Opening Jan. 26, the 90-minute play runs through Feb. 21, at The Pasadena Playhouse – the official state theatre of California. Talkback sessions will take place Feb 9. and Feb. 16, featuring a panel of community experts, while Feb. 14 will include members of the cast and crew.

Khan, also the director, is the Tony Award-winning co-founder and former artistic director of Crossroads Theatre Company – a company known as one of the foremost Black theatre companies in the United States.

The cast features: Brooks Brantly; Ross Cowan; Anthony J. Goes; Brandon Nagle; Desmond Newson; Damian Thompson; Terrell Wheeler; and Omar Edwards as Tap Griot. Edwards, the show’s improvographer, uses tap dance “to set a mood that is part sublimated anger, part empowerment.”

Khan shared with Pasadena Now:

This cast for The Pasadena Playhouse/Crossroads production is extraordinary. We took much longer than usual to finally assemble the perfect group, but with Pat McCorkle casting, we did it. And here we are with an exceptionally talented, passionate and committed ensemble of young men ready to take California by storm with a story of unparalleled positivity, pride, courage, achievement.

The creative team includes: Hope Clark (choreographer); Beowulf Boritt (set designer); Toni-Leslie James (costume designer); Rui Rita (lighting designer); John Gromada (sound designer); Clint Allen (video/projection designer).

Throughout the years, the Tuskegee Airmen have been the subject of numerous films, television shows and documentaries, including: 12 O’Clock High Graveyard (1966) with Ossie Davis; The Tuskegee Airmen (1995) with Laurence Fishburne; and Red Tails (2012) by George Lucas. During the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama, more than 180 airmen attended. The 45th National Convention of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., will take place during July, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The New York Times called Fly “ a superior piece of theatrical synergy.” The production began its rehearsals the last week of December at the The New Victory Theater in New York, where it will have its Off-Broadway premiere in March. The production’s journey extends as far back as 2005, when it was presented as part of Lincoln Center Institute’s educational outreach. Since then it has played at venues such as Flat Rock Playhouse (North Carolina) and Ford’s Theatre (Washington, D.C.). A trailer of the 2012 D.C. show is below.

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Headed up by Scott Zeiger, Cirque Theatrical is set to transform Broadway with its impressive definition of entertainment. The first day of rehearsal for the production that aims to sweep audiences off their feet was Jan. 4, featuring a cast and creative team hailing from 13 different countries across five continents. As many as 38 performers – 22 acrobats – will grace the stage under the direction of choreographer Philippe Decouflé and artistic guidance of Jean-François Bouchard. Joining Lewis is Bradley Dean (A.J., the director) and Ryan Vona (Joey, the composer).  Among the cast are Raven McRae, Amber J. Merrick and Matthieu Sennacherib.

Previews for Paramour begin April 16; it opens May 25 at Lyric Theater. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased HERE.

The Quebec-based organization began with 20 street performers in 1984 to grow into a company with nearly 4,000 employees and 1,300 performing artists. More than 160 million peofple have been wowed by the company’s signature spectacle of Cirque du Soleil includes aerialists, acrobats and circus arts performers.

Cirque Theatrical will also offer up a Broadway revival of The Wiz during the 2016-2017 season with Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, the producers of NBC’s “The Wiz Live!”

The post Cirque du Soleil Announces Cast of Paramour appeared first on Broadway Black.

And, speaking of winning…

When it was announced that the song “You Can’t Win” would be featured in the production, I’d like to think that music icon Michael Jackson did the Moonwalk. Shanice Williams, the 2015 “Dorothy,” made a y’all-ain’t-ready post when referring to vocals by Elijah Kelley – the 2015 “Scarecrow” – during a rehearsal of the song.

