What Do You Do When Your Significant Other Just Can’t Get Enough Of The Game? Do You Pull The Plug?

Ailey II – January 27 at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center

Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Alvin Ailey personally appointed former Ailey member, Sylvia Waters, as Artistic Director in 1974. Under her direction, Ailey II has flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the country, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs.

For more information visit http://alysstephens.org or call (205) 975-2787

Performances:
Friday, January 27, 2012 · 8 PM

A: $52.50 · B: $39.50 · C: $29.50 · Students: $20 · tickets

Venue: Jemison Concert Hall

Winter dance concert set for Dec. 2-3 at Birmingham-Southern College

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Fun-filled, classic, and contemporary Christmas tunes will be played out in dance at Birmingham-Southern’s annual holiday show “A Taste of the Season.”

This popular performance by students in BSC’s dance program will be held Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. on the mainstage of the College Theatre.

Approximately 18 female students and two male students will dazzle and entertain with holiday favorites such as “O Come, O Come, Emanuel”; “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”; and many more, including an excerpt from “The Nutcracker.”

Jackie Lockhart, BSC adjunct professor of dance and coordinator of the BSC dance program, is overseeing the production.  She is a 1985 graduate of Birmingham-Southern.

All the Christmas tunes and dance numbers and scenes are student-choreographed and student-directed. The production also will feature a variety of dance styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop, with each piece being wholly distinct and unique. One piece will transport the audience back to the 1950s with a USO (United Service Organizations) feel and Bing Crosby crooning in the background.

The show runs about one hour, with a 15-minute intermission. The event is open to the public and admission is free on a first come basis.

“We’re so excited to usher in the holidays by ‘dancing our hearts out,’” said Catherine Clubb-Brown, a sophomore English major from Memphis. “We just want to bring joy to our BSC family and to the Greater Birmingham community.”

For more information about the production, please contact Clubb-Brown at caclubbb@bsc.edu.

PME Extreme Drama presents A Sinner Prayer

Prepare yourselves to question who you are as you behold the drama “A Sinner’s Prayer”!! PME Education Foundation presents the powerful gospel stage play that rings loud and painfully clear for any parent who has children making destructive decisions. A Sinner’s Prayer’s true brilliance is how it draws viewers to feel pain and experience flights of laughter! This drama colorfully and skillfully shows how disobedience from God can quickly lead to destructive decisions. You will cry one minute and laugh the next but you will leave praising God for his faithfulness! A Sinner’s Prayer is more than a prayer – it is gospel entertainment at its best. Join us on August 20, 2011 at The Guiding Light 1800 John Rodgers Drive, at 7pm doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are now on sale at Lifeway Christian Bookstores, Spirit Filled Christian Bookstore and JB’S House of Fashion! Make your plans to be there for the only performance on August 20, 2011, 7p.m. at The Guiding Light, 1800 John Rodgers Drive call 256-682-2720 For more information!  VISIT www.asinnerprayer.com

PME Extreme Drama will be presenting a play (www.asinnerprayer.com)  in Birmingham on August 20, 2011. PME Extreme Drama is a drama group developed out of the non-profit PME Education Foundation (www.pmeeducationfoundation.com) which was established in the honor of my father who believed in education, talent and God.  Each year we host a golf tournament and a stage play production to rasie money for scholarships to be given to high school seniors and freshmen in collge.  Thus far, since our establishment in 2008, we have been blessed to give away four scholarships, help students with books, and assist with other medical needs for different communities.

GOD has truly been blessing me with this drama ministry and has allowed me several opportunities to present several plays. The latest gospel stage play, ‘A Sinner Prayer’ will be presented on August 20, 2011 in Birmingham, AL at The Guiding Light, 1800 John Rodgers Road, Birmingham, AL and on October 30, 2011 at Tuskegee University to kick-off Tuskegee’s Homecoming for the students.

 

Positive Roots Presents the live stage play Choices

Starring Tamika Scott formerly of XSCAPE and Tyler Perry’s plays this powerful inspiring stage play examines the lives of seven teenagers, all with their own situation. As a result of bad choices, they now reside at the “Crossroad Juvenile Detention Center”. Some of these stories you won’t believe, its sad, but it’s real. The World it seems has given up on our Youth; if they are going to survive its up us, you and I.
Choices can mean life or death!

Written and Directed by National play write -Donald Gray Who brought you “Man of Her Dreams” and “There’s a Stranger in My House”

Sunday Sept. 18th 2011 at the Alabama Theatre 7pm . $25 in advance and $29 at the door.

