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Katherine Rose Watson
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Lyric Stage to Present ABYSSINIA February 14-16, 2020
See why ‘Abby’ Jackson is part of Lyric Stage’s Wonder Woman season

DALLAS, Texas – January 13, 2020 – Lyric Stage will celebrate Black History Month with ABYSSINIA February 14-16, 2020 as part of its Wonder Woman Season. Lyric Stage originally produced ABYSSINIA in its ninth season, and is excited to share this powerful and moving show with Dallas audiences in its twenty-seventh season. Based on the novel Marked by Fire by Joyce Carol Thomas, this musical was adapted and written by Ted Kociolek (Music/Book) and James Racheff (Lyrics/Book). Texas Christian University’s (TCU) own Jaden Dominique stars as Abyssinia.
Set in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the turn of the 20th century, Abyssinia ‘Abby’ Jackson was born during a tornado and blessed with the gift of song and a voice that thrills and delights the entire community. Like Job, Abby is fated to undergo a series of trials, and consequently, her faith in both man and God is destroyed, so she vows to never sing again. Abyssinia’s withdrawal affects the devastated community like a long drought, but when Mother Vera takes the girl under her wing to teach her the ways of a healer, Abby begins to heal herself, her voice, and her community as she learns to relieve pain in others.
Renowned actor, director, teacher, and writer Akin Babatundé will serve as the production’s Director, and Sheilah Vaughn Walker, well-known for her artful work on Broadway and across the country as a conductor, music director, vocal coach, and pianist, will serve as the production’s Music Director.
Show times are Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm. Tickets start at $29.50 and can be purchased at www.lyricstage.org or by calling the Box Office @ 214-871-5000. Special ticket pricing for groups and students are available.
Abyssinia
By Lyric Stage
At The Majestic Theater
February 14-16, 2020
Friday, Saturday at 7:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 pm
Tickets start at $29.50 for reserved seating, $16.50 for students
Ticket link: www.lyricstage.org
Lyric Stage celebrates Black History Month in February with its third show of the season, ABYSSINIA. Based on the novel Marked by Fire by Joyce Carol Thomas, this musical was adapted and written by Ted Kociolek (Music/Book) and James Racheff (Lyrics/Book). Set in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the turn of the 20th century, Abyssinia ‘Abby’ Jackson was born during a tornado and blessed with the gift of song and a voice that thrills and delights the entire community. Like Job, Abby is fated to undergo a series of trials, and consequently, her faith in both man and God is destroyed, so she vows to never sing again. Abyssinia’s withdrawal affects the devastated community like a long drought, but when Mother Vera takes the girl under her wing to teach her the ways of a healer, Abby begins to heal herself, her voice, and her community as she learns to relieve pain in others. Lyric Stage originally produced ABYSSINIA in its 9th season, and couldn’t be more excited to share this powerful and moving show with Dallas audiences in its 27th season.
The full cast list is as follows: Jaden Lewis as Abyssinia “Abby” Jackson, Carol Dennis as Mother Vera, Chimberly Carter Byrom as Patience Jackson, Ausben Jordan II as Strong Jackson, Feleceia Benton as Trembling Sally, Rachael Palmer as Lily Noreen Lewis/Mother Samuels, J. Dontray Davis as Minister, Crystal Williams as Corine, Natasha Wells as Mavis, Louise Harris as Selma, Selmore Haines III as Brother Samuels, Rodney Morris as Marcus, Canali Miller as Jesse, D’Mariel Jones as Leon, and Brittanee Bailey as Featured Dancer.
Media is invited to opening night. Contact Katherine Rose Watson (katierosewatson@gmail.com, 972-489-7694) to request tickets and/or to coordinate a feature.
About Lyric Stage
Lyric Stage is a Dallas-based 501c3 not-for-profit musical theatre company that was established in 1993 by Founding Producer Steven Jones, with the mission of developing and preserving the musical, a uniquely American art form. Through its efforts in developing new works, restoring and preserving classic musicals for new audiences, and in committing to locally producing the highest quality productions, Lyric Stage has become one of North Texas’ most honored theatre companies, being both locally and nationally recognized for its work. In its 25+ year history, Lyric Stage has produced over 120 productions, including 21 World Premieres and 2 Off-Broadway productions, and has helped create over 2,500 jobs in Dallas County by committing to employing local actors, singers, musicians, fabricators, artists, and creatives. As Lyric Stage looks ahead to the next 25 years, it will continue to honor its mission by looking for ways to evolve and grow in the ever-changing landscape of the arts, so that future audiences and generations will be able to experience the American Musical. For more information, visit www.lyricstage.org.
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