The play reconnects fraternal twins Bryant and James Walker with their ailing Uncle Cecil. While in Somewhere, Mississippi, they must not only deal with the death of their uncle, but the increasing mental instability of their suicidal cousin and a devastating family secret.

“It’s always death that brings about change in the world,” is a statement from the play’s patriarch. His dying sets in motion events that will forever change the family members’ worlds. When We Wake Up Dead is described as “an exploration of grief, mental illness and the fragility of familiar bonds.”

The MainStage production, again directed by Christopher Burris, will run for six performances in The New Workshop Theatre. Tickets for When We Wake Up Dead can be purchased HERE. Student and senior discounts are available.

The New York native and graduate of Brooklyn College’s MFA Playwriting program also teamed with Burris on his short play The Mud Is Thicker In Mississippi, which won the 2010 Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival, and The Special Technique of Shadowboxing at National Black Theatre.

Allen’s maxim hails from Paulo Coehlo’s The Alchemist: “To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only real obligation.” Allen’s destiny has led his plays to being produced and/or developed by Sanctuary NYC, Variations Theatre Group, The Bowery Poetry Club (Sticky), JACK and Liberation Theatre.

He is a recipient of Atlantic Theater Company’s inaugural 2014-2015 Launch Commission and the Himan Brown Creative Writing Award for 2012 and 2013. In 2013, Allen was a featured playwright at The Fire This Time Festival (MOTHER) and Harlem9’s 48 hours in Harlem (Where the Sun Don’t Shine). His collaborative work includes the  Schomburg Junior Scholars theatrical reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and The New Black Fest’s Hands Up: Six Playwrights, Six Testaments during 2014, as well as The American Slavery Project’s 2012 “Unheard Voices.”

Alongside Nambi E. Kelley, Allen has been selected for National Black Theatre’s 2015-2016 I AM SOUL Playwright Residency. The playwrights each will develop a new play during their residency, culminating in a workshop production during NBT’s 48th season. Invited to the Jan. 26-31 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, Allen participated in the national panel discussion on “Diversity, Casting and Responsible Artistic Practice”.

The post When We Wake Up Dead Receives World Premiere appeared first on Broadway Black.

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.

The post New Musical Josephine Starring Deborah Cox Approaches World Premiere in Florida appeared first on Broadway Black.

Founded in 2009 by playwright Kelley Nicole Girod, the Obie Award-winning festival has been a vehicle for directing diversity on stage as it showcases emerging playwrights of African and African-American descent. The first season in February 2010 produced short one-act plays with more than 30 theatre artists and collaborators.

Presented by Horse Trade Theater Group, much of the work for the 2016 festival is world premiere and allows for reflection of 21st century perspectives. Seven playwrights were commissioned to write new 10-minute plays:

• Tanya Everett (Without Scars with Breast Friends)
• Keelay Gipson (The Lost at Planet Connections Theater Festivity; N/F at Downtown Urban Theater Festival)
• Jiréh Breon Holder (2012-13 Kenny Leon Fellow, Alliance Theatre)
• Roger Q. Mason (Onion Creek with Son of Semele Ensemble, Los Angeles)
• Stacey Rose (2015-16 Dramatists Guild Fellow)
• Korde Arrington Tuttle (Beautiful Mess in Around the Block: a 5D Project)
• Nia Ostrow Witherspoon (Global Arts Fund Grant for The Messiah Complex)

Bedford + Bowery stated: “It’s refreshing to see diversity not only present in the artists chosen, but in the work being made, as TFTT clearly demonstrates that theater and performance today is not only defined by the standard play, but so much more.”

In addition to the panel discussion, the event hosts an Open Mic Night (Jan. 28) and Inaugural Writers Group Presentations (Jan. 31). The latter focuses on excerpts of works in progress by Ngozi Anyanwu, Christine Jean Chambers, Edgar Chisholm, Danielle Davenport, Khalil Kain and Maia Matsushita. A musical reading, Hotel Harare – written by Daaimah Mubashshir and music by Tanyaradzwa Tawengwa – also is among the offerings.

Inspired of the James Baldwin-packaged essays The Fire Next Time, the festival website displays the following Baldwin quote: “There is something terribly radical about believing that one’s own experience and images are important enough to speak about, much less to write about and to perform.”

Festival alumni include: Katori Hall (The Mountaintop, Hurt Village); Dominique Morrisseau (Detroit ’67); Marcus Gardley (The Box); Radha Blank (Seed); and Zoey Martinson (Ndebele Funeral).

