FALLS CHURCH TIMES STAFF
Creative Cauldron will present Thunder Knocking on the Door, a blues musical fable written by Keith Glover, with lyrics and music by three-time Grammy award winner Keb’ Mo’ and Anderson Edwards. Veteran theater artist and Helen Hayes Award winner Stephen Gregory Smith is directing and choreographing a professional cast. Thunder runs from May 2-26 with performances Thursday through Sunday evenings at 8:00 pm at Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South Maple Avenue.
Thunder Knocking on the Door is an intoxicating musical filled with humor and heart. Set in Bessmer, Alabama in 1966, the story follows a mysterious, Blues-playing stranger named Marvel Thunder who shows up uninvited at the home of the Dupree family. Thunder is a mythic figure with supernatural powers. He has come to challenge the son and daughter of Jaguar Dupree, the only man who ever outplayed him on the guitar in a “cutting contest.” Since its 1999 premiere at Arena Stage, Thunder has played to rave reviews and sold out houses in theaters around the country.
Shayla Simmons is featured in the role of Glory Dupree in Creative Cauldron's production of "Thunder Knocking on the Door." Performances are Thursday through Sunday, May 2 - 26 at ArtSpace Falls Church.
The cast features Shayla Simmons in the role of Glory Dupree. Shayla was last seen at Creative Cauldron in the 2012 hit production Women of the Blues. This past winter she appeared as Deena Jones in Signature Theatre’s critically acclaimed Dreamgirls. Other cast members include Ramond Thomas (Thunder), Iyona Blake (Good Sister), Michael Mainwaring (Jaguar Jr.) and Malcolm Lee (Jaguar Sr & Dregster).
Pianist Amy Conley is the Music Director, who will play keyboard and conduct a blues pit band that includes Bruce Turner (guitar), Rob Weaver (bass), and Jim Hoffman (drums). Scenic Designer Margie Jervis and Lighting Designer Zach Dalton have created a setting that evokes the dusty crossroads and “juke joint” atmosphere of the Southern delta.
Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. To reserve tickets or get further information log on to www.creativecauldron.org or call 571-239-5288.
