All The Way West Productions, Inc. presents a Black History Production of The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963, a play by Reginald Andre’ Jackson and based on the Newberry and Loretta Scott King Honor Book novel by Christopher Paul Curtis.
The show opens Friday, January 26, 2018, at 8 p.m. at the Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90038.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. through February 25, 2018. This Multi-Media live stage production features choreographed movement, dance, stunts and historical footage to enhance and liven this passionate production which sheds a light on bullying, racism and family ties.
The Watson family of five, of Flint, Michigan is told through the eyes of Kenny, our narrator, who tells the tale of "growing up" in the Watson Family. From getting picked on by the bullies at school to the antics of his eldest brother, Byron (a teenage delinquent), who can't seem to stay out of trouble and causes alarming concern to their parents. When Byron gets his hair chemically straightened without permission (a big no-no), that's the last straw. To set him straight, the family decides to take a much-needed trip to Birmingham, Alabama to visit the notoriously strict Grandma Sands.
Producer, Harry Jones, Jr. founder of All The Way West Productions, Inc. established in 1998 specializes in producing plays for Black History Month. A native of Tennessee, and the first of 10 children, Mr. Jones is a U.S. Army Veteran. He pursued his career as a Theatre Major at Southwest College and also studied at the legendary Barbizon Fashion School, Ebony Showcase, and Crossroads Arts Academy. Jones' past productions include: Shaking The Mess Out of Misery, Fences, I Ain’t Yo Uncle, Inns and Outs, Talking Bones, Southern Girls and A Woman Called Truth. Most recently All The Way West Productions produced PERIPHERY and had a successful run at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in February 2017.
Bernadette Speaks (Director) has completed three films as an actor and now steps into the role of director in All the Way West Production’s, West Coast Premiere of The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre from the University of Georgia; and presently continues to hone her craft, at various acting studios around the Los Angeles area. Bernadette was a part of the Producing Queens of The Trunk Show, which brought its own uniqueness in the world of storytelling. She is also the creator and producer of Get Up Stand Up: Clean Comedy 4 A Change, a comedy showcase that bridges the gap between laughter and charity together. Bernadette has also appeared in several acclaimed shows, such as Tituba, in The Crucible during the 2013 Fringe Festival. The Elephant Theater’s North Plan, In Arabia We’d Be Kings and The Fountain Theater’s West Coast Production of Direct from Death Row: The Scottsboro Boys. She’s performed at the Steppenwolf Theater, Goodman, Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center, and the Matrix’s LA Premier of An Evening with Shakespeare featuring Taraji P. Henson. Awards include an Emmy Nomination for A Stage of Our Own with James Earl Jones, and the 1997 Sundance Festival winner, Love Jones, which was also honored in 2017 at the ABFF AWARDS for its contribution as a cinematic classic in African-American films. Other film and television credits include The Soloist, Seal Team, Heroes, Parenthood, and To Sir with Love II with Sidney Poitier.
The talented and diverse cast includes: Marcus Oliver (as Daniel Watson), Tiffany Coty (as Wilona Watson), Ken Ivy (as Kenny Watson), Javen Smith (as Byron Watson), Victoria Newman (as Joetta Watson), Sonia Jackson (as Grandma Sands), Jalen Parker (as Larry Dunn), Tireni Oyenusi (as Rufus), Zaria Kelley (as Cody & Girl), Antoine Lee (as Buphead), Monty Montgomery (as Mr. Robert), Zacerous LaRue Jones (as Mr. Alums) and Chantel Steinreich (as Mrs. Davidson & Mrs. Mitchell). The extraordinary production team includes choreographer Shari Washington Rhone, costumier Ashphord Jacoway, and award-winning lighting designer Matt Richter.
Tickets are $30 for the general public; $20 for seniors (55+), veterans & students; $10 children ages 7-17; and groups of 10+ discounts available. Preview tickets are January 20 and 21 for $15.
Hudson Box Office, (323) 856-4249, Tickets on Plays411 https://www.plays411.com/thewatsons
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