The musical stars Deborah Cox (Aida) with a book by Ellen Weston and Mark Hampton, music by Stephen Dorff, lyrics by John Bettis, based on a story by Kenneth Waissman, and directed and choreographed by Joey McKneely.

The musical is described on the Asolo Rep Theatre website as;

Romance, intrigue and plenty of excitement will fill the stage next spring when Asolo Rep presents the world-premiere of Josephine, the original new musical bound for Broadway following its Sarasota run. The entrancing Josephine Baker was beautiful, ambitious, and the toast of Europe at the height of her fame in the 1920s-30s. Born into poverty in St. Louis, she rose to become an icon of the Jazz Age, captivating Paris audiences as a dancer, singer, actress and the twentieth-century’s first international black female sex symbol. Directed and choreographed by Tony nominated Joey McKneely and starring Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling recording artist Deborah Cox, this dazzling new musical revolves around Baker’s stint as the star of the Folies-Bergere in Paris from 1939-45, her scandalous affair with Swedish Crown Prince Gustav IV, and her service in the French Resistance during World War II.

The show will run from April 27 until May 29 at Asolo Rep Theatre’s Mertz Theatre (5555 N. Tamiami Tr.  Sarasota, FL  34243). Tickets are now available for purchase here.

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Vereen is currently touring the show with stops throughout the United States, Europe, and Abu Dhabi. Stepping Out is billed as “a unique blend of artistry, combining a tribute to Broadway, Frank Sinatra, and a very special tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.” During the performance, audiences are treated to classics such as  “Defying Gravity,” “Mr. Bojangles,” “For Good” from Wicked and “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.”

Vereen first performed the show at 54 Below in 2012 to rave reviews. Stephen Holden of the N.Y. Times commented that Vereen is “an old-school song and dance man who never lets up. He wins you over with his sheer energy, good will and showbiz know-how. The excitement he generates is what matters.”

Ben Vereen’s Performs at 54 Below in 2012

Vereen won a Tony and Drama Desk Award winner for his show-stopping performance in Bob Fosse’s Pippin. He also was nominated for a Tony Award for his role as “Judas” in Jesus Christ Superstar. His other Broadway credits include Wicked, I’m Not Rappaport, Chicago, Hair, Fosse, Jelly’s Last Jam, and A Christmas Carol.

Vereen’s television guest appearances include How I Met Your Mother, Grey’s Anatomy (for which he won the Prism Award), Hot in Cleveland, NCIS, House of Payne, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, OZ, Star Trek – The Next Generation, The Jamie Foxx Show, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

All performances begin at 7:00pm and doors open at 5:15pm. Tickets can be purchased here.

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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!”

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http://youtu.be/zqV2Md6qLsM

When the show closed in January, producers already had plans for a New York return. The opening date and venue have been set: July 12. Nederlander Theatre. The number of weeks: 18.

At the end of its debut run, which began in April 2013, 738 performances and 37 previews graced the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. The musical frequently reached $1 million a week in box office sales prior to its hiatus; it netted four Tony nominations; and by April 2014, it embarked on a national tour – which is still underway.

Capturing Gordy’s autobiography “To Be Loved: The Music, The Magic, The Memories of Motown,” the musical has had audiences mesmerized by its set list of 66 numbers. CBS Sunday Morning called it “more than a Broadway show… a celebration of music that transformed America.” Other reviews have bcalled Motown:

“A joy ride!” – The New York Times

“Stunning!” – Associated Press

“Something close to a rapture spreads through the audience!” – The New York Times

“Sets the theatre on fire!” – Time Out New York

“This hit machine is running on all cylinders!” – USA Today

Some production and creative changes (casting has yet to be announced) are expected to streamline the show before it sets the New York stage afire again. Yet, it surely will still have a hold on all who participate in listening to “the beat of a generation, the soul of a nation.”

Tickets now are on sale HERE for the West End premiere, which opens February 2016 at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre.

The post Motown The Musical Returns To Broadway Summer 2016 appeared first on Broadway Black.

The Wiz Live! has taken the cake as the gift that keeps on giving and it’s safe to say there are no complaints on our end. 

As if God knew three hours of unadulterated magic was not enough, he has created a solution to fill the void that will grow in our hearts between The Wiz Live! and The Broadway Revival of The Wiz. And to that I say, AMEN! 

