Sacrificing Simone Opens to Rave Reviews

Stage play Sacrificing Simone is a hit with audience and critics. Sacrificing Simone called "An inspirational crowd pleaser." "A heartfelt dramedy." "Likable cast."

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 8, 2007 -- The hit stage play Sacrificing Simone opened on July 27 at Stage 52 to receptive audiences and good notices including positive comments from the Los Angeles Times -- "Alretha Thomas' heartfelt dramedy has more content than most church-originated shows even consider." "Writer-director Thomas skillfully moves her large, likable cast around the impressive bipolar set design. The younger actors are especially spirited and, as plain-spoken Aunt Minnie, Carolyn Lawson devours entire scenes." "It's an inspirational crowd pleaser." There's still time to experience this wonderful stage play that runs every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Sacrificing Simone will run until August 19, 2007.   

"What does it profit a man to gain the whole world…" -- and in this case -- lose his first born. In Sacrificing Simone, Lincoln and Natalie Turner have it all -- a mini-mansion, a burgeoning law practice and three healthy, beautiful children. Their accomplishments are a combination of education, hard work and to their shame and embarrassment, the sacrifice of their daughter Simone. As struggling, young African-American college students, Lincoln and Natalie's plans are derailed when Natalie discovers she's with child. Desperate to live a life of wealth and prestige, the couple does the unthinkable. Fast forward three decades and the emotional and spiritual ramifications of their decision continue to haunt them. In a twist of fate, their secret is revealed resulting in the unraveling of the web of deceit and denial.

The original stage play, written and directed by Alretha Thomas and produced by Damita Ford, previewed at FNC Liturgical Fine Arts Theatre in June and was picked up by Diverse Arts Collective (DAC). "When we saw how the audience was moved by Sacrificing Simone, we were determined to bring the piece to a larger venue," said DAC President, Audesah Roy. "Sacrificing Simone has all the elements of a good drama. It will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Moreover, the play would translate well to the silver screen," Roy added. Sacrificing Simone will run from Friday, July 27 through August 19, 2007 at Stage 52, 5299 West Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016, 323-549-9026.

"Sacrificing Simone will capture the minds and hearts of all ages," says co-producer Damita Ford. The play, which features a cast of colorful characters will make you laugh, cry and shout out loud as the story creatively, unfolds," Ford added. "Sacrificing Simone is timeless," says Thomas, who has written numerous plays, including the hit stage play Grandpa's Truth that last year ran at the Inglewood Playhouse for three months and the NAACP Theatre award winning play Civil Rites that was presented at Southwest College.

Performances on Fridays and Saturdays are at 7:30 pm. Sunday performances are at 5pm. General admission tickets are $25.00. For reservations, group rates and more information regarding Sacrificing Simone, please call (626) 858-1907 and or go to www.sacrificingsimone.com. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketweb.com and or by calling 866-468-3399.

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