Renaissance Theatre presenting 'At Last,' the story of Etta James, Friday and Saturday
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Get ready to be transported into the captivating world of legendary singer Etta James as the Renaissance Theatre presents "At Last: An Evening with Etta James" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
This special production, created and written at the Renaissance Theatre, promises an immersive experience into the life and music of one of the most iconic voices in soul and blues.The production boasts a stellar cast and crew, including director and writer Michael Thomas. Condrea Cannada returns to the role of Etta James, delivering a performance that promises to captivate audiences.
James bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and rock and roll. She won six Grammy Awards and 17 Blues Music Awards. James was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Cannada played the lead role in "At Last" when it was performed on the Theatre 166 stage in early 2020.
Alice Bond, also returning, serves as the musical director, arranger, and pianist. She has toured with the Temptations and the Four Tops.
Cannada's band features Bond on piano, Ed Jonnet on saxophone, Santiago Mason on bass and Will Jones on drums. Nik Demers handles stage management, Linda Turske created wigs and Jason Kaufman designed the stage setting."At the very first rehearsal of 'At Last: An Evening with Etta James,' I turned to our sound designer, Aaron Nicolas, and told him I had never, in my long career, witnessed the birth of something so amazing," Thomas said. “Everything just worked. From Condrea's incredible performance as Etta, to the musical arrangements and keyboard skills of Alice Bond and the unforgettable Ed Jonnet on sax, we all knew we had something special."This emotionally charged production chronicles James' journey, from her tumultuous upbringing to her struggles with addiction, poverty and the law, all while maintaining an unwavering determination to share her gift with the world. Audiences will be swept away by the resilience and power of her music.Tickets start at $15 and go to $39. Visit rentickets.org or call 419-522-2726.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Renaissance Theatre telling story of legendary singer Etta James
