Fences

It was like a dream comes true, when I got to sit six rows back in the orchestra and watch an extraordinary revival of Fences on Broadway! It has been 23 years since this production has last seen the bright light of a Broadway stage. This production of this play was so well directed, and staged brilliantly! I might have changed some of the set design, being that I am from Pittsburgh, and have been to the Hill District many of times, and the set didn't feel like home to me! It was an extra nice experience for me, as I could envision the neighborhoods, and identify with the text when it spoke of different things, streets, and just plain Pittsburghese!!!! With that said, I need to give a large BRAVO shout out to the late August Wilson, who writing is so powerful, thought provoking, real, and timeless. This man was a genius, and gone way too soon. I'm not just saying that, because he is from my home town. LOL August Wilson was a true genius, and now as an older man, I can realize his talent even more.

To see the shows stars, and folks I idolize, (Denzel Washington and Viola Davis) on stage was so awesome for me. Did they live up to the hype? Oh yes they did and more. I now am a huge fan of both of these actors, and wouldn't miss a thing they do on stage and film. Viola Davis, is the real deal my friends, and her performance is honest, stunning, and magnificent! Some of the choices she made, were so off the wall, and worked so well, that I couldn't help but tear up! Denzel Washington, has a new take on his character Troy, and you don't just think of him as a butt hole. You realize that this man, truly does care about the people around him, although he has a harsh way of showing it! Denzel had some moments that reminded of me the great James Earl Jones, and I was thrilled to see the man in action up close. The other highlighted performance for me was Stephen Mckinley Henderson, who has such a heart in his simple, honest, beautiful performance. I also enjoyed Mykelti Willamson, who played the same character he played in Forrest Gump, however, he does it well. I also say if it ain't broke, then don't fix it! My two least favorite performances were that of Chris Chalk and Russell Hornsby! Although, I will say that Hornsby last moment in the show was beautifully done. Hornsby performance throughout the rest of the piece felt very contrived and not real to me. Which is unfortunate for a man with so many credits, and maybe I saw him on a bad night???? Chris Chalk on the other hand, lacked the passion needed to convince me that, his dad is crushing his dream of football! Chalk's performance was OK, but I would have done more homework, and dug deeper to find more moments. I will say this Chalk and Hornsby criticism by me, (just J.R.) wasn't that I thought they were horrible. They were just OK, and I am being nit picky and wanted different choices, and more honesty in the moment from both actors.

All in all Fences is a must see if you are New York City. For three reasons only: Denzel, August and Viola!!!!! This piece is probably the best acting I have ever seen on a stage, LIVE! RUN TO SEE FENCES! You have to see why this show is nominated for 11 Tony Awards!

Monique Midgette

One of my dearest friends in the world, is Monique Midgette. She is a musical theater performer like no other, and a voice that is powerful and it will blow your hair back. I love to hear Monique sing, she is so talented, and I have never been more obsessed with someones vibratto. Her voice has a gospel sound, with a mix of Broadway swished all up and through it! She also has a knack for singing classic soul music, such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Anita Baker, and her favorite Darlene Love. She is also so present on stage, and her acting chops are raw, pure, and present! I have followed my friends theatrical career, and enjoy watching her on that big stage. Some of her credits include; Sessusical on Broadway, Civil War on Broadway, Marie Christine on Broadway, and currently in The Lion King! You might not know the name yet, oh, but you will, she will be a broadway star, and very soon. Monique will have Tony nominations, and all kinds of trophies on her mantal. She has been patient and silent, waiting for her starring break. I feel it in my bones, that it will be coming soon! Watch out world for Monique Midgette, Broadway's next big star.

Nathan Lee Graham

So I have an amazing friend, who is so terrific and talented. I cherish his friendship, because he inspires me as an actor. You might have seen him in movies such as Zoolander, Sweet Home Alabama, and Hitch! Just to mention a few of his works, because this man is a working fool! He has an acting style like no other, with honesty and commitment to his work. He is the one man, I would love to work with, but would be terrified to do a scene. Mr. Graham is known to steal the scene from everyone, even the likes of mega star Will Smith! He will take a scene, grab hold of it, spin, twirl, flip, and jump all over that scene, until it is left on the ground with nothing! LOL! What you don't know about Nathan, is he is not just a screen star, he has an amazing voice, and we met doing the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, many years ago. He was also in musicals like Showboat, The WIld Party (Bway) and will soon be seen this fall in the musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert! His cabaret act is one of the best in town, and if you get a chance to see it, you will be doing yourself a major treat. For more information on Nathan check out his reel: www.nathanleegraham.com

