LANSING, MI - The Capitol Area Performers will bring their own flavor of theatre to the Black Child & Family Institute (BCFI) when they perform "Long Time Since Yesterday" March 17 thru 26, 2005.

Veteran director, Vanessa Cunningham-Sanders has teamed up with journeyman producer Claudia Allen to bring community theater to 835 W. Genesee St. They have assembled a cast of talented local performers to present an adult themed play by P. J. Gibson. The production is not recommended for children under 13-years of age. And, regrettablely, the second floor BCFI auditorium is not wheel chair accessible.

Capitol Area Performers director Vanessa Cunningham-Sanders (left) with producer Claudia Allen

Cunningham Sanders first directed this play about seven years ago and presented it at the Riverwalk Theater. However, recently Cunningham Sanders decided she wanted to revisit the production with a different cast. She has cast three first time actresses: Awsha Wells, Jill Abrndroth and Nadia Sellers, who is a new mother of twin boys. Sellers also owns her own business.

The list of cast members and their characters includes: Awsha Wells as a young Laveer Swan and Niasha Donley as a young Janeen Earl, Charissa Patterson is performing as Laveer Swan. Toni Rambo is portraying Babbs Wilkerson. Jill Abrndroth is playing Alisa Myers-Reynolds. Barbara Davis has the role of Thelma Carson. Nadia Sellers is performing as Pansi Lew McVain and Chanita Dunham is Janeen Earl-Taylor.

The production crew consists of behind-the-scenes people dedicated to community theatre. They are: Director, Cunningham Sanders; Assistant Director, Guy Thomas; Producer/House Manager, Claudia Allen; Production Assistant, Bernie Lucas; Backstage Manager/Properties Mistress, Evon Anderson; Technical Directors, Ann Glen & Rico "Bruce" Wade; Lighting Technician, Ann Glen; Set Construction, Leslie Cunningham; Make-up Artist, Stephine Gwin; Production Secretary, Mitzi Allen Sharp and Volunteers Manager, Marsha Ann Jones.

The show dates are: Thursday, March 17 and 24 at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 18 and 25 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 19 at 2p.m. and 8 p.m; Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m. and Saturday, March 26 at 8 p.m. The ticket price is $15.00.

For ticket information contact Capitol Area Performers at: (517) 372-0828 or caplansing@aol.com - Tickets are also available at the BCFI office during the day and two hours prior to each performance.

The Black Child & Family Institute is located at the corner of Genesee and Butler Streets - 835 W. Genesee, 48915