Among the team behind the festival are: producing artistic director Kevin R. Free (2012 New Black Fest Playwriting Fellow); associate artistic director Angelica Cheri (Papers and Plastics film); founding playwright and production consultant Derek McPhatter (Under the Spell Productions, Harlem Arts Alliance/Columbia University Dramatic Writing Fellow); founding playwright Germono Toussaint (A Mile In My Shoes, Inc.); and assistant producer Keila Fontanez-La Salle.

The post The Fire This Time Festival A Haven For Diversity appeared first on Broadway Black.

For all of Sarah’s character development she conducts extensive research, including close studies of people from diverse backgrounds in the environments in which they live, work, and play. From the townships in South Africa to the beaches of Brazil; from schoolyards in the Bronx to barber shops in Los Angeles to the halls of government in Washington, DC, Sarah travels with an eye and ear toward creating characters and writing stories that transcend stereotypes. The product of a multicultural family and upbringing—her background ranges from African American on her father’s side to an Irish-German American grandmother and a Caribbean American grandfather on her mother’s side—Sarah is passionate about the humanity of all her characters and discovering the specific details that make each person unique. By carefully incorporating authentic aspects of the cultural style, accent, dialect, and physicality of real individuals, Sarah aims to construct and bring to life recognizable, multifaceted characters and narratives based on their experiences and beliefs.

Sell/Buy/Date explores the topics of  human trafficking and the sex industry. In her typical genius style, Jones conjures five characters in her one-woman show. The characters examine how people of the future may interpret modern attitudes towards gender, sexuality, and sex work. According to the event description,

Sell/Buy/Date is an exuberant new play inspired by the real-life experiences of people affected by the commercial sex industry. Through her masterful, multicultural characterizations, Jones explores an array of diverse perspectives on a fascinating and incendiary subject, all while preserving the full humanity and humor of voices seldom heard in the theater.

Sell/Buy/Date, written and performed by Jones, is directed by Carolyn Cantor. A first look production is being presented by special arrangement with Manhattan Theatre Club by New York Live Arts January 6-10 and 12-16 at 7:30 pm and January 9 & 16 at 2 pm. The tickets to the workshop start at $25 and can be purchased here. 

.@jonesarah brings first look of new work, Sell/Buy/Date, to #livearts. Don't miss it! https://t.co/vPQ0o7z2tW pic.twitter.com/NtRTJWjSgb

— New York Live Arts (@NewYorkLiveArts) November 19, 2015

The show will have its world premiere at the Manhattan Theatre Club. Previews for the show will begin Tuesday, September 27, 2016 with opening night scheduled for  Tuesday, October 18, 2016. For ticket information, click here.

The post Sarah Jones Unveils New Play: Sell/Buy/Date appeared first on Broadway Black.

The First Noel, a commissioned work by Jason Michael Webb and Lelund Durond Thompson, has released a video from the show called “Life Happens” to give us a glimpse into this new and refreshing holiday narrative. It is, in a word, chilling. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the show shapes around this one piece of the puzzle. If this is a litmus test for the passion and creativity that has been pured into this work, I think we are all going to be in for a treat.

Following three generations of a family in Harlem, The First Noel touches on the topics of resilience, renewal, and community.  A tragic loss has stolen the holiday joy for this family, but all is well when Grandma unexpectedly comes back to town. The generous acts of many help rebuild the love and morale, one person at a time.

As previously reported, The First Noel will be on stage Dec 13-31, with previews Dec. 11-12 at The Classical Theatre of Harlem. 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 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 wonderland of disco, rock and gospel genres. Tickets are limited, as the Soundstage only holds 200 people. Delight in joy of the holidays this Christmas. Get your tickets now!

And if you haven’t seen this video of the first rehearsal for the show, let me bless you.  Mykal Kilgore is in here SAAAAAAANGING!

The post Must See: First Glimpse Of The First Noel, “Life Happens”! appeared first on Broadway Black.

MotherStruck! shares the emotional story behind a lesbian, Black, Chinese woman trying to fulfill her lifelong purpose of becoming a mother against the odds of single parenting, no health insurance, and the lack of a “serious, stable financial setup.”

They say all you need is love, and Chin shows us just how she managed to persevere beyond the unexpected. Her journey to motherhood is not the only trail with unforseen twists and turns. Days before the September 2015 previews of MotherStruck!, the show was canceled indefinitely due to funding. We’re happy to see this project is back on track! 