Kendra Ross

Kendra Ross, is a singer that I'm sure I have spoken of before, as she is my current roommate, and friend since we were 13 years old. Kendra is a singer like no other, and her sound will move through out your body, and you will feel her soul through her music! A soul singer, is what she is, and yet you can hear a hint of that jazz, gospel, musical theater, influences. A true alto, with a range that is out of this world. Her rich tone alone will give you chills up and down your spine. On stage, she is a positive light beaming into your heart. You can't help but be touched by her music, and message. She has so much to give to the universe, and you better be ready to take it in, because she will give you it all on stage. Kendra is not new to this business, and you can tell by the way she performs that Mrs. Ross is a seasoned star. I remember her at 13 singing Whitney Houston's "One Moment In Time", and to watch this women grow, and grow into this awesome artist! You need to buy Kendra's first album, "New Voice" which you can get on itunes. She is currently working on a new album, which I am so excited for it's release. For more information on Kendra, check out her site; www.kendraross.com

KEY

On Sunday I went to hear a dear friend by the name of Key, sing at a club called Ella's Lounge in the East Village. She has inspired me to start this four day blog series, in which she will be the first. This week I will blog about close friends, that I think, are so gifted, that the world has to watch out! These are friends that will contribute and change the world with there talent. I believe in them whole heartily, and I am glad to blog about there artistry.

Key has an distinctive sound, if you were to turn on the radio you would know her voice. Some may compare her to Errika badu or Corrine Bailey Rae, but I just hear Key! Her stage presence was so impressive, from the outfit, the hair, and the limp wrist through out her whole performance. Channeling the late Billie Holiday, but without the drugs. If you look into Key's eyes, you can see the soul of her music transformed in her spirit. This is what I love in a artist, is a connection, cause if you feel it, then we will feel it. The audience definitely felt it, as they screamed, hooted, and ranted for more songs. She sang eight songs, and and no one wanted to leave the venue until she blessed us with another note. This is a undeniable talent, and I think you should all check her out. To find out more information about Key you can check her out on twitter @ladyplum. She is also a blogger and you can follow her at www.ladyplum.wordpress.com! KEY HUGGINS, DON'T SLEEP ON HER, A STAR IS BORN!

Finding Me 3

My film acting class is coming to an end, and I will be finished with it next week. I have learned a ton about my type, and myself as an actor. Scene's that work for me, and scene's that I have a problem connecting with, how to make them work for me. The class has been so much fun, and I am going to miss not having it in my life weekly! New things about me, I was always told I am leading man. I recently found out that I am not, and love to play the best friend! I am good at the best friend, and I love to play character roles. My actor teacher says I am the black Brad Pitt, a character actor, who is trapped in a normal man's body! Anything corky, fun, and dark, dry comedy is right up my alley. It was nice to find out, that I can do comedy. However, I'm not that good at sitcom, in your face kind of comedy. It has to be dry and dark, I like to play things seriously, and find out that the whole class is dying with laughter at my moments. As I said before I just love every aspect of acting, and I'm so glad to be a part of this amazing industry. My strength is still in the drama world, this is my niche and my cash cow.

Now one more class to go for me, and that is a commercial class that I start this Thursday. My manager is making me take this class, before she starts sending me out commercially. Yet again, to learn a whole new medium of acting, one that can pay my bills, until I get that big gig! I also have my final showcase for people in the industry in June, and I'm preparing for that as we speak. I have been training hard for almost six months, and I have learned a ton. After the commercial class, and the showcase. I will be finished with classes for a while. Daddy can't afford it anymore, now time to make some money. Here is to working hard, and finding a job, from here on out! Wish me luck, as I put myself back full fledged in the performing market.

Remembering Lena

The legend, pioneer, beautiful, smart, talented actress Lena Horne died yesterday at 92 years young. Lena has paved the way for us African American actors, and was known for being very out spoken. In many ways, she reminded me of my grandma, when I look at younger pictures of my grandmother, Lena Horne always came to mind. Maybe it was there very fair complexion, and as young adults, almost being able to pass for white. This was Lena Hornes claim to fame, being the actress that could pass, and the white people could except back in those days. Lena was not happy about this, and wanted it to be about her talent, and not her look. She was known to have a big mouth, (Like My Grandma) and she would tell you like it is. However, Lena ran into Hollywood, and opened many doors for us as a people. I can honestly say, "we" wouldn't be here today without this beautiful pioneer. I always felt a special kin to Lena Horne, and sorry I never got to meet this legend! There was a story that I heard that particularly pops in my head. Lena wanted to live in Beverly Hills, and at the time, African Americans couldn't live there. Lena got her white attorney to buy the house, behind the white folks back, and she moved in. The white folks were so pissed off, that they started a petition to get her moved out of Beverly Hills ASAP. In the end, the petition didn't work, because the late great comedian Milton Berle stopped the petition. Isn't that an awesome story? I hope they finally make a movie of her life now that she has passed. Lena has inspired, with glam, acting chops, a jazzy sultry voice, and an amazing outgoing spirit. She will be missed, and I will carry her spirit with me. RIP LENA HORNE!

