Jason Michael Webb Archives - Broadway Black

Jason Michael Webb Set To Direct The Last Five Years

Natalyn — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 18:07:41 +0000

Out of the Box Theatrics & Holmdel Theatre Company, along with producer Blair Russell, announced additional details for their site-specific virtual co-production of Jason Robert Brown‘s The Last Five Years. This included show dates of March 15th – 28th, three tiers of tickets, and the announcement of, Tony Award recipient, Jason Michael Webb (Choir Boy) as the director and musical director. Previously the stream was set to begin February 11, however, the company has since updated the premiere date.

The Last Five Years starring Nasia Thomas ( Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and Nicholas Edwards (Frozen, Berkshire Theatre Group’s Godspell) will begin streaming in March and the ticket prices range from $23-$49. The top tier ticket includes an On-Demand ticket, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and 48-hour access with unlimited views.

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An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years, The Last Five Years’ unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

Costume Designer is Siene Zoë Allen (What the Constitution Means to Me). Production Designer is Adam Honoré (Ain’t No Mo’). Make-Up Advisor is Tina Scariano. Associate Director is Christina Franklin (For Colored Girls…). Associate Music Director is Cynthia Meng (Company, Hadestown). Stage Manager is Egypt Dixon. Assistant Stage Manager is Joshua Christensen.

Co-producer & Film Advisor is Joanna White-Oldham. Director of Photography and Videographer is Brian Bon. Assistant Cameraperson is Milton Guanga. Sound Operator is Nicole Maupin. Sound Editor is Carin M. Ford. Video Editor is Dimly Wit Productions.

The orchestra features Cynthia Meng (Keyboard), Sterling Elliott (Cello 1 & 2), Orlando Wells (Violin), Jonathan Linden (Guitar), Chelton Grey (Bass) and Brandon Brooks (Drums).

If you would like to purchase tickets and learn more about the production, you may view the website.

The post Jason Michael Webb Set To Direct The Last Five Years appeared first on Broadway Black.

Must See: First Glimpse Of The First Noel, “Life Happens”!

Broadway Black — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 17:50:08 +0000

It’s so easy to get caught up in the travel plans, red cup debates, and dinner arrangements that have come with the approaching holiday season, that we may temporarily lose sight of what this season is about. The Classical Theatre of Harlem seeks to remind us.

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!

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The First Noel: A World Premiere Musical With The Classical Theatre Of Harlem

Broadway Black — Wed, 13 May 2015 07:21:39 +0000

The holidays seem to be the most wonderful time of the year. Theatre is booming with tourists from all over the world and this year the Classical Theatre of Harlem is bringing something fresh to the holiday season. A new musical, The First Noel as part of their 15th anniversary Season. This world premiere holiday musical from composer/lyricist Jason Michael Webb (Brooklyn Tabernacle, Broadway’s Motown the Musical, Violet) and writer/lyricist Lelund Durond Thompson (founder, YellaFella Entertainment and CTH Artistic Associate), has been in development for two years. “The First Noel will use music that crosses genres — from disco to rock to gospel — to tell a universal story of love and belonging,” says Artistic Director Ty Jones.

The First Noel follows three generations of a Harlem family affected by the tragic loss of a loved one. Time is slow to heal this family’s wounds until an unexpected visit from Grandma reveals some long-absent Christmas joy. This story is 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 at Christmas time.

Performance dates and location will be announced at a later date. Visit www.cthnyc.org for more information.

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