Sitting outside the room while @elijah_kelley is singing you can't win! ! Yall not ready!!! #TheWiz

— Shanice Shantay (@LuvbeingShanice) October 8, 2015

For the 1978 film of the musical based on L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Jackson performed the soulful Charles Smalls anthem that was originally written for the Broadway show. By opening night, however, the number – which was performed by the Winkies – was cut. The solo for the Scarecrow in the stage version was “I Was Born on the Day Before Yesterday” – a commanding narrative with its “This time I’m going to make it” and “Gonna lift my head up/Can you feel my spirit” lyrics – but it was dropped for the film version. “You Can’t Win” was then resurrected, and the depressing albeit upbeat ditty became the second single (produced by Quincy Jones) to be released from The Wiz: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

In a New York Times article, The Wiz playwright William F. Brown – who called the film version starring Diana Ross awful – discussed the song as being a “Black message song.” Brown, who is White, said: “But it’s all changed. Black people can win. And this is not a Black message show. It’s everybody’s show.” I think it’s pretty safe to say, that some Black people weren’t winning in the 70s. Should the thought be that Black people are winning in 2015, it might be necessary for some re-thinking. In light of the disturbing climate of race relations today, the song can take on a greater meaning when it is broadcast to millions of viewers.

It’s not necessary to have a “can’t-nobody-sing-it-like-MJ” focus in regard to the song. Kelley, and no one else for that matter, will sing it like the infamous King of Pop. Yet, belting out the pain and the contempt is what will do the song justice. Remember, the film’s scene opens with the Scarecrow being mocked for his inspirational quotes and imploring his freedom. Before singing The Crow Anthem, he is forced to recite The Crow Commandments: “Thou shall honor all crows”; “Thou shall stop reading all bits of paper and literature”; and “Thou shall never, never get down offa dis here pole.”

In Jackson’s 1988 autobiography, Moonwalk, he said: “The song was about humiliation and helplessness – something that so many people have felt at one time or another – and the feeling that there are people out there who don’t actively hold you back as much as they work quietly on your insecurities so that you hold yourself back.”

It also is interesting to note what Dr. Elwood Watson said about the The Wiz and the symbolism of the scene in his book Pimps, Wimps, Studs, Thugs and Gentlemen: Essays on Media Images of Masculinity. He noted that the work suggests “African Americans carry the scars and the idea of racism in their bodies.”

“Daily, Scarecrow begs The Crows to liberate him so that he can pursue his quest for a brain, intellect development… The scene invokes African American experiences in the south and the ritual lynching of African American men. The Crows, however, have no intention of doing bodily harm to the Scarecrow – theirs is a more insidious violence… The Crow Commandments invokes the laws that forbid educating slaves… The Crows reinforce Scarecrow’s subjection at their hands through a song… that aims to disabuse Scarecrow of any aspirations toward freedom.

“The Crows are even more disadvantaged than Scarecrow because, unlike him, they are hopeless. The Crow’s chorus… reflects their disillusionment with their inability to realize the promise of upward mobility. The Crows are suspicious, and perhaps justifiably so, of optimistic political discourse that promise substantive change… The Crows, then, become symbolic of a potentially negative family dynamic, one that subjugates its members and does not encourage an exploration of alternative constructions of the self.”

Much can be ascertained when digging a little deeper. Of course, now you may have some rage and tears welling up. However, you can look at it this way: if you’ve ever listened to a song by 70s soul singer Donny Hathaway, you can’t help but to feel invigorated from the despair his lyrics tackle. “You Can’t Win” – with refrains such as “Better cool it ‘cause it ain’t about losing,” “Ain’t the way it’s supposed to be” and “Learn your lesson/Refuel your mind” – can prompt a negotiation for winning.

No, you don’t need tickets for NBC’s The Wiz (and please don’t pose that question to Broadway Black founder Drew Shade). You just need a TV, preferably with surround sound, to journey to Emerald City (with a makeover provided by Tony winner and Broadway icon Harvey Fierstein, who will contribute new material to the original book by Brown). If you need to be reminded of the musical’s impact and what’s to come, chile, revisit Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Concert. Its tribute to The Wiz – featuring Monica, Deborah Cox, Al Jarreau and Jill Scott as the Scarecrow – is just one more brick to the building of excitement.

What do you think about the song?

The post ‘You Can’t Win’ A Win-Win For NBC’s The Wiz appeared first on Broadway Black.

True to their word of incorporating amazing acrobatic feats, several of the ensemble cast have experience as Cirque du Soleil performers. We can’t wait to see how choreographer Fatima Robinson has these amazing performers soaring.

