La MaMa Presents Singular Sensation BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE

BROOKLYN UNITED -- a high-octane, one-of-a-kind drum and dance corps comprised of 33 Brooklyn public school youngsters ages 5 to 17 -- will make its theatrical stage debut with BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE for three performances only June 8, 9 and 10 Off-Broadway at the Tony Award-winning La MaMa theater (66 E. 4 St.) in Manhattan, it has been announced by La MaMa's artistic director Mia Yoo. BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE is co-directed by Tyrone Brown, Renita Leonce, and Dan Safer and choreographed by Dara Adams.

The show BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE weaves together live drumming and dancing by these vibrant, talented, inspiring and disciplined young people with documentary footage that begins with BROOKLYN UNITED troupe preparing to take the stage of the legendary Apollo Theater for the first time. The evening of unparalleled entertainment depicts the troupe's rigorous rehearsals, school challenges and family responsibilities in this behind-the-scenes story of BROOKLYN UNITED's unique journey from their own neighborhoods in Brooklyn to the coveted spot on the Apollo stage and other nationwide opportunities. BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE It is a stirring tale of what can happen when a community works together to inspire and support America's future leaders.

Defined as "more than an after-school program," BROOKLYN UNITED has performed extensively: for the Brooklyn Nets, on television in SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO with host Steve Harvey, Celebrate Brooklyn, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, The Music of David Byrne & Talking Heads at Carnegie Hall and previously at La MaMa's 2017 Gala and Block Party.

The cast of BROOKLYN UNITED LIVES is comprised of percussionists and dancers: Aari Weekes, Aidyn Washington, Alyssa Reaves, David Russell Jr., De'Andre McCray, Destiny Cox, Essence John, Gavin Blake, Heaven Allah, Ja'Dell Mendoza, Ja'Naya Grant, Jacera Alston, Jaelyn Grant, Kashawn Hawkins, Kayden Holder, Kayden Stennett, Layana Lawrence, Layla Richardson, Makhi Crosland, Mekhi J Pringle, Mia Anderson, Naaem Cook, Niobi Ramirez, Ny'Asia, E. Peterson, Paris Leonce, Prince Allah, Rashawn Hawkins, Royal-Hyness Allah, Shanice McBean, Sianna Skye Davis, Soleil Autumn Berry, Yasmeen Middleton and Zhane Berry, who will dance, and play a variety of the Cymbals, Snare, Tenor, Quint and Base drums.

BROOKLYN UNITED LIVE will perform June 8 - 10, 2018 at LA MAMA (66 E 4TH STREET), FRIDAY AT 8PM; SATURDAY & SUNDAY AT 3PM -- $25 ADULT TICKETS; $20 STUDENTS/SENIORS, (PLUS $1 FACILITY FEE)

To purchase please call OvationTix at: 212-352-3101 or visit: www.lamama.org

Brooklyn United Music and Arts Program (BU) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit community-based organization that serves New York City youth with a vision to build outstanding citizens and prepare them to be tomorrow's leaders while affording exceptional opportunities to learn and create lifelong memories.

As an art form, marching band combines the elements of musicianship and pageantry allowing each student to participate in an all encompassing and life changing activity. Brooklyn United is focused on the development of youth through Academic Support, Character Development, Skills Building and Performance Opportunities. It is through these pillars that we strive to build strong, well-rounded, healthy, confident and capable young people.

La MaMa - recipient of the esteemed 2018 Regional Theater Tony Award -- is dedicated to the artist and all aspects of the theatre. The organization has a worldwide reputation for producing daring performance works that defy form and transcend barriers of ethnic and cultural identity. Founded in 1961 by award-winning theatre pioneer Ellen Stewart, La MaMa has presented more than 5,000 productions by 150,000 artists from more than 70 nations. A recipient of more than 30 Obie Awards and dozens of Drama Desk, Bessie, and Villager Awards, La MaMa has helped launch the careers of countless artists, many of whom have made important contributions to American and international arts milieus.

La MaMa's 56th season highlights artists of different generations, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds, who question social mores and confront stereotypes, corruption, bigotry, racism, and xenophobia in their work. Our stages embrace diversity in every form and present artists that persevere with bold self-expression despite social, economic, and political struggle and the 56th season reflects the urgency of reaffirming human interconnectedness.

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