We just got word that Broadway Records is releasing The Wiz Live! Original Soundtrack.  *praise dances*  The soundtrack will be available December 18, 2015 and you’re able to preorder right now! Keep in mind, this will include the new song penned by Ne-Yo and Elijah Kelley, as well as Elijah Kelley singing the song Michael Jackson’s “Scarecrow” made popular, “You Can’t Win.” And again, the church says AMEN!

Shanice Williams leads this all star cast as “Dorothy.” Academy Award Nominated powerhouse, Queen Latifah, takes on the “The Wiz” and Grammy Award Winning, Mary J. Blige, portrays the Wicked Witch, “Evillene”. Rounding out yellow brick brigade, Ne-Yo stars as the “Tinman,” Elijah Kelley (Lee Daniels’ “The Butler”) as the “Scarecrow,” and David Alan Grier as “The Cowardly Lion,” Uzo Aduba as “Glinda The Good Witch,” and Amber Riley as “Addaperle.” 

The ensemble, in alphabetical order are: Chris Borrero, Olutayo Bosede,James Brown III, 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, Antonio Moore,Maurice Murphy, Danielle Polanco, Malaiyka Reid, Eric Sanchez, Chris Silcox, Sherisse Springer, Ahmahd Thomas, Raphael Thomas, Elon Van Buckley, Alex Wade, Donald Webber, DaShaun Wesley, Xavier Wilcher, and NaTasha Yvette Williams.

This news has me easing on down the road as I count down the days until the Dec 3 live event. Until then, I’ll keep rewatching the cast sing Ease On Down The Road:

The post ORDER NOW! The Wiz Live! Original Soundtrack Is Available For Preorder appeared first on Broadway Black.

Page is no stranger to the stage, either on Broadway or in St. Louis. He made his Broadway debut starring in an all Black 1976 revival of Guys and Dolls.  A year later he took on the role of the Cowardly Lion in the hit Broadway production of The Wiz. He was an original cast member in Ain’t Misbehavin’ for which he won his Drama Desk Award. Page also originated the role of Old Deuteronomy in the 1982 Broadway production of Cats. Stretching his talents across Broadway, Off-Broadway, The West End, and regionally, Page has worked up a diverse career! Most recently he wrote and directed Café Chanson for Upstream Theatre which garnered recognition from the St. Louis Critics Awards, including nominations for both Best New Play and Best Director.  As if his career on stage wasn’t enough, Page also has his fair share of television and film credits. He has been seen in some of my childhood favorites such as “Touched By An Angel” and “Family Matters,” and voiced “Oogie Boogie” in the cult classic, “Nightmare Before Christmas.” Let us not forget to mention Page’s presence in the 2006 film, “Dreamgirls!” 

With a career spanning over 40 years, it’s a no brainer to see what this man has up his sleeves. He’s attributing a lot of what makes this show work to the wonderful cast that’s on board. He says:

 A play is, after all is said and done, in the hands of the cast, and what a wonderful cast I have! I can’t wait to see them all shine.

Sublime Intimacy is produced by Max & Louie Productions and stars Alfredo Sullivan (Dance Theatre of Harlem) as The Dancer. The rest of the cast includes: Bethany Barr, John Flack, J. Samuel David, Luke Streingruby, and Reginald Pierre. 

The post Ken Page Presents World Premiere of His Play, Sublime Intimacy appeared first on Broadway Black.

Dead and Breathing explores morality, mortality, and the controversy of the right to die with dignity through the relationship between rich, elderly, and terminally ill “Carolyn” and her feisty, Christian nurse “Veronika.” “Carolyn” has been in hospice for too long: she’s miserable, cantankerous and just wants to die. In a ploy to convince Veronika to participate in the assisted suicide, she offers her mansion and fortune as an incentive.

Hutchinson, a veteran writer for the Blue Man Group and the New York branch of the Neo-Futurists, was influenced to explore these topics because of challenges that impacted her personal life. She started writing Dead and Breathing shortly after taking care of her own mother, who was dying of uterine cancer. In an interview with NPR, she revealed that her struggles with multiple sclerosis forced her to consider end-of-life issues.

“I wonder if I’ll ever get to a point, or if I’m incapacitated in such a way, that will just make life seem not worth it,” she said.

The New York premiere of Dead and Breathing will be directed by Jonathan McCrory and will star Lizan Mitchell as “Carolyn” and Nikki Walker as “Veronica.” The play begins previews on October 28 and opens with a gala on November 2. It will run through November 23.

