In the 1920’s Harper became indelibly intertwined with building Harlem as a cultural icon. Harper produced at historical bastions like Connie’s Inn, Lafayette Theatre and the opening of the new Apollo Theatre. By 1929, Harper was producing the broadway hit Hot Chocolates and directing the cabaret scenes in the first Black “talkie” film “The Exile”. As his career progressed, he moved on to producing shows at The Cotton Club and hired many other iconic performers such as Lena Horne, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. Ultimately the public’s interest began to decline on these types of shows and Harper’s work as a producer became less frequent. He died at the age of 45 of a heart attack while rehearsing a chorus line at Murrian’s Harlem Club in 1943.

In recognition of his contributions as a artistic pioneer, Harper will be honored on October 10, 2015 with a street co-named after him. Leonard Harper Way will be located at the the South/East Corner of 132nd. St. & Adam Clayton Powell Blvd also known as(7th. Ave.)

Leonard Harper was one of the most influential African-American producers, directors and choreographers of his era. Throughout his short lifespan, he produced over 2,000 shows on stage and screen with some of the greatest icons of the Harlem Renaissance. His work left everlasting impressions and opened a door of opportunities for others to be involved in the motion picture industry. Because of his historic performances and productions that showcased Black culture, it is with great honor that the southwest corner of 132nd street and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. be known as Leonard Harper Way,” said Council Member Inez E. Dickens.

This honor is just another sign of the tides turning toward more recognition of the hard work, talent and effort provided by the Black community in establishing the history and dynamic legacy of entertainment not just in Broadway but beyond. We salute the contributions of those who went often unrecognized during their lifetimes and paved the way for more Black entertainers to receive the accolades they so richly deserve.

Watch Leonard Harper’s Connie’s Inn Chorus Line Staged & Directed in the film The “Exile”

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This is a rare opportunity to see performances on such a large scale. In particular, Revelations, a masterpiece of American dance and described by “The New York Times” as “one of the great works of the human spirit,” will be showcased.  The iconic dance performance is backed by African American spirituals, sermons, gospel songs, and blues, and is truly a must see for even the most casual of art appreciators.  In addition, not only is this is an affordable way for people throughout the country to  see the company perform, it allows viewers to see Ailey literally larger than life, which is the way the performances typically feel when watching them on stage.

In addition to “Revelations,” the electrifying program will include Wayne McGregor’s “Chroma,” set to music scored by Joby Talbot with orchestrations of songs by The White Stripes; Ronald K. Brown’s “Grace,” which combines modern and West African dance accompanied by Duke Ellington, Roy Davis, and Fela Kuti‘s music, and closing with Robert Battle’s “Takademe.”

This showing is one night only, and pre-sale tickets are available now.

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Holliday is best known for originating the role of “Effie White” in Dreamgirls in 1981 for which she won a Tony Award that catapulted her to stardom. Her performance in the role also earned her a Grammy Award for her recorded version of “And I Am Telling You” and Drama Desk and Theater World awards. She has since gone on to a successful acting and recording career, earning another Grammy Award for her recording of Ellington’s “Come Sunday.” She has also appeared in several theater productions, including Sing Mahalia Sing: The Mahalia Jackson Story, Chicago, Grease, and Black Nativity. Holiday also earned a 1981 Drama Desk nomination for her role in the musical Your Arms Too Short to Box with God.

Although audiences are accustomed to hearing her soulful voice belting out big show tunes, she’s also confident in her ability to wow jazz aficionados.

“Classic jazz music goes a little bit further than Broadway. Yes, I have a big voice and I’m able to do these great big bring-the-curtain-down songs. For jazz songs, though, you have to be able to bring a listener so close to you in terms of melody lines and lyrics, and those powerful haunting chords and progressions—it’s maybe not where everyone’s jumping to an immediate standing ovation, but they’re definitely moved to tears. It’s not always a standing ovation that lets you know you’ve delivered a number and moved people,” she said in a recent interview.

Sophisticated Ladies is a stylish musical celebration of Ellington’s greatest musical hits set in Harlem’s famed Cotton Club. The extravagant production features a full on-stage orchestra that backs outstanding jazz vocalists and amazing tap dancers. The show opened on Broadway in 1981 and the original cast included Gregory Hines, Judith Jamison, Phyllis Hyman, Hinton Battle, Gregg Burge, and Mercer Ellington. Battle won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. The concept is credited to famed choreographer Donald McKayle. Lloyd Mayers and Malcolm Dodds originally produced the show on Broadway with musical and vocal arrangements under the musical direction of Duke’s son, Mercer Ellington. The cast brings Ellington classics like “Mood Indigo,” “Take the A Train,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” to life in this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.

The Zach Theatre production is directed by Abe Reybold and is playing on the Topfer Stage from July 15 through August 23, 2015. Watch highlights from the show & an interview with Jennifer Holliday below

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Ellington was born in the District of Columbia and went to New York in the 1920s. He is said to have composed over one thousand pieces of music and lead his band from its inception in 1923 until his death.  A career that spanned more than fifty years. The Duke was known for recording and performing music that not only highlighted the unity within his orchestra but individual musicians of particular talent.

Those of us who are theatre enthusiasts are no stranger to the talent of Jennifer Holliday.  She had her Broadway debut in 1971 and later performed in Dreamgirls where she received her Tony and also a Grammy for her recorded performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”  Holliday is also the recipient of an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in 2000.

The spectacle of the affair does not stop at the full onstage orchestra, but extends to tap dancers, elaborate costumes, and incredible jazz vocalists. Set in the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. Holliday will perform Ellington hits such as:  “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)“, Sentimental Mood“, “Sophisticated Lady“, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore“, and “Old Man Blues”. The cast also features : Brandon O’neal, J.P. Qualters, Afra Hines, Brian Whitted, Kenny Williams, and Chanel Haynes-Schwartz.

This show will be opening in Austin on July 15, 2015 and running until August 23, 2015 at the Zach Theatre in the Topfer Theatre on the Karen Kuykendall stage. For more information or to purchase tickete click here.

Watch the original cast give the essence of Sophisticated Ladies below

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