Academy Award nominee Queen Latifah & Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige are also in the cast of The Wiz Live. Latifah will play “The Wiz”, a role originated on stage by the incomparable Andre De Shields (Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Full Monty). Blige will portray the role of “Evillene”, the horrible wicked witch known for the upbeat “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News.” In addition to Stephanie Mills as “Aunt Em,” Uzo Aduba as Glinda The Good Witch, and Amber Riley as Addaperle, also previously announced.

Tony Award winner Kenny Leon will direct & Fatima Robinson will choreograph, as previously announced. The show will also head to Broadway in 2016 with Leon directing. The Wiz for NBC will partner with Cirque du Soleil to bring the live and Broadway productions to life. William F. Brown wrote the original book of the show. This time around, Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein will add new material to the book.

The post The Wiz Live! Full Ensemble Cast is Announced appeared first on Broadway Black.

Filmed on Oct. 6 and set to the musical’s title song, touching video footage of the first rehearsal for the revival of The Color Purple shows most of the cast, crew and creative team meeting each other for the very first time.  Still, as they greet each other with soft smiles and warm hugs, the viewer can’t help but get a sense of union; that this is already a family.

Joaquina Kalukango, who will take on the role of Celie’s beloved sister Nettie, shared her take on the thrilling new opportunity: “To be in a room with such great people and great friends and to take on this new telling of the story is very exciting!”

Now two weeks into rehearsal, all signs indicate that the team is having the time of their lives!  Stars Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks seem to have become fast friends, posting several pictures on Instagram of their many selfies, shopping trips and dinner dates.  Just last week, icon and show producer Oprah Winfrey surprised the cast by showing up at the studio for an impromptu sing-a-long.

Following rave reviews in London, American fans of the original production are eager to experience director John Doyle’s stripped down version of The Color Purple as it makes its way to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

As previously announced, joining Kalukango are Erivo as “Celie,” Brooks as “Sophia,” Hudson as “Shug Avery,” Isaiah Johnson as “Mister,” and Kyle Scatliffe as “Harpo.” Rounding out the ensemble are Phoenix Best, Dwayne Clark, Lawrence Clayton, Carrie Compere, Patrice Covington, Adrianna Hicks, Bre Jackson, Grasan Kingsberry, Kevyn Morrow, Ken Robinson, Antoine L. Smith, Carla R. Stewart, Akron Watson and Rema Webb. 

After hearing the cast together for the first time, show composers Stephen Bray and Brenda Russell and librettist Marsha Norman beamed like proud parents.

“Listening to amazing vocalists sing the music…it’s a joyful noise, right?” Bray looked to his colleagues before confirming with a smile, “it’s a joyful noise.”

Tickets for The Color Purple are available HERE.

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Joining them in the middle of rehearsal, Winfrey greeted stars Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks before joyfully joining the beaming cast to sing the title song around the piano.  Once the song was over, the group instantly erupted in cheers and applause, having professionally waited to finish singing before giving in to their fandom. Watch the clips HERE:

@oprah just surprised our cast at #rehearsal! #OWN #Broadway #Theater #TheColorPurple

A video posted by The Color Purple (@bwaycolorpurple) on Oct 15, 2015 at 12:04pm PDT

@Oprah joins in on the song! #OWN #TheColorPurple #Theater #Broadway @daniebb3 @iamjhud @cynthiaerivo A video posted by The Color Purple (@bwaycolorpurple) on Oct 15, 2015 at 12:35pm PDT

Cheers erupt as our cast finishing rehearsing with @oprah. #OWN #Broadway #TheColorPurple #Oprah #Theater

A video posted by The Color Purple (@bwaycolorpurple) on Oct 15, 2015 at 1:59pm PDT

Unexpected blessings!! @bwaycolorpurple Mother O!

