Ambitious blend awaits Amun Ra theatergoers in 2010

An ambitious blend of original and adapted productions including new pieces celebrating the legacies of Nashville attorney C. Alexander Looby and the great vocalist/pianist Nat "King" Cole comprise the 2010 season for Nashville's Amun Ra Theatre.

The entire slate, which begins Jan. 22 with Signs of A New Day, and concludes in December with the sixth annual production of Black Nativity was announced Friday during a press conference at Amun Ra Theatre Playhouse, 2508 Clifton Avenue.

"Last year was one of establishing ourselves within the community and getting things off the ground," artistic director dr. jeff obafemi carr said. "Now for 2010 our motto is "the future is now." We've designed a schedule of events we think will inspire and entertain people both in Nashville and the visitors we've attracted from around the country."

The opening work Signs of a New Day: the Z. Alexander Looby Story is written and directed by award-winning playwright Carolyn German. It's based on Looby's exploits in Nashville on behalf of civil rights and outlines many of the celebrated attorney's other accomplishments. It runs from Jan. 22-Feb. 6. 

That will be followed by the local professional premiere of The Bluest Eye, from Feb. 25-March 14. Lydia Diamond's adaptation transfers to a stage setting Toni Morrison's heralded debut novel about life in 1940 as seen through the eyes of Claudia MacTreer, and discusses issues of self-esteem, beauty and value.

Carr and former Titans star turned broadcaster and actor Eddie George will be featured in a local Equity professional premiere presentation of Topdog/Underdog in April. Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize winning story looks at sibling rivalry and family resentment through the struggles and battles of brothers named Lincoln and Booth.

Samuel Beckett's absurdist classic Waiting for Godot will be presented April 22-May 9, followed by a version of George C. Wolfe's The Colored Museum from June 17-July 4. Then Route 66: Finding Nat King Cole, an original play and one-man show spotlighting carr, from Oct. 1-31.

"This is something that I've been working on the past four years," carr said. "It's designed as both a showcase for his music and also a play that will talk about many things in Cole's life that have been very underplayed. For example, he often wrote checks to help people in the civil rights movement. Also he did things for a lot of people in the business, including helping Frank Sinatra get a contract at Capitol when he was having a rough time."

Amun Ra will conclude its season in December with the sixth presentation of Black Nativity, Langston Hughes' holiday classic that mixes gospel music with the Christmas story. More details will be announced later, because the theatre's in negotiations with two networks to  broadcast the event to a national audience.

carr also announced new plans for the theatre's infrastructure that include refurbshing the lobby, converting the structure into a multi-purpose building, and ongoing partnerships with Lipscomb College and Metro Parks that will result in new venues for Amun Ra productions. There are also plans for a summer 2010 visit to Africa for members of the Theatre's Youth Performing Arts Academy.

Amun Ra Theatre is the first African-American owned and operated theater facility in Nashville in 103 years. It's also the city's only black not-for-profit, 501 (c) (3) professional performing arts ensemble.

Most Amun Ra presentations will be held on weekends. Tickets to all events are available either online at brownpapertickiets. com or at 800-838-3006. For more information call 329-4228. All Amun Ra productions will be held at the Theatre Playhouse except Black Nativity, which will be performed at Lipscomb University.