A long, colorful, musical, dramatic voyage--- to be sure!
Did you know how instrumental our presence has been on "The Great White Way"?
"Since the dawning of the 20th century, African-American talent has graced the stages of Broadway--- starting with revues, Burlesque, Vaudeville, theatre, minstrel shows and legendary halls, Jazz- and supper clubs, such as The Savoy Ballroom, The Cotton Club and, eventually, The Apollo Theatre, and many others--- so many of which have since come, and gone. It is these performances, venues and productions which helped fuel the Harlem Renaissance. We were there, and played the most pivotal roles in that rebirth. We also contributed to Broadway theatre in ways, still important, and recognized, today.
"Since the dawning of the 20th century, African-American talent has graced the stages of Broadway--- starting with revues, Burlesque, Vaudeville, theatre, minstrel shows and legendary halls, Jazz- and supper clubs, such as The Savoy Ballroom, The Cotton Club and, eventually, The Apollo Theatre, and many others--- so many of which have since come, and gone. It is these performances, venues and productions which helped fuel the Harlem Renaissance. We were there, and played the most pivotal roles in that rebirth. We also contributed to Broadway theatre in ways, still important, and recognized, today.
In the legitimate theatre, plays such as "A Raisin in the Sun", "Fences", "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf", and "A Soldier's Play, blew apart restrictions and opposition to blacks in the industry in roles other than, lazy, shiftless, ne'er-do-wells, maids, field-hands, and mammies. Our performances proved that our stories were engaging and important enough to have an impact in the business, its commercial viability, successes, and appeal to a broad crossection of audiences.
Along with musical masterpieces such as "Porgy & Bess", "Showboat" (1927 Production), and Mr. Scott Joplin's "Treemonisha" (1910/1972 - A black Opera) --- every one of which has proven a REMARKABLE entree, and vehicle, for African-Americans to this art--- a new day has dawned for African-Americans in contemporary Broadway theatre. "The Wiz", "Dreamgirls", "Raisin", "Purlie", "Ain't Misbehavin'", "Bubblin' Brown Sugar", "The Color Purple", and "Pippin" were key in the trend!
Deserving of the credit and opportunities to continue to contribute demonstrated excellence, and professionalism to the world of Musical Theatre, 2013 has absolutely glowed with radiant , successful, welcoming responses to shows with African-American themes, or leading players, such as: "Pippin", "Kinky Boots", and "Motown"! And there are African-American stars bowing everywhere! Even Television Talker Wendy Williams made her Broadway debut this summer in the role of "Mama Morton" in "Chicago, a role played by Queen Latifah in the Award-winning film of the same title!
Among Broadway's best, and brightest, are TONY Award winners: Ms. Audra McDonald, Mr. Billy Porter, And Ms. Patina Miller. "Stormy"s OWN Regional Director, Mr. Nathan Lee Graham, will open soon as The Emcee in "Cabaret" The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis! See? We continue to trend far, and wide. Thanks to artists such as these!
We intend for "Stormy" to earn a spot in that storied, beautiful, and important line-up of shows, and to become a part of Broadway history!
#stormyshow #seeyouonBroadway!!! #EachOneTeachOne! <3
- Marcinho
Marcinho Savant, Executive Producer
"Stormy", the musical