A photo posted by Danielle Brooks (@daniebb3) on Oct 16, 2015 at 9:31am PDT

“The Color Purple has long been a part of my life. From the first time I read it over 20 years ago until now, I’ve always wanted as many people as possible to experience this story.” – Oprah

The company is merely a month away from previews with opening night set for December 10.  Following rave reviews in London, American fans of the original production are eager to experience director John Doyle’s stripped down revival of The Color Purple as it makes its way to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Joining Erivo as “Celie” and Brooks as “Sophia” are previously announced Jennifer Hudson as “Shug Avery,” Isaiah Johnson as “Mister,” Joaquina Kalukango as “Nettie,” and Kyle Scatliffe as “Harpo.” Rounding out the ensemble are Phoenix Best, Dwayne Clark, Lawrence Clayton, Carrie Compere, Patrice Covington, Adrianna Hicks, Bre Jackson, Grasan Kingsberry, Kevyn Morrow, Ken Robinson, Antoine L. Smith, Carla R. Stewart, Akron Watson and Rema Webb. 

Visit our partner TiqIQ to purchase tickets.

 

Sing, Mama O! @bwaycolorpurple! @oprah in rehearsals! #WeAreBroadwayBlack

 

A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Oct 15, 2015 at 4:24pm PDT

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Joining the principal cast members are Grasan Kingsberry (The Color Purple original 2005 cast) and Kevyn Morrow (A Chorus Line) will be Dwayne Clark (Spiderman), Lawrence Clayton (Bells Are Ringing), Carrie Compere (Holler If Ya Hear Me), Bre Jackson (Book of Mormon), Ken Robinson (Memphis), Antoine L. Smith (Memphis) and Rema Webb (The Lion King). Phoenix Best, Patrice Covington, Adrianna Hicks, Carla R. Stewart and Akron Watson will all make their Broadway debuts with The Color Purple revival.

From The Color Purple Website;

Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson(Dreamgirls) has dazzled the world with her matchless talent. This fall, she makes her long-awaited Broadway debut as the sultry Shug Avery in the joyous and triumphant musical The Color Purple.

This unforgettable and intensely moving new production mesmerized audiences when it premiered at London’s acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory, where critics hailed it as “a revelation” (Mark Shenton, The Stage). Now, this American classic comes to Broadway with a powerhouse cast including celebrated London star Cynthia Erivo, who will recreate her electrifying performance as Celie, along with “Orange is the New Black” star Danielle Brooksas Sophia.

With a soul-raising score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, The Color Purple gives an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer Prize-winning story.

The new staging cuts approximately 30 minutes of material from the original production. Tickets for the musical are on sale to the general public, the prices range between $75.00 and $145.00. The production begins previews Nov. 10 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Opening night is set for Dec. 10. You can purchase your tickets here or by calling 212.239.6200.

The post Full Cast of The Color Purple Starring Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Erivo, & Danielle Brooks Announced appeared first on Broadway Black.

In musical theatre, swing performers are not to be confused with understudies or standbys. While the understudy is set to learn the role of a lead performer and may also have a minor key role, it is the swing that steps in to fill in for the understudy as well as all of the roles for the ensemble. Standbys, by contrast, require that the actor literally “stand by” in case a leading performer needs to miss a show or leave mid-performance. Arguably, the swing is the most versatile, flexible and integral performer to any show. To take things a step further, universal swings are swings who may commute around the country as needed to act in various productions of a touring production. In medical parlance, swings are the EMTs of the theatre, waiting to be dispatched to save the show.

https://youtu.be/Tk9VW8Rs7mk

Despite their importance, the swing is often the least recognized cast member, missing the accolades afforded to most of the show’s performers. But for those who choose to remain swings show after show, it is the love of the stage that keeps them filling these roles. Conversely, some cast as swings aren’t always thrilled with the possibility of being typecast as one forever in the shadows. Some of these performers accept the swing role as an opportunity to prove themselves and break into Broadway. While swings are paid more than ensemble and the opportunity to be on stage is steady, having earned a reputation as a reliable and competent swing, these performers must find ways to move away from being viewed only as a swing if they ever hope to break out into a lead or featured role.

Whether they love it or long for more, there is no doubt that swings are incredibly important to any show. Regardless of what is happening backstage, and unbeknownst to the excited audience, the swings make sure that the show always goes on.

The post Swings: Unsung Heroes of the Theatre appeared first on Broadway Black.

