The Billie Holiday Theatre Commences its 40th Anniversary Season

This past Thursday, the Billie Holiday Theatre (BHT) commenced its 40th anniversary season. 

Located in the heart of Restoration Plaza, the Audelco and Obie award-winning Billie Holiday Theatre (BHT) is the only professional resident theatre company in Brooklyn, and sets the standard for performing arts and serious theatre in Central Brooklyn. The force behind the Billie Holiday for 38 of the 40 years is Marjorie Moon, executive director and president. 

Established in 1972, BHT has a well-earned reputation for providing outstanding professional theatre and music productions that are affordable to families. Serving some 30,000 people annually, the BHT seats 200, has a 36-week season and provides a training ground for aspiring theatre professionals.

The theatre has launched the careers of many fine and notable artists and playwrights over the years, including Samuel L. Jackson, Debbie Allen, and Samm-Art Williams. The Theatre is the original New York producer of many hit shows, including LOTTO; INACENT BLACK AND THE FIVE BROTHERS, which went on to Broadway and starred Melba Moore; ONE MONKEY DON'T STOP NO SHOW, which toured nationally with Kim Fields and Ted Lange and the musical OVER FORTY.

The theatre was founded by Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation. It was Restoration’s belief then and is still is now that arts and culture not only can serve as a catalyst for economic development, but also as be a vehicle for community building as families and neighbors come together and discuss and share a common experience. 

BHT remains central to Restoration’s Center for Arts and Culture whose other assets include the Skylight Gallery, the Youth Arts Academy and several residency programs for nonprofit arts organizations.

The plays deal with timely and relevant topics affecting family and community and speak to intergenerational audiences. This year’s season continues the 40-year tradition of excellence. 

Mark your calendars to see the following productions:

The Waiting Room

October 20, 2011- December 18, 2011

Written by Samm Art Williams

Directed by Jackie Alexander
The story unfolds when people in a waiting room, visiting a hospitalized loved one whose life hangs in the balance, feel pressure to "get right with the Lord," resolve unfinished family business and confess long-buried secrets. A dramatic comedy.

Plenty of Time

February 23-March 25, 2012

Written by Audelco Award Winner John Shevin Foster

Directed by Jackie Alexander

What happens when a spoiled black southern debutant and an angry Black Panther fall in love? The love story of a lifetime. Plenty of Time is an engaging drama for mature audiences.

Women in the Pit

April 26-June 26, 2012

Written and Directed by Audelco Award Winner Joyce Sylvester. Author of BHT Mega Hit Freeda Peoples.

After several unsuccessful attempts, two deacons and two elders charged with the selection of the new pastor become at odds with each other when it appears that the most qualified candidate appears to be a woman! The age old controversial issue of women being silent in the church takes you on a journey full of twists and turns. A drama for teens and up.

Those who frequent the BHT know the theatre’s reputation for quality and entertaining plays with a superb cast.  Nonprofit organizations, churches and civic organizations use their theatre going experience as an opportunity for a fundraiser for their cause. For those who don’t know the BHT, you are missing out on one Bedford Stuyvesant’s finest gems. 

Come out and support this community asset and be treated to off Broadway theatre right here in Bed Stuy. 

For more information about the BHT and ticket prices, contact 718-636-0918 or visit the billieholiday.org.