Blues in the Night

About the Play: Blues in the Night

Blues in the Night is a powerful musical that celebrates the emotional depth and history of the American blues genre. Created by acclaimed director Sheldon Epps, this musical revue blends the raw sounds of blues with deeply human narratives, captivating audiences with evocative storytelling and timeless music. Working with musical director Sy Johnson, Epps curated a setlist that spanned the emotional range of blues, from sultry ballads to high-energy performances. The show features songs by blues legends like Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington Continue reading …

The Music of Blues in the Night

The music of Blues in the Night serves as the lifeblood of the production, weaving together the soulful, passionate, and often heartbreaking narratives of its characters. A jukebox musical at its core, Blues in the Night is a rich tapestry of blues and jazz standards from the early 20th century showcasing the timeless artistry of legends such as Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, and Harold Arlen. These songs transcend their original context, forming the emotional backbone of the story. Continue reading …

10 Iconic Artists Whose Music Brings Blues in the Night to Life!

Bessie Smith: Known as the “Empress of the Blues,” Smith’s soulful voice and emotive performances defined the blues of the 1920s and 1930s. Her songs often told vivid stories of love and hardship, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in American music.
Duke Ellington: A legendary jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader, Ellington’s innovative style and vast repertoire – including classics like “Mood Indigo”– cemented his status as a cornerstone of jazz history. Continue reading …

ATC Brings Blues to Tucson as Part of ’25 Desert Song Fest

There’s a lyric in one of the final songs in Arizona Theatre Company‘s production of Blues in the Night that director Ricardo Khan said kinda fits where we are in America today: “I got a right to sing the blues.”

“I’m tempted to change it to ‘We got a right to sing the blues’ because that’s what we’re dealing with right now,” he said during a rehearsal break earlier this month, mentioning the California wildfires and the political divisions in the country. “And we’ve been here before. … In the midst of all of that, how do people stay human? How do we stay human?” Continue Reading …

ATC Gift Certificates are Now Available!

Gift Certificates are perfect for theatre lovers and anyone who treasures the magic of live performances. Redeemable for any show in our season, they’re a flexible and thoughtful way to share the joy of theatre.

Call the Box Office anytime 10 AM – 5 PM Mon – Fri at 833-ATC-SEAT (833-282-7328) to purchase ATC Gift Certificates.