A world premiere at Kuntu Repertory Theatre

By ADAM RAUF Staff Writer

The Kuntu Repertory Theatre

“The Buffalo Soldiers Plus One”

January 29-February 14

Alumni… The Kuntu Repertory Theatre

“The Buffalo Soldiers Plus One”

January 29-February 14

Alumni Hall

(412) 624-7298

January is upon us, but the cold weather won’t prevent the arts and entertainment cog from slowing down anytime soon. Pitt’s famous Kuntu Repertory Theatre is bringing you another fabulous show – and a world premiere at that!

“The Buffalo Soldiers Plus One” is a musical drama based on the lives of the 9th and 10th Black Cavalry Regiments during the Civil War. From this Thursday until the Hallmark – and vomit-inducing – holiday, Valentine’s Day, the show will take place in the Seventh Floor Auditorium of Alumni Hall, located at 4227 Fifth Ave., here in Oakland.

The performance will be put together by Kuntu Founder and Artistic Director Vernell Lillie with music by Ernest McCarty. Lillie is a professor of Africana Studies at Pitt. She’s already directed “She’ll Find Her Way Home,” “Ashes to Africa,” “Whispers Want to Holler,” “The Crawford Grill Presents Billie Holiday” and more. McCarty has composed music for several plays, such as “Outrun the Rain,” “The Region” and “Give Us Another Time.” Two of his other plays, “Diana Queen of the Blues” and “Recollection Rag,” were produced off Broadway. McCarty is a Chicago native and performs with the Boilermakers Jazz Band.

“The Buffalo Soldiers Plus One” continues Kuntu’s current theme, exploration of the American West. The story itself will focus on the men in the cavalry and a woman, disguised as a man, who fought alongside the guys. Take that, Molly Pitcher!

The show continues Kuntu’s tradition of extraordinary shows, and it’s sure to be a packed house, especially on opening night. Make sure you get your tickets in advance by calling 412-624-7298.

Get some culture, kids, because it’s time to learn about the past in a fun and theatrical way.