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HILL CITY — Hill City native and Hollywood actor Cooper Bates is set to return to his hometown for an exclusive performance of his acclaimed solo shows "Black When I Was a Boy" and "Black Out."
The shows are scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, July 26 at Hill City High School, Tebo Auditorium marking Bates' second performance in his hometown since his departure to Hollywood.
ABOUT THE PLAYBLACK WHEN I WAS A BOY: PART II BLACK OUT Written and Performed by Cooper Bates . Age-appropriate 14 and older with parental consent, the show deals with sexual content.
Frankie Bates arrives in Dallas from a small town with big ambitions and his eyes set on making it in the entertainment industry. Shortly after arriving, he is introduced to Mr. Pope, a mid-level, out-of-the-box-thinking businessman and shepherd of young talent.
While Pope grooms and imparts wisdom to the young Kansas native, everything goes well for the two until it begins to go very wrong. Bad advice followed by an even worse choice changes the lives of both men, leading to the total devastation of their relationship and leaving Frankie at odds with the value of his life.
ABOUT FRANKIE BATES
Frankie Bates, also known as Cooper, has made a notable name for himself in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning across major films like "Cohen and Take" and television shows such as "Days of Our Lives," Bates has established himself as a formidable talent in acting.
Bates has written and directed 15 short films, directed a dozen plays, and wrote and sold four screenplays. Beyond his acting prowess, Cooper is also known for co-founding the designer breath mint company, Hint Mint, which achieved global success and nearly $30 million in sales.
After selling Hint Mint in 2017, Bates returned to his first love, acting, touring the country with his solo shows, which have garnered critical acclaim and several awards.
"Returning to Hill City is a homecoming for me, and it's thrilling to be able to share my journey and performances with my hometown," said Bates.
In his solo performances, Cooper plays an array of characters, creating a vivid world on stage that brings the stories to life. These shows offer a unique theatrical experience, ideal for those who may have never seen a solo show before or are unfamiliar with the format.
The upcoming shows in Hill City are not just a performance but a celebration of one man’s journey from the heart of Kansas to Hollywood and back again. "Though I'm not the biggest name in Hollywood, being the only person from Hill City in the industry is something that fills me with pride," Bates added.
Tickets cost is $15 for Cooper Bates’ performances. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 10 and will be available to purchase online and at the door.
To purchase through the website go to cooperbates.com.
Cooper will also be featured in a special interview with announcer Bob Yates on 92.5 KKAN/KQMA Radio Station in Phillipsburg to talk about his career, his shows, and his return to Hill City.