John Jelks News

The Geffen Playhouse west coast premieres Dominique Morisseau’s PARADISE BLUE November 18, 2021 (already in previews). Set in the jazz-filled Paradise Club in Detroit (circa 1949), Stori Ayers directs the talented cast of Tyla Abercrumbie, Wendell B. Franklin, Alani iLongwe, John Earl Jelks and Shayna Small. Had the chance to throw out a few queries to the multi-tasking Alani.

The August Wilson Monologue Competition announces the Chicago winners of the 2021 August Wilson Monologue Competition and the new “Designing August” competition.

The August Wilson Monologue Competition announces the finalists for the 2021 August Wilson Monologue Competition and the new “Designing August” competition.  The Chicago finals will be held virtually on March 22, 2021 at 6pm. Each year, hundreds of high schoolers compete for a chance to represent Chicago in the national competition, which will also be held virtually this year.

Pinkins has released a statement explaining her decision, and some have responded- including her ex-costar, Michael Potts (Click here to read his full post). Now she's opening up about the whole controversy and more specifically, comments from Potts and company. Read her full piece below:

Directed by Peter Sheridan, based on the novel by Stephen King, this iconic story inspired the ever popular film and is adapted for stage by Owen O'Neill and Dave Johns.

Directed by Peter Sheridan, based on the novel by Stephen King, this iconic story inspired the ever popular film and is adapted for stage by Owen O'Neill and Dave Johns.

Directed by Peter Sheridan, based on the novel by Stephen King, this iconic story inspired the ever popular film and is adapted for stage by Owen O'Neill and Dave Johns.

Directed by Peter Sheridan, based on the novel by Stephen King, this iconic story inspired the ever popular film and is adapted for stage by Owen O'Neill and Dave Johns.

Lane Productions are delighted to bring the stage version of The Shawshank Redemption back to Ireland where it all began. This unforgettable story of courage, friendship and of daring to hope was brought to the stage for the first time on May 19th 2009 and following a run in London's West End The Shawshank Redemption is returning by popular demand to The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin from 4th May for a strictly limited run.

In conjunction with her Goodman Theatre world-premiere production of Magnolia, playwright Regina Taylor announces Eyes on Chicago, a competition of 'cell short takes'-films that are 5-10 minutes in length and filmed entirely on cell phone cameras-for Chicago students aged 15-30. Cell short takes should address one of three questions: 'How are you, as a Chicagoan, affected by the numerous changes, good and bad, America is currently facing?

Magnolia is written by Regina Taylor and directed by Anna D. Shapiro Show plays March 14 - April 19 Atlanta, 1963. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspires Atlanta's black citizens to fight passionately for their civil rights, the new mayor erects 'The Payton Wall' to restrict where they can live. Amid these churning social currents, Magnolia Estate faces foreclosure, pitting the sensual, free-spirited heiress Lily Forrest against Thomas, a strong-willed businessman who lays claim to the estate where his ancestors were slaves.