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April M. Wright stars as Belle in Harlem Voices. Courtesy photo.
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The public is invited to experience Harlem Voices at the Soper Reese Theater in Lakeport this weekend.
The show continues on Saturday, May 31, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 1, for a matinee at 2 p.m.
This original musical work is a powerful and deeply moving blend of historical storytelling and musical performance celebrating African American resilience and the enduring power of art to inspire change.
Harlem Voices spans 1923 to 1976 and begins in a segregated Prohibition-era speakeasy. Audiences are invited to immerse themselves in the experience and dress in Prohibition-era or fancy attire. Period-inspired food and beverages will be available for purchase.
It was written and composed by Clovice A. Lewis, Jr., cellist, composer, and Unitarian Universalist Minister, Harlem Voices reflects Lewis’ lifelong dedication to social justice, racial equality, and inclusive spirituality.
Performances feature four lead vocalists, a chorus, and a twelve-piece chamber orchestra. The production brings together a diverse cast of professionals from the tri-county and Bay Areas.
April M. Wright stars as Janet "Belle" Carter, a character who, along with her brother Evan, escaped the Rosewood, Florida massacre in 1923 and finds refuge in Harlem. A brilliant vocalist and native of Richmond, California, Wright has performed and taught extensively and currently hosts The Gospel Experience on KPFA 94.1 FM.
She also produced and is the star of “Chicken, Chitlins, and Caviar,” a musical journey through African American culture that opens this July at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.
Joining Ms. Wright are Reginald V. Finley as Evan Carter, Belle’s brother. A pastor, gospel singer and composer, Finley’s live album, Live and Churchin’, captures his dynamic style and lifelong commitment to both music and ministry; Ben Meyers, Unitarian Universalist minister and vocalist, plays Belle’s romantic interest, Andrés Fontenot; and Blue Ryon, Lake County-based singer-songwriter and activist, appears as Belle’s best friend, Susan Wright.
Lake County’s a cappella chorus My Divas — Barbara Clark, Brenda Vickers Gravesen, Jo Fay, and Laura McAndrews Sammel — adds lush vocal harmony. The chamber orchestra features musicians, many of whom play with the Mendocino and Lake County Symphonies: Victor Hall, Sophia Becket, Sienna S'Zall, Lea Fainer, Joe Dupre, Joel Cohen, Jenness Hartley, James Anthony Leonardis, Leo Cavanagh, David B. Scollin, Carolina Calvache, and Beth Aiken.
Clovice Lewis plays Maurice, musical director of the Black Jay, and later the Pantheon Club, in Harlem. He is also our narrator and orchestra conductor.
"These are musical love letters to the resilience, brilliance, and cultural legacy of Black America. They are a call to remembrance, resistance, and hope — lifting up stories that must never be forgotten,” said Lewis.
Tickets range from $15 to $50 and seating is limited. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/harlemvoicessoperreese.
The Harlem Voices production is a collaboration between Clovice Lewis and the Middletown Art Center presented by the partners and the Soper Reese Theatre.
The production is funded in part by a prestigious Humanities for All grant from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, or NEH.
The federal government repurposed NEH funding in April resulting in the freezing of funds for state agencies and contracted grants nationwide, including Harlem Voices. Learn more about California Humanities at calhum.org.
The MAC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating the quality of and access to contemporary arts in Lake County.
To learn more, donate, or support this and other MAC programs, visit www.middletownartcenter.org or contact MAC at 707-355-4465 or
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The stars of “Four Old Broads.” Courtesy photo.
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt as “Four Old Broads,” a delightfully outrageous comedy by Leslie Kimbell, takes center stage at the Soper Reese Community Theatre this June.
Proceeds from the production will benefit the Kelseyville Senior Center, which continues to serve a growing senior population with decreasing resources.
Show dates:
- June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15.
• Fridays at 7 p.m.
• Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available online at www.SoperReese.com or at the theatre’s box office.
Senior discounts apply to every performance, and opening night (June 6) tickets are specially discounted with $5 off all seats.
Set in a Southern retirement home, “Four Old Broads” follows four sassy, spirited women determined to liven up their golden years.
When strange things start happening around the facility, the ladies turn into amateur sleuths, uncovering secrets, chasing thrills, and proving that growing older doesn’t mean growing dull.
“This production is not only incredibly funny, it’s also incredibly important,” said Becky Vreeland, director. “The Senior Center is serving more seniors than ever, but with fewer resources. This show is a fun way to support a vital part of our community.”
Whether you’re coming for the laughs, the cause, or both, “Four Old Broads” is a can’t-miss event that promises an unforgettable night (or afternoon) of theatre.
For reserved seating visit www.SoperReese.com.
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- Written by: Editor
