Strand Theater and StillPointe to Present THE BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER CHAMELEON SKIN, 2/8-23

Strand Theater Company joins forces with StillPointe Theater Initiative to co-produce The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin - an Obie Award-Winning, autobiographical, "smartly sweet" musical about a woman named Bubbly learning to embrace her color, as she pursues a dream of becoming the greatest dancing star in the world. Directed by Ryan Haase. The production will begin with Previews on February 8-14, will officially open on February 15, and run through February 23. Tickets to Previews are $15, Opening Night - $25, general admission $20, Seniors $15, Students $10.

The Story: What's a black girl from sunny Southern California to do? White people are blowing up black girls in Birmingham churches. Black people are shouting "Black is beautiful" while straightening their hair and coveting light skin. Viveca Stanton's answer: Slap on a bubbly smile and be as white as you can be! In a humorous and pointed coming-of-age story spanning the sixties through the nineties, Viveca blithely sails through the confusing worlds of racism, sexism and Broadway showbiz until she's forced to face the devastating effect self-denial has had on her life.

"The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin is a show about identity, and is perfect for Baltimore, especially during Black History Month.", says the Strand Artistic Director, Rain Pryor "Here is a chance to put race in your face and on the table." Pryor has selected a long-time friend and Artistic Director of StillPointe, Ryan Hasse, to direct the production. "Ryan is a director and designer with integrity and sharp wit. He doesn't try to fit in, and we just all get to stay open." Ryan Haase is thrilled about the collaboration between StillPointe and the Strand, and shares Pryor's excitement for the production. "The cast of The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin tells a story of self discovery. This dynamic group of performers will be your tour guide on Viveca Stanton's quest to find her "brave new world", says Haase. "Come join us. Feel the energy. Find your groove, and start "keeping it real"".

Production cast features: Nizel J. Austin, Montel Butler, Jacquelyn Clemmons, Kristra Forney, Jay Hargrove, Sherna Johnson, Zoe Kanter, Nina Kauffman, Jon Kevin Lazarus, Bobby Libby, Ines Nassara, and Ben Shaver.

Artistic team includes: Director/Set Design- Ryan Michael Haase, Assistant Director- Grace Anastasiadis, Musical Director- Stacey Antoine, Choreographer- Amanda J. Rife, Costume Designer- Anna Tringali, Lighting Designer- Charles Long, Hair/Makeup- Danielle Robinette, Scenic Artist/Muralist- Stefan Ways.

Kirsten Childs is a Musical Theater Writer. Winner of Edward Kleban, Jonathan Larson, Rockefeller and Richard Rodgers Development Awards, Audelco, Gilman & Gonzalez-Falla and Richard Rodgers Production Awards, Black Theatre Alliance Award; Lucille Lortel, NAACP nominations, Drama Desk nominations for The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin (originally produced at Playwrights Horizons. 2013 productions - StillPointe Theatre Initiative, Baltimore MD and The Black Theatre Troupe, Phoenix AZ). Fly with playwright/co-lyricist Rajiv Joseph, composer Bill Sherman and director Jeffrey Seller (Dallas Theatre Center, 2013); Playwrights Horizons commission with playwright Lynn Nottage & writer/director Steve Cosson (The Civilians). Disney's Wishes, Disney's Believe, Disney Theatricals/Disney Cruise Lines. Funked Up Fairy Tales (Barrington Stage Company, Sundance White Oak, Sundance at BAM, Manhattan Theatre Club. Depot Theatre, 2013). The Princess And The Black Eyed Pea (San Diego Repertory Theater). Miracle Brothers (Vineyard Theatre) - NEA, Larson grants, Meet The Composer and Kitty Carlisle Hart Musical Theatre awards, Sundance Ucross. American Songbook series, Lincoln Center. Songwriter, PBS's new Electric Company. House Of Flowers - CityCenter Encores! Wasted - George Street Playhouse. If You Give A Mouse A Cookie (Amazing Grace) - Theatreworks/USA. Guggenheim Museum - classical compositions for the poetry of poet Paul Muldoon and for the poetry of NEA chairman/poet Dana Gioia. Music design, Doris to Darlene with playwright Jordan Harrison (Playwrights Horizons). Professor at NYU's Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program, Tisch School Of The Arts. Professor, NYU Open Arts Undergraduate Musical Theater Writing. TDF Mentor in Wendy Wasserstein's Open Doors Program. Dramatists Guild Publications Committee member and Dramatists Guild Fund Council member.

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