Amber Riley Archives - Broadway Black

Amber Riley Will Play Effie in ‘Dreamgirls’ on the West End

Drew Shade — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 01:13:16 +0000

This is a really special announcement. Back in November when we interviewed Amber Riley for The Wiz Live!, before she blew us all away with her performance as Addaperle in the NBC ratings hit, we asked her if she had an ideal role she’d like to portray. This is what she had to say:

BB: So is this a good transition for you into the theatre community?

AR: Yes. (laughs) I already knew you were gonna ask me that.

BB: Is there an ideal role that you have?

AR: Yes there is and I can’t talk about it yet.

BB: For another time?

AR: (Still laughing) Yes for another time.

Well, it seems that time is now because today it was announced that Ms. Riley will be jetting it over to London and will take on the role of Effie Melody White in the iconic musical Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre. We previously reported that this was a possibility back in August and we’re just glad to see that it’s actually developing in real life. No other casting has been announced but we can only imagine if they start off like this what is bound to happen. Sonia Friedman Productions has acquired the rights to a full West End production of the musical and Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Aladdin) will lead and choreograph the musical. Previews will start in November. This year, on December 20th, it will mark the 35^th Anniversary of the musical. Now we’re wondering what date opening night will fall on.

#DREAMGIRLS to run @SavoyTheatreLdn ,Previews from Nov, 1st night in https://t.co/9jLcXHeTiZ on sale from mid March pic.twitter.com/SYKS2EM40M

— Baz Bamigboye (@BazBam) February 4, 2016

Well. Cat is out the bag! Been keeping this in since June ☺️ see ya in London! #thedream #newgig #westend #dreamgirlsLDN A photo posted by Amber Riley (@msamberpriley) on Feb 4, 2016 at 4:00pm PST

Do you guys know how hard it was to keep this a secret?!?!? #DreamgirlsLDN thank you for being excited with me!

— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) February 5, 2016

The musical, which features music by Henry Krieger and a book and lyrics by Tom Eyen, tells the story of a singing trio of black divas, “The Dreams,” and their rise to stardom in the 60’s. The trio is eventually torn apart by another predictable trio of fame, fortune, and men. The original Broadway production opened on December 20, 1981, and closed on August 11, 1985, after 1,521 performances. The cast starred Sheryl Lee Ralph as “Deena Jones,” Jennifer Holliday as “Effie White,” Loretta Devine as “Lorrell Robinson,” Ben Harney as “Curtis Taylor, Jr.,” Cleavant Derricks as “James “Thunder” Early,” and Obba Babatundé as “C. C. White.”

Now, don’t forgot that Ms. Riley has a little experience with the role from her Fox Tv’s GLEE days. She’s bound to be way beyond this in the role nowadays. Watch below! Also check out the website for the London production HERE.

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And The Winner Is…Broadway Black Top 10 of 2015

Broadway Black — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 04:49:10 +0000

As we enter a new year, it’s only right to reflect on the greatness that happened in 2015. From Broadway to Off-Broadway to live musical events, one-night-only events, and staged readings, 2015 was kind to Broadway Black stars and theatergoers like me. Here at Broadway Black, we can’t just let 2015 end without sharing what we’d consider the Top 10 of 2015.

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.

The Wiz Live! Debuts a New Commerical!

Broadway Black — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 20:41:49 +0000

In a word, YYYYYAAAAASSSSSS!!! At least that’s what I said when I saw the BRAND NEW COMMERCIAL for The Wiz Live!, which will be broadcast on NBC December 3. The colors! The costumes! The choreography! This production is shaping up to be everything we had hoped. This is the first time that we’ve had a real opportunity to see the ensemble and it is simply stunning. See for yourself!

In less than three weeks, we will be able to relish the glory of this production. The cast is like the Broadway Black version of The Avengers, bringing together our favorite veterans to give life to the revamped 2015 version of The Wiz. Shanice Williams leads us through the streets of Oz as “Dorothy”, Queen Latifah serves as the powerful, yet powerless legend: “The Wiz”, Mary J. Blige is “Evillene” (The Wicked Witch of the West), David Alan Grier searches for courage as the “Cowardly Lion”, Uzo Aduba is “Glinda”, Amber Riley is “Addaperle”, Stephanie Mills joins the company as “Auntie Em”, Elijah Kelley finally gets his brain as the “Scarecrow”, Common is the “Bouncer”, and Ne-Yo gets loose as the “Tin Man”. In the midst of so many talented stars, it’s no surprise that creativity produced magic. Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley, music producer Harvey Mason, Jr., and music director Stephen Oremus, co-wrote a new song that will be featured in the show.

