After the curtain call, the entire cast took the stage to wish her happy trails by singing the gospel classic I Won’t Complain by Rev. Paul Jones. Led by Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo, and Antonyo Award winner Danielle Brooks, the emotional send-off was a Broadway Black moment to witness.

The cast also featured Isaiah Johnson as Mister, Jennie Harney as Nettie, and Kyle Scatliffe as Harpo. The production began performances at the Jacobs Theatre on November 10, 2015.

The post FLASHBACK! The Color Purple Revival Cast Sing ‘I Won’t Complain’ appeared first on Broadway Black.

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.

The post Pasadena Playhouse Announces Cast of Fly Based on Tuskegee Airmen appeared first on Broadway Black.

Hamilton 

What is a best of 2015 list without Hamilton? Not a list at all. The hip-hop musical about America’s most controversial founding father with its diverse cast and #hamiltunes that will be stuck in your head forever earns its prized spot on the list. Any show capable of selling out for over a year is a winner in my book. #HamilTonys

Invisible Thread 

Did I mention I saw this show four times? I’m not kidding. The only reason it wasn’t more is because I’m not rich and I went home for Christmas break. The show that tells the story of one man’s incredible journey of self and the people’s lives he impacts was a no-brainer on my list. The dancing, the acting, and the singing is enough to bring you in and take you to new places. #Belamusana

The Color Purple 

Of course, The Color Purple was going to make this list. Cynthia Erivo, Danielle Brooks and Jennifer Hudson make their Broadway debuts and they enter with a big ol’ splash. The simplistic styling of this musical requires the actors to give their all and bare it on the stage, which they do every night. I see Tonys in their future.

Whorl Inside A Loop 

No wonder it’s going to Broadway!  It’s that darn good. Second Stage is doing some pretty awesome things over there on 43rd Street, if this show is any indication. It tells the story of an actress teaching prisoners how to tell and act out their personal stories. This show definitely tugged at my heartstrings and now, hopefully, many more will be able to witness its brilliance.

The Gin Game 

Legendary. James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson sharing the stage again was one of the most amazing moments of 2015. Being able to just be in that room and watch these masters grace the stage effortlessly was a big deal. Black don’t crack, and neither does our ability to memorize scripts and get out there and be amazing eight nights a week.

Barbecue 

The Public Theater also has some hits on their hands. Barbecue centered around family, addiction, and making difficult choices. Written by Obie Award Winning Playwright Robert O’Hara, the play was full of twists and turns that left audiences gasping and guessing about what was going to happen next.

Paradise Blue

Our girl Dominique Morisseau came through. The production is directed by the always amazing Ruben Santiago-Hudson and stars Tony Award-nominee De’Adre Aziza (Passing Strange), Golden Globe-nominee Blair Underwood (A Street Car Named Desire), and Andre Holland. This show, which is the first in a trilogy, made waves at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Like Morisseau herself, I doubt it’s the last you’ll hear about it.

An Octoroon 

An Octoroon (the term “Octoroon” is a person who is one-eighth Black) is all about race in the United States. The brilliant show written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins got its start at Soho Rep and uses satire to get at the United States’ horrible legacy of slavery. Incorporating Black face, red face and everything in between, this show took it there unapologetically. An Octoroon can make an entire audience uncomfortable and force them to face the harsh realities of this “great” nation all in one. After all, art is an imitation of life, right?

Amazing Grace

Gone too soon. The song I sang as a child suddenly held more weight when I finally was able to see this show in the summer. Beautifully and thoroughly executed, Amazing Grace was a gracious piece of theatre that wasn’t afraid to go there. While it may have left Broadway, the cast recording will be enough to keep me going.

Eclipsed 

This is another one that moved from Off-Broadway because of its stellar cast and amazing story. Danai Gurira is genius. Set during the Liberian Civil War, Eclipsed tells the stories of the captive wives of a rebel officer who band together to form a fragile community—until the balance of their lives is upset by the arrival of a new girl. Heartfelt, funny, and mesmerizing are just a few adjectives to describe how great of a show this is.

