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.
�
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

Langston Hughes’ BLACK NATIVITY

Aldridge Repertory Theatre, Alabama’s oldest minority-based theatre company, presents Langston Hughes’ Broadway Hit Musical Black Nativity. The “gospel song-play” tells the story of the birth of Christ through roof-raising gospel music, jazz infused Christmas carols, and African dance.

Aldridge Rep Artistic Director Anthony Mark Stockard directs. Stockard is no stranger to Black Nativity, as he has both directed and starred in the show before. “Birmingham is going to get a one of a kind top-notch celebration of Christmas this year,” said Stockard. “Around the world Black Nativity is warmly referred to as the African-American community’s Christmas card to the world. However this year no one will offer a production of Black Nativity as unique and soulful as Aldridge Rep’s.”

The family friendly show boasts a 60-member cast and a score that includes gospel-infused renditions of holiday standards such as “We Three Kings,” “Mary Did You Know” and “Joy to the World.”

The cast stars Birmingham natives Chant’elle Robinson as Mary, Brandon McCall as Joseph and Joycelyn Smith as Elisabeth.

Black Nativity runs Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 3 & 8 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre in downtown Birmingham. Tickets are $15-$25 and can be purchased an hour before curtain or in advance at all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone call 800-982-2787.

The Color Purple coming to Birmingham October 20 - 25

From the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, and the moving film by Steven Spielberg, comes a soul-stirring new musical and landmark Broadway event.

THE COLOR PURPLE is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who – through love – finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life.

Directed by Gary Griffin, THE COLOR PURPLE is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray and choreography by Donald Byrd.

Click here for tickets

Color Purple SPECIAL pre-sale ticket offer through Urbanham.com!

The Color Purple finally hits Birmingham and you can get your tickets before they go on-sale to the general public through this exclusive offer from Urbanham.com!

Presale tickets go on sale at 10AM August 21, 2009 and expires on August 27, 2009 at Midnight.

Broadway Across American and Oprah Winfrey presents The Color Purple, the musical about love.

The award winning musical will come to the BJCC Concert Hall on October 20 - 25, 2009.  Tickets start as low as $ 22.00 so make sure you get your seats early and catch this great offer!

From the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, and the moving film by Steven Spielberg, comes a soul-stirring new musical and landmark Broadway event.

THE COLOR PURPLE is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who – through love – finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life.

Directed by Gary Griffin, THE COLOR PURPLE is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray and choreography by Donald Byrd.

For tickets visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/os234h and make sure you use the code URBAN.

A NEW play about ‘Arts & Education’ comes to the Carver!

Aldridge Repertory Theatre presents Nilaja Sun’s nationally acclaimed, award-winning play No Child… at the Carver Theatre from August 20-30, 2009. No Child… follows an inner-city school “teaching artist” as she attempts to get past budget constraints, metal detectors, standardized testing, and teacher burnout in order to find a way to reach her students.

No Child… is essential viewing for teachers, parents, high school students, school administrators, youth activists, and anyone who cares about the current state of public education. The New Yorker said it’s an “object lesson in what should not be missing from any life curriculum… hope.”

No Child… is one of many plays to come to the Carver.  Aldridge Repertory Theatre, Alabama’s oldest minority-based theatre company, announced their 2009-10 Inaugural Season at the historic Carver Theatre.  The eclectic five-show

season boasts an impressive combination of plays and musicals that include a musical about jazz legend Billie Holiday and Langston Hughes’ Broadway hit musical Black Nativity.

Artistic Director, Anthony Mark Stockard shared, “We at Aldridge Rep are very excited about what is to come this year. We enter our 21st year, in a 21st century where progression and change are all around us.  Our Inaugural Season at the Carver has been selected very carefully. With artistic excellence and audience satisfaction at the forefront of my mind, I have chosen plays and musicals that I am sure will make Aldridge Rep the next big thing in Birmingham and the talk of 2009.”

For tickets and more information visit www.aldridgerep.org or call (205) 264-9910.