FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Cindy Moran, Public Relations Director, 414-224-1761 September 1, 2006 A MUSICAL CELEBRATION Stackner Cabaret Songwriter and performer Sam Cooke was one of the most popular and influential singers to emerge in the ‘50s. His blend of gospel music and secular themes provided the early foundation of soul music. Don’t miss this celebration of Sam Cooke’s music including Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen, Mona Lisa, Any Day Now and more! Purchase tickets for this Stackner Cabaret production in person at The Rep Ticket Office at 108 East Wells Street or by telephone at 414-224-9490. Tickets can also be purchased online 24/7 at milwaukeerep.com. The Rep . . . See it LIVE! Sam Cooke was more than a musician – he was an inspiration. Cooke first lofted his angelic voice to the heights of his father’s church. As a gospel singer, expanding into secular genres was considered debased and deplorable, but Sam’s vision of reaching broader audiences drove him into the show business. Blending gospel, soul and R&B, Sam composed the beginnings of soul music, and his notes tied together both black and white audiences of all age groups into harmonious appreciation. The unforgettable, cherished melodies of Sam Cooke intermingle with the autobiographical retelling of one of soul music’s founding fathers. The well-known hits bring to life the memory of this legendary musician. A celebrated work about the legendary American musical genius, SAM COOKE - FOREVER MR. SOUL, is a provocative “play with music” by Broadway veteran Kevin Ramsey. The show delves into the life and musical accomplishments of Sam Cooke. Sam appears on stage, along with a classic floor model radio, to give joyous testimony of his early years in gospel to him becoming world renown, and one of the greatest singers, songwriters, and producers in popular music history. SAM COOKE: FOREVER MR. SOUL brings to life the spirit and talent of the legendary musical genius, leading audiences through the soul of Sam Cooke’s recordings, while recanting the tale of his tragically short life. Playwright/Director Kevin Ramsey is thrilled to return back to The Rep since his previous musical IF THESE SHOES COULD TALK, starring the legendary Harold Nicholas, which he co-authored, directed and choreographed. Broadway credits include: Cy Coleman's THE LIFE, FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE, OH, KAY and BLACK AND BLUE. Film and television credits include: 24, Judging Amy, CSI: Miami and The Hughley's. Kevin has directed and choreographed at some of the leading regional theaters in the country. Most recently his directorial and choreographic work was represented in the Off-Broadway musical, FROM MY HOMETOWN, as well as the national TV commercial spot for GM Pontiac. Mr. Ramsey has a slate of theater, film, and television projects in development. Actor/singer Lawrence Stallings is excited to be making his Milwaukee Rep debut playing the legendary Mr. Cooke. Recently, Stallings performed the role of “Youth” in the Public Theater’s workshop presentation of PASSING STRANGE, a co-production with Berkeley Rep. Other credits include: FROM MY HOMETOWN, TRIPPIN’: THE MUSICAL, DEATH AND THE KING’S HORSEMEN, SEVEN GUITARS, LIFE IS A DREAM, SPARKLE: THE MUSICAL, PURLIE VICTORIOUS and THE AMEN CORNER. Television/film credits include: A Night in the Hill and A Royal Birthday, airing this September on BET and BETJ. Stallings has also performed internationally as a vocalist. He holds an M.F.A. in Acting from Temple University . (To learn more about our Resident Acting Company, Guest Actors or our Artistic Intern Company, please visit milwaukeerep.com.) The production/design team for SAM COOKE - FOREVER, MR. SOUL includes: Alva Nelson (Music Director), Z.R.Taylor (Choreographer), Jill Lynn Lyons (Scenic Designer), Rachel Laritz (Costume Designer), Aimee Whitmore (Lighting Designer), and Mark S. Sahba (Stage Manager). Tickets to SAM COOKE – FOREVER, MR. SOUL range in price from $25 to $38. For more information or to charge tickets, call 414-224-9490. Tickets can be purchased online 24/7 at milwaukeerep.com. For group sales of 20 or more, call The Rep Box Office at 414-224-9490. Special Events for SAM COOKE – FOREVER, MR. SOUL
For more information about The Rep’s Access Services, please contact The Rep’s Ticket Office at 414-224-9490. A MUSICAL CELEBRATION FACT SHEET THEATER: Stackner Cabaret DATES: September 8, 2006 – November 5, 2006 DESCRIPTION: Songwriter and performer Sam Cooke was one of the most popular and influential singers to emerge in the '50s. His blend of gospel music and secular themes provided the early foundation of soul music. Don’t miss this celebration of Sam Cooke’s music including Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen, Mona Lisa, Any Day Now and more! PERFORMANCES: Sunday 9/17/06 - 2:00/7:00 p.m. Audio-Description – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday 9/26/06 - 6:30 p.m. - Early Bird Wednesday 10/4/06 - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 10/11/06 - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 10/18/06 - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 10/25/06 - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 11/1/06 - 7:30 p.m. TICKET OFFICE LOCATION: TICKET PRICES: TICKETS/INFORMATION: 414-224-9490 or buy tickets online at milwaukeerep.com NEW TICKET OFFICE HOURS: ### Open to the public before and after all evening performances, Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s newly-remodeled Stackner Cabaret, located on the second floor of the Milwaukee Center, is our own full-service bar and restaurant. Featuring delicious dinners, as well as late night cocktails, coffee, and desserts, the Cabaret is the ideal meeting place for patrons attending Rep performances. For dinner reservations, call 414-224-9490. The Stackner Cabaret is now smoke-free. Milwaukee Repertory Theater is a nationally recognized theater company that presents a critically-acclaimed selection of compelling dramas, powerful classics, award-winning contemporary works and lively Cabaret shows on three stages from September through May. The Rep also produces an annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The Rep’s home, the Patty and Jay Baker Theater Complex, contains the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, the Stiemke Theater and the Stackner Cabaret. The Rep is also “home” to a Resident Acting Company of 11 actors who perform with The Rep throughout the season. The Rep is proud to be a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), which provides major annual financial support. The Rep is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), a management association of some of the nation’s largest non-profit professional theaters that collectively bargains with the unions that represent the actors, directors and designers that work at The Rep; a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the nonprofit professional theater; and a member of Theatre Wisconsin, the statewide association of non-profit professional theaters. This theater operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. The set, costume and lighting designers are members of United Scenic Artists, a national labor union. This theater is an equal opportunity employer. Except in plays where race itself is an issue, casting is decided based on ability, not race. Milwaukee Repertory Theater |
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