Melvin Van News

The African American Playwrights Exchange (AAPEX) & Jaz Dorsey will present a reading of the 2008 AAPEX Award winner for 'Best Family Drama,' Mrs. Streeter, written by Merrill D. Jones, on Monday, February 8th at the Dramatist Guild.

BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn is pleased to announce that tickets are now on-sale for the work-in-progress previews of Melvin Van Peebles' musical theater adaptation of his 1971 groundbreaking film Sweet Sweetback's Baadassss Song (the Hood Opera).

BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn is pleased to announce that tickets are now on-sale for the work-in-progress previews of Melvin Van Peebles' musical theater adaptation of his 1971 groundbreaking film Sweet Sweetback's Baadassss Song (the Hood Opera).

LaMaMa, E.T.C. presents Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner's CALIGULA MAXIMUS, a project with Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA, at La MaMa's newly renamed Ellen Stewart Theatre. Performances for CALIGULA MAXIMUS at La MaMa's Ellen Stewart Theatre, 74A E. 4th St. begin on March 11 and run through April 4.

LaMaMa e.t.c. presents Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner's CALIGULA MAXIMUS, a project with Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA, at La MaMa's newly renamed Ellen Stewart Theatre in March 2010.

BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn is pleased to announce that, due to overwhelming demand, a third work-in-progress preview has been added to the performance schedule of Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (the Hood Opera), Melvin Van Peebles' musical theater adaptation of his groundbreaking 1971 film of the same name. Previews will now be February 3rd, 4th and 5th.

The African American Playwrights Exchange (AAPEX) & Jaz Dorsey will present a reading of the 2008 AAPEX Award winner for 'Best Family Drama,' Mrs. Streeter, written by Merrill D. Jones, on Monday, February 8th at the Dramatist Guild.

BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn is pleased to announce that tickets are now on-sale for the work-in-progress previews of Melvin Van Peebles' musical theater adaptation of his 1971 groundbreaking film Sweet Sweetback's Baadassss Song (the Hood Opera).

Today, Joe's Pub released a schedule of upcoming events January events. Broadway favorites included in the line-up are Julia Sweeney, the tribe of Hair, and Lauren Ambrose. Just added performers include Shemekia Copeland, Kristina Train, Mato Nanji and more (1/10), World Famous *BOB*: One Man Show (1/24), Cyro Baptista's Banquet of the Spirits (2/2) & Carrie Newcomer: CD Release (3/28). For more information, visit www.joespub.com.

After founding the Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) and serving as the company's Artistic Director and Executive Director for the past eleven seasons respectively, Alfred Preisser and Christopher McElroen will depart the Off-Broadway theatre this November.

The 2009 Vivian Robinson/Audelco Recognition Awards, which recognize for Excellence in Black Theatre, have been announced. Now in thier 37th year, the awards will be presented at a ceremony at the HarlemStages/Aaron Davis Hall on Monday, November 16 at 7pm.

On June 29, 2009 the stars on Broadway will align in honor and celebration of history, theater and life as On Your Radar Productions presents MADE IN NEW YORK!: A Celebration of New York's African American Broadway History.

The Classical Theater of Harlem (CTH) presents the Off-Broadway premiere of Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe by Alfred Preisser & Randy Weiner, directed by CTH Co-Founder & Artistic Director, Alfred Preisser. Performances will begin June 12th and run through July 19th only at Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues).

The Classical Theater of Harlem (CTH) will present the Off-Broadway premiere of Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe by Alfred Preisser & Randy Weiner, directed by CTH Co-Founder & Artistic Director, Alfred Preisser. Performances will begin June 12th and run through July 19th only at Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues).

The Classical Theater of Harlem (CTH) presents the Off-Broadway premiere of Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe by Alfred Preisser & Randy Weiner, directed by CTH Co-Founder & Artistic Director, Alfred Preisser. Performances will begin June 12th and run through July 19th only at Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues).

On June 29, 2009 the stars on Broadway will align in honor and celebration of history, theater and life as On Your Radar Productions presents MADE IN NEW YORK!: A Celebration of New York's African American Broadway History. Held in the Minskoff Theatre, the evening will celebrate New York's African-American Broadway tradition by honoring those who have contributed to its rich legacy and preservation.

The Classical Theater of Harlem (CTH) will present the Off-Broadway premiere of Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe by Alfred Preisser & Randy Weiner, directed by CTH Co-Founder & Artistic Director, Alfred Preisser. Performances will begin June 12th and run through July 19th only at Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues).

The OBIE, Drama Desk and Lortel Award-winning Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) will begin their 10th Anniversary Season with a new production of Anton Chekhov's classic THREE SISTERS, directed by CTH Co-Founder Christopher McElroen (The Cherry Orchard). Performances will be at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue at West 135th Street, and will begin on Thursday, February 5th. Opening night is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18th and the show will run through Sunday, March 8th.

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.

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.