Now, we have the full cast list and it includes even more great talent. Bring It On The Musical’s Adrienne Warren, Darius de Haas (Rent, Kiss of the Spider Woman), who shared the stage with Audra McDonald in Marie Christine. Also Felicia Boswell (Motown: The Musical, Memphis), who hosted our 2015 Tony Award nominee show On The List, & Christian Dante White, c0-creator of the amazing Broadway Legacy we rave about, are among that list.

The company, which has a total of 30 members, will also include Brooks Ashmanskas, Amber Iman, Phillip Attmore, C.K. Edwards, Afra Hines, Curtis Holland, Adrienne Howard, Kendrick Jones, Lisa LaTouche, Alicia Lundgren, J.C. Montgomery, Erin N. Moore, Janelle Neal, Brittany Parks, Arbender Robinson, Karissa Royster, Britton Smith, Zurin Villanueva, J.L. Williams, Pamela Yasutake, and Richard Riaz Yoder.

The creative team includes Daryl Waters (musical supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations), Santo Loquasto (scenic design), Ann Roth (costume design), Scott Lehrer (sound design), Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer (lighting design), and Shelton Becton (musical director).

The production, with a new book and direction by George C. Wolfe and choreography by Savion Glover, will present the landmark 1921 African-American musical revue Shuffle Along alongside the behind-the-scenes details that led the songwriting team of Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake and librettists F.E. Miller and Aubrey Lyles to create this groundbreaking work. It is being billed as a revival by the producers

Brian Stokes Mitchell will take on the role of F.E. Miller and Porter takes on the role of Aubrey Lyles, with Brandon Victor Dixon and Joshua Henry as Blake and Sissle, and, as previously announced, McDonald as performer Lottie Gee.

For tickets to this amazing production, click HERE.

The post Darius de Haas, Adrienne Warren & More Join Audra McDonald in Shuffle Along – Full Cast Announced appeared first on Broadway Black.

Audiences young and old will be on Mare Street holding their sides during that kind of laughter that makes your body hurt. The musical comedy includes Olivier Award-winning Clive Rowe (Guys and Dolls, National Theatre) as “Dame Daisy Trott” and Olivier nominee Debbie Kurup as “Jack”. Kat B joins the pair as “Snowman” with more cast members to be announced.

Rowe’s theatre and television credits are extensive and include Carousel ,for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award, as well as BBC’s “The Story of Tracey Beaker.” He returns to Hackney Empire for his 11th panto appearance. Last year Hackney Empire presented “Mother Goose” – in which Rowe reprised the title role (and received a 2008 Olivier nomination) and Kat B served as “Billy Goose”; a production seen by a record-breaking 50,000 people.

Kurup posted that she “can’t wait to climb that beanstalk.” While she is new to the Empire, she has stood tall with many theatrical stages. She comes off a UK/Ireland tour of Anything Goes. Prior to her role of “Reno Sweeney”, she played “Nicki Marron” in the world premiere of The Bodyguard at London’s Adelphi Theatre. This latter role brought her an Olivier nomination (Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical). Her other stage shine has been in Chicago, Rent, Sister Act and West Side Story.

Written and directed by the theatre’s artistic director Susie McKenna – who directed Hackney Empire’s Blues In The Night, A Midsummer Night’s Madness and Once On This Island – the synopsis is: ‘After 15 years of perpetual winter the kingdom of Hackneydale is feeling the pinch of austerity cuts. A young and earnest Jack is tempted by a mysterious stranger into swapping the family’s trusty old cow for a handful of magic beans, while the huge and scary giant’s inventions for making gold are destroying the Earth.’ Amid eccentric costuming and sets, Jack and his “crazy mates” must save the day. Steven Edis’ “magical mix of musical mash-ups” will be showcased in the one time music hall by a live band. And, the cow break dances.

Tickets are now on sale. Visit hackney empire.co.uk for more information and cast/crew details. To promote the show eight giant footprints have been placed at select venues throughout North and East London. Those who solve the clues are entered to win tickets. Let’s just say Hackney Empire is not hackney when it comes to entertaining its patrons.

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