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The holiday season is in full swing, and what the world needs now more than ever is some joy. Even though family gatherings may look a bit different this year and celebrations have been scaled back, the Broadway community continues to be a beacon of light during an unexpected dark time.

The Tony Award-winning and Grammy-nominated Broadway Inspirational Voices is a diverse choir of Broadway artists united in changing lives through the power of music and service. Founded in 1994 by Michael McElroy (Rent, The Wild Party), the annual concert, much like many other special musical programmings this holiday, will be live-streamed for FREE on Sunday, December 13 7:00 pm.

The concert “A Season of Hope and Inspiration,” will feature special guests, Billy Porter, Leslie Odom Jr., Daniel J. Watts, and Shoshana Bean; with special appearances by Leslie Uggams, Debbie Allen, Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Phylicia Rashad, Vaness Williams, and more.

McElroy has described the evening as a “moment of unity to bring comfort, healing, and great joy.”  And if you’re interested in hearing some pieces from past holiday concerts, you can check out their albums Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas and Great Joy II: Around the World.

The post Broadway Inspirational Voices’ A Season of Hope & Inspiration, Free Virtual Holiday Concert appeared first on Broadway Black.

As we previously reported, Uggams was scheduled to play the family matriarch who’s dealing with dementia and squabbling children during the holidays. However, she opted to join the cast of the smash hit Fox network drama, “Empire,” in a recurring role instead.

In the Vineyard Theatre’s production, Johnson will be joined by Stephen Conrad Moore and Sharon Washington.

Johnson’s stage credits include The Little Foxes on Broadway, and Hoodoo Love, M: The Mandela Saga, and The House of Bernarda Alba off-Broadway. She’s also appeared on the big screen in “American Gangster,” “Boiler Room,” “Life Breath,” “Hill and Gully,” and “Fleecing Led Zeppelin.” Johnson has received a Best Actress Audelco Award for her portrayal of “Winnie Mandela” in M: The Mandela Saga, a Best Supporting Actress Audelco Award for “The Candy Lady” in Hoodoo Love, and a Philadelphia Critics Award Nomination for “Mrs. Antrobus” in The Skin of Our Teeth.

Dot, which has been called a “testament to the enduring bonds of family,” isn’t Domingo’s first foray into playwriting. The Tony-nominated actor also penned a one-man autobiographical play A Boy and His Soul, for which he won a GLAAD Award: Outstanding New York Theater: Broadway & Off–Broadway. He also wrote and starred in Wild with Happy.

Susan Stroman, who won a Tony Award for The Producers, will direct Dot. The play premiered in the Humana Festival of New American Plays in Louisville, Ky., earlier this year.

Dot is will begin previews on February 4 with an official opening on February 23 at the Vineyard Theatre. The play is scheduled to run through April 3, 2016. For tickets and more information visit vineyardtheatre.org.

The post Marjorie Johnson Returns to Colman Domingo’s DOT appeared first on Broadway Black.

In the series, a ratings sensation when it first aired in January 1977 over an eight-day period, Rose will play “Kizzy, “ the “cherished, smart daughter of Kunta Kinte who maintains her family pride and warrior spirit.” And, Whitaker will play Fiddler, a slave who risks his life trying to mentor and aid in the escape of “Kunta Kinte.” Leslie Uggams and Louis Gossett, Jr., originated those roles, respectively, in the 1977 miniseries.

Rose and Whitaker join previously announced cast members Laurence Fishburne, Anna Paquin, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Chad L. Coleman, Erica Tazel, Derek Luke, Clifford “T.I.” Harris, Jr., Mekhi Phifer, along with newcomers Malachi Kirby and Regé-Jean Page.

Although the remake doesn’t have an air date yet, it’s scheduled to run as an eight-hour, four-night miniseries, and will air on the History Channel, A&E and Lifetime.

As if seeing Rose in “Roots” wasn’t enough, it was recently announced that she’ll join the cast of the highly-rated Starz drama series “Power” next season. She’s slated to play “LaVerne Thomas” a streetwise cop from the neighborhood where Ghost and Tommy grew up in a multi-episode storyline. “Power” stars Omari Hardwick and Naturi Naughton.

Rose is a stage veteran who won a Tony Award for her role in the Tony Kushner-Jeanine Tesori musical Caroline, Or Change and was nominated for her role as “Beneatha Younger” in the 2014 revival of A Raisin In The Sun. However, she may best be known for her role as “Princess Tiana” in Disney’s “The Princess And The Frog” and as Lorell in the film adaptation of “Dreamgirls.”

The post Anika Noni Rose & Forest Whitaker Set For Roots Remake appeared first on Broadway Black.

