Black Angels Over Tuskegee Celebrates Memorial Day

IN LOVING MEMORY OF NYPD DETECTIVE JOSEPH SEABROOK WHO WAS PLANNING TO SEE THIS PLAY> MAY GOD'S ANGELS WATCH OVER YOU!!!

Layon Gray's amazing play has been extended through this summer and well it should. Gray has demonstrated that he is a gifted playwright. He is certainly on his way to becoming an icon here in New York. Currently, there is a glaring dearth of serious dramatic work, on and off Broadway, that addresses African American culture and history. Black Angels fills this gap. A rich and engaging story about the heart wrenching odyssey of the first six men to become pilots within the United States Airforce, Black Angels soars high on the wings of Gray's powerful storytelling, intellectual acuity and emotional integrity. Gray is a highly talented and prolific playwright. Rumor has it that Gray is already working on his new play about the female Negro Baseball League. His new play will open in New York later this summer.

Be sure to catch Black Angels this summer:
St. Luke's Theatre
308 West 46th Street
(between Eighth and Ninth Avenues)
New York, NY 10036


BAW
http://blackartsentertainmentwhisperer.blogspot.com/

Big Band Makes a Big Bang at Iberostar in Montego Bay

What more can be said of Iberostsr's incredible entertainment. Every night this week the shows have been nothing short of spectacular. Last night was no execption as this talented cast brought the Big Band era alive with verve and panaache in the five star resort's Exodus theatre.

The stunning versatlity of the Iberostar singers and dancers were exploited by a genius-choreographer and artistic director who seem to be able to bring out the very best in each performer. It was relieving to see that the stage was extended and the band was now in the backdrop unlike at other performances at the Exodus theatre. As a result the sound was pitch perfect as was the lighting.

Solid renditions of classic songs such as Mac the Knife, Fever, and Satin Doll were brillantly sung by two powerful black male vocalists and a very sexy songstress with an amazing vocal range. Tonight's dancers were elegantly donned and played the part with smooth dance steps reminscent of two indivduals these 19 and 20 year-old dancers never met: Fred and Ginger Astire. MORE TO COME

Iberostar's Fantasia Tropical Show Sizzles with Latin Flavor

It's becoming quite clear that Iberostar's shows are top notch performances conceived by a creative and talented director with superior knowledge of choreography and showmanship. Last night's tropical fantasy at the Grand's Exodus theatre took viewers on an exciting tour of Latin dance,song and music--with a splash of flavorful reggae gingerly interspersed. Muy bueno would be a gross understatement here!

Once again, the director's unique combination of island costuming, dramatic lighting, waist-down, butt-shaking Latin dance moves,rhythmic music, and festive songs, performed mostly in Spanish, set the tone for a sizziling hot evening of eye-catching entertainment thanks, in large measure, to the I'm-too-sexy-for clothes,Iberostar dancers execution of sensual and provocative Latin choreography. Too bad, the overly dim lighting on the far end of both sides of the small stage tended to blot out the peripheal dancers. (This might have been by artistic design).

Ultimately, the only criticism about Tropical Fantasy is that it left the audience hungry for more of this spicy musical paella!

Be sure to catch this delectable show (and other entertainment) at the Iberostar Grand and its contiguous sister hotels, the Suites and Beaches. If you are looking for a vaction with superb musical shows, this is the place!!!

BAW
http://blackartsentertainmentwhisperer.blogspot.com/

Iberostar Jamaican Roots Reggae Show Rocks Montego Bay

Once again, Iberostar lived up to its growing reputation as the five star destination and entertainment hotspot in the Caribbean with an authentic reggae show at the Suites last night. Guests were treated to a lesson on Jamaican culture through a colorful combination of dance, music and song that honored Jamaica's rich musical history. A sense of national pride and nostalgia filled the atmosphere as each vocal performer sang from a place of emotional integrity and intensity that would have made reggae's ancerstors proud.

