Enjoy an evening of classic blues songs at ArtSpace Falls Church performed by Helen Hayes Award winner Carolyn Cole, Helen Hayes Award nominee Ashleigh King, indie soul songstress Tarina Szemzo and musical theater actress Shaylay Simmons. Creative Cauldron and the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation present this original music review in celebration of the lives and music of some of the 20th century’s greatest blues divas. Internationally acclaimed artist Matt Conner directs and Creative Cauldron scenic designer Margie Jervis creates a blues club atmosphere. Performances run through Sunday, May 20.
Bring your mom to a Mother’s Day performance where she will be treated to a complimentary drink from the bar or spoil her with the “Four for the Blues Package,” complete with a table closest to the stage and a complimentary bottle of wine for $100 total.
We caught up with Carolyn Cole, Ashleigh King and Tarina Szemzo about “Women of the Blues.”
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Is this your first performance at Creative Cauldron? What has the experience been like?
Carolyn Cole: Yes, this is my first experience with Creative Cauldron. As soon as I saw the space, I knew I would love performing there. It is really impressive - as is Laura Hull and her team that run the space. The possibilities of what you could do in that theatre are endless. And the set-up and atmosphere for “Women of the Blues” is nothing short of perfection.
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Ashleigh King: This is my first show at Creative Cauldron, but hopefully not my last. It has been such an interesting experience. I absolutely adore my fellow cast members and band. When you're learning and working together this closely, it's easy to form a close and supportive unit. Our director, Matt Conner, really helped me grow both personally and artistically in such a short time. Laura and Nikki brought a knowledge of the blues, so valuable to the crafting of this show.
What is your favorite song to perform in the lineup?
Tarina Szemzo: This is a difficult question because they're all so fantastic and though they sound similar, the stories are all different. I love singing "Wild Women Don't Have The Blues" because its a funny twist on a woman of the Blues generation. This song teaches women to be self confident, and own their choices, "I get home and put my man out if he don't act right..." is a line from the song. I admire the strength of the message in this song, delivered in a playful way! Though, the truth is, I love singing ALL my songs in this show!
Ashleigh King: The show is beautiful in it's flexibility and "personality". Each song still means the same to me, but every audience is different. In this intimate a space, you can feel how the meaning of a piece is received. So my favorite song to perform can change based on if the audience is in love, or wants to curse scumbag men with me (said tongue-in-cheek).
What would you say to our readers to encourage them to catch a performance?
Carolyn Cole: If you want to experience solid entertainment and hear some incredible music [then] come see our show. If you want a nice night out for very little money [and] if you want to see four amazing women belting their faces off and taking you to church repeatedly, come see our show! There's really no reason not to see this show. If you love music, you’ll love “Women of the Blues.”
Tarina Szemzo: Please come catch our unique, spicy and absolutely entertaining-to-the-brim show! We are four ladies that have brought the Blues back into this generation and want to entertain you with the beautiful and intricate melodies. From show stopping group numbers to each singer showcasing her unique style, we are a four woman force you must see sing the blues.
Click here to buy tickets.
Through Sunday, May 20 (times vary); $18-$20
410 South Maple. Ave.; (571) 239-5288
