Known worldwide for his artistic vision which guided Jomandi Productions through its own golden age of African American theater, Tom Jones is headed back to Atlanta for the revival of his production, Three Sistahs. Running July 15 to August 28 at the Horizon Theater in Little Five Points, Jones once again directs the new blues & pop musical about sibling affection and family ties.
The intimate story of the Bradshaw sisters (Olive, Marsha and Irene) unfolds in the autumn of 1969 as they have arrived to say good-bye to their childhood home. Sparks fly between these sisters as they share wine, memories, dreams and secrets. Ultimately, during their last night in their childhood home, Three Sistahs must determine what family now means to them.
“This piece tells the story of so many women who discover they have lost their voice in life,” states Jones. “It’s about three sisters stepping up to find themselves in the midst of heartache. They learn to triumph over their tragedy by reconnecting on a multitude of levels with one another.”
Created by Janet Price, Jones penned the play’s book and lyrics and musical director, William Hubbard, composed the work. The dynamic trio anchoring Three Sistahs includes Bernardine Mitchell and Crystal Fox reviving their roles from 2006 alongside Amber Iman, last seen at Horizon Theatre in the 2010 summer smash hit Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery.
The play runs July 15 through August 28, Wed, Thurs and Fri at 8pm, Sat at 3pm and 8:30pm and Sunday at 5pm. Tickets start as low as $25* (plus 8% sales tax) for general admission seats on weeknights. Or you can be a VIP with reserved seating and other special perks starting at $40*. Prices are subject to availability, so get your tickets early for the best prices. Tickets and information are available at www.horizontheatre.com or 404-584-7450.
About the Play
Back for an encore performance, this blues & pop musical set in 1969 is about three sisters – an idealistic activist, a suburban housewife and a diligent professor – as they gather for the third year in a row for a funeral. Two years ago it was Mamma. Last year it was Daddy. This year it is their only brother. When they return to pack up the family home, sparks fly as they share wine, memories, dreams and secrets. During the last night in their childhood home, these three sisters determine what family means to them now. Starring Bernardine Mitchell and Crystal Fox.
The Artistic Team/Cast
Story by Janet Pryce, Book & Lyrics by Thomas W. Jones II, Music by William Hubbard
Directed by Thomas W. Jones II
Three Sistahs Creative Team
Music Director William Hubbard
Accompanist S. Renee Clark
Scenic Designer John Thigpen
Costume Designer Nyrobi Moss
Light Designer Mary Parker
Sound Designer Keith Bergeron
Prop Designer MC Park
Stage Manager Liz Campbell
Thomas W. Jones, II has directed, written, and performed in more than 200 plays worldwide. In 1978, Jones founded Jomandi Productions, where, as Co-Artistic Director and later Producing Director, he saw Jomandi soar to become the third largest African-American theatre company in the United States. His work, as writer, director, and actor, has been acclaimed nationally and internationally. Jones has received 42 Helen Hayes Award nominations, of which he has won 12, including Best Director for Home and Bessie’s Blues, which he also wrote. In 2000, Tom and his co-founders left Jomandi to create VIA International Artists, Inc. Jones wrote and directed Horizon’s 2004 production Two Queens, One Castle and directed the 2005 production Blue.
The Cast
Bernardine Mitchell (Olive) reprises the role of Olive for Horizon Theatre. An Atlanta native, has performed nationally and internationally in a wide range of roles that include Bessie Smith in Bessie’s Blues with the San Diego Repertory, Alice in Big River, Blues Speak Woman in Spunk and The Matron in Chicago. Bernardine received the 1993 Los Angeles Dramalogue Award for Best Actress. She is also the 2002 and 2005 Helen Hayes Award winner for Outstanding Lead Actress for her performances in “Blues in the Night” and “Mahalia”. She has been featured with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, with the Harlem Gospel Singers on their 1997-1998 European Tour, on ABC-TV’s Today Show, and in the CBS television movies The Guyana Tragedy and A Resting Place starring Morgan Freeman. Bernardine majored in Voice and Musical Theatre at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
Crystal Fox (Marsha) reprises the role of Marsha for Horizon Theatre. Best known for her role as Sgt. LuAnn Corbin in In the Heat of the Night, other television credits include Third Watch, Sopranos, Law & Order and Separate but Equal a made for television movie starring Sidney Poitier. Her theatre credits include Everybody’s Ruby (Public House), Flyin’ West (True Colors Theatre), Seven Guitars, M Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Colored Museum, and Mississippi Delta (Alliance Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors and Janet Rocky Horror Picture Show (Theatrical Outfit), and For Colored Girls (Portland Center Stage) for which she won the 2002 Drammy Award for Actress in a Lead Role. Crystal’s film credits include Driving Miss Daisy, Drop Squad, and When We Were Colored.
Amber Iman (Irene) is delighted to return to Horizon Theatre in Three Sistahs where she was last seen in the Suzi Award Winning production Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery. Recent credits include Stick Fly (Arena Stage/Huntington Theatre Company); Goodnight Moon (Alliance Theatre); Once On this Island (Aurora Theatre); and Black Nativity (True Colors). Amber attended Howard University (BFA) and is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity for Women and D.I.V.A., Inc. *Love & Light*
Ticket Information *
Performances of Three Sistahs July 15 – Aug 28, 2011:
Tickets start at $25
Wed, Thurs, & Fri 8 PM
Saturday Matinee, 3 PM
Saturday, 8:30 PM
Sunday, 5 PM
Opening Night, 8 PM (7/15)
*Ticket prices are subject to change. 8% sales tax will be added to all ticket orders. Internet convenience fee added to all online orders. No refunds, exchanges or late seating. Group discounts available for select performances.
Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 404.584.7450 or visiting tickets.horizontheatre.com. Horizon Theatre Company is located in Little Five Points at the corner of Euclid and Austin Avenues (1083 Austin Avenue). All seating is General Admission.
About Horizon Theatre Company
Horizon Theatre Company, 1083 Austin Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307, connects people, inspires hope and promotes positive change through professional, contemporary theatre and the stories of our times. For more information about tickets, group sales, or to receive a season brochure, call 404.584.7450 or visit www.horizontheatre.com.
Horizon Theatre Company is grateful for the sponsorship by the Turner Voices initiative of Turner Broadcasting, who provides generous support to the 2011 season. Additional major funding is provided by the Metro Atlanta Arts Fund, Home Depot Foundation, as well as the Fulton County Commission under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council. Horizon Theatre is also supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. The Council is a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional funding is provided by the City of Atlanta, Office of Cultural Affairs.
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