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Sept. 15, 2004
DH 04 PH052
Contact: Pamela Hammond
(310) 243-2001
phammond@csudh.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CSUDH African-American Theatre Program
To Present “Blues for an Alabama Sky”

Carson, CA - “Blues for an Alabama Sky,” the first production of the season by the California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) African- American Theatre Program will open, Friday, Oct. 15, at the University Theatre, and run through Oct. 24.

Set in the summer of 1930, Harlem, New York, during the rise of The Great Depression and fall of the Harlem Renaissance, the play by Pearl Cleage revolves around two Harlem Cotton Club employees: Angel, a recently fired back-up singer, and Guy, a colorful costume designer. The two share an apartment and long-term friendship on 125th Street.

Donis Leonard, an assistant professor, professional actor and artistic director in the University’s African American Theatre program, will direct the play. This will mark Leonard’s 7th production on campus, most recently including “Zooman and the Sign,” “Miss Ever's Boys” and “Flyin' West.”

Joining him will be a cast of performers headed by Risha Hill, a recent MFA graduate from California Institute of the Arts, who will be playing Angel. Alfred Pompey Jr., local teacher and student in the CSUDH teacher credential program, will play the role of Guy. The role of Sam, a jazz-loving doctor from Harlem, will be played by Vince Conard. Vince is also involved in the CSUDH teacher credential program and has performed numerous roles on campus. Shiniqua Green, a working actress and recent graduate from CSUDH, will play the role of Delia, and Ryan Jefferson, a new theatre arts major in the department, will enjoy his stage debut as Leland.

The campus is located at 1000 E. Victoria Street in the City of Carson.
For tickets, call the box office at: (310) 243-3598. For more information, please call (310) 243-3588.

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