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A dynamic and jazz-infused drama about what’s at stake when building a better future.

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PARADISE BLUE Trailer

Dominique Morisseau's PARADISE BLUE takes you back in time to Black Bottom, Detroit in 1949 in her jazz-infused drama about what is truly at stake when building a better future. Set in a famous but faltering jazz club in Detroit's Paradise Valley, PARADISE BLUE tells the story of a talented but troubled trumpeter and those around him as they must decide whether to fight to save what’s theirs or risk it all for a chance at redemption. Featuring Al' Jaleel McGhee (Blue), Ronald L. Conner (Corn), Charles Andrew Gardner (P-Sam), Tyla Abercrumbie (Silver), and Kristin E. Ellis. PARADISE BLUE is directed by TimeLine Company Member Ron OJ Parson and features original music composed by Chicago jazz legend Orbert Davis. Running now through July 23 at TimeLine Theatre Company, 615 W Wellington, 60657. Learn more at timelinetheatre.com

Behind the Scenes of PARADISE BLUE

Catch a glimpse into the world of Black Bottom Detroit in 1949 with the cast of Dominique Morisseau's PARADISE BLUE. Set in a famous but faltering jazz club in Detroit's Paradise Valley, PARADISE BLUE tells the story of talented but troubled trumpeter and those around him as they must decide whether to fight to save what’s theirs or risk it all for a chance at redemption. Featuring Al' Jaleel McGhee (Blue), Ronald L. Conner (Corn), Charles Andrew Gardner (P-Sam), Tyla Abercrumbie (Silver), and Kristin E. Ellis.

Paradise Blue: Making of the Album

Take a look at the recording process for the music of PARADISE BLUE in this behind the scenes video featuring Orbert Davis, director Ron OJ Parson, saxophonist Rajiv Halimand and members of the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. Set in a famed but faltering jazz club in Black Bottom Detroit in 1949, Paradise Blue is infused with musicality, from the the poetry of the language to the live and recorded music that flows throughout. Composed by prominent jazz trumpeter Orbert Davis, the original music of PARADISE BLUE takes audiences back in time, giving the show even deeper layers. PARADISE BLUE is by Dominique Morisseau and directed by Ron OJ Parson. Running now at TimeLIne through July 23. Get tickets and learn more at timelinetheatre.com

PARADISE BLUE Teaser Trailer

Video by Joe Mazza / Brave Lux Inc. - http://www.bravelux.com TimeLine Theatre Company presents the Midwest premiere of PARADISE BLUE by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Ron OJ Parson with original music composed by Orbert Davis, presented at 615 W Wellington Ave., Chicago, April 26 - July 23, 2017. Video featuring Tyla Abercrumbie (Silver) and Al'Jaleel McGhee (Blue).

PARADISE BLUE | Excerpt #1

Video by The Stage Channel - http://www.stagechannel.com Original Music Composed by Orbert Davis The denizens of the Paradise Club (Al'Jaleel McGhee, Kristen E. Ellis, & Ron Connor) are unsure of what to make of a mysterious new stranger (Tyla Abercrumbie) in their mix. PARADISE BLUE by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Ron OJ Parson, presented at 615 W Wellington Ave., Chicago, April 26 - July 23, 2017.

PARADISE BLUE | Excerpt #2

Video by The Stage Channel - http://www.stagechannel.com Original Music Composed by Orbert Davis Paradise Valley is on the edge of a shake up and Blue (Al'Jaleel McGhee) is getting pressure from all angles on what to do next. (Also featuring Ron Connor, Charles Andrew Gardner, and Tyla Abercrumbie). PARADISE BLUE by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Ron OJ Parson, presented at 615 W Wellington Ave., Chicago, April 26 - July 23, 2017.

PARADISE BLUE Character Spotlight: Blue

Actor Al'Jaleel McGhee shares what makes his character Blue tick. Dominique Morisseau's PARADISE BLUE tells the story of a gifted trumpeter and troubled owner of the Paradise jazz nightclub in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood in 1949 contemplating a buyout offer for the city’s urban renewal plan. As the inhabitants of the famed but faltering jazz club ponder their options and dream of a better life, they must decide whether to fight to save what’s theirs or risk it all for a chance at redemption. Directed by Ron OJ Parson with original music composed by Chicago jazz trumpeter Orbert Davis. The cast also features Tyla Abercrumbie*, Ronald L. Connor*, Charles Andrew Gardner*, and Kristen E. Ellis. PARADISE BLUE is playing at TimeLine theatre (615 W. Wellington, Chicago, IL) April 26-July 23. Visit visit http://timelinetheatre.com/paradise-blue for tickets and more information. * Member of Actors Equity Association

