Birth Place: Atlanta, GA, USA
Mixed Blood Theatre's eleventh bilingual production is a crazed comedy about a quincea?era: the definitive event in the life of a young Latina. Sweet 15 (Quincea?era ) opens March 13th and runs through March 22 at the History Theatre in downtown St. Paul.
Magnolia, Artistic Associate Regina Taylor's world premiere about possibility in the face of seismic social change, takes root at the Goodman this spring, March 14 - April 19, 2009. Directing for the first time at the Goodman, Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro helms a cast of 12 led by Academy Award nominee Annette O'Toole (Smallville, A Mighty Wind, 48 Hours) and Tony Award nominee John Earl Jelks (August Wilson's Radio Golf and Gem of the Ocean) in the leading roles of Lily and Thomas. Tickets to Magnolia are $25 - $70. A complete performance schedule including dates, times and ticket prices appears at the end of this release. Target is the lead Corporate Sponsor Partner of Magnolia and Lead Diversity Night Sponsor.
The Downtown Urban Theater Festival (DUTF) makes a much-anticipated return to the HERE Arts Center, May 6 thru 16, celebrating its 7th Season with twelve new works by playwrights from across the U.S. Over two weeks, this multicultural, cross section of artists based in Chicago, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and San Francisco will present original works of urban life on topics such as the imperfections of our leaders, stereotypes, hate crime, living on the 'down low' and self-immolation.
Magnolia By Regina Taylor and Directed by Anna D. Shapiro Tickets on sale now! 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.
Mixed Blood Theatre's eleventh bilingual production is a crazed comedy about a quincea?era: the definitive event in the life of a young Latina. Sweet 15 (Quincea?era ) opens March 13th and runs through March 22 at the History Theatre in downtown St. Paul.
The induction and awards dinner is scheduled for Thursday, June 18 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Special award honorees will be announced at a later date.
Recently named in the '100 Greatest Singers of All Time' list by Rolling Stone magazine, soul and gospel legend Mavis Staples possesses one of the most recognizable and treasured voices in contemporary music. From her early days sharing lead vocals with her groundbreaking family group, The Staple Singers, to her powerful solo recordings, Mavis Staples is an inspirational force in modern popular culture and music. Her last appearance at Massey Hall was with the Blind Boys of Alabama in December of 2004. This concert marks the debut of James Hunter.
Marion J. Caffey?s 3 Mo? Divas has been awarded its first PBS Television Special! After receiving rave reviews and playing to sold out audiences & standing ovations ?3 Mo? Divas (Smashing Musical Barriers)? will air nationally March 1st-10th and June 1st-15th (WLIW in NYC on March 10th @ 8pm - check local listings for exact dates and times in other areas). In celebration of the PBS Special, 3 Mo' Divas will also release their debut CD ?Smashing Musical Barriers? on March 1st and a Hi-Def & Blu-Ray DVD recording of the PBS special on May 12th.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln broadcasting lecturer Trina Creighton is giving African American men a voice that is helping others understand social stigmas attached to higher education. Inspired by her graduate thesis, Creighton has created a documentary that features 10 African American men from north Omaha talking about their education paths. Four of the individuals are enrolled at UNL, another graduated in August, and the other five remain in Omaha, with two in prison.
February 10, 2009 - Quilters from Gee's Bend, AL, an African American community internationally known for its quilts, are visiting the Seattle area February 17-22. Special events will be held at Taproot Theatre Company, Greg Kucera Gallery and Tacoma Art Museum, which are celebrating the history, stories and art of the Gee's Bend community. The people of Gee's Bend have a rich history going back to the days of slavery, when the peninsula was the site of a plantation established by Joseph Gee in the early 19th century. Fast-forwarding nearly two centuries, many residents are descendants of former Gee's Bend slaves. Throughout the years they became sharecroppers and land-owners and marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. (their mules even pulled his casket after he was assassinated).
Magnolia, Artistic Associate Regina Taylor's world premiere about possibility in the face of seismic social change, takes root at the Goodman this spring, March 14 - April 19, 2009. Directing for the first time at the Goodman, Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro helms a cast of 12 led by Academy Award nominee Annette O'Toole (Smallville, A Mighty Wind, 48 Hours) and Tony Award nominee John Earl Jelks (August Wilson's Radio Golf and Gem of the Ocean) in the leading roles of Lily and Thomas. Tickets to Magnolia are $25 - $70. A complete performance schedule including dates, times and ticket prices appears at the end of this release. Target is the lead Corporate Sponsor Partner of Magnolia and Lead Diversity Night Sponsor.
In honor of Black History Month, best-selling author, star of lifetime's 'Any Day Now,' human Right Advocate, daughter of Civil Rights leader Ralph Abernathy, and goddaughter of Martin Luther King Jr., Donzaleigh Abernathy (www.donzaleighabernathy.com), joined an impressive list of celebrity judges including Debra Skelton - Eight years starring on 'Mad TV,' soon to be seen in James Cameron's movie 'Avatar.' Fumi Desalu - First International Super Model from West Africa. Fred Travalena - 'The Entertainer of a Thousand Faces,' who recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 'The Miss African American Princess Pageant Variety Show.'
Written by one of TV and stage's top Latino comedians, Mixed Blood Theatre's eleventh bilingual production is a crazed comedy about a quincea?era: the definitive event in the life of a young Latina, when families celebrate their daughters' arrival into womanhood. Eddy Valderama wants to throw the ultimate 'Quince' for his daughter Sonora, ten years too late. Three generations of women respond his belated generosity in this hysterical play, replete with all the trappings and traditions of a quincea?era. Sweet 15 (Quincea?era ) opens March 13th and runs through March 22 at the History Theatre in downtown St. Paul. It will be performed in English and Spanish (with English supertitles). Purchase tickets at 612.338.6131 or mixedblood.com.
