“Did you know that your great work in publishing our casting call (Open Auditions This Week For Upcoming Labor Show 2/7 UC) brought us the lead of the whole show, the woman who is the center of the action?” writes Steve Jones, composer of the upcoming labor jazz opera “Love Songs from the Liberation Wars: The 1940’s Tobacco Workers Struggle” The show’s main character, courageous Theodosia Simpson is played by AFSCME 1808 member Ayana Reed (right), “a young, intensely talented young woman who learned about it through Union City,” says Jones, adding “Hey - that might be an article for Union City! ‘Union rank-and-file: By day, does her job at Library: at night, she lifts up her voice and brings the house down.’” Now, with less than $2,000 left to raise, let’s see if UC readers can put the show’s fundraiser over the top; click here to donate. Performances are March 30, March 31 and April 1; purchase tickets here. photo by Matt Losak