Vocal performances were exceptionally strong and the dance performaces were once again crisp and electrifying. The stage tonight at the Suites was lagre enough to accomodate the athletic Iberostar dancers, allowing them to show off their skills-- and they did not disappoint. Among the many spectacular dance routines, a duet featuring Kemar Forrest and Shantay West was particulary captivating. What a wonderful way to appreciate and imbibe reggae's rich history.

Although strongly influenced by traditional African, American jazz and old-time rhythm and blues, reggae owes its direct origins to the progressive development of ska and rocksteady in 1960s Jamaica. Elements of ska and rocksteady--reggae's true historic roots--came alive at last night's dramatic showcase-- a showcase that had an`enlivened audience literally dancing in the aisles.

You can catch this not-to-be-missed reggae showcase at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Resort in Montego Bay.

BAW

http://blackartsentertainmentwhisperer.blogspot.com/

Iberostar's Boogie Nights Show Turns the Beat Around in Jamaica

Boogie Nights was performed by Iberostar Performers last night. Sporting Afros, bell bottoms, ad platform shoes, the talented`team of singers and dancers gave a credible recreation of the soul train era. MORE TO COME...

Iberostar's Musical Review With Neon Lights Just as Bright as Broadway

You wouldn't think of hearing your favorite Broadway tunes live on the island of Jasmacia but that's exactly what guests were treated to last night Iberostar's Grand Rose Hall Hotel, a five star beach resort in beautiful Montego Bay, where a talented and fearless group of local singers and dancers (some with Broadway level skills) put on a spectacular show that caught the Whisperer's attention.

Tackling Broadway is risky business for anyone since there is afterall something a standard to be compared to. Why then would a small island cast with such a small stage take on big bad Broadway. Question no more--these undaunted performers took command and transformed the dimly lit lounge to the 42nt street theatre district. And soon we were all tapping our feet and singing along with them as they eased on down memory lane.

The show was not problem free, of course. The band actually stood in front of the stage and partailly obstructed the view of the performance. And at times, the sound was blaring and unbalanced. Nonetheless, the show was smarlty conceived and visually exciting. For straters, it was intriguing to see a neraly all black, primarily West Indian cast perform Broadway showtunes. As they began to beautifully re-interpret familar tunes and dance numbers, it became clear that these were well trained, high caliber professional performers capable of impressing even the most cynical of critics. The large and actively changing greenscreen in back of the stage, daringly colorful costumes, spirited choreography and professional sound and lighting more than compenasted for the limitations of working within a small stage at the Grand's Exodus theatre.

From Beauty and the Beast to Lion King to Hair to Cats,to Phantom of the Opera, the Iberostar performers were sucsessfully able to put a refreshing Jamacian spin on these classics. Two singers who did a showstopping rendition of Beauty and the Beast (Craig & ???) were particularly impressive as were two dancers, Kemar Forrest and Ricardo Burgess (who did an amazing interpretive dance of the Lion King) who stood out as potential Broadway level performers.

Enjoyable from start to finish, the Iberostar's Broadway Tunes Show was well worth the 10pm start. Catching this gem of a show entails flying into Montego Bay and checking into the beach resort and probably spending a few days to see the cast perform other shows. (Tough work but someone's gotta do it).

BAW

http://blackartsentertainmentwhisperer.blogspot.com/

BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE STILL SOARING SKY HIGH!!!!

Last Night I saw this play for the ninth time-- and yes, Layon Gray's Black Angels Over Tiukegee is still fresh and worth seeing more than once. The Angels hit the zone as they played to a sold out theatre.

So why does this play work. The secret lies in a highly talented cast. Spontaneous, free, and comfortable with each other, they can be likened to a polyphonic jazz ensemble that is able to create and interpret with varying degress of improvisations and syncopations.

David Wendell Boykins (Theodore) continues to astound and amaze with his superior acting skill set--not to mention his vocal abilities which have been showcased a bit more in the post Demetrius shows. (I suspect the inventive Boykins will never run out of ways to enrich his character).