In Domingo’s latest work, Uggams will play “Dotty,” a family matriarch who’s dealing with dementia and squabbling children during the holidays. This will mark her first extended run on a New York stage since she appeared in The First Breeze of Summer in 2008. Stephen Conrad Moore and Sharon Washington will also join Uggams in Dot.

Uggams grew up performing for audiences, getting her start in show business when she was seven years old playing Ethel Waters’ niece on the sitcom “Beulah.“ She then went on to perform on the “Lawrence Welk Show” and was a regular on “Sing Along with Mitch,” with record producer/conductor Mitch Miller.

She’s had a long and illustrious career on stage beginning with her 1967 Broadway debut in the musical Hallelujah, Baby! Her performance earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical as well as a Theatre World Award. She’s also appeared on Broadway in the revue Blues in the Night in 1982 and in Jerry’s Girls, the musical revue of the works of Jerry Herman in 1985. Uggams replaced Patti LuPone as “Reno Sweeney” in the Lincoln Center revival of Cole Porter’s musical Anything Goes on Broadway in 1989. Her other roles have included “Muzzy” in Thoroughly Modern Millie and “Ethel Thayer” in On Golden Pond. In 2001, Uggams was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in August Wilson’s King Hedley II.

Dot, which has been called a “testament to the enduring bonds of family,” isn’t Domingo’s first foray into playwriting. The Tony-nominated actor also pennd a one-man autobiographical play A Boy and His Soul, for which he won a GLAAD Award: Outstanding New York Theater: Broadway & Off–Broadway. He also wrote and starred in Wild with Happy.

Susan Stroman, who won a Tony Award for The Producers, will direct Dot. The play premiered in the Humana Festival of New American Plays in Louisville, Ky., earlier this year.

Dot is scheduled to open on February 4, 2016 and run through April 3, 2016 at the Vineyard Theatre. For tickets and more information visit vineyardtheatre.org.

The post Leslie Uggams To Star in Colman Domingo’s DOT appeared first on Broadway Black.

[pdf-embedder url=”http://broadwayblack.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Leslie-Uggams-Arthur-Laurents-letter.pdf”] via leslieuggams.com

Sadly, Mr. Laurents died before his wish came true, but one year ago this July, Leslie Uggams got her turn in Gypsy at Connecticut Repertory Theatre.

“Mama Rose”, like many iconic characters in the American musical theater, was not written as a specific race. Therefore, everyone who is able to best tell the story should have the opportunity. This is not only essential for artists, but also for patrons attending the production so that all people get to see representations of themselves on stage. This awakening in the theater, albeit gradual, is refreshing and impactful because it allows a society’s art to parallel life. People of color are more than what centuries of mainstream America thought — in fact, we are nuanced and complex human beings. Our artists are capable of full and complex characters and stories, such as “Mama Rose” in Gypsy.

Hopefully, last year’s production wasn’t the last time we see Leslie Uggams in Gypsy, nor other artists of color inhabiting beautifully layered characters.

The post A Dream Come True: Leslie Uggams As Mama Rose In Gypsy appeared first on Broadway Black.

Jeanine Tesori, who won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Original Score for Fun Home said of Twine, “For girls, you have to see it to be it. My grandfather was a composer in Italy, and he came to this country to try to fulfill that dream. I didn’t realize a career in music was available to women until I saw Linda Twine conducting Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.”

In a separate interview, Tesori, who is the most prolific and honored female Broadway composer in history, said, “I remember seeing Linda Twine conduct when I was nineteen. She is this beautiful African-American woman who was in complete command with all of the men on stage looking at her every move.”

Twine also notably composed “Changed My Name,” a cantata inspired by slave women Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, and written for two actresses, four soloists, and a chorus.  Her work can be seen and heard in the books and CDs of the Silver Burdett Publishing company, which are used by many public schools in the United States, ensuring that her legacy will endure.

Below you’ll find Jeanine Tesori’s Tony acceptance speech.

The post Linda Twine: The Musical Mastermind We Should All Know appeared first on Broadway Black.

This May, Leslie Uggams (Hallelujah, Baby!), Chester Gregory (Sister Act), and Billy Porter (Kinky Boots) each received an Honorary Doctorate. Ms. Uggams’ honor came from the University of Connecticut where she also delivered the commencement address during the 2015 ceremony. Chester Gregory was awarded by his alma mater, Columbia College Chicago (BFA 1995), and also served as the keynote speaker specifically addressing the fine and performing arts graduates. Mr. Porter received his doctorate from Washington & Jefferson College, an honor he can add to his many awards and commendations over the years.