Get your tickets now at Nu Wear Western Hills Mall, Birmingham, AL 35201 (205) 923-7838 and Bonnie’s Accessories in Western Hills Mall, Color Me Beautiful 788-7997- Mr. and Mrs. Essence barbershop-located on 3917 Ave. I, Fairfield , Al 788-7997, Locate Muzik And More in Birmingham, Alabama 35208 – 205-786-7700…

PROJECT1VOICE making history on JUNE 20th, 8pm w/Multiple readings of TROUBLE IN MIND featuring Tonea Stewart in Birmingham

At 8 PM on June 20th nineteen (19) African-American theater organizations from New York to LA will make history as they present “1VOICE, 1PLAY, 1DAY”, a national one day benefit staged reading of the Alice Childress classic TROUBLE IN MIND.  This inaugural event, by PROJECT1VOICE, seeks to make the country aware of the plight of African-American theater companies and to preserve their legacies and those of African-American playwrights.  This campaign is shedding light on the need for assistance, both financial and in kind, for all arts organizations in this harsh economic climate. These organizations are fighting for their very existence.  Please join us today and support the theaters in our network.

Remember without these organizations we will nor have places for emerging directors, playwrights, actors, costumers and other theater professionals to hone their skills, We are losing the organizations that are at the forefront of cultivating our creative voices in the American theater.  It is imperative that we spark renewed interest in the arts, the artists and the organizations that nurture them.

PROJECT1VOICE is proud to take on this challenge of trumpeting our artistic resources so that they can sustain themselves now and into the future.

Go to www.project1voice.org for more information.

http://www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org for tickets in Birmingham.

DRUMLine Live Trivia!

Congratulations to allanmc4 who was the first person to answer trivia question #4

Trivia Question 4:

In the movie, which rapper performed during the Morris Brown routine at the Southern Classic?

The first person to leave the answer as a comment below wins a pair of tickets to see DrumlineLive, Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the BJCC Concert Hall.

Congratulations to monicab23 who was the first person to answer trivia question #3

Trivia Question 3:

While Devon miles was an excellent drummer what was it that he could not do that was a requirement of all band members of the Atlanta A&T University Band?

The first person to leave the answer as a comment below wins a pair of tickets to see DrumlineLive, Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the BJCC Concert Hall.

Congratulations to miajanelle who was the first person to answer trivia question #2

Trivia Question 2:

What was the name of the college that Devon attended and what city was the school located in?

The first person to leave the answer as a comment below wins a pair of tickets to see DrumlineLive, Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the BJCC Concert Hall.

Congratulations to jedwardsiii who was the first person to answer trivia question #1

Trivia Question 1:

What was the name of the main character in the movie Drumline and what actor played the character?

The first person to leave the answer as a comment below wins a pair of tickets to see DrumlineLive, Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the BJCC Concert Hall.

Note – Only one winner allowed per contest so tell your friends!

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About DrumLine LIVE

DRUMLine Live, the show‐stopping attraction created by the music team behind 20th Century Fox’s hit movie Drumline, will parade on to the Birmingham‐Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) Concert Hall stage on January 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are affordably priced with tickets starting at $22.00. Tickets are available at the CTO at the BJCC and at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers located in select Publix Super Markets and f.y.e. record stores. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982‐2787 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For group orders of 15 or more, please call 205.924.3636 or E‐mail GroupSales@BroadwayInBirmingham.com.

Complete with dazzling choreography and explosive percussion, DRUMLine Live is a thrilling spectacle that pays homage to the show‐style marching popularized at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). With riveting rhythms, bold beats and ear‐grabbing energy, the staged show is a synchronized musical showcase of the HBCU experience.

“We’ve taken the excitement of an HBCU football game halftime show, increased the intensity by a thousand watts, and created a musical journey that will touch every emotion,” says Don P. Roberts, DRUMLine Live’s creator and director. “DRUMLine Live is a high‐octane musical roller coaster ride that will keep the entire family cheering for more.”

The legendary HBCU band experience comes alive with DRUMLine Live’s world‐class cast of percussionists, musicians and dancers. The 39‐member cast of performers honed its unrivaled talent with years of training in marching band programs across the United States such as Florida A&M, Tennessee State, Clark Atlanta and Florida State University, just to name a few.

Incorporating original compositions and soul‐infused interpretations of top 40 hits, DRUMLine’s musical journey infuses colorful, choreographed routines with vibrant costumes and heavy doses of drum riffs and cadences. Audiences across the globe have been brought to their feet by the stirring sound of trumpets and incredible feats of athleticism; and have been astonished by the precision, creativity, and pulsing force in the climatic percussion battle. With musical highlights from hip‐hop, American soul, gospel, jazz and other music genres, DRUMLine Live brings a unique style of drumming, mesmerizing musicianship, and lively choreography never seen on stage before.