Melvin Huffnagle (Jerimah) has honed his psychologically wounded character, making him somewhat less rigid, less explosive. As a more reflective and emotionally accessible Jerimah, Huffnagle instilled a level of vulnerability and transparency into his character, elicting appreciative applause toward the end of his monolgue. (This was the first time I witnessed such a reaction to the otherwise intimidating Jerimah).

The packed house was on its feet well before the final act thanks to Theodore Daniels' poignant delivery as the ever engaging and evocative narrator. A hypnotic historian, Daniels has the uncanny ability to draw the audience to the edge of their seats as they hang on to his words.

Steve Brunstein (Major Roberts) has been quite remarkably consistent and convincing in his role as a tough-nosed, foul mouth commander with a heart for the Black Angels.

Last night also marked the return of the inimitable Thom Scott(Abe), who was away last weekend. Though his fearless understudy (David ?) was absolutely impressive, Scott has mastered certain nuances, and the combination of he and Layon Gray
(Quinton)as the emotional nucleus of the Black Angels simply can't be beat.

Kudos to an excellent cast of hard working and talented actors who bring the heat every night!

Black Angels Over Tuskegee is being produced Off-Broadway by The Black Gents, Edmund Gaynes and The Layon Gray Experience.

Tickets, priced $31.50 and $56.50, are available through Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200 (212) 239-6200 . St. Luke’s Theatre is located in Manhattan at 308 West 46th Street.


BAW

http://blackartsentertainmentwhisperer.blogspot.com/

The Upside of West Side Story's Uphill Climb on Broadway

THE EXPECTATION: For those who have read the book, seen the play and movie, and perhaps participated in high school production or two, nostalgic expectations always run sky high for a West Side Story revival--which sets up potenential disppointment. For those who have never seen WSS or are just not that tied in, this show makes for a great night out on Broadway (and serves as a good introduction to the magic of WSS).

THE HISTORY: Since its debut in 1957, Arthur Laurent’s West Side Story (WSS) has stood the test of time, having won a Tony nomination for best musical (1957) and received a Tony for best choreography (1961) and approximately 10 academy awards out of 11 nominations for the film version. Under the musical direction of Leonard Bernstein and with timeless lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, WSS also popularized songs such as Maria, Somewhere, Tonight and I Feel Pretty.

THE SHOW: Last night’s show at the Palace Theatre in Manhattan fought valiantly to fulfill expectations of WSS novices and diehards. Outstanding compositions, creativity, and choreograpy overshadowed anxieties and concerns about acting skill, miscasting, stage presence, star power, and charisma. Bernstein’s tantalizing musical score was undeniably absorbing. Even the disappointed viewer could find respite and perhpas solace the show's symphonically seductive musical score.

The ultra-slick choreography captured the broiling social tensions of the shows era. The staging and lighting effectively conveyed thematic dark side of WSS. At times, the stylized, ballet-like precision of the dancers and the distilled quality of the singers operatic voices, further softened the credibility of the gritty upper west side gang persona. Nonetheless, the performers worked hard abd were fascinating to watch. Some of the songs were sung partially in Spanish, which gave an air of authenticity to this updated version.


THE OUTCOME: Despite the obvious challenge of measuring up to its legendary status and obvious difficulty in achieving dramatic intergrity (or equality with previous renditions), last night’s WSS received customary whistles and cheers from a mostly satisfied audience proving the once a classic always a classic theory to be true.


THE BACKGROUND: Essentially an update on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this musical dramatizes the tragic fate of two lovers inextricably trapped in a web of cross cultural entanglements. Using the streets of New York City as the backdrop, WSS exposes a bitter rivalry between two teenage street gangs (the Jets and the Sharks) of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Sharks are first-generation Americans from Puerto Rico; and Jets are a working-class white group who consider themselves the true Americans. The gang rivalry explodes when Tony, a member if the Jets falls in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of the Sharks.


