"Milkcrates,"the stage production from award-winning director Javon Johnson (pictured) and written by Markietha Ka'Von, opens July 13 and runs through July 15, 2012 at the Stage 52 theatre in Los Angeles.

"Milkcrates" stars Karen Malina White (The voice of Dijonay Jones "Proud Family" and "Malcolm and Eddie," Gisla Stringer and Ka'Von. The play tells the story of three childhood friends who have big dreams despite their confined existence in a low income housing project in Chicago.

The story follows them from adolescence to adulthood as they go from young girls finding their way in the world on the mean streets of Chicago's Southside, to their reunion as adults when they find out how much they've grown, and how much they haven't.

This stage production is perfect for ages 12 years and older. It provides an intimate look into the minds of urban teens and how small influences as a child can make a huge difference in an adult life.

"Milkcrates" runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 and 7 p.m.

Stage 52 is located at 5299 Washington Blvd two blocks east of Hauser Blvd in Los Angeles. For more information contact MK Productions at 818-814-MILK or email markietha@hotmail.com.

ABOUT PLAYWRIGHT JAVON JOHNSON:

Javon Johnson one of the industries promising playwright. He is the recipient of numerous awards including: Tthe Black Theatre Alliance Award, Lorraine Hansberry Best New Play Award, for the play "The House That Jack Built," New Professional Theatre Playwriting Award, and for "Eighty-Six and was named the Best Leading Actor, for "Young Ali."

Javon has also written for several National Tour productions. In addition to his theatrical work, he has starred on the TV shows "Tyler Perry's House of Payne," "Prison Break" and "The Chicago Code" as well as in the movies "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" and "Daddy's Little Girls."

ABOUT SCREENWRITER MARKIETHA KA'VON

Markietha Ka'Von is a native Chicagoan who currently lives in Los Angeles. She received her B.A. in theatre from Columbia College Chicago.

The talented screenwriter wrote, directed, produced and starred in her first independent short film, "Time Waits for No One." She also performed in "Quicksand Rising," a poignant solo show about domestic violence. Ka'Von is completing a new stage play titled "Concrete Daughters."

"Milkcrates" received its Los Angeles World Premiere at "The Raven Playhouse" in January 2010 to sold out audiences and returned by popular demand in October 2010. It went on to have its Chicago debut in August 2011. Ka'Von is extremely excited about remounting Milkcrates at Stage 52 in Los Angeles July 13-15.

OTHER THEATRE NEWS:

MAGIC MIKE TO BECOME BROADWAY MUSICAL

The Steven Soderbergh directed erotic, male strippers movie "Magic Mike" starring Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey) debuted in theatres June 29 and did some bang up business at the box office.

The sexy, R rated dramady racked up an impressive $39.2 million and secured the No. 2 spot.

Now, the Warner Bros. movie, inspired by Tatum's own experiences as a stripper, is being adapted into a Broadway musical. Tatum and Soderberg will produce the stage play alongside Gregory Jacobs, Nick Wechsler and Reid Carolin. Carolin, who penned the screenplay, will also write the book for the stage musical.

In the movie, Tatum stars as Magic Mike Lane, a veteran stripper who takes Adam The Kid (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing and soon has him packing the Xquisite, a nightclub owned by a former stripper named Dallas (Matthew McConaughey).

The music in the movie—which includes Channing's strip tease to Ginuwine's classic jam, "Pony"-- is pretty good, so N2Entertainment.net will catch opening night in the Big Apple to see what other tunes these two will incorporate in the musical.

"Magic Mike" the musical is tentatively scheduled to debut next summer.

NEW PLAYS BY JESSE EISENBERG, ADAM RAPP SET FOR RATTLESTICK PLAYWRIGHTS THEATER SEASON

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater upcoming 2012-13 season will feature plays by Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg ("The Social Network"), Pulitzer Prize finalist Adam Rapp ("Red Light Winter") and more.

Here's a rundown of what's on tap.

Rapp's "THROUGH THE YELLOW HOUR" kicks off the season Sept. 13 and opens on Sept. 27. Rapp is also directing the play which runs through Oct. 28.

"A SUMMER DAY"-- Starts Oct. 10 and opens Oct. 25. The play, written by Jon Fosse and translated and directed by Sarah Cameron Sunde, runs through Dec 8.

"THE REVISIONIST"-- from Jesse Eisenberg and directed by Kip Fagan, performances begin February 6, 2013, opens on February 21 and will run through April 20.

"THE CORRESPONDENT,"-- written by Ken Urban and presented in association with terraNOVA Collective. Performances start March 20, open April 4, run through May 4 and are directed by Stephen Brackett.

"BASILICA,"-- From Mando Alvarado and directed by Jerry Ruiz, performances begin May 1 and the production opens May 16 continuing through June 16.

Jessica Dickey's "CHARLES IVES TAKE ME HOME" begin performances May 29. Daniella Topol directs the production which opens June 13 and runs through July 13.

"Through the Yellow Hour" and "The Correspondent" will be staged at company's existing home on Waverly Place, (New York) while "A Summer Day," "The Revisionist" and "Basilica" will play New York's Cherry Lane Theatre. Casting has not been set, but will be announced at a later date.

Editor's Note: Some information used in this report obtained from publicity department press releases.

MA RAINEY'S "BLACK BOTTOM"

This summer, New Haarlem Arts Theatre (NHAT), the professional theatre company of City College of New York (CCNY), has expanded its programming and will present main stage productions of "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" now through July 8 and "Sweet Charity," (July 26 to Aug. 19).

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" by August Wilson is directed by Eugene Nesmith and stars Johnnie Mae as Ma.
"Sweet Charity," features music from Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields. The book by Neil Simon; originally conceived, staged and choreographed by Bob Fosse, has been re-conceived as a Latina's story by Julio Agustin.

The play for young audiences, "Flying Fables," is conceived and adapted to the stage by Obie-winner Stephanie Berry and will run July 14 to 27.

The theatre, led by Eugene Nesmith, is entering its second season and will again be in residence at Aaron Davis Hall, located at W. 135th Street and Convent Avenue, Manhattan (Hamilton Heights).

Editor's Note: Tickets to "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and "Sweet Charity" are $30 general admission, $25 seniors, $10 with CUNY ID.

Free parking is available in South Campus Parking Lot (enter at 133rd Street and Convent Ave.). Subways are #1 to 137th Street or A, C, D to 135th Street or 145th Street. For more information log onto http://www.newhaarlemartstheatre.org.