Theater – Page 14 – Los Angeles Sentinel

Berry Gordy does Motown one more time

Jennifer Bihm, Contributing WriterJuly 26, 2012

Berry Gordy, the Master of Motown with some of the Motown legends. Though others have tried, in doing ‘Motown: the Musical,’ Berry Gordy, the Motown genius tells the Motown story, like only he can. Berry Gordy is an iconic figure who has had unprecedented influence on the American culture. His legacy of excellence is matched only by the lasting imprint and impact that his Motown music has had on influencing the artistry of the music, art and culture of the entire world. “In knowing Berry Gordy as I do,” said Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., executive publisher of

Theater

JITNEY – Where it all began for the legendary playwright August Wilson

Sentinel News ServiceJune 29, 2012

Ellis E. Williams, David McKnight and Larry Bates in South Coast Repertory’s 2012 production of Jitney by August Wilson. Photo by Henry DiRocco. August Wilson’s “Pittsburgh Cycle” began in 1979 when he wrote the first version of Jitney, which was his first full-length play. However, at the time, he never really had the intention to theatrically chronicle the African-American experience in the 20th century. It wasn’t until he had completed a play titled Fullerton Street set in 1941 and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom set in 1927 that he realized he was on a path that would eventually define his

Theater

Blair Underwood taps into his brutish stage side

MARK KENNEDY | Associated PressApril 5, 2012

In this March 7, 2011 file photo, actor Blair Underwood is photographed in New York. Underwood taps into his brutish side for Broadway revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” opening April 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, file) NEW YORK (AP) — Blair Underwood’s weird ride to becoming Stanley Kowalski onstage in “A Streetcar Named Desire” started four years ago with a dashed hope. The actor had wanted to play Brick in an all-black Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” but had lost the part to Terrence Howard, fresh off his Oscar-nominated turn in “Hustle &

Theater

“A Raisin in the Sun”- A must see

Sentinel News ServiceFebruary 9, 2012

A Raisin in the Sun. Photo by Craig Schwartz The play, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry starring Kevin T. Carroll, Deidrie Henry, Kenya Alexander, and Kim Staunton, directed by actress, Phylicia Rashad, is playing at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City until February 19. The play tells the powerful story of a young man’s relationship with his family and his dream to succeed in life in the early 1950’s on Chicago’s Southside. Circumstances change for the entire family when choices are made, which leads to drama. Carroll gives a powerful performance as Walter Lee Younger, a

Theater

Mekhi Phifer tries to get used to Broadway screams

MARK KENNEDY | Associated PressJanuary 15, 2012

In this Dec. 8, 2011 file photo, from left, Rosie Benton, Mekhi Phifer and Tracie Thoms appear at the curtain call for the opening night performance of the Broadway play “Stick Fly”, in New York. Mekhi Phifer is not used to be being shouted at, but it’s part of his Broadway debut in “Stick Fly.” (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, file)… NEW YORK (AP) — Mekhi Phifer is not used to being shouted at, but it’s part of his Broadway debut. The 37-year-old actor, best known for the TV series “ER” and the film “8 Mile,” is discovering that audiences aren’t silent

Theater

Angela Bassett ‘loving’ her return to Broadway

MARK KENNEDY | Associated PressJanuary 14, 2012

___In this Feb. 24, 2011 file photo, honoree Angela Bassett arrives at Essence magazine’s Black Women in Hollywood luncheon in Beverly Hills, Calif. Bassett is turning heads on Broadway playing Camae, a mysterious motel maid who delivers coffee to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in Katori Hall’s play “The Mountaintop.” (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file) NEW YORK (AP) — After seeing “The Mountaintop” on Broadway, Laurence Fishburne went backstage, stunned. He was looking to toast his old friend, Angela Bassett. The two had co-starred in the intense Tina Turner biopic “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” but Fishburne

Theater

FELA! is a must see!!

Brian W. Carter (Staff Writer)December 22, 2011

FELA! FELA, on opening night, blew the audience away! By Brian W. Carter, Sentinel Staff Writer Powerful. Sensual. Hypnotic. Empowering. Awesome. There are so many things that can be said about the hot production, “FELA!” “FELA!” tells the true story of one man’s struggle to change Nigeria and ultimately the world through his music. Sahr Ngaujah as Fela Kuti invites you into “The Shrine” as you become apart of his movement with pulsing, infectious grooves and beats. “FELA!” is packed with some of the most authentic dance choreography I’ve ever seen on stage. The music is an amazing

Theater

The Women Behind The Fela

Brian W. Carter (Staff Writer)December 16, 2011

Paulette Ivory as Sandra Izsadore with Sahr Ngaujah as FelaMelanie Marshall as Funmilayo with Sahr Ngaujah as Fela Multi-talented stage actresses Paulette Ivory and Melanie Marshall talk about hit play FELA! Sentinel Staff Report “Fela!,” presented by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett-Smith, is based on the life of the charismatic Kuti and highlighted by many of Kuti’s most captivating songs. It’s a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love. “Fela!” is the true story of Fela Kuti, who created a new type of music, Afrobeat, and mixed these pounding eclectic rhythms (a blend of jazz, funk and

