Live and in Color

Miami’s theater scene is alive with the sounds of artistic diversity this season. First GableStage kicked things off with the well-reviewed drama In the Continuum, which runs through November 18. Now two other troupes will be hosting productions that are sure to resonate with Miami’s myriad oft-overlooked residents of color. Long overdue, if you ask us. Miami’s oldest established African-American theater group, M Ensemble Company, is opening its season with a staging of Jitney, a comedy by the late, great August Wilson. Wilson is something of a patron saint of M Ensemble, and it has performed many of his works in seasons past. Set in Seventies Philly, Jitney is Wilson’s last completed play (he succumbed to liver cancer in 2005); the tale of an urban cab company captures the street symphony of passengers and drivers in the bustling city. Catch the opening reception and performance tonight at 8:00 at M Ensemble Theater, 12320 W. Dixie Hwy., North Miami. Tickets for tonight’s special event cost $30. Call 305-895-0335, or visit www.themensemble.com.

The plight of the Haitian migrant gets the spotlight tonight at the Carnival Center (1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami). Refugee: A Musical of Freedom and Resistance swirls song, dance, Haitian music, and hip-hop together into a unique, stirring, poignant plot about fleeing one’s homeland and navigating a strange new place called Miami. Sounds like a play lots of locals can identify with. Members of the band Ayabonmbe star in the cast, so the music is bound to be soulful and memorable. Catch the world premiere tonight at 8:00. Tickets cost $25. Visit www.carnivalcenter.org.
Nov. 8-18, 2007