My concerns are abated; this production is going to be fantastic. Will you be watching?

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NBC Takes Us Behind The Yellow Brick Road With The Making of The Wiz Live!

Broadway Black — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 20:26:09 +0000

I think it’s safe to say, we’re all sitting on the edge of our seats with popcorn and Sour Patch Kids, waiting for the Dec 3 arrival of NBC’s The Wiz Live! We may not be able to reach new levels of obsession over Shanice Williams and the rest of the star studded and immensely talented cast, but let me tell you something: there is more good news! Ne-Yo, I mean NBC, is taking us on a backstage, all-access look into the teamwork it takes to ease on down the road through “The Making of The Wiz Live!” on November 25 from 8-9pm EST.

We’ll see Shanice belting her face off, Queen Latifah bringing back “U.N.I.T.Y,” Mary J. Blige teaching us how she fits her infamous bop into her role as “Evilene”, and the original Dorothy, Stephanie Mills, reliving her experiences from the original Broadway production.

Okay, okay, okay! None of that was promised.. but tune in for an hour of insight that covers costumes to casting! And I’m sure candid (or not so candid) shots of Shanice singing! #yassss

UPDATE: Watch the latest promo video for #TheWizLive below!

The Wiz is an adaptation of L. Frank Baulm’s timeless, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, told through a lens that weaves in African American culture. Many were exposed to The Wiz through the 1978 film which featured Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Richard Pryor. However, the show we’ll see in December is based on the 1974 Broadway production of The Wiz that went on to snag seven Tony awards, including Best Musical.

The cast is like the Broadway Black version of The Avengers, bringing together our favorite veterans to give life to the revamped 2015 version of The Wiz. Shanice Williams leads us through the streets of Oz as “Dorothy”, Queen Latifah serves as the powerful, yet powerless legend: “The Wiz”, Mary J. Blige is “Evillene” (The Wicked Witch of the West), David Alan Grier searches for courage as the “Cowardly Lion”, Uzo Aduba is “Glinda”, Amber Riley is “Addaperle”, Stephanie Mills joins the company as “Auntie Em”, Elijah Kelley finally gets his brain as the “Scarecrow”, Common is the “Bouncer”, and Ne-Yo gets loose as the “Tin Man”. In the midst of so many talented stars, it’s no surprise that creativity produced magic. Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley, music producer Harvey Mason, Jr., and music director Stephen Oremus, cowrote a new song which will be featured in the show.

Maybe we’ll get insight into that new song. Maybe we’ll see David Alan Grier crack jokes on his fellow castmates. Maybe we’ll just see Shanice smiling. All I know is we’re getting a glimpse into this highly anticipated production– the very glimpse my impatience needed.

Take a look at glimpse of the panel discussion we attended with a part of the cast at the Apple Store in Soho. If you follow us on Periscope you know we streamed the entire thing. It was great!

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The Wiz Live! Full Ensemble Cast is Announced

Broadway Black — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 01:15:46 +0000

As the date looms ever closer, we are shining our ruby red slippers and making sure our oilcans are topped off in preparation of NBC’s The Wiz Live! to be broadcast on December 3. While we previously reported on the leads for this epic production, we now have a full cast list! Joining Ne-Yo as the “Tinman,” Elijah Kelley (Lee Daniels’ “The Butler”) as the “Scarecrow,” Shanice Williams as “Dorothy” and David Alan Grier as “The Cowardly Lion” and more is the ensemble, in alphabetical order: 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 Williams.

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.

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Uzo Aduba & David Alan Grier Get Ready for The Wiz Live

Broadway Black — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 16:17:12 +0000

Now that the full cast for NBC’s The Wiz Live has been announced, fans of the acclaimed musical are eagerly awaiting its airdate of December 3rd. Recently, Uzo Aduba and David Alan Grier spent some time ramping up expectations. Aduba, who will play “Glinda the Good Witch,” made an appearance on NBC’s “The Today Show” where she discussed her excitement as part of the cast.

