Straight from her appearance in the hit movie FAME, award winning director and choreographer Debbie Allen announced the west coast premiere of her critically acclaimed dance driven musical, OMAN...O Man! at UCLA’s prestigious Royce Hall from Thursday, December 10th, 2009 thru Saturday, December 12, 2009. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Debbie Allen Dance Academy www.debbieallendanceacademy.com.
At the center of the works are two young men—one Omani (Muslim) and an African-American (Christian)—who are roommates at a military academy. Through music, movement, song, and dance, the young men take a magical journey discovering the similarities and the differences between their two cultures, and learn much about each other. After traveling, reading and educating herself on the rich history and culture of the Arab world, Ms. Allen presents a story of peace and harmony that is nothing short of a magical journey.
Commissioned by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., and featuring an original score by Grammy and Emmy award winning composer Arturo Sandoval, Ms. Allen’s OMAN...O Man! is a breathtaking spectacle that truly narrows the gulf between Muslim and Christian culture. First Lady Michelle Obama upon attending a sold out performance at the Eisenhower Theater, in Washington, D.C. remarked, “Every child in America needs to see this.” From Broadway to the silver screen and theater stage, Allen’s imaginative productions are always a hit with sold-out audiences of all ages!
The Gala Performance on December 10, 2009 features an opening act by the legendary Maurice Hines. This year boasts a list of high profile supporters such as Wallis Annenberg serving as Gala Chair along with Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith plus Quincy Jones serving as Gala Co- Chairs.
Confirmed VIP guests to date include: Wallis Annenberg, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Denzel and Pauletta Washington, Taraji P. Henson, Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes, Reno Wilson, Mario Van Peebles, Tichina Arnold, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Roz Ryan, and NBA All-Star Norman Nixon to name a few.
OMAN...O Man! is sponsored by the Kennedy Center, The Sultan Quaboos Cultural Center and Target Stores for its west coast premiere.
Testimonials:
Bishop Charles E. Blake from West Angeles Church of God in Christ, in full support of this production shared, “Oman O… Man! is a clear cry for interracial, inter-religion understanding and harmony. It is a call for respect of others rather than violence and hatred.”
The Muslim Public Affairs Council also supports this production saying, "'O Man... O Man!' is a shining example of how a simple story -- brought to life through music and dance -- can move mountains of misunderstanding and help all of us see each other more clearly and honestly."
Facts about OMAN…O Man! www.TheOman-
* Written, Directed and Choreographed by Debbie Allen
* Composed by Arturo Sandoval
* Commissioned by the Kennedy Center http://www.kennedy-
* Presented by the Debbie Allen Dance Academy http://www.debbieallendanceacademy.com in association with the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center Oman http://www.mei.edu/
Location for all the Performances:
Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Celebrity Gala Performance Date:
December 10, 2009, 7:30pm
For Specially priced tickets contact Kristal Adams
310-202-1711
Performance Dates, Times and Costs:
Friday, December 11th - 7pm
Adult: $43
Seniors: $38
Students: $23
Balcony Adults: $33
Balcony Seniors: $28
Balcony Students: $18
Saturday, December 12th - 12:00pm
Adults: $23
Seniors: $18
Students: $13
Balcony Adults: $33
Balcony Seniors: $28
Balcony Students: $18
Saturday, December 12th - 3:30pm
Adults: $23
Seniors: $18
Students: $13
Balcony Adults: $33
Balcony Seniors: $28
Balcony Students: $18
Tickets can be purchased:
Senior, Balcony, and Matinee priced tickets available for the Public Performances. Group Sale discounts also available.
On line at: www.TheOman-
By phone at: 310-825-2101
