Previews for Blues for an Alabama Sky begin tonight

Last night was final dress rehearsal - our first audience comes in tonight for a preview performance, and we’ll have previews at 8:00 this Friday and Saturday before the big opening Sunday night. The pictures here are from the last few days of tech rehearsals, as the actors and the design team have been putting everything together.

Previews are only $5 for anyone in the theatre industry (just let the box office know when you buy your tickets here or by calling 773-871-3000), and $15 for the general public. We may still be adjusting some of the technical elements, but it’s a great way to see the show and give us some feedback as we make final preparations for opening night.

This means that we’ll also be holding our first post-show discussions soon (check here for the full schedule), and I’m really looking forward to talking to audiences about the play. There are a lot of issues the play raises and explores, a fascinating period of American history that provides the backdrop and context for the story, and a wonderful group of characters (and actors), so there’s a lot to talk about.

I’ll try to post some of the discussion topics we’ll be talking about this weekend, and of course I’ll be posting recaps of our post-show discussions as we go along.

The first discussion, on Friday March 23, will be a special treat for all of us, as we’ll be joined by the playwright herself, Pearl Cleage. We’re all excited to have the opportunity to talk to her about the play, and I know it’ll be a memorable night for the audience as well.