Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is thrilled to present the world premiere stage adaptation of the critically-lauded film Akeelah and the Bee, September 1 – October 11, 2015. Broadway director Charles Randolph-Wright (Motown the Musical) makes his CTC debut in this inspiring story adapted by Cheryl L. West about one girl’s journey from a struggling Chicago neighborhood to the Scripp’s National Spelling Bee. This world premiere runs in Minneapolis from September 1 – October 11, 2015.
Charles Randolph-Wright has built a versatile career in directing, writing, and producing for film, television, and theatre. He most recently directed Motown the Musical on Broadway, as well as the national tour, and will direct the upcoming London production. Other theatre directing credits include Ruined and Sophisticated Ladies (starring Maurice Hines) at Arena Stage; the opera Porgy and Bess; Love/Life (starring Brian Stokes Mitchell) at Lincoln Center; and many more. This is his first time directing in the Twin Cities.
“I was unprepared for the unique, powerful, entertaining, and truly life-changing experience the film was for me,” said Randolph-Wright. “Akeelah is given the task of following her dreams, which unfortunately means following her fears. How do you allow belief and passion to replace fear? I walked into the rehearsal room and was instantly reminded of the power of passion over fear. I watched these young actors – Black, Asian, Latino, and White – take this amazing journey together. How extraordinary to experience such a stunning depiction of our world on stage.”
Akeelah and the Bee is the story of 11 year old Akeelah Anderson (Johannah Easley), whose passion for spelling takes her to the Scripp’s National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., but not without the support of her mentor, Dr. Larabee (James A. Williams) and her community, including the no-nonsense Batty Ruth (Greta Oglesby). The production also stars Aimee K. Bryant as Akeelah’s mother Gail and Nathan Barlow as her brother Reggie. At first eager to escape the chaos of her neighborhood, Akeelah finds that it takes both the strength within yourself and within your community to truly succeed.
Akeelah and the Bee is produced through CTC’s new play development program, Threshold, which expands the canon of work for multigenerational audiences by developing stories that reflect our global community. To date, CTC has developed over 200 new works.
Akeelah and the Bee runs September 1 – October 11, 2015 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. As part of CTC’s commitment to programming for ages two through eighteen, Akeelah and the Bee is recommended for grades 3+. For more information, visit us online at childrenstheatre.org or call the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400. Media Partner KSTP-TV.
Congratulations to ticket winners; Linda, Lynnae, Molly and Jennifer.
Congratulations to ticket winners; Linda, Lynnae, Molly and Jennifer.
