Victoria Platt News

The 23rd Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is excited to announce their distinctive 2019 lineup of narrative features, documentaries and short films in competition. Films are set to screen in Miami from June 13-15 at the Regal Cinemas South Beach and the New World Center.

NATIVE SON, a novel written in 1940 by Richard Wright, tells the story of 20-year of Bigger Thomas, an African American youth living in utter poverty in a poor area on Chicago's South Side in 1939. While not apologizing for Bigger's crimes, Wright portrays a systemic inevitability behind them, making the case that there is no escape from his destiny since he is the inevitable product of the society in which he has lived since birth, faced by expectations imposed upon him by others tasked to teach him the proper way for a Black man to live in society. It is often said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. This is certainly the case in Wright's original story which could have been written today, given the similar news stories filling the airwaves right now involving police beatings of Black men and gun violence leading to senseless murders.

Antaeus Theatre Company's production of "Native Son," which Center Theatre Group is remounting at the Kirk Douglas Theatre as part of the third annual Block Party: Celebrating Los Angeles Theatre, will open Saturday, April 20 at 8 p.m. Written by Nambi E. Kelley, based on the novel by Richard Wright and directed by Andi Chapman, "Native Son" is currently in previews and will close April 28.

Casting is set for Antaeus Theatre Company's production of "Native Son," which Center Theatre Group is remounting at the Kirk Douglas Theatre as part of the third annual Block Party: Celebrating Los Angeles Theatre. Written by Nambi E. Kelley, based on the novel by Richard Wright and directed by Andi Chapman, "Native Son" will begin previews April 18, open April 20 and continue through April 28, 2019.

Harry Lennix is releasing the gospel concert movie 'Revival! The Experience' in theaters this December, according to Variety.

Andi Chapman directs the Southern California premiere of Nambi E. Kelley's visceral, groundbreaking stage adaption of Richard Wright's racially charged novel, Native Son, for Antaeus Theatre Company. Wright's iconic novel about oppression, freedom and justice comes to life on stage at the Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center in Glendale beginning April 19, with performances continuing through June 3. Low-priced previews take place April 12-18.

Andi Chapman directs the Southern California premiere of Nambi E. Kelley's visceral, groundbreaking stage adaption of Richard Wright's racially charged novel, Native Son, for Antaeus Theatre Company. Wright's iconic novel about oppression, freedom and justice comes to life on stage at the Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center in Glendale beginning April 19, with performances continuing through June 3. Low-priced previews take place April 12-18.

National New Play Network, the country's alliance of nonprofit theaters that champions the development, production, and continued life of new plays, celebrates the opening of the Rolling World Premiere (RWP) of Building the Wall by Robert Schenkkan at Core Member Borderlands Theater (Tucson, AZ, September 27-October 15, 2017) and Associate Member City Theatre (Miami, FL, September 30-October 8, 2017).

National New Play Network, the country's alliance of nonprofit theaters that champions the development, production, and continued life of new plays, celebrates the opening of the Rolling World Premiere (RWP) of Building the Wall by Robert Schenkkan at Core Member Borderlands Theater (Tucson, AZ, September 27-October 15, 2017) and Associate Member City Theatre (Miami, FL, September 30-October 8, 2017).

National New Play Network, the country's alliance of nonprofit theaters that champions the development, production, and continued life of new plays, celebrates the opening of the Rolling World Premiere (RWP) of Building the Wall by Robert Schenkkan at Core Member Borderlands Theater (Tucson, AZ, September 27-October 15, 2017) and Associate Member City Theatre (Miami, FL, September 30-October 8, 2017).

Beginning June 24, actress Victoria Platt will play the role of Gloria, joining actor Bo Foxworth in the Fountain Theatre's smash hit production of Building the Wall by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan. Building the Wall opened at the Fountain in March, where it was the first in a series of productions taking place across the U.S. as part of a National New Plays Network Rolling World Premiere. The Fountain recently announced an extension through Aug. 27.

MPE Productions, nominated last year for two 2016 STAGE RAW AWARDS (with a win for Erica Gimpel in Sister), continues its quest to explore the complexities of true diversity in theatre with the World Premiere of Revolution In A Catsuit by London, U.K. Playwright and Actress, Somi De Souza.

Uzo Aduba (Broadway's Godspell) currently stars in Netflix's 'Orange is the New Black' for which she recieved an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren.

The original cast recording of VENICE - the new musical produced by The Public Theater - is now available as an online exclusive with a digital booklet through iTunes, Amazon.com and other outlets. The physical CD will be available online and in stores on December 2.

The Public Theater's new Public Lab musical VENICE, with book by Eric Rosen, music by Matt Sax, lyrics by Matt Sax and Eric Rosen, additional music by Curtis Moore, and choreography by Chase Brock, directed by Eric Rosen, will end its extended run today, June 30th, 2013. Venice began performances on May 28th and was originally scheduled to close on June 23rd. Broadwayworld brings takes you through VENICE's journey off-Broadway below!

?Let's see what the critics had to say...

The Public Theater (Artistic Director, Oskar Eustis; Executive Director, Patrick Willingham) recently announced a one week extension today for the new Public Lab musical Venice, with book by Eric Rosen, music by Matt Sax, lyrics by Matt Sax and Eric Rosen, additional music by Curtis Moore, and choreography by Chase Brock. Directed by Eric Rosen, Venice began performances on Tuesday, May 28 and was originally scheduled to close on Sunday, June 23. It will now run an additional week through Sunday, June 30. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from opening night below!

The Public Theater presents the new Public Lab musical Venice, with book by Eric Rosen, music by Matt Sax, lyrics by Matt Sax and Eric Rosen, and additional music by Curtis Moore. Directed by Eric Rosen, Venice will run in The Public's Anspacher Theater through Sunday, June 23, with an official press opening tonight, June 13.