Ruby Dee News

Karamu House will open its 2025–2026 Mainstage Theatre Season with SISTAS: THE MUSICAL, written by Dorothy Marcic, directed by Treva Offutt, with music direction by Dr. David M. Thomas and produced under the leadership of President + CEO Tony F. Sias.

Main Street Theater will open its 50th Season with the regional premiere of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis. Learn more!

The Green Room 42 will present vocalist and performer Anita Michael in her new and timely show, Foolin’ Myself. Learn more about the upcoming performance and see how to purchase tickets!

​​​​​​​Crossroads Theatre Company is launching 47th season celebrating two new productions of iconic stories from the diaspora, plus more. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets here!

Crossroads Theatre Company is launching its 47th season celebrating two new productions of iconic stories from the diaspora, plus more. See the full lineup here and learn how to purchase tickets!

Main Street Theater (MST) is celebrating 50 years of engaging theater for curious and thoughtful audiences of all ages. 2025-2026 marks the 50th Season for Main Street Theater and will include seven productions.

US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand celebrating his 25th year starring as Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' touring around the world in his celebrated solo play, LET IT BE ART! will perform in Asheville, North Carolina at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts on April 25th.

The Tony Award Winning Crossroads Theatre Company will celebrate 35 years of black stories with a lineup of new plays from a multigenerational cohort of new and established writers. Learn more!

Arizona Theatre Company will welcome in 2025 with the Tony Award- nominated musical Blues in the Night by Sheldon Epps. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.

The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation has announced the recipients of their 2024 Idea Awards for Theatre.

Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre will turn 100 on Monday, November 11, 2024. In honor of the milestone, ATG Entertainment has commissioned a special piece from  Broadway caricaturist Justin 'Squigs' Robertson.

Ronald Rand will perform his acclaimed solo play LET IT BE ART! as Harold Clurman in Athens during the Global Arts Education Summit, marking nearly 25 years of world tours. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

What did our critic think of PURLIE VICTORIOUS at KARAMU? Neither Ruby Dee or Ossie Davis ever appeared in a Karamu stage production but both had significant presence and impact in the organization and in the lives of Karamu artists. They often visited for speaking engagements, to instruct master classes, and to support Karamu's mission. The duo met at Karamu.

The Billie Holiday Theatre has announced details for its 2024-25 season. Learn more about the season lineup here!

A Raisin in the Sun, the American classic by Lorraine Hansberry, will open in TheatreSquared's West Theatre on Aug. 21 and run through Sept. 15.

Whiskey Flower and Julie Neumark release their new single 'Why Not?' at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood on July 27.

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) have announced the winners of the 6th Annual AAFCA TV Honors for distinguished achievements in television and streaming, along with special achievement award honorees. The 'Legacy Award' will go to Glynn Turman, the prolific American actor has been gracing the stage and screen for over six decades.

Actor Bill Cobbs has passed away. Learn more about Cobbs' life and work.

Before you enjoy the Great Performances production, check out these five fascinating facts about the history and recent production of this groundbreaking play.

This week, we are connecting the excitement of award season with the realities facing theaters. We'll catch you up on the Tony Awards' memorable moments, including a complete winners list and behind-the-scenes photos. Exclusive essays from producers Jeffrey Richards and Rachel Sussman offer personal insights into their Tony-nominated productions.