THE BOTTOM LINE: No matter what, there will always be an upside to any production of WSS.


BAW
http://blackartsentertainmentwhisperer.blogspot.com/2010/05/upside-of-west-side-story.html



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Race to see RACE: You Won't Lose!

It had been a really hard day and the Whisperer was already running late. Fighting through a sea of yellow cabs in midtown while blowing my blaring my horn at slow moving and double parked vehicles, I woke up the dreaded “why” monster: Why is the city always so congested? Why didn’t I take the train? Why do Broadway tickets cost so much? Why am I doing this to myself? Why did I buy tickets to see Race? After all, isn’t Barak Obama now president? (LOL)

My disdainful questioning steadily lost steam as David Mamet’s Race literally took off with unapologetic alacrity from the opening scene leaving this jaded onlooker spellbound by the play’s fearless attempt to grapple with its “four letter” title. Chock-full-of pithy and provocative statements, Race is sure to get your adrenalin pumping and keep your interest from start to finish. Mamet’s writing moves quickly --with a jazzy spontaneity and vitality that initially distracted me but became less palpable as the rich plot took many interesting twists and turns. There is no room, or better yet no time, to get bored with this exciting play.

I sat up in my seat several times as words like “nigger bitch” were bandied about generating, what I suspected to be, uncomfortable laughter from the predominantly white audience. James Spader (Jack) is superbly cast and quite persuasive as the senior partner of a law firm ensnared into representing a white male who allegedly raped a black female. Armed with confused but definitive notions of race, the unbridled Jack says exactly what he thinks but appears not to care about what others think about what he says—a bittersweet honesty which ironically makes him scary yet lovable. When Jack says “I think all people are stupid and blacks are not exempt…” no one, black or white, is exactly sure what to do with this guy!

Jack has to defend a racial blunder-maker named Charles, adroitly played by Richard Thomas, who thinks he can smooth over all his racially insensitive mishaps if he confesses it all to the press. This fantasy elicits a severe tongue lashing from Jack. I must confess that the verbal beat downs and incendiary barbs in Race resonated with my frustrated mood and had the paradoxical effect of generating laughter—which I am not sure the playwright intended). It is likely that a play that deals with such a sensitive topic like race will elicit all kinds of unexpected defensive reactions from the audience.

Much of the excitement in Race is provided by the David Allen Grier (Henry) who plays Jack’s confident and vociferous law partner. Grier’s undeniably powerful stage presence is responsible for Race’s edginess, dramatic tension, and credibility. Even if you don’t always agree with Henry’s opinionated persona, it is nonetheless refreshing to see an empowered black freely speaking his mind. The play heats up when Grier authoritatively gets in the face of other characters, black and white.

Given his outstanding comedic talents—who could forget his hilarious antics in the hit television series, In living Color- it’s easy to overlook Grier’s veteran film and stage career. A graduate of the prestigious Yale School of Drama, Grier has starred in host of reputable works with appearances in A Soldier’s Play A Soldier’s Story, Dreamgirls, and The First (for which he received a Tony nomination).

It is not at all surprising that he has received a well-deserved Tony nomination for his compelling performance in Race. (Grier also struck me as very approachable, warm, and humble as he took the time to speak with fans backstage, accommodated two students who needed to interview a Broadway actor for a class, and the went outside to sign playbills).


The only female in this cast is the accomplished Kerry Washington who plays a juinor attorney recently hired to the firm. Her role becomes increasingly more profound as the play unfolds. Washington is somewhat meek in the beginning of the play and appears to be overwhelmed by the daunting male dyad that hired her. We learn that she is anything but weak and overwhelmed as the plot develops. I was very impressed with how skillfully she weaves her web around the men, injects herself into their psyches and ultimately exposes covert aspects of race (and gender) politics.

