Aretha Franklin News

Sordid Lives, a dark comedy by Del Shores, is playing at Out Front Theatre Company this month. BroadwayWorld caught up with T.K. Habtemariam, an Atlanta-based actor who plays Earl "Brother Boy" Ingram in Out Front's upcoming production, to talk about the show. I haven't seen this show before, but I've done a little bit of reading. So, it's about a woman named Peggy who trips over her lover's wooden legs in a hotel room and dies. Yeah. Exactly. And it's funny that her name is Peggy, too. It is? Yeah. I mean, because the fact that she dies because of the wooden legs. Peg-gy. That's really funny. I'm interested to know how your character figures into this story. Brother Boy…Earl Ingram… probably was a little bit before his time, and at the age of 18, he was kicked out of his household for being one big old queer boy. And he was actually put into a mental institution for wanting to either impersonate women or for liking someone of the same sex. And, essentially, back when I was 18, I had a friend named Wardell, and he found out that I had a crush on hi, and he beat me up to a bloody pulp, and my mother, Peggy, who ends up tripping over her lover's wooden legs, put me in a mental institution because she believes the world is not ready for me and my place in this world. But Wardell, 20 years later, ends up busting me out of the mental institution. This is kind of interesting because when I read about the show online, it sounded like a straight silly comedy, but now it sort of sounds like it tackles some real issues. Oh, it's definitely a black comedy, and it definitely tackles a lot of issues. It's traditionally an all-white cast, and we color-flipped the main family, and we've kind of found ourselves in a new definition of the kind of topics that it tackles It was written in the 90s, and it kind of reflects the Southern mentality form the 90s, but now that we're putting it in the context of a black family, there are so many other social issues that are underlying that wouldn't have been beforehand. That was one of the questions that I was going to ask was how the story has changed because of this casting. This is the first all-African-American cast ever, right? Yes. It is. And it's such an honor for me to say I'm the first African-American Brother Boy because Leslie Jordan originated the role, and I remember seeing this movie in high-school and revisiting, I was like "Oh, my goodness. I actually did see this movie." And it is definitely a fantasy in the sense of what anyone of color could get away with. If there was anyone who was queer and of color in a mental institution for being gay, I don't know if that person would still be alive. And Wardell, who busts into the mental institution, comes in with a gun and busts me out, and we both tell this white lady to get the hell out of this place. If that were to happen in the 90s in South Texas, I promise you they wouldn't be alive. And, you know, it does bring in the idea of the interracial relationship, but that's kind of at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to all of the other issues that we cover. Even though I would like to say that Brother Boy has access to mental healthcare and someone who's queer and of color…that's kind of like the last group of people who get healthcare. And also there are moments where black women talk back to white men. There are moments when a black woman tells off a white man. There are moments, when it comes to social diversity back then… You know, we think of period pieces like To Kill a Mockingbird where we are so used to saying, "Okay. Well, at this time, black people were called niggers, so we're just going to have to expect it, you know?" But when it comes to things like I'm a black male in a mental institution for fantasizing about country queens like Tammy Wynette, and I do believe that my character would probably identify as a trans person but back then "trans" wasn't in our vocabulary, so there's the interesting discussion there to happen. So, it just kind of flares up a lot of things that couldn't have happened back then, but today we're using theatre as a way to tell a story that probably wouldn't have ever happened to bring up discussions today. We've had lots of conversations as a team about what these things mean to us today, and a lot of things have to be dug up. For instance, there's a line where a character calls somebody a mulatto. When we think of a white-trash family, we kind of accept the fact that they're going to poke fum at somebody being mixed, but how does it look when a white person says that to a black person? There have been some modifications, of course, with the generosity of Del Shores, where we've kind of said, "Can you rework this or find a way to make this…" And he was into that? He was willing to make those changes? Oh, yeah! He had to think about the script and rework it and rewrite some lines. There are some lines where - I am a black person, and we have to take into consideration that I wouldn't just idolize Tammy Wynette, you know? There are so many other queens at that time. We found moments where I can bring up Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner because that would be reflective of the culture and of the time. When you first auditioned for the role, what was it about the role that really resonated with you? I think that number one is my character type. You always have to think about what kind of roles you are peaked for, in all honesty. I'm usually someone who's taking someone down or who is being taken down. My character-type is the "betrayer" or the "betrayed." And Brother Boy is that kind of character. And then, I do drag as a little side passion project here in Atlanta, and I work with a predominantly queer POC group called Southern Fried Queer Pride, and I've had opportunities to perform in drag, write drag shows, and the play is kind of an amalgamation of both theatre and drag. And it's a cult classic role! Why wouldn't I want to be a part of it? And once I started meeting my castmates and we had rehearsals and what not, the bigger picture started panning out and I stated to see, "Oh, okay. This is what this is really all about." Do you have any projects coming up this summer that we need to know about? There's a passion project that I'm working on. It's kind of like the second installation of it. It's called Weavestock, and it's going to be through Country Fried Queer Pride. It's going to be hopefully happening sometime in August, and it's a project that I'm writing, directing, and being a part of. It's kind of like a play on Woodstock and Wigstock, a phenomenon that happened in New York in the late 80s and early 90s. Lots of drag icons used to perform at Wigstock. Weavestock is basically a celebration of all-black drag. It moves like a jukebox musical where there are written scenes with drag performances. A lot of times, you know, you have to create your own opportunities. Right now, I'm working on cultivating my writing skills and my directing skills and just hoping to create more opportunities for myself herein Atlanta. Sounds like you're on the right track! Looking forward to seeing the show.

