IN COLLABORATION WITH ST. HOPE & THE GUILD THEATRE

Kicking off Black History Month, Direct From Death Row: The Scottsboro Boys is the premiere production for Celebration Arts 2023 Season, "Overcoming," and shares the African-American experience of overcoming discrimination. 

Presented in collaboration with Celebration Arts and St. Hope, the Scottsboro Boys will come from eternity to the Guild Theatre to reenact as "vaudeville" scenes the story of their convictions for gang rape - despite prima facie evidence of their innocence.

The historic event was, in many ways, something of a vaudeville. But also, as revealed early on, the first four of the nine to get released (after seven years) appeared within a matter of weeks in a New York vaudeville show.

The case highlighted several elements of American culture - the exploitation of racism by the two women who falsely accused these young Black men and the Communist Party's exploitation of racism in its efforts to recruit African Americans.

“A masterful work…” – Chicago Sun-Times

WRITTEN BY MARK STEIN

DIRECTED BY ANTHONY D'JUAN

MUSIC & LYRICS BY HARLEY WHITE, JR.

After Sunday matinee performances, you are invited to stay and kick it for awhile after the show and join the cast members for Cast Talk Backs!  Have a burning question about the play? Want to understand the process of how the performers prepare for emotional scenes? Now is your chance to ask the cast directly! And a member of the production crew might pop in as well!

THE GUILD THEATRE COVID-19 PROTOCOL (Last Update: 9/29/22)

Vaccination and Masking:  The Guild Theatre recommends all patrons follow CDC recommendations for public gatherings, or consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns. Vaccination and/or masks are not required for entry to The Guild Theatre. This policy, however, may vary depending on the requirements of the artists who perform there, which will supersede. Masks may be worn inside the venue at your discretion. If you are not feeling well on the day of an event, please do not come to the venue! This policy is subject to change and any updates or changes will be posted here.

After 37 years producing Black theater in Sacramento, California, Celebration Arts is conducting an audience survey to get your evaluation of our programming.  Please take a moment to complete it at https://forms.gle/Gkd9L4yCcjqjQPQE9.