Red Devil Moon tells the story of events that unfold on the night of the full moon during the sugarcane harvest in South Georgia . 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.

Playwright Robert Earl Price’s book for the full-length musical 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. The novel has long been an inspiration for Price, who approached Pam Ortiz after hearing her 2012 album of original tunes, with the idea of collaborating on a new piece of musical theatre.

The evening will include songs from the musical narrated by Robert Earl 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.

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.

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