Renee Lawless News

The Thalians will host their annual star studded Winter Gala, with proceeds benefitting the charity.  The 2023 gala will honor actor and humanitarian, Gary Sinise, with their highest honor, the Mr. Wonderful Award, for his efforts on behalf of our service men and women through the Gary Sinise Foundation. 

There’s a new Theatre company in town! Darryl Reuben Hall and Stage Aurora Theatrical Company announced today the formation of Stage Aurora NY, with a mission “to enlighten the mind by way of diverse, faith-based and BIOP works.”

Stage Aurora Theatrical Company will be presenting 'Broadway Celebrates Veterans Day,' a virtual concert of Broadway performers celebrating our military veterans and those who have served - and are currently serving - in the Armed Forces.

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the mid-season return of its hit Tyler Perry drama “The Haves and the Have Nots,” set to premiere two back-to-back episodes on Tuesday, August 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The popular series roars back to the screen with a vengeance as the Cryer, Harrington and Young families fight for their very existence.

This Konversations with Keeme features Aneesa Folds- best known for her starring role in Freestyle Love Supreme on Broadway and she will be in the Hulu premiere the documentary We Are Freestyle Love Supreme July 17th, 2020.  https://www.aneesafolds.com/

This Konversations with Keeme showcases the protest and a celebration of black culture on June 19th, 2020 or 'Juneteenth' that Keeme and his newly formed Youth Leaders Council organized.  The protest was in New Haven CT and marched to City Hall. There were performances led by local artists, speakers, and activists. The march  continued to protest down to the New Haven Police Department (NHPD).

Our next interview is with Broadway Bass player (Come From Away, Disaster, Holler if Ya Hear Me, and Bring it On), composer, and producer Carl Carter. 

Today's interview is with Juwan Alan Crawley (Broadway: Aladdin). He talks honestly about what a?oeBlack Lives Mattersa?? means to him and the theatre community. Keeme and Juwan speak about what young leaders, like Keeme, can do during the Corona quarantine to make a difference. 

Fifteen year old Ajibola Tajudeen, better known as Keeme, is the host of New Paradigm Theatre's web series here on BroadwayWorld. 'Konversations with Keeme' is show where Keeme interviews seasoned television and film professionals like Tamara Tunie of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Renee Lawless of Tyler Perry's The Have and the Have Nots, as well as Broadway veterans such as Emmy and Grammy winner, Paul Bogaev, and Broadway pros Christine Dwyer, Kelly Grant, Juwan Crawley and more.

This episode is a revisit with professional Voice over and Radio star, Randye Kaye  https://www.randyekaye.com/ to see how she is staying creative during corona. Our online Gala is June 7th, streaming on Facebook at 7pm. Randye will be a guest on that as well.

Kathy Garver, who played the iconic role of “Cissy” on one of the most popular TV sitcoms of all time, 'Family Affair,” is returning to star in the upcoming new series “Aunt Cissy.”  The series has finished principle filming and is in its final days of post-production.  The date for the premiere of the pilot has been set for April 2020, says producer and creator Scott Travis of Travis Hunt Productions.  

Kathy Garver, who played the iconic role of “Cissy” on one of the most popular TV sitcoms of all time, 'Family Affair,” is returning to star in the upcoming new series “Aunt Cissy.” The series has finished principle filming and is in its final days of post-production. The date for the premiere of the pilot has been set for April 2020, says producer and creator Scott Travis of Travis Hunt Productions.

Join us behind the scenes for the first rehearsal of SOUTH PACIFIC: IN concert. Co-produced by the New Paradigm Theatre and the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. This video features our 'Nellie' - Emily Kristen Morris, 'Ngana' - Helen Hen and Maestro Yates, as well as the ensemble preparing on the first day of rehearsal!

Jillian Duffy is a 22 year old studying Business and Marketing at Southern Connecticut State University. She has competed within the Miss America Organization since the age of eight and has held multiple titles within the organization. Jillian strongly believes in what this organization promotes and has continuously experienced growth within herself throughout her time in the organization. Jillian's social impact statement is entitled a?oeJillian's Journey: Pediatric Cancer Research and Awarenessa??, the voice of a patient and the advocate of a survivor. Jillian's Journey not only raises awareness of the underfunding of pediatric cancer research but also focuses on the journey through cancer treatment and eventual triumph of an individual. As a survivor herself, Jillian shares her story of her battle and eventual victory over cancer to inspire others to face obstacles with a positive mindset and to always chase your dreams.

Sandra J. Miklave- Executive Director of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and worked with Kristin Huffman (Artistic Dir of New Paradigm Theatre) to produce last  year's award winning West Side Story. Sandra joined the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra staff in April 2018. She is a leader in the Norwalk community. Sandra was vice president and co-manager of the Loan and Agency Services Group responsible for the bank's syndicated loan portfolio. She earned her B.A. in political science and economics at Manhattanville College and her Master of Organizational Leadership at Quinnipiac University. Sandra lives in Norwalk with her husband, Matt and has three sons.

Janet Evelyn is the Founder and Executive Director of The NICE festival in Norwalk CT.  For South Pacific: In Concert, NPT and Norwalk Symphony Orchestra are proud to partner with The Nice Festival. Janet Evelyn, Executive Director, states that a?oeNICE is committed to bringing awareness to the multiplicity of our global cultural heritage. The performing arts have not only been a conduit through which people of different race and culture can share natural commonalities but one of the most efficacious in addressing social injustice worldwide. The song a?oeCarefully Taughta?? from the musical South Pacific reminds us how important it is to expose our children at a young age to the different cultures to encourage understanding of our unique backgrounds.a?? As partnerships between the non-profit and for-profit world continue to form in order to tackle social challenges from all sides, this type of collective impact production has become increasingly relevant and a vital component of a community.

Fifteen year old Ajibola Tajudeen, better known as Keeme, is the host of New Paradigm Theatre's web series here on BroadwayWorld. 'Konversations with Keeme' is show where Keeme interviews seasoned television and film professionals like Tamara Tunie of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Renee Lawless of Tyler Perry's The Have and the Have Nots, as well as Broadway veterans such as Emmy and Grammy winner, Paul Bogaev, and Broadway pros Christine Dwyer, Kelly Grant, Juwan Crawley and more.

See behind the scenes with Keeme and the cast of the NPT Holiday show, 'Have yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas' December 14th (8pm) and December 15th (2pm). Click here for tickets.

Allan Lamberti is the afternoon host on WEBE108 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Originally from Trumbull, Connecticut, Allan has worked in radio for over 17 years, with previous gigs in Philadelphia and Hartford. If you would like to hear the podcast that they talk about in the episode (with Allan, Keeme and Ms. Clauz) here it is!

Karl Schultz, jazz piano protege and featured performer in this year's New Paradigm Theatre Holiday show 'Have yourself a Very Jazzy Christmas'. Karl is a Weston High School Freshman who has been playing piano since the age of four. He has performed at a variety of venues. local fundraisers, private events, local theater productions and many more. Karl was an event guest performer at a?oeBeechwooda?? with famed pianist Frederic Chiu, as well as on live radio on WPKN with host Richard Epstein. He's earned top scores in the Western Region musical competition (CMEA), as well as winning medals for Best Soloist and Best Accompaniment at the Music in the Parks competition in Massachusetts. Karl received the top honor award for the arts at WMS for 2018-2019. Karl also performs with the rock band, Caravan-the-Band as well as several other ensembles in Fairfield County.