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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:3.5in;text-indent:.5in'><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Contact: Vivian C. Wilson<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Marketing Director<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Phone (216) 795-7070 x 215<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><h4 style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>PRESS RELEASE <o:p></o:p></span></h4><h1><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Tuesday, August 9, 2011<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Karamu House Inc. presents its 88<sup>th</sup> theatrical season with timely and relevant theatrical selections that are broad in subject matter but share a common purpose in their ability to encourage, entertain, uplift and inform. The new season will open with the world premiere of <b><i>You Got Nerve</i></b><i>!</i> a comedy/drama with music written by Michael Oatman, Karamu’s playwright in residence, and recent winner of the Cleveland Arts Prize.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>KARAMU HOUSE PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE 2011/2012 Theatre Season <br> <br> <b>YOU GOT NERVE! </b>(Comedy/Drama) (World Premiere) <br>by Playwright in Residence Michael Oatman <br>Directed by Terrence Spivey<br><b><i>You Got Nerve!</i></b> is a head spinning, pop-locking, foot-stomping comedy/drama with music that chronicles the adventures of a group of unruly teens who vandalize a retirement home and are sentenced to do community service. Get ready to dance to some original beats and more as the teens are challenged to experience life, dance and learn that old school , (the orderlies) also have some moves. (Jelliffe Theatre)<br>SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 9, 2011 (Family Friendly)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>THE SHADOW BOX (Drama</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>) <br>by Michael Cristofer Directed by Terrence Spivey<br>In this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play, three patients on a hospital grounds diagnosed with terminal illness confront the ultimate human challenge and learn the value of life, laughter and courage as they struggle with their mortality and its effect on their loved ones. This compelling work implores us to live our lives to the fullest with courage and passion. (Arena Theatre)<br>OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 20, 2011 <b>(Adult theme and language)</b><br> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>BLACK NATIVITY (Gospel Musical)</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <br>by Langston Hughes<br>Directed by Richard H. Morris Jr. and Glenn Brackens, Musical Director <br>Karamu alum and literary genius Langston Hughes’ classic <i>Black Nativity</i> is the contemporary retelling of the birth of Christ based on the Gospel of St. Luke featuring gospel music, dance and songs. (Jelliffe Theatre)<br>DECEMBER 9 - DECEMBER 30, 2011 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Special added shows 3:00 pm on Saturday -December 17; 7:30 pm on Sunday -December 18<sup>th</sup>; and 8:00 pm on Wednesday December 28<sup>th</sup> (Family Entertainment)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <b>THE BLUEST EYE (Drama)</b> <br>Based on the Toni Morrison novel. Adapted by Lydia Diamond <br>Directed by Fred Sternfeld<br>Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison's <i>The Bluest Eye</i> is a story about the tragic life of a young black girl in 1940's Ohio. Eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove wants nothing more than to be loved by her family and schoolmates. Instead, she faces constant ridicule and abuse. She blames her dark skin and prays for blue eyes, sure that love will follow. With rich language and bold vision, this powerful adaptation of an American classic explores the crippling toll that a legacy of racism has taken on a community, a family, and an innocent girl. ( Arena Theatre)<br>FEBRUARY 3 - FEBRUARY 26, 2012 . <b>(Mature theme; teens over seventeen)<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <br><b>GOD'S TROMBONES: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse (Gospel Musical)</b> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>by James Weldon Johnson. Adapted and directed by Terrence Spivey<br>Musical Director: Sharolyn Ferebee<br>Karamu brings back Johnson's poetic classic of seven Biblical verses such as The<br>Creation, Let My People Go, The Prodigal Son, and Judgment Day, dramatized through<br>the fire and brimstone of seven galvanizing preachers with soul-stirring singing and powerful dancing as a moving experience that has had audiences clapping, foot stomping, and standing in the aisles witnessing an uplifting, spiritual celebration.<br>MARCH 16 – ending on Thursday APRIL 5, 2012 (Jelliffe Theatre) special performances on Tuesday and Wednesday March 27 & 28 and Wednesday April 4 closing on Thursday April 5, 2012<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>No performances on Good Friday or Easter. (Family entertainment)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br><b>R.JOYCE WHITLEY ARENA FESTIVAL OF NEW WORKS<br>APRIL 16 - APRIL 20, 2012</b><br> <br><b><br>GEM OF THE OCEAN</b> (Drama) <br>by August Wilson <br>Directed by Michael Oatman<br>Set in 1904 at 1839 Wylie Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Hill District, Aunt Ester, the drama's 285-year-old fiery matriarch, welcomes into her home Solly Two Kings, who was born into slavery and scouted for the Union Army, and Citizen Barlow, a young man from Alabama searching for a new life. Citizen Barlow is in search of redemption. Aunt Ester is not too old to practice healing; she guides him on a soaring, lyrical journey of spiritual awakening to the City of Bones. (Jelliffe Theatre)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NO PERFORMANCE ON MOTHER’S DAY</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <br>MAY 4 - MAY 27, 2012 Special 3:00 pm performance on Saturday, May 19<br> (<b>Recommended for youth over fifteen, Mature Theme</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT THEATRE SERIES <br><b>The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Comedy)</b><br>By Kathryn Schultz Miller. From the story by Washington Irving.