Washington is a highly accomplished actress with numerous films and awards to her credit. She appeared as the wife in the film Ray (2004) and was nominated for best actress for her role in the film, Last King of Scotland.. She also appeared in the Fantastic Four, and starred in tow critically acclaimed independent films, Our Song and the Dead Girl. What a pleasure to see such a talented African American actress, with roots in the Bronx, make it to the Broadway stage. (Like Grier, Washington was quite friendly and animated backstage).

Both Grier and Washington are amazing actors—and yes, they happen to be African American. They are inspiring to watch as they draw from their skills, innate talents and cultural leverage to animate and amplify Mamet’s Race. How I wish young African American men and women could see this play and perhaps meet with these two American heroes.

By the end of a fast 90 minutes, even with two intermissions, I was very happy that I raced to see Race. The show and cast left me energized, which was radically different than I came in. instead of asking why was I here I was now asking why was the show so short. That’s the power of good theatre!!!!

The Black Arts Whisperer (BAW) wants to publically thank New York’s best stage manager, Gillian Oliver, who was nothing short of amazing in facilitating our getting backstage and helping us meet with the cast and crew.

(And once again the BAW thanks G for your help with getting us backstage as well —your starpower follows you everywhere dude lol).
BOTTOM LINE: Even if you are in a weird or bad mood, race to see Race today it will distract, challenge, and charge you up. Race is is now playing at: The Ethel Barrymore Theater, 243 West 47th Street, Manhattan; (212) 239-6200. Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes. WITH: James Spader (Jack Lawson), David Alan Grier (Henry Brown), Kerry Washington (Susan) and Richard Thomas (Charles Strickland).

The Black Arts & Entertainment Whisperer (BAW)

FENCES HITS IT OUT OF THE PARK--HOMERUN!!

Are there any remaining adjectives available to describe Denzel Washington's acting skill, range, and stellar performance in August Wilson's pultizer prize winning play, Fences. Washington wraps himself and the audience so tightly around his character even his absence in the last scene is powerful and gripping --that's how phenomenal he was tonight! How thrilling to watch and experience a virtuoso performing live!

Washington's supporting cast, and accomplished co-star, Viola Davis, are supremely confident and exquisitely calibrated--providing a solid "scaffold" around him as the enigmatic tragic hero.

I went into Fences asking myself why would anyone spend $121.00 for a ticket to see a hyped-up performance driven by an iconic actor. I left asking why did the play have to end so soon.

Fences is a must see. Even if means having to stand in the back of the theatre for 30 bucks, try to catch this piece of history; you won't regret this delicious, "suck-the-bone-marrow" treat of a play. (LOL and thank you G for springing for the tickets!!!)


LOCATION: the Cort Theater, 138 West 48th Street, Manhattan; (212) 239-6200. Through July 11.

CAST: Denzel Washington (Troy Maxson), Viola Davis (Rose), Chris Chalk (Cory), Stephen McKinley Henderson (Jim Bono), Russell Hornsby (Lyons), Mykelti Williamson (Gabriel) and Eden Duncan-Smith and SaCha Stewart-Coleman (Raynell).

tBAw
http://blackartsentertainmentwhisperer.blogspot.com/

Through The Night Now Playing in New York

Having seen a really awesome one man show, Coleman Domingo's Boy and His Soul, several times, I was admittedly up for seeing another virtuoso one man show and caught tonight's preview of the nationally acclaimed play, Through the Night .

Written and performed by Obie Award winning actor, Daniel Beaty, this highly ambitious play examines the life experience of six strikingly different but interconnected black males. Beaty tackles a range of experiences encountered by black males, including, addiction,incarceration, disease, fatherhood,
employment, relationships and sexuality.

An emotionally-charged and compelling play, Through the Night is unapologetic in its exploration of these men's inner lives. Using a combination of drama, humor, poetry, song, and movement, Beaty swiftly transitions from straight up homeboy, to innocent kid, to potbelly pastor, to gay son, to expectant father--and oh yes, to outraged single mother as well. (Beaty is extremely convincing in each of these roles).

