On Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 7 p.m., For All Seasons will host “Red Devil Moon,” a concert version of an original musical at the Avalon Theatre in Easton, MD. The show, with a script by Robert Earl Price and music and lyrics by Pam Oritz, is inspired by the novel, “Cane,” by Jean Toomer, originally published in 1923. Jean Toomer’s “Cane” is widely considered the first major text of the Harlem Renaissance. Price approached Pam Ortiz of Chestertown after hearing her 2012 album of original tunes, with the idea of collaborating on a new piece of musical theatre.
“Red Devil Moon” tells the story of events that unfold on the night of the full moon during the sugarcane harvest in South Georgia through music and narrative. The enveloping scent of boiling cane syrup, the observant creatures of the night, the provocative moon, and conflicted characters conspire to set the backdrop for a love story that is both personal and universal.
The evening will include songs from the musical narrated by Price, who is a recipient of the American Film Institute’s William Wyler Award for Screenwriting and the author of four books of poetry. He spent 15 years in Los Angeles working in the Black film movement and collaborated with artists associated with the L.A. Rebellion. Music in the show will be performed by the Gospel trio Sombarkin and the Pam Ortiz Band. Sombarkin, whose members include Karen Somerville, Lester Barrett Jr., and Jerome McKinney, is well known and admired for their deeply layered and finely wrought sound and vocal arrangements. The Pam Ortiz Band, whose members include Nevin Dawson (viola, violin, and vocals), Philip Dutton (piano, keyboards and vocals), Ford Schumann (guitar and vocals), Bob Ortiz (percussion and vocals), and Pam Ortiz (guitar and vocals), will be joined by Tom Anthony on bass and Ray Anthony on drums. The troupe performed the concert version of “Red Devil Moon” at the 2016 New York International Fringe Festival.
Ortiz wanted to perform the concert this year on the Shore to benefit For All Seasons where she currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors. Beth Anne Langrell, Chief Executive Officer of For All Seasons, comments, “Pam’s music continues to inspire local residents with themes about social justice. She is such a big supporter of our agency and has remained committed to supporting the work that we do. This benefit concert is another example of her passion for mental health services in our communities.”
Tickets to “Red Devil Moon” at the Avalon Theatre cost $25 for adults and $10 for students. To purchase tickets, visit forallseasonsinc.org or call 410-822- 1018. For information on “Red Devil Moon,” visit reddevilmoon.com.
For All Seasons serves Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center offers certified sexual assault victim advocates; counseling and support groups, free and confidential services in English and Spanish, support in the hospital, police department, and court, and referrals to social and legal services. For All Seasons English Hotline is 1-800-310-RAPE (7273) and Spanish Hotline is 410-829-6143.