The Tony-nominated musical smash hit by the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, "Blues in the Night," will be staged at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, in UNCA’s Lipinsky Auditorium. The performance is presented as part of UNCA’s Black History Month Celebrations and is sponsored by UNCA’s Cultural and Special Events Committee in partnership with the YMI Cultural Center and UNCA’s African-American Student Association.

Featuring blues, jazz and pop songs by such legends as Alberta Hunter, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer and Benny Goodman, "Blues in the Night" explores the lives of three dissimilar women and a male saloon singer who reside in a seedy Chicago hotel. Their interrelated stories unfold through gutsy blues numbers like "Stompin’ at the Savoy," "Lover Man," and "Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues." From the women’s songs and their interactions with the man, we learn of past loves and losses, and their hopes and dreams.

Originally conceived and directed by Sheldon Epps and currently directed by Brad Mooy, the five-member band and cast members Liz Mikel, Norrisa Pearson, Shirley Tripp and Stanley White are now on national tour. The production is receiving high praise. The Los Angeles Times declared, " ‘Blues in the Night’ sizzles!" and the Atlanta Journal Constitution said, " ‘Blues in the Night’ leaves you anything but blue. Exhilarated is more like it!"

General admission tickets are $18. Tickets are available from the UNCA Ticket Office, Highsmith Center room 27, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m and at Malaprop’s Bookstore Cafe, 55 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville.

For more information and to charge tickets by phone, call 828/251-6584.