Special Mention: The Wiz Live!

How could I make a list without The Wiz Live! on it? This show and all of its #melaninmagic captivated audiences everywhere. The old classic story of The Wiz with a modern twist appealed to audiences young and old, and brought together an entire community on Dec. 3rd. That night also made us realize Shanice Williams was going places, Stephanie Mills has still got it, David Alan Grier has some serious pipes, Uzo Aduba and Queen Latifah can do no wrong, Amber Riley was underappreciated on Glee, and “conversate” is an actual word.

Thats our list, what did you see that you put on your list? Sound off in the comments below and check out in-depth information on all of these shows on our site!

The post And The Winner Is…Broadway Black Top 10 of 2015 appeared first on Broadway Black.

David Alan Grier & Stanley Wayne Mathis – The Producers
When I went to see Porgy & Bess with the brilliant Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis, I was less than enthused that Grier, that guy from TV’s “In Living Color,” would be making an appearance.  Clearly, I was ill-informed.  The Yale School of Drama alum approached the role with a wisdom, a professionalism and a personality that made me reevaluate every misconception I’d had.  His charisma has since had me pining to see him recreate the  role of Max Bialystock originated by Nathan Lane with Mathis as his sidekick, Leopold Bloom. With Grier’s comedic cunning, just a twinge of Mathis’ Schroeder-like wit, and some obvious tweaks to the cultural references, this duo could possibly pull off “the biggest flop in history.”

Nicholas Christopher & Nikki Renee Daniels – The Music Man
I’ve seen Christopher in a few roles, mostly contemporary pieces, and to say he is charming would be an understatement.  But many aren’t familiar with his straight-toned, classical music style and I’d love to see him bring that to the stage as the smooth-talking, fast-walking Professor Harold Hill with Daniels as the sensible and sensitive Marian…the Librarian.  Daniels’ performance in Porgy and Bess proved that she has the vocal timbre to handle the traditional Meredith Wilson score and, quite honestly, I’d just love to see their chemistry on stage.

Audra McDonald – St. Louis Woman
This show is already traditionally done with an all-Black cast. Most recently, it was seen as part of the City Center Encores Series with Vanessa Williams starring as the belle of St. Louis, Della Green.  However, I dream that Ms. McDonald recreates the role of Lila, the scorned, jilted lover who murders her cheating man, because that’s pretty much what we expect from an Audra performance and what she does best – dark with just a twinge of crazy.

In my excitement to devise my Broadway wish list, I came across only one problem: my performer list was too short.  I found myself coming up with the same male lead or the same female protagonist, reminding me that though the pool is expanding, we have yet to reach the level of equality that we strive for in this field.  We are still outnumbered and often discounted, but art is universal and diversity is on the rise.  We’re heading towards an era where inclusive casting won’t even need to be articulated.  Go ahead and take it in: non-traditional is the new normal.

The post BB Casting Agency: The Music Man & More appeared first on Broadway Black.

We know what you came to see, but just take a minute and make sure you read the following for important dates for The Wiz Live:

NBC will air an encore telecast of its upcoming holiday production THE WIZ LIVE! on Saturday, Dec. 19 (8-11 p.m. ET).

They will also release the soundtrack on Dec. 11. The song “Home” by Shanice Williams has already been released as a single. However, you’ll have to wait for the rest of the soundtrack, as it will be released for both download and streaming on Dec. 11. You can currently pre-order the soundtrack on iTunes and start listening the moment it’s released.

The DVD of the production will be released on Dec 22. Just in time for Christmas!