<br>Here is the spooky classic story by Washington Irving, presented with all the thrills, chills and laughs that keep young audiences on the edge of their seats. The storybook tale revolves around the main characters—the bumbling,awkward schoolteacher, Ichabod, the coquettish Katrina and Ichabod's brutish rival, Brom Bones. A perfect Halloween treat with lots of suspense and comedy. (Jelliffe Theatre)<br></span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>OCTOBER 15 - OCTOBER 30, 2011 Family Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>School Performances October 19, 2011 @ 10:00</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> am and 1:00 pm<br> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Rid-All A Green Movement<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>By Marvin Wright-Bey<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Based on “Brink-City, Green n’ the Ghetto” comic book series by Damien Forshe<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Additional Music and Lyrics by Sens Musiq<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Rid-All: A Green Movement</span></i></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> is a science fiction adventure which explores the value of environmental stewardship while educating urban youth and the general community about environmental sustainability. The experience is interactive and fun with a hip-hop twist to encourage taking care of the planet through recycling agriculture training and going green.(Recommended for Children over ten years of age)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 28, 2012 <u>SATURDAYS ONLY AT 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm</u><br></span></b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>School Performances January 18, 2012 @ 10:00</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> am and 1:00 pm <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>dont you luv me<br></span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>By Linda Daugherty<br>Angela has a new boyfriend. C.J.'s romantic, amazingly handsome, and a <br>senior. He sends her flowers. He texts her day and night. Angela's<br>swept off her feet, but her best friend, Jen, is troubled by changes<br>she sees in Angela. From the playwright who brought us "The Secret Life<br>of Girls" and "EAT" comes a well-researched and thought- provoking play<br>exploring the hidden world of aggression and violence in teen dating<br>while encouraging young people to make choices that result in healthy<br>relationships. Recommended for Children over twelve years of age <br>JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 29, 2012 <b><u>SUNDAY ONLY AT 1:00 pm <o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>School Performances January 25, 2012 @ 10:00</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> am and 1:00 pm <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br><b>Seussical, Jr</b>.<br>Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty<br>Music by Stephen Flaherty; Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens; Co-Conceived by Eric Idle<br>Based on the works of Dr. Seuss<br>The story centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge--not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him, the<br>only one who recognizes "his kind and his powerful heart." Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, in a story that makes you laugh and cry. Family Entertainment <br>APRIL 14 - APRIL 22, 2011 Double Performances Saturday and Sundays <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>School Performances April 18<sup>th</sup> at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Karamu House is located at 2355 East 89<sup>th</sup> Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44106. Main stage performances are conducted Thursday thru Saturday at 8:00 pm and on Sundays at 3:00 pm unless otherwise noted. Preview night occurs on the Thursday immediately preceding opening night and begins at 7:30 pm. Youth theatre performances are at 1:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted. The theatre box office can be reached at 216-795-7077 or visit our website at </span><a href="http://www.karamuhouse.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>www.karamuhouse.org</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Karamu Performing Arts Theatre is sponsored in part by The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, the Ohio Lottery and receives public support with local tax dollars from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, to preserve and enrich our region’s artistic and cultural heritage.</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><b><i><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='font-family:"Freestyle Script"'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Blackadder ITC"'>Vivian C. Wilson<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marketing Director<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Karamu House<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2355 East 89th Street<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cleveland, OH 44106<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ph: 216-795-7070 extension 215<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fax 216-795-7073<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>vwilson@karamuhouse.org<o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>www.karamuhouse.org<o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Feel at Home in the House!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>