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Sarasota News Leader November 15, 2013 Page 140 Jacobs since Wilson was 8. Wilson has most Purlie is both a Tony and Drama Desk winrecently been working with the Cumberland ner. The book is by Ossie Davis, Philip Rose County Playhouse in Crossville, TN. and Peter Udell; lyrics are by Peter Udell; and The show also features WBTT favorite Ariel the music is by Gary Geld. Blue as Missy and two new guest artists — Gia McGlone as Lutiebelle (McGlone just finished the national tour of Dream Girls) and Emmanuel Cadet, who plays Gitlow, the release continues. The show will run through Sunday, Dec. 15. Show times are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Two Saturday matinees have been added to the schedule — on Dec. 7 and 14. "The story features Purlie Victorious Judson as a dynamic traveling preacher who returns to his small Georgia town to shake things up and change lives during a time when many Southern sharecroppers still lived under the Jim Crow laws," the release explains. The story was portrayed first as a straight play, in 1961, followed by a 1963 film, Gone Are the Days!, which starred many of the same stage actors, including Ossie Davis as Purlie; Ruby Dee as his wife, Lutiebelle; and Alan Alda as Charley Cotchipee. "We are very excited to open the season with this award-winning musical," said Jacobs in the release. "It is one of my favorite musicals, and it is also a favorite of the director, Jim Weaver." The musical opened in 1970 and won two Tonys, including Best Leading Actor in a He continued, "Purlie is also special to me Musical (Cleavon Little) and Best Featured because our Broadway star, Teresa Stanley, Actress in a Musical (Melba Moore). debuted in a local production as Lutiebelle at the age of 15. Teresa is presently starring Tickets are $28.50; they may be purchased in Broadway's Rock of Ages as Justice. Our online at www.wbttsrq.org or by calling the Rhythms of Change lineup of plays covers 100 box office at 366-1505. Subscriptions are still years of African American history. We look available for the season; they include four forward to entertaining our audiences as we shows for $80. recreate meaningful times in our past. We are thrilled to begin with Purlie. The play has a The WBTT theater is located at 1646 10th Way in Sarasota. lot to say in a very entertaining way." Take Your Time You Have All Week Enjoy The News Leader Anytime - Day or Night