Blues singer's life revisited in drama

Legendary blues musician Robert Johnson will come to life in Marcus McQuirter's production of Bill Harris's play "Robert Johnson: Trick the Devil."

The new production is an Austin Community College collaboration with ProArts Collective, a production organization that works in dancing, theatre, writing, and music.

Director Marcus McQuirter feels that this play will not only benefit blues lovers, but the greater Austin community as well.

"Music tends to be at the center of cultural events," he said. "It is important we are reminded the artists are people. Although glamorous, they are still people. They have to work. Like I tell my students, it takes practice, practice, practice. Attending these community events is important because we have to continue including everyone. Performing at the Long Center will completely benefit the community and bring a different demographic, this is for everybody in Austin."

This piece was chosen by McQuirter with Austin in mind. After all, this city has a heavy blues influence dating back to the historic Victory Grill in East Austin.

"I enjoy Bill Harris's work," said McQuirter. "The piece speaks to the living conditions in 1938, but also speaks to the 1990's. It's also about blues, and being what Austin is, I thought this is a great city for this play to be performed."

Gathering all the cast together onstage for the beginning of rehearsal offered an opportunity to find out how they feel about the production. The cast agreed that there is so much more to learn about legendary blues singer/songwriter Robert Johnson, and this play brings his legacy to life. It contains his interactions with people, and a history of his life and the time period. Also, it gives people insight into why he is so legendary today.

"This show gives us a chance to educate fans of Robert Johnson that might not truly know about him," said cast member Aaron Alexander.

Fellow actor Michelle Williams adds to his remark, "There's a lot of unknown, which is exciting. There is plenty of opportunity for a lot of exciting things to happen."

The entire production staff is ecstatic about this upcoming show. With only one month of rehearsal time the cast is feeling the pressure of opening night.

"Four hour rehearsals, five days a week, memorizing lines on your own … it's worth it," responded Michelle Williams.

This performance will take place at the Long Center's new Henry Rollins Theater. This is the first ACC/ ProArts production to grace the Rollins stage.

The show opens on Friday, April 17 in the Henry Rollins Theater, at the Long Center for Performing Arts and runs through April 20, and April 24-27, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m. For more information on this production, please visit the drama department website www.austincc.edu/drama/theater_season.htm.