Each of these artists have been and continue to be inspirations for many of the theatre as they have excelled in their craft, broken barriers, and served as wonderful examples of what it means to be skilled and dynamic performers. We congratulate them and are excited for what’s next!

Watch the commencement speech by Leslie Uggams below:

The post Billy Porter, Leslie Ugguams & Chester Gregory Are Broadway’s New Doctors! appeared first on Broadway Black.

Uniquely illustrated with over 300 dynamic photographs (many of which have never been published to date), Black Broadway chronicles the journey of black theatre in America, alongside a running timeline of African-American history. Celebrating the performers, playwrights, songwriters, directors, choreographers and designers who changed theatre throughout America and the world, Lane offers a detailed account from Minstrel Shows to Vaudeville, from the Jazz Age to the Golden Age of the American Musical, through the dramas inspired by the Civil Rights Movement to the present day Broadway.

The book features a foreword from Tony-award winning Broadway director Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun, Fences,Stick Fly), who calls Black Broadway “a unique tribute to the many African-American actors, directors, playwrights, and others who have contributed to the fabric of American theater.” Described by Booklist as a “wonderfully illustrated and researched book,” Black Broadway provides an insider’s look at Broadway by focusing the spotlight on landmark shows including A Raisin in the Sun, Porgy and Bess, Dreamgirls, Fences, The Wiz, Purlie Victorious, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Bring in ‘Da Noise Bring in ‘Da Funk,and The Scottsboro Boys; great theatre writers including August Wilson, Lorraine Hansberry, Eubie Blake and Ossie Davis; legendary performers such as Paul Robeson, Ethel Waters, Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, Pearl Bailey, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Bert Williams, Sammy Davis Jr., and Cab Calloway; to Tony-winning stars who continue to light up the boards including Audra McDonald, Denzel Washington, James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, Savion Glover, Ben Vereen, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Leslie Uggams, Tonya Pinkins, Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Holliday, Billy Porter and more.

“For decades, African Americans have struggled to become a part of Broadway, and while the fight continues, many battles have been won and significant changes have been made,” says Stewart Lane.  “It is my hope that this book serves as a guide to many people who have blazed a trail to the Great White Way and made it more accessible to everyone – black and white – who seeks to entertain and enlighten through the performing arts.”

I first tried to order the book on Amazon to no avail because it was SOLD OUT after only being released about two weeks prior. So I dug a little deeper and I found out that Barnes & Noble was holding an event that included a discussion with Lane, as well as Tony winner Leslie Uggams ( Hallelujah, Baby!, King Hedley II, On Golden Pond) and Broadway director Sheldon Epps (Baby, It’s You!, Play On!) coming up soon. My jaw dropped. I just had to be there. Plus, I know I’d be able to buy the book. So, it was set. I was going.

The day of the event I trekked my way to the Barnes & Noble on 86th street and sat down to listen to a discussion that would soon take my breath away. Listening to the Broadway experts and living legends on the panel was nothing short of amazing. After I pulled myself together, I began to record the conversation happening. Check out a part of the discussion below where they talk about all sorts of good tidbits; Color blind casting, Uggams’ meeting with Lena Horne, and how long it took Lane to write this book, and lots more. It’s a little lengthy and doesn’t necessarily start at the beginning of it all but still worth the listen. Don’t feel like that’s enough? Don’t worry. I’ll have more details from the author himself next week.

While you listen and yearn for more, order your copy of the book today —>> HERE!!!

The post The Book Of All Books: Black Broadway By Stewart F. Lane appeared first on Broadway Black.

The readings of all 10 of plays will now be streamed live and you can watch them here!

Join us for an historic series as an extraordinary cast of actors and directors — many who worked directly with Wilson — gather to make the first-ever recording of his celebrated 10-play cycle capturing 100 years of African American life in the 20th century.

The readings will feature many actors reprising the roles they performed on stage, including Tony Award winner LESLIE UGGAMS as Ruby in King Hedley II; Drama Desk and Obie Award winner ANTHONY CHISHOLM (Oz, Premium Rush) as Fielding in Jitney and Elder Barlow in Radio Golf; BRANDON DIRDEN (The Big C, House of Payne) in his Obie Award-winning role as Boy Willie in The Piano Lesson; RUSSELL HORNSBY (Grimm, Shameless) as King Hedley in King Hedley II; Emmy Award winner KEITH DAVID (Crash, Armageddon) as Seth Holly in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone; EBONY JO-ANN as Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; RUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON as Canewell in Seven Guitars; JOHN EARL JELKS as Sterling Johnson in Radio Golf; ROSLYN RUFF (Rachel Getting Married, The Help) as Berniece in The Piano Lesson, among others.

