August FJT Newsletter: Maya's Last Poem premieres Aug. 8

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The Artistic Director Says...

There is a world of great possibilities out there; you only have to want to be a part of something positive that will make a difference in the lives of the people with whom you come in contact. A simple “Hello, good morning" can have a positive impact on someone’s day; a courteous gesture like holding the door open for someone, or letting the person behind you in the grocery store line who only has one item go ahead of you, can be a positive game changer in that person’s day. Giving a heartfelt hug to a loved one "just because," or laughing out loud with a friend – even smiling at the person sharing the elevator with you, can bring “a rainbow to their cloud.” All this is possible; you simply have to want to be a part of something uplifting that will make a difference in the lives of others.

The month of August at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre will bring a smile to everyone’s face. It starts with with the world premiere of "Maya’s Last Poem," a play that explores the possibility that Maya Angelou has ascended to heaven and arrived in God’s library, where she can pen another poem, and receive her wings. This inspirational story is followed by a series of concerts that will definitely satisfy your musical palette. The amazing line-up includes the Old School R&B concert featuring the MoeFitz Project, followed by the popular Jazz Meets Delta Blues concert that reunites internationally renowned jazz bassist Marlene Rosenberg and Delta Bluesman David “Chainsaw” Dupont. We conclude our Summertime Season 2015 with the highly anticipated Black Tie Gala featuring "The Black Voices of Opera" concert. Oh yes, we have assembled five of the most talented opera singers from around the world, who will sing some of the most beautiful arias ever written. Come out to FJT and enjoy the most amazing August ever!

The first 20 supporters to email us at fjtheatre@cityofevanston.org will receive two complimentary tickets to the preview performance of Maya’s Last Poem on Friday, August 7 at 7 p.m. Simply email us with your name and include the title of the play “Maya’s Last Poem” in the subject line. If you are one of the first 20, you will be notified by email.

Artistic Director,
Tim Rhoze


Did You Know...


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Black Theater Alliance Awards announces nominations: FJT receives FOUR!


Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's Artistic Director, Tim Rhoze, has been nominated in the following categories for his play, “Why Not Me? A Sammy Davis Jr. Story”  


  • The Negro Ensemble Company Award for Outstanding Stage Production   
  • The Oscar Brown, Jr. Award for Best Direction of a Play
  • The Lorraine Hansberry Award for Best Writing of a Play


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Actor Sean Blake has been nominated for "The Sammy Davis, Jr. Award" for Best Leading Actor in a Play.

 


Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's 2015 Summertime Season

Maya's Last Poem

Written by Tim Rhoze

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Maya Angelou’s passing on May 28, 2014 created a cultural, intellectual, artistic, and maternal void in our world; where once there was a brilliant light, a solemn darkness has fallen. However, Maya left us with many things to nourish ourselves, including her magnificent poetry. This play takes an incredible leap and asks the question…now that Maya is in heaven, what conversations is she having with God? And as she seeks to write again from there, how will this glorious conversation influence the words she chooses? This is a world premiere not to be missed featuring Broadway performer and Evanstonian Jacqueline Williams as Maya Angelou. Call 847-866-5915 or visit www.fjtheatre.com for more information.


Who is Maya Angelou...


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Maya Angelou born Marguerite Annie Johnson; April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014. She was an American author, poet, dancer, actress, and singer. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.

An interesting fact about Dr. Angelou...In 1964, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Angelou, who was living in Accra, Ghana, met Malcolm X while he was visiting there. She decided to accompany Malcolm back to the United States to help him build his expanding Organization of Afro-American Unity.  Malcolm was assassinated in 1965 shortly after her arrival.


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FJ Theatre's Puzzle of the Month...


Each month, we present a challenging puzzle, trivia question or brain teaser for our subscribers to play, and a lucky winner receives a great prize!

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 This month's "Do you know..."

 

Where did Maya Angelou get the inspiration for the title of her book "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings"? 

Be the first to answer correctly and you'll win an FJT Summertime Season 2015 Premium Discount Card! Send your answer to fjtheatre@cityofevanston.org with the subject, "Puzzle Answer." You will have the opportunity to have your card punched three times for FREE admission to the final main stage play this season ("Maya's Last Poem") plus once for each of two concerts (or use all five punches for the main stage play).


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Last month's "Do you know..."

 

In what Off-Broadway theatre was The Vagina Monologues performed?


A: Westside Theatre, NY, NY


Congratulations to B. Stoller for being the first person to email the correct answer. You have won an FJT Premium Discount Card for our 2015 Summertime Season!


Upcoming Events You Don't Want to Miss!


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FREE Pop-Up Theatre in the Park


Come have a great time with the family, watching and interacting with  Fleetwood-Jourdain's Pop- Up Theatre!

Follow Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre on Twitter @FJTheatre and on Facebook at facebook.com/Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre to discover the location for final Saturday morning family theatre production this summer. This is a short play that the entire family will enjoy held in a surprise outdoor Evanston location.

"Hansel & Greta," Saturday, August 22 at 11 a.m.

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Like our page on Facebook

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Follow us on Twitter @FJTheatre

Connect with us! When you follow us on Facebook and Twitter, you'll also learn fun facts!


"Maya's Last Poem" written and directed by Tim Rhoze




Tickets are on sale NOW online

at www.fjtheatre.com!

Maya's Last Poem

Click here to see FJT's complete 2015 Summertime Season line-up and details, and to order your Premium Discount Card.

Reserve 25 tickets or more for your group and save up to 50%. Call 847-866-5915 for more information.

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Old School Concert R & B!!!


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Jazz Meets Delta Blues Concert...


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Black Tie Gala!

The Black Voices of Opera!

Believe Me! You do not want to miss this red carpet event!

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre will be wrapping up the Summertime Season 2015 with this highly anticipated Black Tie Gala. You will feast on incredible Tapas style cuisine, enjoy a glass of enchanting wine, and make a bid at the Millionaire Silent Auction. After hobnobbing in the upper level art gallery, you will head down to the theatre to take in some of the most beautiful music ever composed, sung by an amazing assemblage of African American operatic singers. Treat yourself to this once in a lifetime event, while supporting Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. After the concert, you will head back to the art gallery to nibble on an array of freshly made extremely decadent desserts, sip from a flute of chilled sparkling champagne and dance into the late night with music spun by DJ Rob Simmons. There will only be 130 tickets sold to this very special event. Tickets are on sale now. Call 847-866-5915 or visit www.fjtheatre.com for more information.

This event will take place at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St. Evanston

Admission: Advance online tickets are $50; at the door night of Gala tickets are $65.

We look forward to seeing you and a guest on August 29 for the reception at 6 p.m. followed by the concert at 7 p.m.


Sample FJT Discount Card

Premium Discount Cards
are Still Available!

FJT's Premium Discount Cards for the 2015 Summertime Season are now on sale for just $50. The five-punch card is valid for the one remaining main stage play and two concerts. You can mix and match (use five punches for one play, for instance), but the card may be punched just once per concert. You'll realize a $45 savings over ticket prices at the door! Purchase cards online here. To see FJT's complete 2015 Summertime Season line-up and details, visit www.fjtheatre.com.


Contact Information

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre/Noyes Cultural Arts Center
927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL 60201  NEW PHONE #: 847-866-5915
Please visit our website for updates: www.fjtheatre.com
Plays, concerts, classes and auditions are held at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center.


Find Out What's Happening at FJCC

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Learn more about classes, clubs and other activities at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center.