class, culture and fame, but in an entertaining fashion, offers his own prescription for self-love.

Rating: PG-17 due to some content and language.

Adapted from the film "Sparkle" by Joel Schumacher, Adaptation by Walter Dallas

Previews: June 10–14, 2006
Runs: June 15–May July 9, 2006 — Miller Outdoor Theatre July 15-16, 2006

Adapted from the popular movie theatre classic, with the award-winning score popularized by Aretha Franklin. “Sparkle” is the story of two sisters who pursue a path to music stardom — one whose life ends tragically through a dalliance with drugs, and the other, who wins fame — and even more, romantic love.

Rating: PG-13 — Parental discretion on content.