Playwright Christina Anderson Returns to KC with BLACKTOP SKY World Premiere at Unicorn Theatre, 1/23-2/10

Raised in Kansas City, Kansas, educated at two Ivy League universities, and now a nationally known playwright, Christina Anderson returns to her hometown with a moving and mystical world premiere. Unicorn Theatre presents BlackTop Sky January 23 through February 10, 2013.

BlackTop Sky tells the story of Ida Peters, a young woman who dreams of a better life. On the brink of getting out of the projects, her secure relationship is suddenly rocked by an intriguing stranger. This play tackles the concepts of class and conflict, as well as love and seduction.

The cast features Chioma Anyanwu as Ida Peters, Tosin Morohunfola as the intriguing stranger, Klass, and newcomer Frank Oakley III as Wynn, Ida's steady boyfriend.

BlackTop Sky will be performed on Unicorn Theatre's Jerome Stage January 23 - February 10, 2013. Previews are Jan 23, 24, & 25. Opening Night is Jan. 26. Unicorn Theatre is located at 3828 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.

Performances Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday are at 7:30pm, Friday & Saturday. at 8:00pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm.

Tickets are now on sale. Call 816-531-PLAY (7529) EXT. 10, go online at www.UnicornTheatre.org or buy in person at the box office located at 3828 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Tickets are $25-$35 with additional discounts for seniors (60+), patrons under 35 & students.

Stay with us after the show on Jan. 29, Feb 3 and Feb. 5 for a Q & A session with the director and actors immediately following the performance.

American Theatre Magazine named Christina Anderson one of fifteen up-and-coming artists "whose work will be transforming America's stages for decades to come." Anderson's award-winning career started when she participated in a high school writing workshop at Coterie Theatre. She earned her B.A. from Brown University and her M.F.A. from the Yale University School of Drama. Anderson's other plays include Good Goods, Man in Love, Inked Baby, Hollow Roots and Drip. This production is a homecoming for Christina. It's her first work to be produced in Kansas City since she burst onto the national scene.

Director Mykel Hill has performed on the Unicorn stage several times (Blues for an Alabama Sky, Crowns, Ruined) in recent years. He's an actor, writer and educator who passionately believes in the need for quality arts programs in every school.

Chioma Anyanwu has become a Unicorn regular, appearing in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Everyday Rapture, Hungry, Ruined, and Women of Brewster Place.

Tosin Morohunfola is a writer, director and actor who founded the Multicultural Theatre Initiative. He recently returned from acting in the Off-Broadway production of Lucky Duck at the New Victory Theatre in New York. Previously he has appeared in Ruined and Speech & Debate at the Unicorn.

Frank Oakley III is an undergraduate acting student at UMKC who is making his first appearance at Unicorn Theatre.

The creative team includes Scenic Design by Gary Mosby, Lighting Design by Alex Perry, Sound Design by Dan Warneke, Costume Design by Georgianna Londre' Buchanan and Properties Design by Mary Nichols. The dramaturg is Amanda Boyle and Tanya Brown returns to the Unicorn as Stage Manager.

Founded in 1974, Unicorn Theatre exists to enhance the cultural life of Kansas City by producing professional contemporary, thought-provoking theater, which inspires emotional response and stimulates discussion. Unicorn Theatre is under the artistic and executive leadership of Producing Artistic Director Cynthia Levin, who joined the company in 1980. From a newly expanded home in the Midtown neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, the Unicorn houses two stages--The Mainstage and The Jerome Stage (added 2007). A fully professional not-for-profit theatre, the theatre operates under agreement with Actor's Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. The Unicorn is a founding member of the National New Play Network, an alliance of not-for-profit professional theatres that champions the development, production and continued life of new plays for the American theatre; and is a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group, Inc., the national service organization for the not-for-profit professional theatre. Financial assistance for this theatre has been provided by The National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency; corporate and foundation gifts; and the generous individuals throughout the community we serve.

Photo Credit : Cynthia Levin