Center Stage's 2016 Spring Play Lab:

Shadowboxer (May 13–15)
A Center Stage Play Lab, Presented in Association with Carolyn Black-Sotir
Music by Frank Proto
Libretto by John Chenault
Conducted by Timothy Long
Directed by Leon Major

Shadowboxer—a new opera based on the life and career of legendary boxing champion Joe Louis—traces Louis' personal and professional journey against the backdrop of American history, from the Great Depression through the Second World War to the Civil Rights Movement. By focusing on the life behind the legend, the opera looks beyond the image of the Brown Bomber—the millionaire prizefighter, and the great Black hope—to reveal the humble man from rural Alabama who took on the world with his fists and won his place in history.

Proto and Chenault will be in residence throughout the week-long workshop and public presentations, working with conductor Timothy Long and a company of local and international singers, offering the rare opportunity to take part in the creative process of a brand new opera.

$10 | $5 for Members

Fri, May 13, 7:30 pm (at Morgan State University)
Sat, May 14, 7:30 pm* (at Peabody Institute)
Sun, May 15, 3 pm (at Peabody Institute)

Or contact the Box Office at [email protected] or 410.332.0033.

*There will also be a free open rehearsal at 2:30 pm on Saturday, May 14 at Peabody. Patrons interested in attending should contact the Box Office at [email protected]. Please arrive 10–15 minutes prior to the start time.