By Michelle Hines, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted 1-10-08
GREENSBORO, NC – UNCG Theatre’s “Simply Simone” should be a simply perfect way to christen the university’s newly renovated Brown Building Theatre.
The show, which runs Feb. 6-9, is a musical odyssey chronicling the life of African-American vocalist and activist Nina Simone. Ashley Stewart, Tomeka Allen, Melanie Mathews and Sandra Jones play Simone at different stages of her life, sometimes singing together.
UNCG Theatre alumnus David Grapes wrote the world-premiere musical. The show, which also features a four-piece band, is well suited for an intimate theatrical space, said director Jeffery West.
Born in Tryon, N.C., Simone was a classically trained pianist who studied at Julliard. Eventually she began to sing jazz and blues and her rich tenor voice became her trademark.
“She mixed her knowledge of classical music with whatever she played,” West said.
Simone became a civil rights activist late in her career, encouraged by fellow artists Langston Hughes and Lorraine Hansberry. When the IRS pursued her because of financial mishandling by her former husband and manager, she fled to Paris.
“Early on, she never thought of herself as a singer,” West said.
Grapes is writing a series of shows about musical icons. “My Way,” his show about Frank Sinatra, has enjoyed great popular success across the country.
See “Simply Simone” at 7 p.m., Feb. 6 and 7; or 8 p.m., Feb. 8 and 9.
Tickets are $15, adults; $12, seniors, students, children; $9, groups of 10 or more, UNCG Alumni Association members; and $7, UNCG students.
For tickets or information, call the University Box Office at (336) 334-4849 or visit http://boxoffice.uncg.edu.
