Main Stage Shows

August Wilson’s
JITNEY
Directed by Lou Bellamy
Subscription Dates: October 13 through 23, 2016

It is 1977, and in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, city officials threaten to level a makeshift taxi dispatch office where neighbors have gathered for years. At a time when safe and comfortable transit was not guaranteed for black customers, Becker’s car service provided mobility and a modicum of respect for the community. Now his building has been identified as prime real estate for redevelopment, and he might be forced out of business. Meanwhile, his estranged son has been released from prison and wants to come home. As pressure mounts, Becker is forced to reckon with powers beyond his control. Jitney is an “explosive” and “gripping” portrait of African American life from the pen of one of America’s greatest writers. Join us for a riveting production brought to you by the nationally-known and critically-acclaimed creative team at Penumbra Theatre. Included in the Penumbra Experience, 4-play, and 3-play packages.

Langston Hughes’
BLACK NATIVITY
Directed by Lou Bellamy
Subscription Dates: December 1 through 11, 2016

This timeless holiday tradition is treasured by families across the Twin Cities. Today, kids who grew up with Black Nativity are returning with their own families. Under the direction of Lou Bellamy and the musical direction of Sanford Moore, this homegrown Christmas show returns with exceptional lead vocalists, the outstanding Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Choir, and the stirring choreography of Uri Sands of TU Dance. Join us for an experience full of joy, community, and spirit. Included in the Penumbra Experience and 4-play packages.

Daniel Alexander Jones’
BLACK LIGHT
Part of the Claude Edison Purdy Festival
Subscription Dates: February 2 through 12, 2017

Long-time Penumbra company member Daniel Alexander Jones returns to the Twin Cities with Black Light, the newest iteration of performance featuring the original and elegant Jomama Jones. Moving and grooving between song and monologue, the diva and soulful songstress explores love and life with extraordinary style and strength. Featuring original songs from Jones’ forthcoming album Flowering, created with Bobby Halvorson, Black Light includes music by celebrated pianist Samora Pinderhughes and vocalists Laura Jean Anderson and Kelly Erin Sloan. Representing radical love at the heart of black and queer theatre, Jomama Jones’ joyous reflections expand our capacity for love. Included in the Penumbra Experience, 4-play, and 3-play packages.

Zakiyyah Alexander and Imani Uzuri’s
GIRL SHAKES LOOSE
Directed by May Adrales
Subscription Dates: April 20 through 30, 2017

Why is it so hard to grow up? GIRL is a good girl: smart, beautiful, and a little rebellious, or, as her family would say, “hard-headed.” For the most part, she has played by the rules, finishing college and then graduate school. She is perfectly poised for success, but something is in her way. Floundering in love, life, and career, GIRL goes on a journey to discover what she’s missing, but wherever she goes, there she is. Eventually, GIRL learns that what she’s seeking is herself: powerful, grounded, and so much stronger than she thought. A groundbreaking new musical by Zakiyyah Alexander and Imani Uzuri, GIRL Shakes Loose is the soulful story of one woman’s search for herself. Featuring the lush poetry of Sonia Sanchez and a stirring original score, you won’t want to miss this world premiere. Brimming with hope, humor, and headstrong passion, you’ll cheer GIRL on, remembering your own journey along the way. Included in the Penumbra Experience, 4-play, and 3-play packages.