Cynthia Nixon (“Sex And The City”) is directing this project and she’s been a fan of Chin’s since 2002. The mutual respect and dedication these artists have for and to each other are what made this project finally come to fruition. While Chin wrote and performs Motherstruck!, she attributes much of the development to the careful eyes, awareness of social issues, and commitment to the craft, that Nixon encompasses.

Chin is the author of “The Other Side of Paradise: A Memoir.” She has also been seen on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” CNN and PBS. Currently, Chin and her beautiful daughter, Zuri, are often seen taking a stance on issues through their YouTube videos and presence at rallies. Come see how this beautiful mother and daughter union was built, from the perspective of the woman who fought to make it happen. 

MotherStruck! is produced by Rosie O’Donnell in collaboration with Culture Project. Tickets are available at CultureProject.org. 

The post Staceyann Chin’s MotherStruck! Premieres Off Broadway 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.

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.

The post The First Noel Gears Up For A Harlem Christmas At The Apollo appeared first on Broadway Black.

Kelley’s latest play follows “Sarah” as she begins a journey to sort out her family history and in the process she traces the lives of three generations of women “through music, memory, and magic.”

In a recent interview, Kelley revealed that the play’s unique name came about during a dream that she had several years ago.

“I woke up and had this phrase in my head: ‘For Her as a Piano.’ I didn’t know what it meant. I didn’t know what it was supposed to be, but I wrote it down and kept it in the back of my mind.”

Ilesa Duncan directs the play with music composed by Jaret Landon and is being produced in association with The Goodman Theatre and Chicago Dramatists. The cast features Toya Turner as “Sarah” along with Nadirah Bost, Dushon Brown, Toni Lynice Fountain, Nicole Michelle Haskins, Monette McLin, and Camille Robinson.

In addition to her critically acclaimed adaptation of Native Son, Kelley has penned plays for Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, and Court Theatre, American Blues, Lincoln Center in New York, and internationally. She was recently awarded a residency at The National Black Theatre in New York City to be a playwright in residence for 2015-17.

As an actress, she was recently nominated for a Hattie McDaniel Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play by the Black Theatre Alliance Awards, Inc. for her work as “Risa” in August Wilson’s Two Trains Running. She’s also appeared on television in “Person of Interest,” “Madam Secretary,” “Elementary,” and “Chicago PD.”

Performances of For Her As A Piano are scheduled to run through November 1 and tickets can be purchased here.

The post Nambi Kelley’s Latest Play, For Her As A Piano Opens in Chicago appeared first on Broadway Black.

The dance-theatre musical In Your Arms, which had its world premiere Sept. 24 at The Old Globe in San Diego, is such a show. Featuring the music and lyrics of Tony winner Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime, Rocky, Seussical, Once on This Island) and Lynn Ahrens, respectively, it is described as “a ravishing evening that flies, leaps and twirls through the giddy extremes of romantic love” and “as intoxicating as a sunset cocktail and as exhilarating as a first kiss.” The adjectives are rampant for this unique event of vignettes. It is noted as ranging across eras and cultures to tell stories in the universal language of dance. The styles include classical ballet, swing, tap, ballroom, jazz, flamenco and more.

One of the segments features noted choreographer Adesola Osakalumi along with Marija Juliette Abney in “The Wedding Dance,” written by Pulizer winner Lynn Nottage (Sweat, By The Way Meet Vera Stark, Ruined). Osakalumi, the lead in the Broadway and international tours of the Tony-winning Fela!, and Abney are stunning in their African garb.

The wedding is the most important ceremony in African culture, with marriage being considered a privilege. An African proverb says: “A man without a wife is like a vase without flowers.” This rite of passage signifies new life and new hope, as the new relationship is meant to enrich communities.

Osakalumi’s Broadway debut was in the 2008 revival of Peter Shaffer’s Equus. Abney – Cheetah in the The Lion King and whose work has been featured in After Midnight and New York City Opera’s Anna Nicole – is a recent alumna of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts graduate performance studies program. She received her undergraduate degree from The Ailey School/Fordham University B.F.A. program.

In Your Arms runs through Oct. 25 under the direction and choreography of Tony winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies, Amazing Grace, The King and I), who also serves as the co-conceiver with longtime Broadway producer Jennifer Manocherian.

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