NICEVILLE — "Black Angels Over Tuskegee," Layon Gray's acclaimed Off-Broadway play about the heroic Tuskegee airmen, is coming to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center.
Based on true events, six men explore their collective struggle with Jim Crow laws, their intelligence, patriotism, dreams of an inclusive fair society, and brotherhood, as they become the first African-American fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
The play is now in its sixth year off-Broadway at St. Luke’s Theatre in New York. The production has received praise from top critics including The New York Times who described the performance as "Uplifting and Inspirational: and "Tough to Resist!"
Original Tuskegee Airman Ted Lumpkin, president of the Los Angeles Chapter, said, "I love this play. It's real and it reminded me of my times at Tuskegee. It's a great show." The play regularly tours across the USA and internationally, shedding light on these inspiring American heroes.
There will be an Oct. 6 daytime performance for schools and youth groups, and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the center at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd.
The play is recommended as most appropriate for middle school and high school age youths. The group admission rate for youths, teachers and adult chaperones (10 or more) attending the daytime performance is $10 per person. Group reservations for schools, youth and home school groups are available now by contacting the program’s local sponsor, Dedria Lunderman, at 865-5069 or dalconsultinggroup@cox.net.
Single tickets sales for the evening performance are available starting August 1, 2016 for $37.50 each from the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office by phone, web or in-person. Call 729-6000 or1-888-838-ARTS (2767); or purchase online at www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org.
Sponsorship opportunities are available to assist with bringing this historic event to the Emerald Coast. For sponsorship details, contact Lunderman.
For more information about the play, visit www.BlackAngelsOverTuskegee.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Niceville arts center hosts Oct. 7 play about Tuskegee airmen (VIDEO)