The Howard University graduate has also appeared Off-Broadway, as “Hannah” in Civil War Christmas and as “Mrs. Jefferson/Seasons of Love Soloist” in Rent.  And while it hasn’t always been smooth sailing the chanteuse with the velvet pipes seems to have hit her stride. That’s why it’s no surprise that Iman has been named as one of this year’s recipient of the Emery Battis Award for Acting Excellence. The award, given by The Shakespeare Theatre Company, recognizes  two actors per season who have demonstrated exceptional skill and technique on the stage. Iman was chosen for her riveting and smokey hot  Mainstage performance during the 2014-2005 season as Aldonza in Man of La Mancha. 

Michael and I enjoyed Man of La Mancha @ShakespeareinDC. Amber Iman's charismatic Aldonza is a performance to remember.

— Jonathan Rauch (@jon_rauch) March 18, 2015

The award is named after Dr. Emery Battis, a beloved character actor who during the span of his 70 year long career acted in all but one of Shakespeare’s plays. He specialized in bringing to life secondary characters. The Shakespeare Theatre Company focuses on works with profound themes, complex characters and heightened language written by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and those playwrights he influenced.

Amber Iman is still in the arly stages of her career and we look forward to seeing what she has planned next for fans.  There is no doubt, however, that she has already put the world on notice that she has what it takes to be a Broadway Black star and we wish her continued success and congratulate her on receiving this outstanding award!

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Aida is loosely based on Giuseppe Verdi’s 1871 opera, brought to life by the team that brought us Lion King: Elton John wrote the score and lyrics are by Tim Rice. Aida is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love.

Ms. Boswell is no stranger to the role. In 2008, the Virginia Musical Theatre was one of the first regional theaters to gain rights to the show after its Broadway run ended in 2004. Boswell starred in the title role and received rave reviews for her performance. Hampton Roads wrote about Boswell:

She rips into those ballads with a ferocity that would daunt any Egyptian captor. Acting wise, she brings a nobility and fierce anger to the part that is tempered by femininity when love takes over. She has the diva thing down pat, with every hint that she deserves the crown. Boswell is mezzo magnificent.

Boswell was most recently seen as Aldonza in Barrington Stage Company’s production of Man of La Mancha in Massachusetts. Inspired by Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th-century satirical novel “Don Quixote,” Man of La Mancha tells a story rich in chivalry, romance, idealism, tilting at windmills, and dreaming “The Impossible Dream.” Man of La Mancha features a book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion. The production ran from June 10 until July 11, under the direction of Julianna Boyd.

Performances of Cleveland Musical Theatre’s Aida will occur at 8:00PM on Saturday, July 25th and at 2:00PM on Sunday, July 26th. In addition to the performance, one hour before the show the theatre will have a presentation about itself and the educational program, Making It On Broadway. The show also stars Christina DeCicco, Jared Zirilli, and Timothy Warmen. You can RSVP for the show from their website here.

Check out Felicia singing “The Gods Love Nubia” from Aida below!

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