Roberts was inspired to create DRUMLine Live after serving as executive band consultant for the 2002 movie Drumline starring Nick Cannon. Drumline was one of the first major motion pictures to capture the electricity of the black college marching band experience. DRUMLine Live had a successful 70‐ performance international tour in 2008‐2009 with sold‐out shows throughout Asia.

“For those who attended HBCUs, and for those who have never had a chance to catch black college football games, the energy and the talent in DRUMLine Live are simply going to blow you away.”

DRUMLine Live is co‐produced by Halftime Live, LLC, and Columbia Artists Management, Inc (CAMI). CAMI is an internationally producer of live entertainment including many award winning Broadway and Off‐Broadway productions such as FELA, Chicago and Blue Man Group.

Tickets for DRUMLine Live at the BJCC Concert Hall are on sale now and can be purchased the CTO at the BJCC and at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers located in select Publix Super Markets and f.y.e. record stores.

Tickets may also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982‐2787 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For group orders of 15 or more, please call 205.924.3636 or E‐mail GroupSales@BroadwayInBirmingham.com.

The Birmingham engagement of DRUMLine Live is presented by arrangement with Broadway In Birmingham and is a special offering of the 2010‐2011 Broadway In Birmingham season.

GOSPEL SOAP OPERA SET TO HIT THE STAGE

Birmingham, AL July 27, 2010     Marriage can be a challenge, and best friends Angie and CeCe know this well. But when one of them finds herself about to lose her husband to another woman, that challenge turns into all hell breaking loose.

Their fictional story is set to unfold on the stage of the Virginia Samford Theatre on August 6-7 as part of Marc Raby’s gospel stage play, “He’s Not the Man I Married.” The show will feature a mix of comedy, drama, original gospel music as well as a moving performance by “Sunday’s Best” 2010 Finalist Dontavious Boatwright.

“There is no way you can come to this play going through (a problem) and not get a release,” Raby says.

The play opened in Gadsden in May to a sold-out audience. Raby is hoping for the same turnout in Birmingham, he says. The show starts at 7 p.m. both nights. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.amraevision.com.

A Birmingham native, Raby fell in love with writing as a boy. In the first grade, he participated in a young writers conference at UAB and, “Somebody messed up and told me I was good,” he says with a laugh.

His love affair with the theatre took shape when he and his aunt went to see the gospel play, “Mama I’m Sorry.” Once it was over, Raby was convinced that he wanted to create plays of his own someday. From that day forth, every time a gospel play came to Birmingham that same aunt would sacrifice to get the tickets so that he could go. “That was the beginning of my theatre fascination,” he says.

Raby hoped and prayed that his future would someday include the marriage of his two passions. Years later, while walking out of church, he got a spiritual confirmation. Gospel music promoter George Stewart stopped Raby and told him that God said “his gifts were in his writing and in his tongue.” “He made that declaration and I have tried to hold on to it,” Raby says.

Later, Stewart had a conversation with the Alabama State University convincing them to allow Raby, who was too young at the time, to be admitted as a student of famed actress Dr. Tommie ‘Tonea’ Stewart’s renowned 3T program.

Then, armed with training in writing and theatre, Raby began creating his own productions. First came “We Were There,” a black history play that toured the Birmingham City Schools; then “Ebony Scrooge,” Raby’s take on the Christmas classic; “Love Shouldn’t Hurt So Bad” was a popular production; and now “He’s Not the Man I Married” is being anticipated by Raby fans everywhere.

Raby says his productions are different from the typical gospel stage plays on the circuit because he does not follow the tried-and-true formula that is so popular among other playwrights. “I am sorry if the jokes aren’t in the right place,” he says. “I went with the Holy Spirit.”

And besides writing plays, Raby has penned an inspirational book called “Even Me: Maintaining Your Faith in Uncertain Times” as well as three children’s books. He says his mission is to use his writing, whether through books or plays, to inspire people. “I’ve got a charge to keep,” he says. “I only write by His (God’s) orchestration.”

With a slew of gospel stage plays and several books underneath his belt, does Raby want to be the next Tyler Perry? “Absolutely not,” he says. “I believe everyone’s gift will make room for them. Everyone has a place in the kingdom-at-large and I stay in my lane.”

Raby also has a charity called “Books and Bears” where he gives hundreds of books and Teddy bears to needy children in local Pre-K programs. He says he wants to give them, “a book and a friend.” During the night of his play, Raby is offering a V.I.P. Lounge experience for $28.50 that includes a post-show reception. Proceeds from it will be used to benefit his charity.

