The Empty Space’s mission is to provide professional quality live theatre to the community of Bakersfield and to create an opportunity for local actors, directors and technicians to work in a creative environment that allows them to express themselves and their artistic ideas while encouraging them to continue to study and improve their craft.
Description
Cataract House
A TRUE AMERICAN MUSICAL
Book and Lyrics by Kamala Boeck
Music by Ayrian Gridiron and Criston Moore
”Moving Ahead” Music by Gregory Carr
Directed by Avery Gibson
Assistant Directed by Perrin Swanson
Vocal Direction by Ayrian Gridiron
Choreography by Marvin Ramey
In collaboration with the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
June 19, 20, & 21 at 8:00PM
June 22 at 2:00PM
There are incredible stories within the history of America that have never been told.
This is one of them.
In the summer of 1853, Niagara Falls was the “must-see” destination for travelers from around the world. Writers, politicians, celebrities, the wealthy, Southern Enslavers, and Free Black people all came to see the Indigenous “Thundering Water” and American Wonder of the World – And if they wanted to impress their friends, they would stay at the internationally known Cataract House Hotel.
Established in 1825 along the banks of the Niagara River, the historic Cataract House was a world-renowned luxury hotel that became one of the most important Underground Railroad locations in the nation. Under the leadership of head waiter John Morrison, its African American wait staff led double lives as secret Underground Railroad agents helping countless freedom seekers escape to safety in Canada.
Not only did they have precision in their appointed work – the detailed choreography that transformed the dining rooms into a dance of courses- but also in the sophisticated maneuvering they organized which freed hundreds of freedom seekers from bondage.
The story of the Cataract House is being developed as a musical for the stage by Kamala Boeck in collaboration with the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and The Becton International Black Theater & ARTS Consortium (TBIBT). By combining text, song, and traditional African American dance forms, the Cataract House will bring to life and celebrate the incredible story of freedom along the Niagara Frontier.
Starring: Matthew Brown, Elijah Sims, Romeo McNeal, Pamela Sims, Lisa Jenkins Johnson, Awele Monye, Michael Hendrix, Tyler Vernon, Karin Harmon, Nasiyr Johnson, Tyree Toliver, George Molden, Natasha Gridiron, Steve Evans, Mendy McMasters, Rick Cheshire, Avery Gibson, Don Kruszka, Kiarre McGee, Karla Young, Liz Williams Borud, Kaydance Young
Tickets are $25 General Admission, $20 Student/Seniors. Snag a VIP Table for 2 and enjoy front row seating for two, a bottle of sparkling lemonade, and pastries.
Date & Time
Jun 19 - 22, 2025
Venue Details
The Empty Space
5417 Woodmere DriveBakersfield, California 93313
