Mom Is Seduced by Samba in Premiere of Randolph-Wright's 'The Night is a Child' (Playbill)

Timothy Douglas directs the production at The Reps Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. Opening is March 14. Performances continue to April 13.

According to Rep notes, "Harriet, a mother who lost her son in a horrific act of violence, runs away from home to find respite and courage in her dreamland, Brazil. Mixed with fantasy and realism, and fueled by the lilting sounds of Brazilian music, this glorious new drama takes us on a journey of discovery, forgiveness and understanding in the land of the Samba."

The cast features Resident Acting Company members Jonathan Gillard Daly (Todd) and Lanise Antoine Shelley (Bia), with guest actors Bruno Irizarry (Henrique); Monette Magrath (Jane); Elizabeth Norment (Harriet); Tyler Pierce (Michael/Brian); and Antonio Edwards Suarez (Joel), plus interns Jonathan Dickson (Bartender) and Shelley Wilson (Drunk/Taxi Driver).

Writer Randolph-Wright said in a statement, "I wanted to premiere this play in a place that also has a collision of cultures . . . a city that understands the mixtures of various worlds. I fell in love with Milwaukee Rep and the incredible artistic team there, led by Joe Hanreddy, who enticed me to discover your magic and beauty."

Playwright Randolph-Wright wrote and directed the forthcoming film, "Mama, I Want to Sing!" for Fox Films. He also directed the film "Preaching to the Choir." His screenplay credits include "The Emmett Till Story" for Showtime, "Shades of Grey" for HBO, "Fools Hill" for Walt Disney Pictures, "Raw Passion" for Tim Reid Productions and "Homework" (with Kim Coles) for 20th Century Fox. He also co-wrote the screenplay "White Chocolate" (with John Leguizamo). He was the co-producer of the "Angela Davis Story" for Castle Rock Entertainment and developed the short film "Family Tree" (Disney).

For the theatre, his play Blue was seen at Arena Stage, the Roundabout Theatre Company and Pasadena Playhouse, and elsewhere. He also wrote Cuttin Up (based upon the best-selling book by Craig Marberry), which also had productions around the country. His stage direction credits include the 50th anniversary national tour of Guys and Dolls and Brian Stokes Mitchells solo show Love/Life, as well as the world premiere of Frank Loessers Senor Discretion Himself.

The production includes Tony Cisek (scenic designer), Tracy Dorman (costume designer), Michael Gilliam (lighting designer), Ray Nardelli (sound designer), Hannah J. Crowell (associate scenic designer), Stephanie Klapper (casting), Jennifer Pardilla and Carrie Virginia Lee (casting assistants), Fabio Pires (dialect coach), Simone Ferro (choregrapher), Kristin Crouch (literary director), Richelle Harrington Calin (stage manager), Melissa L. Wanke (assistant stage manager) and Tim Nicolai (assistant director).

For more information call (414) 224-9490 or visit milwaukeerep.com.