Off-Broadway Stage Play "Black Angels Over Tuskegee" Set to Land in Cleveland

Jan. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- New York, NY- January 3, 2013- Northeast Ohio aviation non-profit PHASTAR Corporation set to launch its first quarter fundraising initiative presenting the award-winning Off-Broadway stage play “Black Angels Over Tuskegee” in Cleveland.  The company recently unveiled plans for a Fall 2013 launch of Davis Aerospace Academy & Maritime; aptly named after Cleveland’s esteemed Veteran, General Benjamin O. Davis Jr.  A number of of fundraising initiatives will be advanced to support the start-up development of the Academy inclusive of an auction, robust donation campaign, and the stage play presentation.  

Endorsed by The New York Times as “tough to resist”; the production will headline on Friday, March 8th 2013 at The Conway Theater of University School (Shaker Heights)-7:30pm.  The monumental celebration will also feature a befitting salute to the area’s Tuskegee Airmen from the Northeast Ohio Chapter including Veteran, Roy Richardson.  Prior to the show; a silent auction will be featured during an aviation-themed cocktail hour and winners will be announced during intermission.

Davis Aerospace Academy & Maritime will provide the youth of Greater Cleveland with a real world education; focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The academy aims to achieve STEM success through aerospace and maritime exploration while preparing students for the next step in their education and a direct pathway to competitive careers.   “Our vision for this Academy is to empower and enlightening the student by resurrecting and honoring the character and spirit of the Tuskegee Airmen. We want to instill that same passion and perseverance in our area youth and provide a platform for their STEM success”, says PHASTAR co-founder Drew Ferguson.  

While the production begins its fourth year Off-Broadway in New York City; the Cleveland presentation will be one of several national stops the show will make through 2013.  The production stars a stellar company of performers aptly named The Black Gents, an all-male ensemble driven to resurrect, redefine, and restore positive images of African-American men. Founded in 2007, the assembly of Actors, Writers and Directors aspire to change the paradigm and empower a generation through relevant storytelling and excellence in community service. The cast includes Playwright/Director Layon Gray, Thom Scott II, Melvin Huffnagle, Delano Barbosa, Dave Roberts, Thaddeus Daniels, Craig Colsanti, and Cleveland’s own Ananias Dixon.

The narrative depicts the lives of six men who struggle through the Jim Crow era and emerge with distinction as the first African-American pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces. With courageous brotherhood, their intelligence, patriotism and strength propel a dream into flight while fighting both military and social wars. The captivating all-male cast delivers a powerful performance that will entertain, inspire and inform as audiences discover the story that provoked a monumental change in American history.  “We are are especially honored to join PHASTAR Corporation in celebrating the advancement of STEM education through the  distinguished legacy of General Benjamin O. Davis Jr and The Tuskegee Airmen”, says Tour Producer Hope Allen.

For ticket purchase and further information about Davis A&M, visit www.clevelandaerospaceacademy.org or  call (216) 579-9487.  For media or booking inquiries, contact Hope Allen- blackangels@livinghopeco.com - (646) 504-1191 or  visit www.blackangelsovertuskegee.com.