New Horizon Theater’s current season rolls on with the heartfelt musical, “Sistas.”
Penned by University of Pittsburgh alumni-turned Columbia University professor Dorothy Marcic, “Sistas” tells the story of five Black women who come together to prepare for the burial of the family matriarch. The production, which will be held at East Liberty’s Kelly Strayhorn Theater, tackles the history of African American women from the Jim Crow era and beyond—the struggles, joys and triumphs of being a Black woman in America, and the bonds of family—all wrapped in the tapestry of great music.
“Songs are connective tissue for all of us as human beings,” explained director Eileen J. Morris. “When you put on a song, it takes you back to a memory. The music is lively, upbeat and spirited. These women are singing songs that connect to the things they find in the attic. There are three generations in the attic—really four, although the matriarch is not living, her spirit is there. The audiences who come see the play will enjoy hearing the music. ‘Sistas’ is an awakening because everyone is learning from the matriarch and each other. The play shows the past while influencing the future.”
“Sistas” stars Karla Payne, Katy Cotton, Angelique A. Struthers, Tasha Michelle, Melessie Clarke and Jennifer Malarky. Dewayne Fulton serves as musical director while Mils “MJ” James served up the choreography for the production, which runs from July 17-27.
“We’ve had success with musicals in the past and we will have songs and singers that we believe will go over big with our audiences,” explained New Horizon Theater Inc., Chairperson Joyce Meggerson-Moore. “These are talented women and we are glad to have them back doing a show for New Horizon. They have to dance, sing and act. I believe that’s what drew us to this play, plus it has a good storyline, good acting and good directing. New Horizon Theater is known for having all-female casts and female directors. We’ve been doing that for years.”
Meggerson-Moore said that people will recognize the music. They will be taken down memory lane and then clobbered with today’s hits.
“‘Sistas’ is going to be great for Pittsburgh. You get to see this beautiful show about legacy, Black women, love and how the past connects the future,” said James, who grew up in the Steel City but has resided in the Big Apple for two decades. “People will leave the theater dancing. It’s a feel-good show. The movements will have people moving in the aisles. It’s going to be a good time. People, bring your fans. Pittsburgh audiences are going to eat this up! This is a Pittsburgh cast. A lot of them are from Pittsburgh but now live in New York so that raises the bar a bit. This is a nice blend of women.”
Tickets for “Sistas” start at $40 for general admission. Group, student and senior rates are also available. Tickets can be purchased at: newhorizontheater@yahoo.com; by calling 412-431-0773; or visiting Dorsey’s Digital Imaging on Frankstown Avenue.
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