This show is not for the inattentive or easily distracted viewer, Beaty switches characters with considerable velocity and you can get lost quickly. The voice changes with each character were so dramatic I mistakenly thought that someone else's voice was being piped in at times.

Beaty is a seasoned pro and that showed in his ablity to nail each scene perfectly--no jagged edges, so to speak. I wondered if Beaty's perfection personified aura could be a bit distracting. The question arises, "distracting" from what? The storyline? Himself? Neither answer makes sense since this is "one man show" (LoL).

How refreshing to see such an accomplished black male actor so fully expressed and so full of artistry. (I spoke with him very briefly after the show and he seemed like a really cool and gracious guy). Beaty earned a 2007 Obie for his Off-Broadway work in Emergence-SEE! at the Public Theater, and his play Resurrection was presented at Arena Stage during the 2008-2009

Again, as with Black Angel's Over Tuskegee (now playing at St. Luke's Theatre--see my review),far too many seats were empty at the Riverside Theatre for this showing.


The empty seat syndrome will most likley not affect this play thanks to the scheduled dialogues between Beaty and prominent guests after each performance. Bill Cosby will appear on May 7, opening night. and other celebrities set to appear include Ruby Dee, Hill Harper, Malik Yoba and Rev. Alfonso Wyatt, (author of Soul Be Free please see my review).

For tickets and information, call 212 870-6784 212 870-6784 or visit www.theriversidetheatre.org


Posted by The Black Arts and Entertainment Whisperer (tBAW)

Some Enchanted Evening: Soul Be Free Book Reading by Authors

In a timelessly elegant, classically decorated living room in Westcheter, New York live piano music, hot hors douevres, and lavendar candles set the backdrop for this Sunday evening's signature event: a reading of Soul Be Free: Poems, Prose, and Prayers by authors, Ouida and Rev. Alfonso Wyatt.

As stated previously, these authors are gifted orators as well. Staying true to form, the Wyatts' exquisitely sensitive reading of selected excerpts from Soul Be Free grabbed the full attention of this impressive assembly of "souls" including, top educators, pastors, engineers, social services providers, professors, lawyers, doctors,architects, journalists, and law enforcement personnel. Highly sought publicist, Terrie Williams (and her elegant mother) was also among the evening's intrigued listeners.


Eyes fixed, we zeroed in on the ever-charismatic Wyatts as they took turns reading from each of the book's four sections: MIND, ISSUES, RELATIONSHIPS, SOUL.

Ouida's rich, deep, soul stirring voice is ready for the airwaves. I could have listened to her all night. Small wonder she is on the praise and worship team at her home church. If Ouida's sensual voice was not already under "divine" protection, I think many radio stations and television advertisers would be fighting at her doorstep (LOL).

And what can be said of the inimitable Rev. Alfonso Wyatt who without question has achieved the status of exospheric elocutionist. (Rev. was at one time a stratospheric speaker but is way beyond that now, LOL). I once heard a lady (who was not his wife, mother or sister, lol) say, "I would come listen to that man if he was talking with a paper bag over his mouth-- he's that good."

When this dynamic duo combined voices on the finale, reading parts of the SOUL excerpt in tandem, Soul Be Free was no longer a book but a living message. The Wyatt's combined voice highlighted the duality of perspectives -- male-female, mother-father, husband-wife-- found within Soul Be Free's pages.

After the reading, guests shared about themselves, speaking from their hearts and souls. It was evident that they were inspired and felt safe to share. A spirit of camraderie and joy permeated the living room. Later on that evening, the Wyatts signed several copies of Soul Be Free. Many guests bought multiple copies.

The only thing wrong with Soul Be Free centers on the unavailabilty of a CD given how powerfully the Wyatt's read this work. I spoke with the Wyatts about this and was assured that CDs and much more are on the way.

If you have not caught the Wyatts live and in person at a book signing or reading, please do so. This event turned out to be some enchanted evening!

the Black Arts & Entertainment Whisperer (tBAW)