INTERVIEW: KAROLE FOREMAN

It’s a new season for theatre in LA—winter is over…mostly. And while the theatre scene is not quite the same as before, it is on the rise. So, now is the perfect time to get back out there and support local theatre starting with Blues in the Night at International City Theatre. The soul of the blues wails out full and strong when Long Beach’s ICT, in association with L.A.’s Ebony Repertory Theatre, presents the Tony and Olivier award nominated, Sheldon Epps-conceived musical Blues in the Night. Directed by Ebony Rep producing artistic director Wren T. Brown and featuring music direction by William Foster McDaniel and choreography by Keith Young, Blues in the Night opens on Oct. 22 at ICT’s home in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. Performances will continue through Nov. 7, with two low-priced previews set for Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.

In this Tin Pan L.A. exclusive Karole Foreman shares her creative inspirations and why audiences should come see ICT’s production of Blues in the Night. Karole Foreman is thrilled to return to the ICT stage after her last appearance as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. She won an Ovation Award for her performance and the show went on to successful subsequent productions at the Ebony Rep and PCPA Theaterfest.
She also appeared as Rose in ICT’s NAACP Image Award nominated production of FENCES.

Describe the moment you fell in love with theater for the first time?

KAROLE FOREMAN: In grade school when I had to do a creative writing assignment.  Although I didn’t think of it as theatre at the time, that feeling of everyone leaning forward to listen so intently was extraordinary.  It was the first time I felt seen as a human being rather than a person of color.

What’s the one of the most important experiences in your career that helped you become a professional actor?

KF: When I was in college I got cast in a production of “Little Shop of Horrors” in San Diego.  It was my first time working with professional actors and I realized that I wanted this as a career.

Why excites you most about playing The Woman of the World? How does playing her challenge you and, on the flip side, how does it reward you?

KF: I saw Freda Payne perform this role years ago at Los Angeles Theatre Center and actually went back to see the show two more times.  So many depictions I had seen of black women on stage and screen never reflected the elegance, grace, and poise that Ms. Payne portrayed in that role.  She is my inspiration for this character.

Who or what continues to inspire you most as an artist and why?

KF: Don Cheadle.  

Any actor who has the ability to disappear into character.  His work feels effortless, although I know what he is doing is absolutely not!

Of the many things you do, which one makes your heart beat the fastest?

KF: I still love creating stories and watching them.  However, that moment in the theatre when the lights go down and you know that you are about to enter into something completely unknown, that’s still exhilarating.

What is your favorite scene in Blues in the Night both onstage, and to watch from backstage?

KF: I actually get to be on stage and listen to my castmate’s Jenna Gillespie sing “Willow Weep for Me”.  It is extraordinary and I am begging her to record it!

Why should everyone go to see the show?

KF: The community should come out to see Blues in the Night because it is a tribute to and a beautiful celebration of the rich cultural legacy of American music. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to all come together and to be reminded of what unites us.

You have a long history with International City Theatre, having previously starred in ICT productions of Fences and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. What do you like about working with the company? 

KF: I love working with the staff and the production team of the theatre.  I love being a part of something that has such a positive impact on the community and contributing to telling stories that inspire and uplift our community.

What is Blues In The Night about to you?

KF: Blues in the Night is honoring a musical art form that lifted people out of their sorrows.  The music has carried so many through their darkest days, their heartaches, pain, and grief.  I think it is a beautiful way to celebrate ICT’s anniversary and offer an inspiring message to the community after emerging from such a challenging year.

MORE INFORMATION:

WHO:
• Conceived and originally directed by Sheldon Epps
• Directed by Wren T. Brown
• Music Director William Foster McDaniel 
• Choreography by Keith Young
• Starring Jenna Gillespie Byrd, Karole Foreman, Parris D. Mann, Vivian Reed
• Produced by caryn desai [sic]
• Presented by International City Theatre in association with Ebony Repertory Theatre

WHEN: 
Previews: Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 at 8 p.m.
Performances: Oct. 22 – Nov. 7
• Wednesday at 8 p.m.: Oct. 20 ONLY (preview)
• Thursdays at 8 p.m.: Oct. 21 (preview), Oct. 28, Nov. 4
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Oct. 22 (Opening Night), Oct. 29, Nov. 5
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Oct. 23, Oct. 30, Nov. 6
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: Oct. 24, Oct. 31*, Nov. 7
*Stay for a post-performance discussion with the cast on Sunday, Oct. 31

WHERE:
INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATRE
Long Beach Performing Arts Center
330 East Seaside Way
Long Beach, CA 90802

HOW:
562-436-4610 or www.InternationalCityTheatre.org
• Visit us on facebook: www.facebook.com/ICTLongBeach/
• Follow ICT on twitter: @ICTLongBeach and instagram: @ICT_LongBeach

TICKETS:
• Opening Night Gala (Oct. 22): $55 (includes post-show reception)
• Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (except Oct. 22): $49
• Sunday matinees: $52
• Previews: $37

OTHER:
Seating will be socially distanced (skipping rows as well as seats) and masks required as mandated by the County of Los Angeles on the date of each performance.