Pretty Fire

Is there anything pretty about fire? Certainly not when it is a giant cross burning near your grandmother’s house in the Deep South. But to a 10-year-old girl, raised in upstate New York, and who had never seen such a ritual, it was part of an awakening. In Pretty Fire, playwright Charlayne Woodard’s very personal memoir relates this and another episode of bigotry, but her autobiographical play is more a celebration of life than a complaint about its hardships. Told through a child’s eyes, the play follows Charlayne as she encounters dozens of family members and friends, growing up in the ’50s and ’60s. Filled with earthy humor, it takes readers on a universal journey through a world in which the family bond is as strong as steel.

From Crane River Theater: Following a successful run in 2021, we are excited to bring back our production of the award-winning play, Pretty Fire! A profound celebration of life, Pretty Fire challenges audiences to “listen, feel, and soar in joy!” Playwright Charlayne Woodard shares her experiences as a young African-American girl with stories of family and faith. The result is a powerful message of love and healing. Crane River Theater is honored to feature the exceptional talents of Marika Gray once again this year. See her bring this story to life on February 27 and 28 at the World Theatre in downtown Kearney. Please note – this performance is not included in the 2022 season ticket. Limited seats available! Get your tickets today!