The Ordway Center For Performing Arts Announces their upcoming events for February and March 2009 FEBRUARY Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 4pm VocalEssence WITNESS Celebrating the 90th anniversary of his birth, the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a concert dedicated to music inspired by his life and vision. Influenced by Dr. King, jazz legend Dr. Billy Taylor will perform his composition Peaceful Warrior, written for chorus, orchestra and jazz trio. Join us for this inspirational tribute to one of the greatest leaders of all time.
February 10, 2009 - Quilters from Gee's Bend, AL, an African American community internationally known for its quilts, are visiting the Seattle area February 17-22. Special events will be held at Taproot Theatre Company, Greg Kucera Gallery and Tacoma Art Museum, which are celebrating the history, stories and art of the Gee's Bend community. The people of Gee's Bend have a rich history going back to the days of slavery, when the peninsula was the site of a plantation established by Joseph Gee in the early 19th century. Fast-forwarding nearly two centuries, many residents are descendants of former Gee's Bend slaves. Throughout the years they became sharecroppers and land-owners and marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. (their mules even pulled his casket after he was assassinated).
In the month of January into early February, The Brava is celebrating the inauguration of the first African-American U.S. president with presentations discussing censorship, race and the extraordinary contribution of some of our heroes of the past. Brava is committed to producing, presenting and cultivating live art celebrating the intersection of feminism and multiculturalism that ignites social change and builds community. In the upcoming weeks, Brava will be exploring the American Metaphor and how it is changing - what it WAS to be American, what it IS to be American today, and how we look at the legacy as we embark on our future by exploring what it means to be American and face our American stereotypes. 'A Song for Coretta' by Pearl Cleage Thru-Feb 7/09 On February 6, 2006, people began lining up at dawn outside of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church to pay their respects to the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose body lay in state in the small sanctuary. By mid-morning, the crowd wound down the street and around the corner of the old red brick building. At close to midnight, the crowd had dwindled to a determined few. The five fictional characters in this play are at the end of that long line.
Song for Coretta (West Coast Premiere)is written by Pearl Cleage and directed by Victoria Evans Erville. January 22-February 7, 2009 at 8pm Tickets $10-$30 ...a lovely, image-soaked testament to the civil rights icon...The big news is that Cleage has created a joyful and affectionate tribute to one of the great women of our time' - Wendell Brock, Atlanta Journalt
Song for Coretta (West Coast Premiere)is written by Pearl Cleage and directed by Victoria Evans Erville. January 22-February 7, 2009 at 8pm Tickets $10-$30 ...a lovely, image-soaked testament to the civil rights icon...The big news is that Cleage has created a joyful and affectionate tribute to one of the great women of our time' - Wendell Brock, Atlanta Journalt
Performers Leading Artistic Youth (PLAY) recently announced the launch of its first Living Portrait (LP) performance series, featuring a masterful journey through the lives of five African American legends, performed by classically-trained actor, Willie E. Teacher. Supported by its Broadway caliber of imagery and sound, LP inspires leadership, develops self-esteem and highlights the historical impact of these legends' contributions to our individual success. The first LP series, scheduled to debut Friday, Jan. 30 at The Harlem School of The Arts Theatre, includes the profiles of President Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Jack Johnson, George Washington Carver and Harriet Tubman. 'We're living in a very poignant time in history, where the dreams of our past leaders have become reality for our current leaders,' said LP actor, Willie E. Teacher. 'It is very critical educators are able to make that connection for children in a way that allows them to see how their current decisions impact the face of history for future generations. Living Portrait is no doubt a powerful and unique tool for educators to engage students in the process of learning.' Willie E. Teacher is deeply committed to enriching the lives of urban youth through student-centered, theatrical performance-based interaction (PBI). He has spent 15 years developing and perfecting his techniques both on stage and in the classroom, including his role as Director of the Indiana Jones production at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Teacher holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from Brandeis University. Most recently, he has held lead roles in the acclaimed Off-Broadway play, Actor's Rap with playwright J. Kyle Manzay and the Tony award-winning production, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death, written by Melvin Van Peebles. Teacher also holds TV and movie credits, having appeared in the HBO movie, Life Support, starring Queen Latifah, as well as numerous appearances on ABC's All My Children.
Taproot Theatre Company opens its 2009 Mainstage season in January with the regional premiere of Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder's celebrated play, Gee's Bend. A story of courage and hope spanning over 60 years in the African American community of Gee's Bend, Alabama, Gee's Bend, directed by Karen Lund, opens on January 30 and runs through February 28, with low-price previews on January 28 & 29, plus a Pay-What-You-Can performance on February 4. Taproot Theatre is hosting a series of special events during the run of Gee's Bend, including a special appearance by several quilters from Gee's Bend, Alabama, at the post-play discussion on February 18; behind-the-scenes preview events at the Greenwood library (January 17) and the Northwest African American Museum (January 24); and post-play appearances by the Pacific Northwest African American Quilters (Wednesdays, February 4-25), who built a quilt that will be seen at Taproot Theatre. That association is also providing several other quilts to be displayed and auctioned off during the run of Gee's Bend. Corresponding with Black History Month, Gee's Bend captures the rich story of the women of Gee's Bend, Alabama, where discarded rags, scraps and bits of thread are pieced into works of art. Their compelling stories, like the spirituals they sing and the quilts they create, form a striking patchwork of the African American journey of the past century.
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