March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Theatre By The Blind On Stage At The Promenade Playhouse With “Yesterday’s”:

The owner of a failing jazz club seeks to save what her grandfather built, inspiring those around her to chase their dreams.

Twelve visually impaired actors and musicians will take the stage at the Promenade Playhouse in “Yesterday’s” starting today, April 18.

The production is an original comedy created and performed by Theatre by the Blind, the country’s only theater troupe composed entirely of blind actors.

Created by the ensemble, co-written by Colin Simson and Lindsay Nyman, co-directed by Greg Shane and Lindsay Nyman, and presented by CRE Outreach, “Yesterday’s” will run through May 5.

In “Yesterday’s,” Candy is the owner of a failing Hollywood nightclub and tries to keep her business afloat by enlisting help from a gaggle of offbeat employees, including aspiring lounge singer Michael Quinn.

When her plan fails, Michael finds an unlikely mentor in a blind street performer. Will Candy be able to save her beloved club? Or will “Yesterday’s” be here today and gone tomorrow?

Blind in his right eye, Shane, who is also co-founder and artistic director of CRE Outreach, has a personal connection and sensitivity to the challenges faced by his company of visually impaired actors.

“It’s critical that these actors learn to trust one another and work together as a true ensemble,” Shane said. “They have to learn to navigate the stage and hit their marks using textured surfaces. Many of them lack self confidence, so we help them let go of their fears and train them to project.”

Cookie, who stars in the role of Candy, lost her eyesight as the result of domestic abuse. Initially scared of the world and trapped by her darkness, Theatre by the Blind has helped Cookie to face her fears, push past her limits, maneuver around the stage freely and find her voice.

Arnette Coates, who plays Shreik, has been a member of Theatre by the Blind for eight years and has appeared in past productions of “Revelations,” “Our Stories,” “Al a Carte Cafe,” “IDK,” “Hiding Eyes,” “Lights Out,” “Seeing Rain,” “Decider,” and “Private Eyes.”

“Theatre by the Blind has changed my life in so many ways,” Coates said. “It has given me confidence and has empowered me to see my disability as a strength rather than as a weakness.”

Sean Gorecki takes on the role of Michael Quinn, his theatrical stage debut.

“Acting allows me to escape from my daily life and become someone else. I love the challenge of stepping into a role,” Gorecki said.

Melanie Hernandez plays Cynthia. She has appeared in previous Theatre by the Blind productions, including “Hiding Eyes,” “Lights Out,” “Seeing Rain,” “Decider,” and “Private Eyes.”

“Being part of this company has helped me become more patient, concentrate more and become a better listener,” Hernandez said. “The most challenging part of theater is learning the lines and paying attention to who I follow in the script.”

“Yesterday’s” opens on Friday, April 19, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through May 5.

There will be one preview on Thursday, April 18 at 8 pm.

Tickets are $20, with one pay-what-you-can performance on Sunday, April 21; tickets to the preview performance are $10.

The Promenade Playhouse is located at 1404 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica.

For reservations and information, call 310.902.8220 or visit www.creoutreach.org.

in News
Related Posts

Hotel Workers to Speak Out on Harassment Endured at Santa Monica Hampton Inn

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

The Hotel Is One of Five Hotels in the Charter City That Are Still in a Labor Dispute By Zach...

Santa Monica Rotary Club Raises Over $21,000 for SMC Guardian Scholars Program

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

This Grant Will Provide Essential Support to Current and Former Foster Youth Enrolled at the College The Rotary Club of...

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...