Signature Theatre celebrated the official opening of Dominique Morisseau's play Paradise Blue May 14. Directed by Tony winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson, the new drama looks at a community facing changes in Detroit’s gentrifying Blackbottom neighborhood in 1949.
Performances of Paradise Blue began April 24 at The Pershing Square Signature Center. The story follows Blue, a troubled trumpeter and the owner of Paradise Club, who is torn between remaining in Blackbottom with his loyal lover Pumpkin and leaving behind a traumatic past.
The cast includes Dear Evan Hansen's Kristolyn Lloyd, Francois Battiste (Head of Passes), J. Alphonse Nicholson (Luke Cage), and Keith Randolph Smith (Malcolm X, Jitney).
Flip through photos of the opening night below:
Paradise Blue is playing in the Signature's Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre, where it has been extended through June 10.
The creative team includes Neil Patel (scenic design), Clint Ramos (costume design), Rui Rita (lighting design), Darron L West (sound design), Thomas Schall (fight direction), Kenny Rampton (original music), and Bill Sims, Jr. (music director). Laura Wilson is the production stage manager. Casting is by Caparelliotis Casting.
