Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center at Gonzaga University
SPOKANE, Wash. – “The Sound of (Black) Music,” a unique rendition of the beloved musical celebrating Black art will be performed at Gonzaga University’s Myrtle Woldson Theater on Feb. 6.
Presented by Electric Root, a collective of artists commemorating Black music, “The Sound of (Black) Music” recasts classic songs from the original such as “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” through a lens of jazz, gospel, blues, soul, funk and Afro-beat.
The innovative production, which has also been recognized among the “Best of Theater, 2021” by the New York Times, is co-directed by Shariffa Ali and Kamilah Long, with arrangements by Mathis Picard and music direction by Charenee Wade.
“Reimagining a classic like this through an Afrofuturistic lens serves multiple purposes. First, it breathes new life into a beloved work, offering a fresh perspective and making it relevant to contemporary audiences. Second, it highlights the enduring impact of Black music on American popular culture, underscoring the importance of recognizing Black contributions to the arts. Finally, it aligns with the broader mission of promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts by centering BIPOC performers and celebrating their talents in a traditionally Eurocentric genre,” says Ali.
The cast of talented Black musicians includes vocalists C. Anthony Bryant, Brianna Thomas, Charenee Wade, and Zhanna Reed, who are all supported by an electrifying band.
“The Sound of (Black) Music” will be presented on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center Coughlin Theater at 211 E. Desmet Ave. in Spokane.
Reserved seat tickets are $30-$48 for the general public and $15 for Gonzaga University students.
You can purchase tickets online, by visiting the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center Box Office, or by calling 509-313-2787.
Learn more about Electric Root and their mission here.
