Jim Crow and the Rhythm Darlings

It’s World War Two, and with so many men going off to serve, the previously all-male world of jazz is opening up to women for the first time. The International Rhythm Darlings are an all-female African-American band touring the Deep South, which would be a tough situation in the best of times … but now they've got a last-minute replacement in the group, a white Jewish woman, and integrated bands aren't allowed to play together on stage. Not in the South, not anywhere.

Inspired by the real-life experiences of musicians from that era, Vynnie Meli’s play takes a fascinating look at some extraordinary women who make their way past fear and hatred to find the common threads that bind them together.

Winner of the 2009 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award competition, the only prize exclusively dedicated to the work of Georgia playwrights. The Essential Theatre is proud to have developed this play (along with Working Title Playwrights, Jewish Theatre of the South and the Alliance Theatre playwriting class) and to be bringing it to the stage for the first time.

Directed by Betty Hart
Featuring: Rachel Bodenstein, Enisha Brewster, Daniel Burnley, DeAndrea Crawford, Nadir Mateen, Delesa Sims

[Watch JIM CROW AND THE RHYTHM DARLINGS trailer]

[YouTube Video with artistic director Peter Hardy, playwright Vynnie Meli and director Betty Hart]

Inspired by the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, this play tells a story every bit as interesting today as during the 40's Jim Crow era.

This performance is presented during the National Black Arts Festival. For more information, click here.

Click here to learn about this year's cast and crew

Jim Crow and the Rhythm Darlings will be performed on the following dates and times:

Thursday 7/16/2009 8:00 PM

Saturday 7/18/2009 8:00 PM

Sunday 7/18/2009 2:00 PM (matinee)

Friday 7/24/2009 8:00 PM

Saturday 7/25/2009 2:00 PM (matinee)

Monday 7/27/2009 8:00 PM

Thursday 7?30/2009 8:00 PM

Purchase Tickets: http://actors-express.tix.com/Clients/Actors-Express/ScheduleByMonth/SchedulebyMonth.asp?ActCode=38056&MonthName=July

Actor's Express Theatre Company887 W. Marietta St. Suite J-107, Atlanta, GA 30318Box Office: 404.607.SHOWPhone: 404.875.1606Fax: 404.875.2791

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Atlanta&state=GA&address=887+W.+Marietta+St.&zipcode=30318
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