In-School Performances

MAD RIVER THEATER WORKS

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“CONSISTENT QUALITY OF PRODUCTIONS AND INTEGRITY OF THEME AND PRESENTATION.”
Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC
“A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST, INTO OUR SOULS, WITH WIT AND GENUINE AMERICAN INGENUITY.”
The Annenberg Center, Philadelphia PA
“...THE OUTSTANDING QUALITY OF YOUR WORK SHINES BRIGHT.”
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach FL
News and Events

06.02.10
Hot 8 Brass Band to be featured in new Spike Lee film for HBO
The Hot 8 Brass Band is featured in the upcoming Spike Lee film entitled "If God is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise."

05.24.10
Viver Brasil wins Lester Horton Dance Award
Viver Brasil recently won the Lester Horton Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in World Dance

Performance Highlights

07.30.10
Christopher O'Riley
Caramoor International Music Festival
Spanish Courtyard- Katonah, NY

08.05.10
ETHEL
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, NY

08.28.10
Turtle Island Quartet
Waterstage - Grand Performances
Los Angeles, CA

Listen

Freedom Bound
Come Be Here By Me
I Don’t Love Nothing But a Dream of Freedom
Wings of Courage
Smack Dab
Calm, Cool, Ready

Tours & Projects

Wings of Courage - Touring 10-11-12

Wings of Courage is an original play with music by Mad River Theater Works based on the life of Eugene Bullard, the first African-American combat pilot and adventurer. Bullard’s story would be unbelievable if it were not all true. He was a professional boxer and a World War I flying ace. He was a jazz musician. He was a spy. Who was this remarkable African-American? Born in Columbus, Georgia, Bullard traveled the world. He joined the French Foreign Legion after being denied a meaningful place in the United States Army. He rose through the ranks and flew against the famous “Red Baron” as a part of the famous Lafayette Escadrille during World War I. But when the Escadrille was incorporated into the new U.S. Army Air Corps in 1917, the color of Bullard’s skin prevented him from taking his place alongside the other American heroes of his day. But that didn’t stop him. He went on to fame as a bandleader in Paris in 1920’s. Using storytelling, music, and drama, Wings of Courage shows how Bullard’s determination and perseverance helped him to overcome discrimination throughout his remarkable life. It is an uplifting tale of vision and hope that deserves to be known by every American.

Created: 2000
Age appropriateness: 3rd grade and up
Duration: 50 minutes plus a question and answer session
Number of performers: 2 actor/musicians plus stage manager
Music: contains live music (guitar)