'Letters From Zora': to play at Pasadena Playhouse

Actress Vanessa Bell Calloway will star in the new production of “Letters From Zora, coming to The Pasadena Playhouse from May 10 – 18, 2014.

 “The incredible audience reaction last summer to both Zora’s brilliant words and Vanessa’s moving performance immediately encouraged us to make a return engagement of this show a reality,” said Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director of The Pasadena Playhouse. “I am thrilled that this imaginative evocation of the eloquent, humorous, and audacious spirit of Zora will be back on our stage once again. I know that many who saw the show the first time will want to return, and I am so pleased that this upcoming run will provide the opportunity for those who missed it to have this wonderful theatrical experience.”

Playwright Gabrielle Pina says, “Letters From Zora” is an authentic multi-sensory experience of an extraordinary woman who defied the social conventions of the day and lived a life of her own creation. The artistic fusion of music, history, and literary prose illuminates the resilience of the human spirit as well as Ms. Hurston’s philosophy of life and literature in her own words.”

Through the dramatization of personal letters, “Letters From Zora” playwright and author Zora Hurston’s controversial views on integration, segregation and social justice showcasing a life that was filled with artistic triumphs as well as abject poverty and self-doubt.

Vanessa Bell Calloway has appeared in “Coming to America,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “The Inkwell” and “Crimson Tide.” 

“As an actor you dream of a role that you can embody, a character in whom you can become completely engrossed, a role that you wake up each morning excited to portray with dialogue that flows like pure poetry,” stated star Vanessa Bell Calloway. “ For me “Letters From Zora” is that perfect piece.”

“Letters From Zora” will play May 10 – 18, 2014. Single ticket prices range from $40.00 – $100.00. Limited VIP Packages including premium seating, post-show meet & greet with Gabrielle Pina, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Anita Dashiell-Sparks and light reception is available for $150.00 per ticket. VIP Pacakage are available only on the following performances: Saturday, May 11 at 8:00 p.m.; Thursday, May 15 at 8:00 p.m.; Friday, May 16 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 17 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. .
The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. The performance schedule is Thursday and Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are available online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates.
 On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday – Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Group Sales (8 or more people) are available by calling 626-921-1161. For more information, visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.