National Black Theatre was founded in 1968 in the heart of Harlem by the late Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, an award winning, visionary artist and entrepreneur. It is among the oldest Black theaters in the country, and also among the longest owned and operated by a woman of color. Since its founding, the theatre has produced over 300 original theatre works that have toured the U.S, the Caribbean, Central America, Africa, and Asia. It has garnered over 45 AUDELCO Black Theatre Excellence Awards and received a CEBA Award of Merit for the award-winning production of “Legacy: Memories of the Gospel Song” that aired on CBS in 1988.

For more information about the National Black Theatre and Dead and Breathing, visit here.

Read more about playwright Chisa Hutchinson.

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The black-faced mask of minstrel shows is a lingering image from America’s past that still inflicts wounds today through its psychic hold…In the future if we are to be free from its terrible grip we must confront it boldly and courageously by staring back into its face and laughing at the absurdity of its representation until it no longer has the power to hurt us. Only then will it be vanquished and we are free to be. – Donald Byrd

The Minstrel Show Revisited interrogates and critiques the 19th century blackface entertainment genre that continues to play a significant role in cultural stereotyping. The work addresses current racial issues while shining the light on racist aspects of American history that are difficult to discuss. By using the conventions of the 19th century minstrel show, including the once common tradition of blackface, Byrd and his remarkable dancers confront audiences with the past and present manifestations of racism and perpetuation of stereotypes embedded in American culture and tradition.

While the original motivation for creating this piece was the racially motivated slaying of Yusef Hawkins, it’s still very relevant to the current social climate in America. With Eric Garner’s chokehold death and the deaths of Michael Brown, Freddie Gray, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland and many others, there isn’t a more important time for such a piece to be revisited and revised.

Donald Byrd’s work as a choreographer achieved international visibility with the creation of the Harlem Nutcracker and a Tony Award nomination for his 2006 choreography of Broadway’s The Color Purple. He has created more than 80 modern dance pieces for his own groups as well as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and The Joffrey Ballet. He was a fellow at The Institute on the Arts and Civic Dialogue at Harvard University for three years.

The Minstrel Show Revisited will play for three performances: October 28 and 29 at 7:30 pm and October 30 at 8 pm. Tickets are $30 – $55 and may be purchased online at www.nyuskirball.org, by phone at 212.998.4941, or in person at the NYU Skirball Center Box Office. The NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts is located at 566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square, New York, New York 10012.

The post Donald Byrd’s The Minstrel Show Revisited – Limited Engagement appeared first on Broadway Black.

Composer/lyricist Jason Michael Webb (Brooklyn Tabernacle, Motown: The Musical, Violet) and writer/lyricist Lelund Durond Thompson (CTH artistic associate and founder of YellaFella Entertainment) created the commissioned work over two years. The duo has re-imagined classic Christmas songs as well as created new melodies designed to become holiday favorites. The soundscape is a wonderland of disco, rock and gospel genres.

Performed in the 200-seat intimate Soundstage, the musical follows three generations of a Harlem family still affected by the tragic loss of a loved one. An unexpected visit from Grandma reveals some long-absent Christmas joy. It is a universal story about how a community is healed, one family at a time, as everyday people do extraordinary things to help one another receive the gift of love.

CTH artistic director Ty Jones has described it as “Dickens for the 21st Century.” With Equity principal auditions taking place in September, the cast has yet to be announced. In May, when Broadway Black reported the production as “bringing something fresh to the holiday season,” the excitement was much like that of Webb under the Apollo marquee.

Leading the artistic team is director Steve H. Broadnax III. Broadnax, an associate professor of theatre at Pennsylvania State University whose work has been featured at Scotland’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, also has showcased at The Kennedy Center with his award-winning The Hip Hop Project. The original play, which has toured nationally, was conceived, directed and choreographed by Broadnax.

Having opened its 15th anniversary season with a benefit concert featured the music of the Griffin Matthews–Matt Gould Witness Uganda (now titled Invisible Thread) at the Soundstage, CTH returns to the historic Harlem venue for its official debut.

Founded in 1999, CTH presents stories through the lens of the African Diaspora that honor the cultural legacy of the neighborhood in which it was founded. In a Theater Pizzazz interview, Jones notes CTH was in financial distress and lost the confidence of many supporters when he arrived in 2009. Now CTH has attracted major donors and has developed notable programming that reflects the diversity of ideas and racial tapestry that is America.

“We are part of the renovation of the community,” said Jones in his interview of the changes Harlem continues to experience. “We want to engage with the community.”

Tickets for The First Noel are on sale now HERE. Follow CTH at @classicalharlem.

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