Black is Beautiful The Tony Awards

This is a very thrilling season for an African American Actor, and the Tony Award. We are dominating this year, and it was a blessing to be Black on Broadway. I couldn't believe how many African Americans were nominated for Tony's. It was almost alarming, and yet this Broadway season shows that this world is evolving in a great way. First we got a black president, now we are taking over the Tony awards. For anyone, who is Black and has big dreams, you now feel like you can accomplish them. I wish the same thing for other cultures to experience, such as Asians, and Latinos etc. Although, I will admit out of all genre's of award giving, The Tony's is always pretty color blind i.e. Audra Mcdonald (many wins), B.D. Wong, many other actors and shows.

I am excited that Fela, (which I blogged about in the past) is nominated for best musical. This show is so amazing, and like I said before if you haven't seen it, I'm sure there performance on Tony's will convince you. We also have Fences nominated for best revival of a play, which is thrilling to me, because two of my favorite actors are in it. (Denzel Washington and Viola Davis)!!!! Not to mention the late playwright August Wilson was born and raised in Pittsburgh, where I am from. I will be blogging about this play as I have tickets for it on May 23, and I am counting down anticipation!

Other African Americans to congratulate:

Best Actor Denzel Washington
Best Actress Viola Davis
Best Actor Musical Sahr Ngaujah (Fela)
Best Actress Musical Montego Glover (Memphis)
Best Supporting Actor David Alan Grier (Race)
Best Supporting Actor Stephen Mckinley Henderson (Fences)
Best Supporting Actor Musical Robin De Jesus (La Cage)
Best Supporting Actress Musical Lillas White (Fela)
Best Supporting Actress Musical Karine Plantadit (Come Fly Away)
Best Direction and Choreography of a Musical Bill T. Jones (Fela)
Best Direction in a play Kenny Leon (fences)

Well there you have it for the awards show dominating. I also need to give a shout out to fellow Boston Conservatory alum Chad Kimball (Caucasian) nominated for best actor for his performance in Memphis! This is a exciting year for me, and year to be proud. Hey where is my nomination????? Guess, I have to book a principal in a show first huh? Anyway, can't wait for the Tony's this year. Stay tuned for my blog on the live air date as I blog on speeches, winners, performances, outfits, bloopers etc.

Everyday Rapture

I went to the opening night of the musical, "Everyday Rapture", and it was great to go to an opening night in New York City. I ran into so many friends, and it was night filled with excitement, red carpets, passion and critics. "Everyday Rapture", was basically a scripted one women show, with two background singers, telling the story of the life of Sherie Rene Scott! The writing of this piece was brilliant, and was so funny, but came off to me like a "Don't Tell Mama's" cabaret. It is hard to sell a cabaret at the Broadway level of performing. If you are not Patti Lupone, Liza Minnelli, or Elaine Stritch real Broadway royalty, you better step up to that plate with avenges! Sherie Rene Scott, doesn't have that power, and I don't know if she ever will. Her voice is meek, but yet stunning, and very recognizable. She does very corny riffs when she riffs, I prefer to hear her sing the melody straight. The quiet moments in her show were her best. There is no denying her gift as a vocalist, the girl is talented, I just missed the "it" factory! The thing that lacks with her to me is her stage presence/believability. Even as she told the stories of her life, it seemed like a character voice, and I felt no truth at all! Honesty is what I search for in every performance, and when I see a show, I wanted to be captivated, and not thinking about my facebook page at moments. The highlight of her show was this alto (one of her back up singers) who had the presence and soul in her voice! Her name is Lindsay Mendez, she really captivated me when she was on stage. Tons of my attention went to her, and sometimes, in the vocals I would only hear her, tuning out Sherie Renee Scott, don't know why my ear did that! Hey, I am just being honest that is what happened. There is also an amazing show stopping moment in the show, that had me at the edge of my seat! It was so so fun, and entertaining, and sorry to say it again, it had nothing to do with Sherie Renee Scott! It was this little boy Eamon Foley, he comes out on that stage, and takes the show in his hands, and leaves with it! I don't want to tell you about the scene, because it something you have to see. This young boys talent is extreme, even in his over the top performance, I left wanting more! Now I will end this blog entry, with the fact that, this is my opinion. I hate panning performance, but I think I have to be honest to my blog readers. I love Sherie Renee Scott in other Broadway shows, and just didn't like this one. Mind you, the friends I was with loved the show, and the TONY voter's did too, as she was nominated for best actress. So I wanted to state that, and you will have to go and form your own opinion!

WHAT????

This was posted up in a couple places in New York City, and it made me smile. This is self marketing at it's best, a little vulgar, however, I bet this dude actually gets work! This is way too funny! What do you think, I don't have the guts to do something like this????? I have to get work the good old fashion way? No NOT THE CASTING COUCH, you naughty blog readers. AGENT SUBMISSIONS ONLY BABY! LOL