SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Sam Williams, David Williams, and Sarah Williams Souther are creating something amazing at American River College.  They are the collaborative director-team mounting a powerful production of NORTH STAR, Gloria Bond Clunie’s moving story of a young girl who is coming of age at the spark of the Civil Rights movement.  The play opens February 28 for a two-week run on American River College’s main stage.

The Williams family worked together most recently on ARC’s production of West Side Story in 2018.  Sam is the director of NORTH STAR, with his daughter Sarah handling some of the choreography, and David serving as Musical Director for the show.  As written, the show contains only a few songs, but Sam and David have added numerous solo and group numbers, including every style from gospel and tap to modern and hip hop, making the already powerful story more visceral and enlightening.  It is truly a one-of-a-kind rendition of this show, and the extraordinary cast includes talented newcomers Audrey Booth and Anaundi Borun (as Relia and her friend Willie Jay), as well as veteran performer Alexis B. Blaylock as Relia’s ‘granma.’

Set in North Carolina in the 1960s, NORTH STAR is the story of Relia, an African-American girl, searching for her place to shine in both society and her personal life. The joyous innocence of Relia’s summer is transformed by the rising tensions of the growing Civil Rights movement. Relia’s parents are hotly divided between letting her participate in the demonstrations and shielding her from the harsh realities of the civil rights struggle and their community’s battle for freedom. The story is a reflection of the 1990’s Aurelia (the child grown), whose memories include magical moments stargazing with her father.  These moments help guide young ‘Relia as she risks her life to be a part of “Big Freedom.”

All performances of NORTH STAR will be at the American River College’s Main Theatre, 4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento. Parking fee is $2 (at machines in Lot “D”).  Ticket prices are $15/general, and $12/student/seniors/sarta.  The show is rated PG-13 for language.  Children age 4 and under not admitted.

Performance days and times are as follows:

Fri/Sat, Feb. 28, 29, March 6, 7 at 8pm                                                 

Sundays, Mar. 1, 8 at 2pm

Thurs, Mar. 5 at 6:30pm

For tickets and information, go to ARCtheatre.org or call the ARC Box Office at (916) 484-8234.