Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Vanessa Bell Calloway Takes 'Zora' To New Jersey

 
Vanessa Bell Calloway as  Zora Neale Hurston

(LOS ANGELES, CA) -  A dramatization of personal letters written by author Zora Neale Hurston that incorporates excerpts from her impressive body of work to tell a most intriguing life story, "Letters From Zora: In Her How Words" starring Vanessa Bell Calloway opens at New Jersey's historic Corssroads Theatre Thursday at 8:00 p.m.  

 
Exploring Hurston's controversial views on integration, segregation and social justice, showcasing a life that was filled with artistic triumphs as well as abject poverty and self-doubt, Calloway plays the role of Zora in this provocative multimedia production directed by Anita Dashiell-Sparks and written by novelist Gabrielle Pina. With live music composed by Ron McCurdy and archival images collected by Margie Labadie, "Letters From Zora: In Her Own Worswill illuminate Hurston's life, her distinctive array of friends, and her unique view of a jazz-age world. 

 
"A great actor doesn't simply act, she embodies the soul and spirit of the person they're portraying.  Vanessa Bell Calloway becomes Zora Neal urston so much so that audiences forgot that they were watching a performance.  Truly brilliant, said actress Lela Rochon Fuqua.  

 
Producing Artistic Director Marshall Jones, III states that "I was really moved because the script was based on her actual letters. The play was developed with Zora's Estate so I appreciated that authenticity. And then top it off with Vanessa's gripping, humourous and insightful performance - that's a winning combination!"
 
Scheduled to play from October 9 - 26, 2014 at Crossroads Theatre the performances are at 8 p.m. on Oct. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 and 23, 24, 25; 3 p.m. Oct. 12, 18, 19, 25, 26. Ticket prices are $35 to $55. Opening night is Saturday, October 11. Purchase online at www.CrossroadsTheatreCompany.org or call 732-545-8100.  Crossroads Theatre is located at 7 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 or call 732-545-8100.

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