7:00 p.m. at The Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston

Press Contacts:

Syneetra A. Williams, PR Director, 281-797-9217, syneetrawilliams@gmail.com

Vincent Victoria, Founder & Artistic Director, 281-832-6380, vincentvictoria@ymail.com

Release Date: June 4, 2025

"You are Running Out of Time!"

A Citywide Red-Carpet Gala Film Premiere

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 4, 2025

Vincent Victoria Presents Eight Notes to Heaven, a new film, debuts at the MATCHBOX Theater.

HOUSTON — Get ready to step into the electric rhythm of the 1980s as Vincent Victoria Presents (VVP) continues its mission to "provide thought-provoking, original, and entertaining theatrical works inspired by the rich historical moments of the African Diaspora," the award-winning VVP is thrilled to unveil its latest film venture, featuring an electrifying score and a cast of dynamic talent. This immersive narrative is a fictional account inspired by events that brings to life the 1980s' most notorious musical showdown—Rick James versus Prince—on the big screen for the first time. Bryce Ivan portrays Rick James, and Taylor Getwood will play Prince.

The Red-Carpet Gala will open with the award-winning hit, The Dichotomy of Hattie McDaniel, and close out with Eight Notes to Heaven. Other surprises await. The festivities will occur on August 31, 2025, at 7 p.m., at The MATCH Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (Matchbox IV), 3100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77002. Tickets are available at the MATCH box office. Tix 713-521-4533, office 713-325-5370. The doors open at 6 p.m.

Please visit the website for more information: https://www.vincentvictoriapresents.com/.

Born James Ambrose Johnson in Buffalo, New York, Rick James (1948–2004) exploded onto the scene as the architect of Punk Funk, a raw fusion of rock's edge and funk's groove. With chart-topping anthems like Fire & Desire, Mary Jane, and the unforgettable Super Freak, James rewrote dance music rules—and even transformed his iconic afro into long, Maasai-inspired braids as a bold cultural statement. Yet behind the hits lay simmering tensions: James felt snubbed by MTV's refusal to play Super Freak and burned by Prince's refusal to give his mother an autograph—slights that fueled a rivalry as legendary as their music. 

Prince Rogers Nelson (1958–2016) emerged from Minneapolis with a prodigious talent for songwriting and performance, penning hits for Madonna, Alicia Keys, and Vanity 6, among others. Renowned for his genre-defying sound and magnetic stage presence, Prince saw James's theatrical flair as less "musician" and more "showman," especially after James launched The Mary Jane Girls and Prince followed with his sultry trio, Vanity 6. Their competitive fire—equal parts admiration and envy—set the stage for a dramatic clash of creative titans. 

VVP's Dynamism Resonates: The Dichotomy of Hattie McDaniel Swept Awards in 2025!

VVP is thrilled to announce that The Dichotomy of Hattie McDaniel continues to make waves on the independent film circuit after winning three out of four major awards at the 2025 San Diego Black Film Festival—including Best Drama, Best Director (Vincent Victoria), and Best Actress (Wykesha R. King) for her stunning portrayal of the legendary Academy Award-winning actress, Hattie McDaniel. This film ran away with the Best Feature Award at the 2025 Charlotte Black Film Festival.

This powerful and thought-provoking film has been featured at two prestigious film festivals celebrating Black excellence in cinema. The first stop is the Charlotte Black Film Festival, June 5–8, 2025. Then, just in time for Juneteenth, the film will be featured at the Virginia Black Film Festival in Hampton, June 19–22, 2025.

These selections mark an exciting new chapter for The Dichotomy of Hattie McDaniel. This story reimagines and reclaims the legacy of a trailblazing icon whose life and career continue to spark critical conversations about race, representation, and resilience in the arts. "This film aims to show how music has the power to connect us all. Even though we may have stark differences," said Vincent Victoria.

About Vincent Victoria Presents

Founded in Houston, VVP is a nonprofit theater company dedicated to Recreating Historical Moments on Stage and Film of the African Diaspora. Since its inception, VVP has produced five major projects and four films—all partially funded by the Houston Arts Alliance.

Stay tuned for more updates as this award-winning film reaches new audiences and honors the power of storytelling from the African Diaspora.

Don't miss these explosive cinematic tributes to two icons whose rivalry reshaped music history—only from Vincent Victoria Presents. Contact syneetrawilliams@gmail.com or call (281) 797-9217 for interviews, press screenings, and behind-the-scenes access.

For showtimes, ticketing, and donation information, visit www.vincentvictoriapresents.org and click the Donations tab. Your tax-deductible support ensures the continuation of this vital cultural work.