On the “Today Show,” Aduba, best known for her Emmy-winning portrayal of “Suzanne ‘Crazy Eyes’ Warren” on the hit Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black,” discussed the moment she received the call telling her that she got the part, saying “I just could not believe that they offered me the job. What a company to be a part of, just an amazing cast of people. And just to be a part of this show, I’m excited.”

Aduba also mentioned how three years ago she was crying on the subway returning from an audition when she decided to quit show business and re-train as a lawyer after a stretch of not receiving any roles. But, 45 minutes later, she got a phone call telling her that she was up for the role of “Crazy Eyes.” Of course, that seminal moment changed her life. Quoting the song “Believe in Yourself” from The Wiz, she says, “If you do believe, anything is possible.”

“Getting to go into the Wiz and to sing a song like ‘if you believe’ seems all that more impactful,” she says.

Meanwhile, Grier, who’s been cast as “The Cowardly Lion,” (and is HILARIOUS in The Carmichael Show, by the way) appeared in the production’s first promo. In the first preview for the live performance, Grier discusses his role and how he expects it to be groundbreaking.

“I’m really excited to be playing the cowardly lion,” he says. “More importantly, my daughter said, ‘Daddy, are you going to look like a lion lion?’ I said it’s going to be a little different: I’m going to have dreads. We’re doing a whole new vision of the lion.”

He also has another commercial where he talks about telling his friends & family exactly how they’ll be able to watch him in The Wiz Live. Just FYI, there are no tickets! It’s on television. NBC to be exact.

As previously announced, Grier and Aduba join a star-studded cast that includes Stephanie Mills, Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Amber Riley, Elijah Kelly, Common, Ne-Yo, and newcomer Shanice Williams. Tony Award winner Kenny Leon will direct and Fatima Robinson will choreograph. The show will also head to Broadway in 2016 with Leon directing. The Wiz will partner with Cirque du Soleil to bring both the live and Broadway productions to life.

The original book of the show was written by William F. Brown. This time around, Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein will add new material to the book. The show will be executive produced by The Sound of Music and Peter Pan duo Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.

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Amber Riley & Uzo Aduba Join The Cast of NBC’s The Wiz Live

Broadway Black — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 17:10:36 +0000

The hits just keep on coming! Broadway Black has learned that Amber Riley will be playing Addaperle in NBC’s “The Wiz Live!” that will air on December 3. Addaperle is the Good Witch of the North, sister to Glinda of the South. We talked here about the rumors that Uzo Aduba might be playing Glinda. Well, now she is! While Glinda is graceful and poised, Addaperle is hysterically clumsy, carrying around her magic “wanga,” which doesn’t always work so well. Clarice Taylor played Addaperle in the 1974 original Broadway cast and Thelma Carpenter had fun with the role in the 1978 movie adaptation. Glinda the Good was originally played by Dee Dee Bridgewater on Broadway, which won her a Tony Award, and by Lena Horne in the movie.

Riley & Aduba will join newbie Shanice Willams, who will play Dorothy, Tony nominee David Alan Grier who will take on the role of “The Cowardly Lion”, as well as join the Academy Award nomineeQueen Latifah & Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige in the cast of The Wiz Live. Latifah will play “The Wiz” & 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”, who was also previously announced.

The original 1975 production of The Wiz featured music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and a book by William F. Brown and is a re-imagining of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The Broadway production won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. In 1978, Motown Productions and Universal Pictures produced a film adaptation starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor as “The Wiz”.

This upcoming retelling of “The Wiz” will be directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (Raisin in the Sun) and will feature stunning acrobatics by Cirque du Soleil Theatrical, choreography by Fatima Robinson, and updated material by Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots, La Cage aux Folles, Newsies).

We know from her time on Fox’s “Glee!” that Amber Riley has serious acting and singing skills. We can’t wait to hear her belt out “He’s The Wiz!,” Addaperle’s signature tune. Riley will also rock out on the NBC production stage. In 2013, she became the first Black woman to win Dancing With the Stars.

Uzo Aduba is mostly known from her work on Orange Is The New Black as “Crazy Eyes” but is no stranger to the theatre. Aduba is an amazing vocalist and would be right at home on a Broadway-style sound stage. Before being cast on OITNB, she was on Broadway, and starred in the revival of Godspell. She’s also classically trained if you didn’t know.

We think Amber Riley is a great, youthful choice to play Addaperle. And Uzo Aduba is the best choice for Glinda The Good. Talk back to us in the comments and let us know what you think!

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