"It's hard to describe just how unforgettably lively Russell's music is. A colorful combination of reggae, jazz, musical theatre, funk, and Motown.”
Ashley Bryan’s artful children’s book comes to life in this joyful concert for young audiences created by Georgia’s Alliance Theatre. Join Blackbird and his fantastic feathered band for a high energy concert of funk and soul music based on the beloved Maine author’s Coretta Scott King Award-winning book, Beautiful Blackbird. Featuring original music composed by Eugene H. Russell IV and stunning costumes designed by Lex Liang, the Beautiful Blackbirds will have you on your feet clapping along with their funky rhythms as they celebrate the uniqueness of each of us. Shake your tailfeathers and dance to the music!
About the book, Beautiful Blackbird
We’ll see the difference a touch of black can make. Just remember, whatever I do, I’ll be me and you’ll be you.
Explore the appreciation of one’s own heritage and beauty. In this story, the colorful birds of Africa ask Blackbird, who they think is the most beautiful of birds, to color them black so they can be beautiful too, though Blackbird reminds them that true beauty comes from the inside.
Beautiful Blackbird Live! is presented in partnership with the Beautiful Blackbird Children’s Book Festival, Indigo Arts Alliance, Portland Ovations, and the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM). Each unique, family-friendly experience is a theatrical adaptation of Ashley Bryan’s beloved children’s book Beautiful Blackbird. CMTM will present a stage play for the very young in September and October, and Ovations will present a lively concert in November, all in coordination with the Beautiful Blackbird Children’s Book Festival in September.
SHOW TIMES
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024 – 11 AM
WESTBROOK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
RUNTIME: 60 MIN, NO INTERMISSION
PORTTIX BOX OFFICE
ALL TICKETS $20
Membership – Ovations Members save $5 off full-priced tickets and reduced ticket fees. Learn how to become an Ovations Member here.
Package and Save – Choose any 4 performances for $5 off per ticket.
Exchanges – Ticket exchanges are available to Portland Ovations’ Members only. Exchange requests must be made prior to the performance date of the original tickets.
PortTIX is the trusted box office for purchasing Portland Ovations tickets. 207.842.0800.
Does my child need a ticket? All patrons, including infants, must have a ticket to enter the venue. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian and must have a ticket for a seat adjacent to the adult. Babies under the age of 1 may attend for free and sit in their parent’s lap, but require a complimentary ticket to enter the venue. This may vary by event. Please contact PortTIX with questions.
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair accessible. Assistive Listening Devices available. Click here to learn more about accessibility at Westbrook Performing Arts Center.
This event is ASL interpreted.
This is a family-friendly performance. Guests are free to exit and re-enter the theater when necessary. The performance cannot be viewed from the lobby.
