The New Mccree Theatre Opens Langston Hughes’ Tambourines To Glory
In New Theatre Home
After investing considerable sweat equity and engaging in incessant wrestling matches with building operating costs, the New McCree Theatre has moved out of the theatre home it has occupied for the past five years. The new owners of the former Urban League of Flint building at 5005 Cloverlawn at Pierson Road, asked the theatre to move to accommodate renovations of the building for the Charter School that will open in that facility in September 2015. However, thanks to the prayers and well wishes of scores of McCree Theatre supporters, and the graciousness of Mr. Will Kneer of the Romine Group and Mr. Calvin Sims of New Standard Academy, the theatre located a much bigger and better space in the former Powers Catholic High School building, G-2040 W. Carpenter Road.
McCree Theatre officially moved into its new space on November 15. It is scheduled to open its first major production in its new home, Langston Hughes’ musical comedy Tambourines to Glory, on Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. (2 for 1 night). This award-winning play will run through December 27 (except Christmas Day), 2014, on Thursday and Fridays at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Advance admission is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and senior citizens, at the door admission is $18.00 and $12.00. Rates for groups of 10 or more are $11.00 for adults and $7.00 for students and seniors. A special Grand Opening performance is scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. All tickets for that event are $15.00.
Tambourines to Glory is the story, through mirth and music, of two down-on-their-luck sisters in Harlem who get the idea of starting a storefront church to fill their own empty pockets. They set out to do so, but before long, the devil, in the person of Buddy Lomax, makes his presence felt. He teaches the sisters how to take abuse of faith to a totally new and nefarious level. But the Lord Almighty is present too. Guess who wins out in the end?
The theatre’s new home features plenty of off-street, well lighted parking, comfortable cushioned seats, a much larger stage, and an enhanced theatre lighting system. The space served Powers High School’s drama department until their departure from the facility two years ago.
“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Kneer and Mr. Sims and their staff for the hospitality they have extended to us in this trying time,” Charles Winfrey, executive director of McCree Theatre said. “We will work even harder to honor the trust they have placed in us and our program.”
The theatre’s telephone number, (810) 787-2200 and website, www.thenewmccreetheatre.com, remain the same.