CAST

Shanice Williams as Dorothy Gale
Elijah Kelley as the Scarecrow
Ne-Yo as the Tin Man
David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion
Queen Latifah as the Wiz
Mary J. Blige as Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West
Uzo Aduba as Glinda, the Good Witch of the South
Amber Riley as Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North
Stephanie Mills as Aunt Em
Common as the Bouncer, the gatekeeper of the entrance to Emerald City

Ensemble Cast List, in alphabetical order:

Chris Borrero
James Brown III
Olutayo Bosede
Elon Van Buckley
Ta’rea Campbell
Jessica Castro
Kacie Garland
Asmeret Ghebremichael
Frankie Gordils
Khadija Griffith
Tre Holloway
Antonio Hudnell
Carlos Irizarry
Marcus Paul James
Frederic Jean
Capathia Jenkins
Mykal Kilgore
Tamika Lawrence
India R. McGee
Maurice Murphy
Antonio Moore
Danielle Polanco
Malaiyka Reid
Eric Sanchez
Sherisse Springer
Chris Silcox
Ahmahd Thomas
Raphael Thomas
Alex Wade
Donald Webber
DaShaun Wesley
Xavier Wilcher
NaTasha Williams

Songs

All songs from the Broadway production will appear except “I Was Born on the Day Before Yesterday,” which was replaced with the Scarecrow’s big number from the movie version, “You Can’t Win.”

A new song called “We Got It” will be featured in the show, sung by Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.

Act 1

“The Feeling We Once Had” – Aunt Em
“Tornado” – The Company
“He’s the Wiz” – Addaperle and Munchkins
“Soon as I Get Home” – Dorothy
“You Can’t Win” – Scarecrow
“Ease on Down the Road” – Dorothy and Scarecrow
“Slide Some Oil to Me” – Tin Man
“Ease on Down the Road (Reprise)” – Dorothy, Scarecrow and Tin Man
“(I’m a) Mean Ole Lion” – Lion
“Ease on Down the Road (Reprise)”- Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion
“Kalida Battle” – The Company
“Be a Lion” – Dorothy and Lion
“Lion’s Dream” – Lion and Poppies
“Emerald City Ballet (Psst)” – Company
“So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard” – Wizard
“What Would I Do If I Could Feel” – Tin Man

Act 2

“Entr’acte”
“Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” – Evilene and Winkies
“Funky Monkeys” – Company
“Wonder Wonder Why” – Dorothy (only appeared in 1984 revival)
“Everybody Rejoice/A Brand New Day” – The Company
“Who Do You Think You Are?” – Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion
“Believe in Yourself” – Wizard
“Y’all Got It!” – Wizard and Company
“A Rested Body Is a Rested Mind” – Glinda and Company
“Believe in Yourself” (Reprise) – Glinda
“Home/Finale” – Dorothy

The post Watch The Wiz Live & The Making of The Wiz appeared first on Broadway Black.

12 Angry Men, based on the book 12 Angry Men: True Stories of Being a Black Man in America Today, is a collection of personal stories of Black men from across the United States about being racially profiled. During a time when racial tensions are at an extreme high, conversations about this topic are not only necessary but extremely rewarding. The original book is a compilation of stories, essays, and personal accounts of racial profiling from Black men of various professions, backgrounds and ages. 

Each performance begins with a “talk back” conversation that will start seventy-five minutes before each show. The show stars Oberon K.A. Adjepong, Jerome Preston Bates, Sheldon Best, W. Tre Davis, Jason Dirden, Dulé Hill, Chuckwudi Iwuji, Dorian Missick, Roscoe Orman, Roger Robinson, Terrell Tilford, and John David Washington.

Shows run on Saturday, November 14th through Friday, November 20th with all performances starting at 8:00 p.m. and a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, November 15th. All performances take place at Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts at Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. Tickets are available now and can be purchased here. 

There will be a student matinee on Wednesday, November 18 at 11:00 a.m. Email billieholiday.events@gmail.com for more information. Student seats are free and available to 8th-12th grade students, as well as college and university students, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The post 12 Angry Men Directed by George Faison Gets An Extended Run appeared first on Broadway Black.

For some, it was the 90’s cult classic Songs For A New World, a series of songs connected by the theme: “making a decision.” More specifically, Tony Award winner Billy Porter‘s character in the production gave hope to many Black men, instilling confidence that a voice like theirs can be heard on Broadway. He is the reason some fell in love with this art. Before he was Lola in Kinky Boots, Billy Porter was Man 1. And now, 20 years later, his voice can be heard on the original demo for the opening number.

