Written by | Ray Cornelius
The opening night of Pearl Cleage’s classic play, “Blues For An Alabama Sky” took place last night at Atlanta’s Aliance Theatre. This is the 20th anniversary of the show, which follows five diverse characters (Angel, LeLand, Guy, Delia and Sam) scrambling to survive and make sense of their overlapping personalities, politics, and love during the Harlem Renaissance. The production stars “The Haves and the Have Nots” actress Crystal Fox along with actors Neal A Ghant, Tyrone Mitchell Henderson, Tinashe Kajese Bolden and Keith Randolph Smith.
Blues premiered at the Alliance Theatre in 1995 and starred Phylicia Rashad as the lead, Angel. The show was directed by Kenny Leon and Fox was Rashad’s understudy. Fast forward 20 years later and Fox is now getting her time in the spotlight. “The chance to play Angel was too good to pass up,” Fox says, who was able to fit the production in her busy “Have and Have Nots” taping schedule thanks to the help of Tyler Perry. The opportunity was truly a dream come true for the veteran actress.
A number of Atlanta’s top stage actors, singers and media personalities were in attendance to celebrate Fox’s big moment including Tonia Jackson, Donna Brisco, E. Roger Mitchell, Chandra Currelley-Young, Angela Robinson and T.C. Carson. Also in attendance was Fox’s TV family from “The Have and The Have Nots” including Tyler Lepley, Angela Robinson, Gavin Houston, Tika Sumpter, Reneé Lawless and Peter Parros. The celebration continued at a VIP reception across the street from the Alliance at The Castle.
“Blues for Alabama Sky” runs through May 10 at the Alliance Theatre. Check out more photos below:
Arts Patrons Leatrice Ellzy and Derrick Doose
Actor Al Thompson/Fashion Stylist and Costume Designer Johnetta Boone
Arts Patrons Camille Russell-Love, Imara Canady, Michael Winn and Keith Bolden
Media Personality, Yalanda “Dryer Buzz” Lattimore
Michael Winn, Tika Sumpter and Chris Walker
Tyler Lepley waiting for Crystal Fox to come out of her dressing room
Tika Sumpter and her mother with playwright Pearl Cleage
Actors Tyler Lepley, DeEtta West and Gavin Houston
Neal A. Ghant, who plays “Leland” in the show, hugging playwright Pearl Cleage
“This is the biggest night of my life…” says Crystal Fox says as she comes out to greet friends and family
Fox with jazz vocalist and actress Theresa Hightower
Fox is all smiles with friend and media personality Angela Robinson
Fox taking a selfie with Tika Sumpter and her mother
Actress Donna Brisco congratulating Tinashe Kajese-Bolden, who plays “Delia” in the show
Actors Gavin Houston, E. Roger Mitchell and Peter Parros
Keith Randolph Smith, who plays “Sam” in the show, along with actress Reneé Lawless
Actors Gavin Houston, Chandra Currelley-Young, T.C. Carson and E. Roger Mitchell
Fox with actors Tonia Jackson and Thomas Jefferson Byrd
Neal A. Ghant showing us love
Fox with Tyrone Mitchell Henederson, who plays the hilariously funny “Guy” in the show
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com