PAWTUCKET – Mixed Magic Theatre, 560 Mineral Spring Ave., presents “From Free to Freedom: A Powerful Journey Honoring Resilience, Reclaiming History.”
This is a music, dance, and storyteller experience written and directed by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley, with music directed by Kim Pitts-Wiley and choreography by Shaffany Terrell.
(Read Ricardo’s most recent column, where he talks about this performance and the loss of his mother)
Performances will run Aug. 21-23, 7:30. p.m. on Friday, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Get tickets at eventbrite, or more information at MMTRI.ORG.
Seating is limited, so get tickets as soon as possible.
As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Independence, states a release from Mixed Magic, “it is more important than ever that we acknowledge the lived experiences of the people who shaped the nation’s history and cultural landscape. ‘From Free to Freedom’ is an exciting 75-minute show that uses music, dance, and storytelling to trace the journey of African people from freedom in their homelands, through bondage, and back to freedom again. It is both Black history and American history, but more importantly, it is a spirit uplifting celebration of creative survival and the power of the human spirit.”
The performance features a 14-song score, including 12 original pieces by the acclaimed writer and director Ricardo Pitts-Wiley. Under the musical direction of Kim Pitts-Wiley, and with choreography by dancer Shaffany Terrell, the show features a cast that includes Rodney Witherspoon, Lauri Smalls, Jeannie Carson, Jason Quinn, Joyce Braboy, Habibah Jones Quddus, and Donna Osborne. The show’s musicians are Daniel Hill on keyboards, and percussionists Kali Otto-Gentry and Michael Capeles.
“Based in the historic and dynamic community of Pawtucket,” Rhode Island,” states the release, Mixed Magic Theatre is an acclaimed non-profit 501 (C) 3 arts organization founded in 2000 by Ricardo and Bernadet V. Pitts-Wiley.
“For the past 26 years, with a deep legacy of preserving and celebrating the unique experience of Americans of African descent, and as a strong proponent of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, the company has brought diverse stories and images to the stage through song, dance and poetry, and by tackling well-known dramas and original theatrical productions on both national and international stages,” it states. “Mixed Magic Theatre’s foundation is rooted in theater , the arts, community and education collaborations, as exemplified by its partnership with MIT’s New Media Literacies Project which was funded by the MacArthur Foundation to investigate digital media and literacy education to address challenging social issues in creative ways.”
Both of Mixed Magic Theatre & Cultural Events Inc. cofounders, Ricardo and Bernadet were awarded the prestigious Pell Award in (2017 and 2025 ) for outstanding leadership and community engagement through the arts. Mixed Magic Theatre has additionally been awarded The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities’ Tom Roberts Prize for Creative Achievement in 2021 which recognizes leadership, creative achievement, and innovation; the outstanding Pawtucket Foundation’s Award of Distinction in 2014,and over its 26 year history this has included numerous awards from the Rhode Island community and the State of Rhode Island for Education and Artistic Excellence.
“Mixed Magic Theatre continues to thrive , pursue excellence , and remains committed to its mission: To build more literate and arts-active communities by presenting a diversity of images and ideas on stage, and telling great stories from across America and around the world,” states the release.
