In 1975 our family went to New York to see the original Broadway production of The Wiz. I will never forget the power of that performance and how wonderful it made me feel. Even though I was 4, I knew right then that I wanted to be an actor. My performing career has been an adventure. Running a gambit doing stage, television, sketch comedy and film. Ive been nominated for a NAACP Best Actor Award for portraying Booker T. Washington in the musical Ragtime. Performed at L.A. Festival of Sketch Comedy. Created my own traveling children's show to promote literacy (thebearshow.org) and Birmingham's sketch comedy (perrycomedy.com) I love the stage and the stories that inspire. My soul smiles when I experience theater that is enriching and memorable. It is a privilege to share these feeling with you.
'Well' is set up as a one-woman show that just happens to have a cast of other people. Lisa (Holly Croney Dikeman) is filled with questions and observations around her sickly mother Ann (Carole Armistead). Lisa enters into her own internal production to find the answer to why some people get sick and some get better.
'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead' brings laughs along with some deep reflections into the pool of probability. The play takes off like a rocket with consistent fast paced, pithy dialogue. This production is a cerebral buddy comedy/tragedy with a delightfully theatrical flair.
'Shirley Valentine' is a captivating tale of a 'woman of a certain age' who finds herself reclaiming the wonderlust of her former self. Dolores Haddock flawlessly goes in and out of multiple characters in extended monologues with an effortless, natural presence. Hydock skills as a master storyteller add a striking level of relatability and honesty in the performance.
Red Mountain Theatre Company's enchanting production of 'Disney's Beauty and the Beast' is uplifting for adults and children. The high quality of creativity took me by the hand and led me through the story as if it was my first time seeing it.
'The Sunshine Boys' has laughs and smiles that harken back to the golden age of television. This production gives life to great characters and snappy deliveries. They capture the magic in Neil Simon's writing and invite you to 'ENTER!'
'The Diviners' is packed with layered personalities leading toward unexpected emotions. The warmth of the play is found in its endearing characters and well thought out storyline. This high caliber production is worthy of a visit before the rain washes it away this weekend.
'Smokey Joe's Cafe' is a show stopping revue celebrating the legendary music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. 'Stand By Me,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Charlie Brown,' Poison Ivy' and many more hits are booming from the voices of this powerful cast.
'The Foreigner' is hilarious comedy set in a fishing lodge that is 'way back' deep in them Georgia woods. If you're not familiar with southern terminology, 'way back' is a further distance than 'there yonder.' Misdirection leads a handful of colorful characters on a three day weekend with nothing being the same afterwards.
'The Red Velvet Cake War' captures all of the drama and love found in family get togethers. No matter what side of the Mason-Dixon line you are from. The charm of the play is its hodgepodge of southern sweetness, sass and shenanigans. It is a silly, lighthearted play, seasoned like a southern sitcom set in good ol' Sweetgum Texas.
'Always a Bridesmaid' is a witty and fun comedy to enjoy with good friends. On one hand, you can relate to the bond these friends share. But mainly you can lean over and tell them during moment of hilarity, 'See, that's exactly what how your act sometimes!'
Theatre Downtown is offering 'International Delights' as a tapestry of six plays that are set in various locations all over the world. These plays are written by Rich Mansfield & Daniel Martin. Each play has a different director and cast. There is a through line in each of the plays that embrace the power of love and its many complicated layers.
There is a real pleasure in enjoying amazing voices telling a story in a language you do not know, and be able to understand the emotion conveyed by singers of exceptional skill. Opera Birmingham provided such wonder in 'Romeo and Juliet.'
There is no comparison to the amazing creative expression director Julie Taymor has woven into Disney's 'The Lion King.' This beautiful presentation of the iconic animated film is built on a collective of striking theatrical elements indicative of theatre styles found on a global scale. The artistic expression found in this touring company is candy for your eyes and ears that you cannot get enough of.
Nick Cordileone has spent the past eight years giving life to the wise cracking meerkat Timon in the national tour of Disney's The Lion King. His hilarious performance is accentuated with impressive puppetry. Cordileone brings a sharp wit and tender heart to the loyal friend of Simba and Pumbaa. Attributes that he is no stranger to.
A series of fresh new plays and musicals are coming to Birmingham in the Human Rights New Works Festival at Red Mountain Theatre Company. You will be treated to a intimate format of staged readings with some of Birminghams top actors and singers. Festival runs March 15-18
The production leaves you breathless with a wagon train of thoughts and emotions to process. I was entertained and at the same time shaken. This show acts as a bridge to the raw emotions of those struggling toward acceptance.
Forma Arts and Wellness is a new performing arts space located in downtown Birmingham. Creators Whitney Renfroe and Brandon Barranco have a passion to offer artists in all mediums a place to craft, rehearse and perform.
Phil LaMarr has been delivering incredibly rich characters to animation, film and the stage for the past thirty years. If you are not familiar with his name, you are sure to know his voice.
"Picasso at the Lapin Agile" is a play with a playful heart and much optimism. Birmingham Festival Theatre brought this Steve Martin comedy to life with a hilarious cast. If you have ever wondered what would happen if Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein met in a bar, this is for you.
'The Color Purple' was riveting due to its top talent, high energy and high production quality in every aspect of the performance.The vocals throughout the performance are rich with full harmonies, belting solos. The intimate stage springs alive with swashes of vibrant colors combined with familiar visual elements of traditional southern charm.
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