Other Wilson actors will take on new roles, including Tony Award nominee S. EPATHA MERKERSON (Law & Order, Lincoln) as Bertha in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and WENDELL PIERCE (Treme, The Wire) as Red Carter in Seven Guitars.

Academy Award nominee TARAJI P. HENSON (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Person of Interest) and JESSE L. MARTIN (Law & Order, Rent) will make their Wilson debuts as Molly Cunningham in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and Lyons in Fences, respectively.

Check Back here to watch the reading recordings each week.

In the meantime listen to Ruben Santiago Hudson, Phylicia Rashad, and others talk about the legacy of August Wilson, read the cast lists for the recordings, and copy the schedule of the recording series below

SCHEDULE

All readings start at 7pm at The Greene Space, 44 Charlton Street (at Varick Street), Downtown Manhattan.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom– Monday, August 26
Directed by Ruben Santiago Hudson

David Margulies……………………………Sturdyvant
Tuck Milligan…………………………………….Irvin
Charles Weldon…………………………………Cutler
Clarke Peters…………………………………..Toledo
Harvy Blanks……………………………….Slow Drag
Ebony Jo-Ann…………………………..…Ma Rainey
Joniece Abbott-Pratt………………..…….Dussie Mae
Jonathan Majors………………………..…… Sylvester

Fences–Wednesday, August 28
Directed by Kenny Leon

Eugene Lee………………………………… Jim Bono
Jesse L. Martin………………………………….Lyons
Ray Anthony Thomas………………………….Gabriel
Jonathan Majors………………………………….Cory
Regina Taylor…………………………………….Rose

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone– Wednesday, September 4
Directed by Phylicia Rashad

Keith David…………………………….…..Seth Holly
Taraji P. Henson……………….… Molly Cunningham
S. Epatha Merkerson……………………. Bertha Holly
Roger Robinson……………………….……… Bynum
Raynor Scheine………………….……Rutherford Selig
Jason Dirden…………………….……..Jeremy Furlow
John Douglas Thompson……….……..Harold Loomis
January LaVoy………………….……Mattie Campbell
Nile Bullock………………….………Reuben Mercer
Alexis Holt…………………….………..Zonia Loomis

The Piano Lesson– Monday, September 9
Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson

Brandon J. Dirden………………………….Boy Willie
Roslyn Ruff…………………………………..Berniece
Jason Dirden…………………………..……….Lymon
Alexis Holt…………………………..…………Maretha
Eric Lenox Abrams………………….……….….Avery
Chuck Cooper……………………….……Wining Boy
Mandi Masden……………………………..…….Grace

Two Trains Running– Wednesday, September 11
Directed by Michele Shay

Ron Cephas Jones……………………………….Wolf
James A. Williams………………………….Holloway
Owiso Odera………………………………….Sterling
Leon Addison Brown……………………….Hambone
Harvy Blanks…………………………………….West

Seven Guitars– Friday, September 13
Directed by Stephen McKinley Henderson

Ruben Santiago-Hudson…………………… Canewell
Wendell Pierce……………………….……Red Carter
Brenda Pressley…………………………………Louise
Lou Ferguson………………………………….Hedley
Harry Lennix……………………………Floyd Barton
Cassandra Freeman………………………………Ruby

Jitney– Monday, September 16
Directed by Ruben Santiago Hudson

Anthony Chisholm…………………………….Fielding
Amari Cheatom………………………….Youngblood
Stephen M Henderson…………………………Turnbo
Barry Shabaka Henley…………………………..Doub
Harvy Blanks…………………………………..Shealy
Joaquina Kalukango……………………………..Rena

King Hedley II– Saturday, September 21
Directed by Michele Shay

Russell Hornsby………………………King Hedley II
Leslie Uggams…………………………………..Ruby
Kevin Carroll……………………………………Mister
Stephen M. Henderson………………………..Elmore
Marsha Stephanie Blake………………………..Tonya
Arthur French……………………………Stool Pigeon

Gem of the Ocean– Tuesday, September 24
Directed by Kenny Leon

Eugene Lee…………………………………………Eli
Stephen Tyrone Williams……………..Citizen Barlow
Phylicia Rashad……………………………Aunt Ester
Danai Gurira………………………………Black Mary
Raynor Scheine………………………Rutherford Selig
Anthony Chisholm………………….Solly Two Kings
Keith Randolph Smith…………………………Caesar

Radio Golf– Saturday, September 28
Directed by Marion McClinton

Anthony Chisholm………….. ….Elder Joseph Barlow
John Earl Jelks………………………..Sterling Johnson
Rocky Carroll…………………………Harmond Wilks
Sharon Washington………………………Mame Wilks
James A. Williams……………………Roosevelt Hicks

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