Boston Theater Opens Provocative New Play

*Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous* is the work of acclaimed playwright and author Pearl Cleage, who serves as the Playwright in Residence at the Alliance Theatre. Cleage's body of work often explores the intersection of racism and sexism, with a focus on the identity and experiences of Black women. Her 1997 novel, *What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day*, was an Oprah Book Club selection. The play centers on actress Anna Campbell, who decades prior, rocked the theater world with a controversial one-woman show. Now, as a women's theatre festival plans to revive the production, Campbell must confront questions of legacy and relevance when a younger actress is cast in her iconic role. This production is staged at the Lyric Stage Company of Boston, the city's oldest professional theatre company. Founded in 1974 by Ron Ritchell and Polly Hogan, the company has a long history of producing a range of plays and musicals, from classics to contemporary works, and is known for its commitment to local Boston-area artists. Lead actress Patrice Jean-Baptiste has an extensive history with the Lyric Stage, previously appearing in productions of *Trouble in Mind* and *Broke-ology*. Her Boston-area credits also include performances with The Huntington Theatre Company, Actors' Shakespeare Project, and Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. Jean-Baptiste holds a Master of Arts in Theater Arts from the Trinity Rep Conservatory.