Residents of Upland, its surrounding cities and the Inland Empire, will soon find out what has theatre goers abuzz in Los Angeles. It's the powerful new smash summer hit One Woman, Two Lives starring Kellita Smith of The Bernie Mac Show, King's Ransom, and Three Can Play that Game. The play made its world debut July 17, 2009 at The Imagined Life Theater in Los Angeles and has since taken audiences and critics by storm. "One Woman, Two Lives" will have audiences engrossed from beginning to end says OurWeekly. "One Woman, Two Lives" is thoroughly entertaining and unveils some excellent performances. Kellita Smith is outstanding and runs the emotional gamut the role demands, like an Olympian says WillCall.org.
After seeing a performance of "One Woman, Two Lives" Tommy and Gloria Morrow, publishers of the Inland Valley News Inc. in association with The Grove Theatre, were so moved by the piece that they reached out to playwright and novelist, Alretha Thomas and the rest as they say is history. One Woman, Two Lives opens at The Grove Theatre, on Friday, September 11, 2009 at 8pm. In honor of that memorable day, the producers have dedicated the opening performance to the men and women who protect our nation. Additionally, a contribution will be made to Helping Hand for Veteran's Inc., with a special reception to immediately follow the performance.
In One Woman, Two Lives the strikingly beautiful Kellita Smith portrays Samantha Cooke, a complex and conflicted woman fighting to sustain and protect her family from a past that threatens to undermine her almost perfect present. Married to Jonathan, a successful mega preacher, portrayed by an equally talented Keith Bossier (The Young and the Restless), Samantha has been voted First Lady of the Year. However, the accolade causes the mother of three to doubt herself. In spite of receiving encouragement from her family and neighbors, Samantha can't seem to shake the uneasiness that has begun to envelop her. As the play takes on surprising and startling twists and turns, her doubts and worries unfortunately become warranted. Three time NAACP Best Director Image Award recipient Denise Dowse elicits beautiful and memorable performances from this ensemble cast which also stars veteran and award winning actors Esther Scott (You Got Served, Dreamgirls, The Geena Davis Show) who plays the outspoken mother-in-law Edna and Billy Mayo (Desperate Housewives, The Traveler) who plays a deliciously duplicitous Melvin Foster, along with neighbors Michael and Belinda Grey portrayed by Sammie Wayne and Sharon Munfus.
This limited run will continue throughout the month of September with performances on the 13th at 2 and 8pm, the 18th at 8pm, the 20th at 8pm, the 25th at 8pm, the 26th at 2pm and 8pm and the 27th at 2pm and 8pm at the Grove Theatre, 276 E. 9th Street, Upland, California 91786. Tickets are $35.00 and $33 for seniors. For tickets, group sales and more information regarding "One Woman, Two Lives" please call 909-920-4343 and or go to www.grovetheatre.com or www.Onewomantwolives.com.
