“The Flats: Cradle of a Community,” is a musical drama about Garland’s early Black community that existed in downtown Garland. The original show will premiere at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, at The Atrium, 300 North Fifth Street.
With an original score and nine original songs, “The Flats” focuses on the free-standing neighborhood. It had its own stores, homes, churches and a school. It was located in the area where the Granville Arts Center and the city government complex are now situated.
The drama is set in the 1930s and 1940s. This was during segregation, when students attended the Garland Colored School on the site where The Atrium is now.
The story depicts the solidarity, vibrancy and community life of “The Flats” citizens as they dealt with the challenges and realities of that particular time period.
Three previous musical dramas about Garland neighborhoods have been produced by Friends of Garland’s Historic Magic 11th Street. In 2019, it produced the sell-out and award-winning musical drama “Becoming Garland Avenue.” 2020 brought the production, “Becoming Garland Avenue—2020 Revival” movie. Both centered around the Travis College Hill neighborhood. In 2021 it produced the award-winning “The Cactus Chronicles” about the Manuel and Maria Valle family, Garland’s first Latino family of record, and their life in Embree.
The April 14 performance is funded in part by a grant from the Garland Cultural Arts Commission and the city of Garland Cultural Arts Division. Tickets are available at garlandarts.com: “The Flats: Cradle of a Community” musical drama tickets, Sunday, April 14 2024 | Prekindle.