Soul Food Dinner Theater – Produced by NC
Stage Company
Saturday, February 28th – Ray Auditorium
6:00 PM Dinner – 7:00 PM Performance
$20 per Person (Ticket includes Meal)The YMI Cultural Center
is proud to present its annual Black History Month fundraising event,
a Soul Food Dinner Theater. Produced by the North Carolina Stage Company
and sponsored by the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, the YMI brings
a powerful theatrical piece tackling an integral and controversial
chapter in our U.S. history books. America's passion for baseball
has provided a playing field for the best and the worst in our culture
and Jackie Robinson's fight to integrate this beloved pastime transcends
sports to reflect our nation's greater battle with racism.As
we celebrate the achievements of African Americans in our past and
present in February, the YMI strives to expose the community to ground-breaking
African American leaders and the diversity of art and heritage within
this community through its year-round cultural arts programming. The
YMI is proud to celebrate Black History Month but also remembers the
struggles and obstacles many of our past leaders have had to overcome,
both locally and nationally, in order to make possible the opportunities
for our African American youth and people of color today. As
an organization, our mission is to serve as an educational forum creating
a greater awareness of our cultural heritage and is a center for encouraging
the cultural and artistic expression vital to creating and sustaining
a strong community. We will continue this tradition beyond Black History
Month and challenge the community to educate themselves and their
children to learn about the rich history of African Americans and
the ties and impact our culture has in the greater community today.
We look forward to seeing you on the 28th!
Cast Information
Edgar L. Davis, (JACKIE ROBINSON) a native of Missouri,
began his theater career in Minnesota in 1988 performing with such
companies as The Children’s Theater Co., The Penumbra Theater
Co. and The Great American History Theater Company. In 1993, he earned
a MFA in Acting from the University of Minnesota. Edgar most recently
appeared in NC Stage Co.’s production of Midwives and in Highland
Repertory Theater’s production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile.
Jess Wells (Ensemble) helped organize Daybreak: Illinois
which educates children to the impact and influence of Martin Luther
King, Jr. Jess is a director and actor whose recent projects include
Manor Daze and Pinter’s plays The Dumbwaiter and The Lover .
Pat Snoyer (DIRECTOR) is an Associate Professor at
UNC-Asheville, where she recently directed A Village Fable and Rimers
of Eldrich. Last season, she played Mrs. Whatsit in North Carolina
Stage Company’s production of A Wrinkle in Time. Pat is a member
of several Theatre for Young Audiences organizations and is on the
board of the ASSITEJ International Congress.
North Carolina Stage Company (Producer)
Most Valuable Player was developed collectively by
the California Theatre Center in 1984. Mary Hall Surface is an internationally
celebrated playwright of plays for young people.
CAST
Josh Batenhorst
Edgar Davis
Lauren Fortuna
Willie Repoley
Jess Wells
Director: Pat Snoyer
Stage Manager: Jenny Prather
Set and Projection Designer: Rob Bowen
-Tickets on sale now! Please visit our website at
www.ymicc.org or call (828) 252-4614 for more information-
The YMICC is supported by the Adelaide Key Foundation;
Asheville Area Arts Council United Arts Campaign; City of Asheville
Parks & Recreation Dept.; Biltmore Estate; Buncombe County; First
Citizens Bank; Friends of the YMI; Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa;
North Carolina Arts Council; Progress Energy; and Wachovia Bank.