Porter, known for skillfully marrying the likes of soul and belt, was part of this special project from the beginning. Porter was unable to record the Songs for a New World cast album because of contractual obligations and was replaced by Ty Taylor. For the first time, Brown has released the original demo for the opening number from the show that features Billy Porter along with Andrea Burns and Brian d’Arcy James.

Deservedly so, Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist, Jason Robert Brown (The Bridges of Madison County) is celebrating 20 years of transforming many into lovers of this beautiful art we call musical theatre. 20 years ago, Songs for A New World opened off-Broadway. Brown released a note on his blog talking about Songs for a New World, the relationships he made from the show and how they’ve transformed over the 20 years.

Twenty years is a long time, and it feels like it, actually. I saw Andréa, Brooks, Billy and Jessica just four days ago at a reading of Prince of Broadway and we are all profoundly different than we were back then, and yet we are still connected, bound by this marvelous mad adventure we had. Songs for a New World was my first professional show. And it was glorious.

“I’ve posted (for the first time) the original demo recording of the opening sequence of the show – all twelve minutes of it! – featuring four amazing singers who did so much to shape the sound of the show. Andréa Burns and I had known each other since summer camp in the 80s, and Billy Porter sang during my shifts in the piano bar at Don’t Tell Mama when he would finish his performances in Miss Saigon” – Jason Robert Brown

Here’s a bonus recording. 3 years ago Jason Robert Brown released a demo of Billy Porter Singing “The Steam Train”

“Billy is one of the greatest singers in the world; I say that with no hyperbole intended. From the first time I heard him (when he came into Don’t Tell Mama’s on a night I was working the piano bar), I knew that he was a rare and magnificent creature, a phenomenal musical imagination couple with an extraordinary instrument. And he is a formidable actor as well, intensely emotional and committed and funny and just generally wonderful. What’s he is not, however, is a basketball player from the projects. The staging originally included some rudimentary dribbling and shooting – that was cut very quickly. When we handed Billy the basketball in rehearsal, he held it like it was a wet schnauzer.

But, for all of its ludicrousness, I can’t help loving it. Here’s my fake “street” song about a sport I never watch sung by someone who looked as much like Michael Jordan as I look like Chris Hemsworth. And all of that notwithstanding, I still think it’s awesome.”

Listen to The Steam Train below. Read the entire backstory here 

The post Songs For A New World Demo with Billy Porter Released appeared first on Broadway Black.

As noted on its website, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs is the largest cultural funding agency in the nation, with a fiscal year 2014 expense budget of $156 million and a capital budget of $822 million over the next four years.

Rivers, executive producer for New Heritage Theatre Group, said this about the decision by a panel of their peers, “They don’t believe it’s possible for us to produce our programs using such a small staff.” It was claimed that the theatres did not produce the programs they promised.

Rivers and King, founding director of New Federal Theatre, agreed they no longer have peers but “people that do not like us, and have no understanding for what we do and our impact in the community.” Brown, executive director of New Ensemble Company, said the Black community is hurt the most by the department’s decision.

A flyer circulating on social media reads:

We are being informed that panels “of our peers” have determined OUR VOICE to be undeserving of city cultural funding. We need your support! Please write to and make your voices known to The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Express your concerns regarding the drastic cuts in funding and/or the re-funding to three of our historic Black theatre organizations.

Supporters are encouraged to write to: New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, 31 Chambers Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10007. With Finkelpearl on indefinite sick leave, as noted at the meeting, emails are requested to be sent to: Kathleen Hughes, assistant commissioner of Program Services, KHughes(at)culture.nyc.gov.

Although not stated, contacting the Borough president’s office and New York City Council representative also would be impactful.

