Hana Sharif (Rise and Fall of Day; Elliott, A Soldier's Fugue) stages the production that will run through Feb. 11.

The cast, also featured musicians in the production, includes Kimberly Hébert Gregory as Sadie, Teagle F. Bougere (Broadway's A Raisin in the Sun) as Macon, Tamela Aldridge (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) as Nella and Miche Braden (The Bluest Eye) as Alice/Asia. Braden also arranged the songs in the production and serves as musical director.

"Meet the women of Gee's Bend, Alabama, who sing hauntingly beautiful gospel melodies as they create magnificent handmade quilts," press notes state. "The story of the women of Gee's Bend, who quilted their way to economic freedom, already has touched millions of people who witnessed their stunning quilt work through a national exhibition tour, and features in Newsweek, House and Garden and Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine."

Gee's Bend has designs by Scott Bradley (set design), Linda Cho (costumes), Lap Chi-Chu (lighting design) and Daniel Baker (sound design).

Hartford Stage is located at 50 Church Street in downtown Hartford, CT. For more information visit www.hartfordstage.org.