Continuing the momentum created with the current season launch of its Music Knows No Borders series, Executive Director Thor Steingraber unveils the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts' 2018-19 Season, which features four world premieres, two American premieres, several of the world's greatest orchestras, innovative jazz programs, two tributes to Hollywood legends, Broadway classics plus artists from 18 different nations who will appear on stage at The Soraya next season.  New Subscription Series tickets will go on sale May 1, 2018.

It's a month of legends at Blue Note Hawaii with the Godfather of British Blues John Mayall, one of the most celebrated vocalists of our time, Dionne Warwick, and the band of reggae legend Bob Marley, The Wailers, all gracing the stage this May at Blue Note Hawaii. Local favorite Leipono kick us off on May Day, followed by Kuana Torres Kahele in his tribute to the island of Maui featuring Amy Hanaiali'i. Mike Lewis & Friends promise to bring the house down in a tribute to the music of Prince featuring sultry songstress Ginai. There's a night of Hawaii Jazz All Stars with Josh Kaye and Mike Lewis, welcoming some of the island's best jazz musicians. The Island 98.5 Rocksteady Reggae Series continues this month with the formidable Wailing Souls and The Wailers. Celebrate Mother's Day weekend with ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro, and the incomparable Willie K returns to the stage. Musical tributes this month from Mike Lewis & Friends include Thelonious Monk, Chuck Mangione, Chet Baker and Sade and Josh Kaye & Friends will pay homage to the great Aretha Franklin featuring vocalist Sherry Graham. The Honolulu Jazz Quartet will present a tribute to Broadway Classics with a jazz twist

It's a month of legends at Blue Note Hawaii with the Godfather of British Blues John Mayall, one of the most celebrated vocalists of our time, Dionne Warwick, and the band of reggae legend Bob Marley, The Wailers, all gracing the stage this May at Blue Note Hawaii.

This week, North Carolina Theatre pays tribute to Janis Joplin and her influences by bringing Randy Johnson's 2014 Tony Award nominated A Night with Janis Joplin to the AJ Fletcher Opera House. Johnson not only wrote and directed the Broadway musical, but he is also directing the North Carolina Theatre production. Sharing the role of Joplin are Paige McNamara and Francesca Ferrari, both of whom say stepping into the rock icon's shoes, sharing her legacy, and working with Johnson is a dream come true.

Atlantic Records and Big Loud have announced the joint signing of 11-year-old singing sensation Mason Ramsey and the release of his eagerly anticipated debut single. “Famous” is available today at all DSPs and streaming services HERE.

The Marsh San Francisco adds six free performances of Brian Copeland's The Waiting Period, due to ongoing support from a GoFundMe campaign. This deeply moving and surprisingly funny work outlines Copeland's own struggles with depression and suicidal thought, and is presented at no cost to remove all barriers for those who may be struggling with depression themselves. Featuring humorous, poignant, and riveting insights, the solo show written by Copeland and directed by David Ford, will take place 2pm Sundays May 6 - July 29, 2018 (see exact schedule below), at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street. General admission for this performance is free, although reservations ($55-$100), are recommended. To reserve tickets or for more information, the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call 415-282-3055 Monday through Friday between 1:00pm and 4:00pm.

