‘TJ Crowley’ Audio Drama Premieres June 9th in Wichita!

Wichita, KS (GVP) - The much-anticipated premiere of "The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline" is set to captivate audiences with its powerful portrayal of historical and contemporary themes of race, identity, and community.

In an event sponsored by the Wichita Arts Council and Fidelity Bank, the state-of-the-art audio drama will debut at Holy Savior Catholic Academy, located at 3000 E. 13th Street North, Wichita, Kansas, from 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 9, 2024. The event, free to the public, will feature a panel discussion with community members from northeast Wichita.

Event Highlights:

World Premiere: Experience the first public presentation of selected scenes from the audio drama in a remarkable audio visual presentation.

Panel Discussion: A panel of local residents will discuss the story’s historical significance to Wichita and the nation.

Merchandise: Audio CDs, download codes, and copies of the original book by Grant Overstake will be available for purchase.

Meet & Greet: A chance to meet the voices behind the characters and the creative team.

Special Note: This event precedes the national release of the audio on June 11th through Blackstone Audio.

About the Audio Drama:

Based on the YA Historical Novel by Wichita native Grant Overstake, "The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline" is set in 1968 Wichita, amidst the turmoil of the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War. The story follows thirteen-year-old TJ Crowley as he navigates the challenges of a racially divided city and comes to terms with his own beliefs.

The audio is enriched by the music of Wichita's acclaimed ARISE Ensemble and is based on actual events and the lives of real people, including the author's own experiences and the lives of real people who lived in the community at this volatile yet hopeful time in history.

Star-Studded Cast:

The audio drama features a full cast of 15 award-winning actors, including Dani Martineck in the lead role of TJ Crowley, and notable performances by Golden Voices Dion Graham and Tavia Gilbert, both recipients of the prestigious Audie Award. Their collective expertise brings a dynamic and authentic voice to the story, enhancing the emotional and historical depth of the narrative.

The audio adaptation was co-written by the author and producer/director May Wuthrich. Recorded at John Marshall Media in New York City and at Shocker Studios on the campus of Wichita State University, the production promises unparalleled quality and depth, ensuring that the narrative not only educates but also profoundly resonates with listeners.

Historical Context of the Redline:

Set along North Hillside Street in Wichita, the story unfolds in the wake of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a pivotal law aimed at eliminating housing discrimination. The narrative explores the impact of redlining, a discriminatory practice that segregated American cities and profoundly affected the lives of residents in northeast Wichita. This historical backdrop serves as a critical element of the story, highlighting the challenges and changes during a transformative period in Wichita's and the nation's history.

Quotes from Local Historians:

Dr. Jay M. Price of Wichita State University remarks on the local significance of the story: "This work resonates with Wichita. It's accessible, approachable, and yet deeply unsettling. It can be warm and nostalgic, then there's always this undercurrent of what else is going on here."

Significant Support and Recognition:

This project has been made possible thanks to the generous support from the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, The National Endowment for the Arts, the United Way of the Plains, and is sponsored by the Youth Educational Empowerment Program (YEEP). The novel has already garnered significant recognition, being named Book of the Year by the Kansas Authors Club and selected for inclusion in courses at Wichita State University.

For more information, please contact Grain Valley Publishing. We look forward to welcoming you to this momentous occasion and sharing the powerful story with you.

WORLD RELEASE COMING JUNE 11TH, 2024!

‘THE REAL EDUCATION OF TJ CROWLEY’

Coming of Age on the Redline: An Audio Drama

Inspired by the author's own story, this suspenseful, high-octane, deftly-crafted audio drama captures the tumultuous Civil Rights era in a poignant tale of a teen finding his place in a divided world. Performed by Dani Martineck, Dion Graham, Tavia Gilbert, Johnny Heller, Michael Crouch, Kevin R. Free, Shayna Small Sheila Brown Kinnard and a full cast. A must listen for those seeking a deep immersive experience.

The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline

Based on the novel by Grant Overstake, script adaptation by the author and May Wuthrich.

Read by a full cast.

Published by GRAIN VALLEY PUBLISHING

Available June 11, 2024

Pre order today!