PITT KUNTU REPERTORY CELEBRATES HARLEM RENAISSANCE WITH "BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY"

PITTSBURGH, Mar. 13 -- The University of Pittsburgh Kuntu Repertory Theatre continues to celebrate the Harlem Renaissance with its spring production of "Blues for Alabama Sky," by Pearl Cleage.

"Blues for Alabama Sky" premiered at the Alliance Theatre Company of Atlanta, Georgia in 1995 and featured Phylicia Rashad and Pittsburgh native Bill Nunn. The play is set during the Harlem Renaissance and deals with love, relationships, and an explosive social issue. The drama features characters who know and associate with author, Langston Hughes; singer, Josephine Baker; activist, Margaret Sanger; and Rev. Adam Clayton Powell.

The play is directed by Kuntu founder and director, Dr. Vernell A. Lillie, with former Kuntu Vice-President Marta Effinger serving as dramaturg. Performers include: Ronald Goode, Javon Johnson, Camille Locust, Deneen Reynolds, and Mark Clayton Southers.

The play previews March 17 through March 20 and opens March 21 and runs through April 4. All performances begin at 8 p.m., except Sundays at 4 p.m., and are held at the Pitt Theatre in Oakland on the corner of S. Bouquet and Sennott/streets. A special matinee performance will be held Friday, April 3 at 11 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Stephen Foster Memorial Box Office. Seats are limited and people are advised to purchase tickets early. Media sponsors for the event are WCXJ 1550 AM and WDUQ 90.5 FM. For additional information call (412) 624-7298.