Students from the Worcester Youth Orchestra will joinThe Piano Guys on stage when they perform at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, May 1 at 8 p.m.Tickets are on sale now.  

Central Florida Community Arts is proud to present Icons: A Salute to the Kings and Queens of Music, a celebration of some of the most iconic names in music history. More than 300 singers, musicians, and dancers will take the stage to perform the music of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Elton John and many more. Tickets are on sale now for performances at Northland Church (530 Dog Track Road, Longwood, FL 32750), May 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m.

ANTHONY KEN, LLC. (Anthony Wayne and Kendrell Bowman, Producers) are pleased to present an encore performance ofQUEENS OF SOUL: A TRIBUTE CONCERT TO OUR REGNING DIVAS which will be performed for one performance exclusively this MOTHER'S DAY (MAY 13th). Previous performers include TONY Winner Lillias White, The Color Purple's Jeannette Bayardelle and R&B Soul Singer Monifah. Additional powerhouse vocalists include Jacqueline B. Arnold (PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT, AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN), Enga Davis (AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN), Rashidra Scott (BEAUTIFUL), DeAnne Stewart (MIGHTY REAL: A FABULOUS SYLVESTER MUSICAL), Lady Pepper (A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS), Trish Douglas and many more surprise guests as well. LIMITED TICKETS AND SEATING AVAILABLE: www.ANTHONYKEN.com.

You watched her win season 12 of NBC's "America's Got Talent," now you can see her perform live when ventriloquist/singer Darci Lynne Farmer brings Darci Lynne and Friends Live to The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts on Sunday, November 4 at 3 p.m. Tickets go on sale to members on Thursday, April 26 at 10 a.m. and go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 27 at 10 a.m.

The Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture presents the New Cuban Express and the Steven Kroon Latin Jazz Sextet as part of a Latin jazz double bill in the Repertory Theater of Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse in the Bronx, on Saturday, May 5, 7:30 PM.

Duo Shows At 54! is a summer series at FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW celebrating the special collaboration of two artists brought together, curated by Creative and Programming Director Jennifer Ashley Tepper. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com/series/duo-shows-at-54 or call (646) 476-3551.

The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts was recently selected to participate in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' Partners in Education Program, a nationally recognized program designed to help arts organizations develop and expand education partnerships with local school systems. The theatre is the first venue in Massachusetts to be accepted into this prestigious program, which will assist in the expansion of The Hanover Theatre's relationship with the Worcester Public Schools.

The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts was awarded a grant from the Worcester Arts Council to facilitate a Creative Drama Workshop in collaboration with Pernet Family Health Services.

Contemporary dance company Alonzo King LINES Ballet will explore how science and art interact for the season finale to Northrop's 2017//18 Dance Season on Tue, May 1, at 7:30 pm. The exciting San Francisco-based company examines the kinetics of the human voice as an instrument in its piece The Propelled Heart, while LINES dancers become otherworldly creatures alongside a score of natural soundscapes in Biophony.

After 18 years of hosting some of music and entertainment's most revered names, B.B. King Blues Club & Grill has announced its final run of shows in its current Times Square location (237 W 42nd St). Due to escalating rent, the historic venue and supper club is forced to close its doors with a final performance on April 29, 2018. B.B. King Blues Club is in the process of selecting a new location in Manhattan to relocate the venue.

Sometimes known as “The Lady of Heart,” EMILY JOHNSON is a Bulgarian-born Nigerian singer, songwriter, and composer. Having performed around the world for many years, she is releasing OPEN YOUR HEART, her debut EP, on May 11, 2018, with the help of Tarpan Records in the United States. This EP was produced by NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN and features 4 original songs. 

Singer-songwriter Brandon Bonine announced the release of his upcoming debut album WARRANTED WORRIES for Friday, April 27, 2018. The pop-rock artist's highly anticipated debut album is now available for pre-order on iTunes & Amazon beginning today.

MOMENTUM ARTISTS and ARTS-NYpresentSecret Jazz NYC Cabaret with Mark Berman and Ken Ard Saturday, April 28, 2018, 6:30 pmDon't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036.