Theater

FELA ! brings holiday cheer

Sentinel News ServiceDecember 8, 2011

The exuberant music of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will fill the Ahmanson Theatre this holiday season as the 2010 Best Musical Tony Award®-nominated musical will be presented for the first time to Los Angeles audiences, December 13, 2011, through January 22, 2012, with the opening scheduled for December 14. “Fela!” was previously scheduled for April – June 2012, but is now being presented earlier in the CTG/Ahmanson Theatre’s 2011-2012 season at the Los Angeles Music Center. “‘Fela!,’ with its irresistible music, songs and dance, is a fun and lively production to present during the holidays,” said Michael Ritchie, CTG’s

Theater

Tasha and Michael on Angela and Marcus

Kam Williams, Sentinel Contributing WriterNovember 25, 2011

Tasha Smith & Michael Jai White The “For Better or Worse” Interview A dedicated and consummate performer, Tasha Smith is known for bringing style and intense character portrayals to the screen. Her outstanding performances have garnered universal acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Tyler Perry was so impressed with her stellar work that he cast her to star in three of his films, including Daddy’s Little Girls, Why Did I Get Married? and its sequel, Why Did I Get Married Too? More recently, Tasha co-starred in the #1 box office hit romantic comedy Couples Retreat, and she has also hosted

Theater

Give Me An Alabama Sky!

Brian Carter (Staff Writer)November 17, 2011

Blues For An Alabama Sky, written by Pearl Cleage and directed by Sheldon Epps, starring Robin Givens, Kadeem Hardison, Kevin T. Carroll, Tessa Thompson and Robert Ray Manning, Jr., opened at the Pasadena Playhouse November 6 and will play through November 27, 2011. This play is excellent packed with love, friendship, social politics and tragedy. Against the backdrop of 1930’s Harlem, five characters navigate through their lives looking for themselves but find each other. Givens gives a highly enjoyable performance as the tortured Angel. She gives Angel levels and degrees of emotion, which play excitingly well with her co-stars. Carroll

Theater

Blues For An Alabama Sky

Brian W. Carter (Staff Writer)November 10, 2011

Blues For An Alabama Sky director and cast (From Left to Right): actress, Robin Givens, actor, Kadeem Hardison, artistic director, Sheldon Epps, actress, Tessa Thompson,actor, Robert Ray Manning, Jr. & actor, Kevin T. Carroll. Director Sheldon Epps and actress Robin Givens speak about the characters and the play. By Brian W. Carter, Sentinel Staff Writer The skies are blue over the Pasadena Playhouse, where Sheldon Epps is directing the play Blues for an Alabama Sky, with executive director Stephen Eich and starring Robin Givens, Kadeem Hardison, Tessa Thompson, Kevin T. Carroll and Robert Ray Manning, Jr. Epps, with over a

Theater

A Fight For Love: Review

Brian Carter (Staff Writer)November 10, 2011

Jose Turner A Fight For Love, a stage play written by Jose Turner and directed by Duane Shepard, examines this dynamic through the life of a talented, young boxer Michael (Turner), who is looking for love and acceptance from his father Steven (Shepard). Turner was inspired to write a play that portrayed African-Americans in a more positive light while exploring the sometimes, difficult, relationship between a father and son. “I really want to bring that family value, positive images and peek folks intellect,” said Turner. “And, have them have a conversation that takes a little piece of my character home

Theater

Theatre Review: TWIST

Elzena Rankins (Contributing Writer)July 2, 2011

Boston (Matthew Johnson) and Roosevelt (Jared Grimes), center, in a scene from TWIST – An American Musical at The Pasadena Playhouse. Photo: Craig Schwartz.Mr. Prudhomme (Cliff Bemis) and Della (Tamyra Gray) in a scene from TWIST – An American Musical at The Pasadena Playhouse. Photo: Craig Schwartz. Twist’s nightmare scene from TWIST – An American Musical at The Pasadena Playhouse. Photo: Craig Schwartz Boston (Matthew Johnson, center) and his gang in a scene from TWIST – An American Musical at The Pasadena Playhouse. Photo: Craig Schwartz. Twist: An American MusicalA must see! Crowd pleaser production! Twist- An American Musical is

Theater

Angela Bassett set to return to Broadway this fall

Mark Kennedy (AP Drama Writer)June 25, 2011

By MARK KENNEDYAP Drama Writer Mark Kennedy NEW YORK – Angela Bassett has signed on to star opposite Samuel L. Jackson in the Broadway production of the play “The Mountaintop.” Producers announced Tuesday that Bassett will play the mysterious woman who visits the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis in playwright Katori Hall’s re-imagining of the night before the civil rights leader’s 1968 assassination. “The Mountaintop,” the winner of the best new play Olivier award in London, will begin performances on Sept. 22 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 45th Street. An official opening