PARADISE BLUE Character Spotlight: Silver

Actress Tyla Abercrumbie* shares the power and vulnerability of her character, Silver Dominique Morisseau's PARADISE BLUE tells the story of a gifted trumpeter and troubled owner of the Paradise jazz nightclub in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood in 1949 contemplating a buyout offer for the city’s urban renewal plan. As the inhabitants of the famed but faltering jazz club ponder their options and dream of a better life, they must decide whether to fight to save what’s theirs or risk it all for a chance at redemption. Directed by Ron OJ Parson with original music composed by Chicago jazz trumpeter Orbert Davis. The cast also features Al'Jaleel McGhee, Ronald L. Connor*, Charles Andrew Gardner*, and Kristen E. Ellis. PARADISE BLUE is playing at TimeLine theatre (615 W. Wellington, Chicago, IL) April 26-July 23. Visit visit http://timelinetheatre.com/paradise-blue for tickets and more information. * Member of Actors Equity Association

PARADISE BLUE Character Spotlight: P-Sam

Actor Charles Andrew Gardner* shares what drives his character P-Sam to fight for his own. Dominique Morisseau's PARADISE BLUE tells the story of a gifted trumpeter and troubled owner of the Paradise jazz nightclub in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood in 1949 contemplating a buyout offer for the city’s urban renewal plan. As the inhabitants of the famed but faltering jazz club ponder their options and dream of a better life, they must decide whether to fight to save what’s theirs or risk it all for a chance at redemption. Directed by Ron OJ Parson with original music composed by Chicago jazz trumpeter Orbert Davis. The cast also features Al'Jaleel McGhee, Tyla Abercrumbie*, Ronald L. Connor*, and Kristen E. Ellis. PARADISE BLUE is playing at TimeLine theatre (615 W. Wellington, Chicago, IL) April 26-July 23. Visit visit http://timelinetheatre.com/paradise-blue for tickets and more information. * Member of Actors Equity Association

PARADISE BLUE Character Spotlight: Pumpkin

Actor Kristen E. Ellis shares the heart of her character Pumpkin and how she takes care of those she loves most. Dominique Morisseau's PARADISE BLUE tells the story of a gifted trumpeter and troubled owner of the Paradise jazz nightclub in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood in 1949 contemplating a buyout offer for the city’s urban renewal plan. As the inhabitants of the famed but faltering jazz club ponder their options and dream of a better life, they must decide whether to fight to save what’s theirs or risk it all for a chance at redemption. Directed by Ron OJ Parson with original music composed by Chicago jazz trumpeter Orbert Davis. The cast also features Al'Jaleel McGhee, Tyla Abercrumbie*, Ronald L. Connor*, and Charles Andrew Gardner*. PARADISE BLUE is playing at TimeLine theatre (615 W. Wellington, Chicago, IL) April 26-July 23. Visit visit http://timelinetheatre.com/paradise-blue for tickets and more information. * Member of Actors Equity Association

PARADISE BLUE Character Spotlight: Corn

Actor Ronald L. Connor* shares what makes his character Blue tick. Dominique Morisseau's PARADISE BLUE tells the story of a gifted trumpeter and troubled owner of the Paradise jazz nightclub in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood in 1949 contemplating a buyout offer for the city’s urban renewal plan. As the inhabitants of the famed but faltering jazz club ponder their options and dream of a better life, they must decide whether to fight to save what’s theirs or risk it all for a chance at redemption. Directed by Ron OJ Parson with original music composed by Chicago jazz trumpeter Orbert Davis. The cast also features Al'Jaleel McGhee, Tyla Abercrumbie*, Charles Andrew Gardner*, and Kristen E. Ellis. PARADISE BLUE is playing at TimeLine theatre (615 W. Wellington, Chicago, IL) April 26-July 23. Visit visit http://timelinetheatre.com/paradise-blue for tickets and more information. * Member of Actors Equity Association

Discussions & Events

  • Opening Night Celebration: PARADISE BLUE
    Thursday, May 4 at 7:30pm

    This Midwest Premiere is the final production of our 2016-17 Season.

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  • Post-Show Discussions
    Various dates

    Join us for informal post-show discussions with members of the production team and cast.

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  • Company Member Discussion
    Sunday, May 21

    Join us for an informal chat with TimeLine’s Company Members after today’s performance.

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  • PRE-Show Discussions
    Various dates

    Join us for an informal sneak peek into the show with members of the production team.

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  • Sunday Scholars Series
    Sunday, June 4 at 4:30 pm

    This one-hour post-show panel discussion features experts on the themes of the play.

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  • Open Captioned Performance
    Saturday, June 10 at 4 pm

    Featuring a text display of words and sounds heard during the performance.

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  • PARADISE BLUE Closing
    Sunday, July 23 at 2pm

    The final performance of the jazz-infused drama, part of Morisseau’s “Detroit Trilogy”.

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Backstory

Learn more with TimeLine's exclusive magazine featuring historical information, artist interviews and more!

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The Soundtrack of PARADISE BLUE

Orbert Davis' original soundtrack of the music he composed exclusively for our production of Paradise Blue is on sale now at the Box Office! Hear snippets and learn more by clicking below.

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An Interview with Orbert Davis

Learn more about the incredible composer behind the music of PARADISE BLUE, Chicago jazz legend Orbert Davis in this exclusive interview

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TimeLine’s Midwest premiere of Paradise Blue is supported in part by