Note:  This article was written by Marie Sutton, Editor-In-Chief for The Sword Magazine. The Sword Magazine has granted permission to reprint.   www.theswordmag.com

BIRMINGHAM’S URBAN BROADWAY SPRINGS FORWARD THIS APRIL!

Birmingham, AL -  Birmingham’s urban theatre scene is about to spring forward thanks to Alicia Johnson, the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. For over 15 years, Johnson has brought quality, yet affordable, theatre to the underserved urban community. This spring, Johnson returns her energy as Director to eager audiences beginning with Ntozake Shange’s Obie Award-Winning choreopoem, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, which will feature musician and spoken word artist, Sharrif Simmons, and Ray Robinson playing the drum in a unique cabaret-style staging.
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For Colored Girls is an emotionally-moving array of poems that celebrates the painful and triumphant journey of the 20th century African-American female. First published in 1975, the play was praised by the The New Yorker for “encompassing… every feeling and experience a woman has ever had.” It is a groundbreaking dramatic prose poem written in vivid and powerful language that resonates with unusual beauty in its fierce message to the world. The seven women featured in the play are represented by a color. The concept for this rendition of the show sets it in a neo-soul lounge with much urban flair and high-couture fashion sensibilities that speak to men and women alike, leaving them all wanting more at the close of the curtain. The cast includes the phenomenal local talents of Melissa Baldwin (Lady in Brown), Ebone Gilbert (Lady in Green), Tarashai Lee (Lady in Blue), Shronda Major (Lady in Yellow), Makella Moore (Lady in Orange), Jacinta Sole (Lady in Purple) and Christi Strickland (Lady in Red). For Colored Girls is being produced by the Aldridge Repertory Theatre at the historic Carver Theater, and K & K Fashions in Centerpoint is providing the wardrobe for the cast.
For Colored Girls will run April 22 through April 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Carver Theatre, located at 1631 Fourth Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203. General admission is $25, $20 for Senior Citizens and $15 for students with a valid I.D. For more information, call the Carver Theatre at 205-254-2731 or visit www.jazzhall.com. For media inquiries and interviews only, please contact LaShanna R. Tripp at 205-821-0695 or via e-mail at LRP@WordzandRhythmz.com.

Black Nativity hailed as an “Entertaining Christmas Gift”

“Black Nativity” was inspired by the original work of Langston Hughes, and similar to William Shakespeare, Hughes’ text allows the play’s directors to layer its scenes as they like with various interplays that bring life to Hughes’ vision.

It’s 60-member plus cast of actors, singers and dancers makes one feel as though they are witnessing a professional Broadway ensemble cast.

“Black Nativity” starts out with vocal powerhouse Kristen Webster rendering a jazz rendition of the Christmastime standard “Carol of the Bells.” The scene is enhanced with an almost dark theater with cast members holding candles in the aisles as dancers silently enter the forestage and perform a dance, which morphs into a jubilant musical performance of “Joy to the World.”

The two biggest numbers of the play that are sure to please the audience are the scenes surrounding the Immaculate Conception of Mary and the birth of Christ.
In the former scene, we see an ensemble of dancers representing the Holy Spirit and other heavenly hosts do a tribal dance that musically crescendos into the conception of Christ as the angel Gabriel and other angels are garbed in traditional African garments. The birth scene echoes the production’s African motif with Mary giving birth as almost mystical incantations of chimes and piano-dominated new world music shifts into one of the most recognized songs of the season, Handel’s “Messiah.”

Among its other impressive musical and dance numbers, which are a blend of jazz and gospel, are such hits as “We Three Kings,” “Oh, Holy Night,” “Total Praise,” “Mary Did You Know,” and one of the play’s showstoppers, “Anthem of Praise.”

Look out for a stellar performance by Chante’lle Robinson, a young sophomore from Talladega, who performs the musical number “Grateful,” and whose  voice makes one feel anointed.

The acting, singing and dancing shine through to make each scene of “Black Nativity”enjoyable, entertaining and a new Christmas tradition for the tri-county area, much like other beloved Christmas performances of “The Nutcracker”or”A Christmas Carol.”

Jazz-infuzed Christmas carols, gospel music and African culture bring to life the true meaning of Christmas in Langston Hughes’ joyful and inspiring re-telling of the birth of Christ.

SHOWTIMES:
FRIDAY, DEC. 4th at 8 pm
SATURDAY DEC. 5th at 3 & 8 pm

LOCATION:
THE ALABAMA THEATER

TICKETS:

CALL 800-982-2787 OR VISIT WWW.ALDRIDGEREP.ORG

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS

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