To affirm “our art, our culture, our heritage is relevant,” NEC’s website noted the following attendees: Linda Walton, director of Harlem Arts Alliance; Jonathan McCrory, National Black Theater; Rome Neal, Nuyorican Poets Cafe; Michael Green, Shades of Truth; Marcia Pendleton, Walk Tall Girl Productions; Robin Bell Stevens, Jazz Mobile; and The World Famous Apollo staffers; as well as members of the Latin, Native and Asian communities.

The post Call For Action: 3 Major New York Black Theatres De-Funded appeared first on Broadway Black.

The project started by gathering artists from top theatre companies around the country to create a series of one-minute plays centered around the themes of race and police brutality.While it seems as though a one-minute play isn’t enough time to faithfully explore the subject matter, I ask you this question: Is one minute not the amount of time it takes for a law enforcement officer to make an incorrect assumption and leave another Black body lifeless on the ground? In one minute is someone able to be choked to death? In one minute is someone able to be held down on the ground against their will with a knee lodged in their spine? Yes, these occurrences can happen in a minute and have happened. Co-Creater and Producer of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Claudia Alick, told The Takeaway with John Hockenberry that “you can do a lot in one minute, the rigor and the restraint required means that you say something specific.”

The plays were workshopped in St. Louis from October 18th – 23rd, were produced and live streamed October 24th, and featured content by collaborators such as Lynn Nottage, Dominique Morisseau, Nikkole Salter, The National Black Theater, The Hansberry Project and American Theater Company, The Black Rep and many more. The festival will make the body of plays available for participating theatre companies who’ve sent participants — and other national partners who have opted to participate for free –with the aim to have those partnering theaters hold a specific day or week of events in staging these plays from Oct 26^th– October 30^th, 2016.

As a firm believer that the stage is the best place for art to truly live, breathe and exsist, I find productions like this to be important for the whole world to see. I don’t want to have to wait a year to be able to see these plays, but I know it will be more than worth it.

The post Every 28 Hours: 1-Minute Play Festival Tackles Race & Police Brutality in Black Communities appeared first on Broadway Black.

“This season stands out as one that truly honors Harlem’s longstanding heritage as a cultural trailblazer,” boasted Brad Learmonth, Harlem Stage Director of Programming.  “The artists we are presenting honor, celebrate and understand the legacy they draw from and, because of that firm footing, are creating new forms that will define the future in exciting and lasting ways. We cannot wait to experience their genius and share it with the world.”

Housed at the state-of-the art performance space, Harlem Stage Gatehouse, this season touts a bevy of culturally enriched, historic and enlightening pieces by “visionary artists of color.”

Returning for another season is the popular ongoing series Uptown Nights, giving the audience an opportunity to experience the artists in an intimate context.  The series features producer and DJ Jason King,  jazz trumpeter Christian Scott, soul vocalist Meshell Ndegeocello, “Classic Man” artist Jidenna, a multi-day Prince tribute assembled and led by Grammy Award-winning bassist Ben Williams, and many more.

The theater is thrilled to host a screening and a post-screening discussion of the fascinating documentary Mary Lou Williams: The Woman Who Swings The Band.  “Williams was a woman in a ‘manʼs world,’ a Black person in a ‘whites only’ society, an ambitious artist who dared to be different and struggled against the imperatives of being a ‘star.’”  The film tells the story of one of the greatest jazz musicians whose inspirational story has never been told…until now.

Harlem Stage has also teamed up with the Museum of Modern Art to present the extraordinary exhibit 100 Years In Post Production: Resurrecting A Lost Landmark of Black Film History.  Featuring recently discovered, unedited footage, “this premiere installation stages a close reading of suppressed moments from the struggle for minority access to visual media.”

For over 30 years, Harlem Stage has been one of the nation’s leading arts organizations, achieving this distinction by commissioning, incubating and presenting innovative works by visionary artists of color, and by facilitating a productive engagement with the communities it serves through the performing arts.

For the full schedule and performance information, click here. Tickets and reservations to Harlem Stage are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.HarlemStage.org, or via phone at 212.281.9240 ext. 19/20. 

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