If you didn't get around to seeing the Open Space Cafe Theatre's production of "Crowns," two shows have been added for August 23 and 24. Call 336-292-2285 for more information and to purchase tickets.
When you visit the theatre's website, a slideshow provides a glimpse of scenes from this highly entertaining musical. In addition to great music and all-around impressive performances, you'll also learn about the diverse culture of hat-wearing among some African-American women. Bennett College and the Greensboro Sit-Ins are a part of the historical snapshots revealed.
More here and here.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Will Strom Thurmond Speak Out About John Edwards's Confession?
On 101.1 WZTK, I've had the pleasure of hearing Strom Thurmond come on the show and pass along some of his wholesome, conservative values.
I'm hoping Thurmond, a true conservative who has always stood up for family values, will be able to visit "Brad and Britt Show in the Morning" and provide much-needed commentary about that lousy, stinky Democrat John Edwards and his finally-confessed lack of marital faithfulness.
I'd be most curious to hear Thurmond's comments about the two quotes I found most fascinating from John Edwards's statement:
"But being 99 percent honest is no longer enough." (I just wondered if his calculation of 99% might be just a tiny-bit high in this particular instance. Edwards might need to tweak his calculating methods a little.)
"In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic." (I'd love to hear from Senator Thurmond if he ever found himself guilty of feeling that way about himself. I doubt it because I certainly don't like to think anything negative about the Good Senator, but I'd appreciate hearing from the man himself.)
I'm hoping Thurmond, a true conservative who has always stood up for family values, will be able to visit "Brad and Britt Show in the Morning" and provide much-needed commentary about that lousy, stinky Democrat John Edwards and his finally-confessed lack of marital faithfulness.
I'd be most curious to hear Thurmond's comments about the two quotes I found most fascinating from John Edwards's statement:
"But being 99 percent honest is no longer enough." (I just wondered if his calculation of 99% might be just a tiny-bit high in this particular instance. Edwards might need to tweak his calculating methods a little.)
"In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic." (I'd love to hear from Senator Thurmond if he ever found himself guilty of feeling that way about himself. I doubt it because I certainly don't like to think anything negative about the Good Senator, but I'd appreciate hearing from the man himself.)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Aggies Strut Their "Crowns" at the Open Space Cafe Theatre
If you enjoy theatre and music, you should definitely make plans to attend Regina Taylor's "Crowns" at the Open Space Cafe Theatre. Beyond the pleasures of listening to beautiful music and witnessing great performances, seeing this musical is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the popular custom among some African-American women of wearing hats, particularly to church.
Tall, thin, and tough, Yolanda (Whitney Chamblee, a rising senior at the Weaver Performing Arts Academy) walks and talks with an attitude, and she opens the show by explaining why: her brother Teddy was shot and killed, and she's been forced to move from her beloved Brooklyn, NY to the South and live with her grandmother, Mother Shaw
Mother Shaw (Sandra Jones) and four other African-American women take turns trying to convey to Yolanda why their hats are such an important part of their identities, hoping that she'll develop the same respect and appreciation for their hat-wearing traditions. While they share a love for hats, these five women each have different lessons and experiences to share, and their diverse personalities are reflected in the different colors and styles of their hats. After these women are first introduced under dim lights wearing only slips, background screens are turned to reveal individual closets in which we get to see the vividly colored outfits they will change into. As we listen to them tell their background stories one by one, we watch the others change into their full attire. Mother Shaw ends up wearing white; Mabel (Jamilla Curry) red; Velma (Tennille Foust) purple; Wanda (Melanie Matthews) orange; and Jeanette (Randi Martin) blue. All five of these actresses are graduates of N.C. A & T State University, and their performances only take Aggie Pride to even higher levels.
Tall, thin, and tough, Yolanda (Whitney Chamblee, a rising senior at the Weaver Performing Arts Academy) walks and talks with an attitude, and she opens the show by explaining why: her brother Teddy was shot and killed, and she's been forced to move from her beloved Brooklyn, NY to the South and live with her grandmother, Mother Shaw
Mother Shaw (Sandra Jones) and four other African-American women take turns trying to convey to Yolanda why their hats are such an important part of their identities, hoping that she'll develop the same respect and appreciation for their hat-wearing traditions. While they share a love for hats, these five women each have different lessons and experiences to share, and their diverse personalities are reflected in the different colors and styles of their hats. After these women are first introduced under dim lights wearing only slips, background screens are turned to reveal individual closets in which we get to see the vividly colored outfits they will change into. As we listen to them tell their background stories one by one, we watch the others change into their full attire. Mother Shaw ends up wearing white; Mabel (Jamilla Curry) red; Velma (Tennille Foust) purple; Wanda (Melanie Matthews) orange; and Jeanette (Randi Martin) blue. All five of these actresses are graduates of N.C. A & T State University, and their performances only take Aggie Pride to even higher levels.
Yolanda listens as these women tell their stories, but she is not always excited about or interested in what they have to say. There is a generational gap, and it takes time for her to gain the appreciation and enthusiasm they have for hats. A baseball cap turned sideways works for her throughout much of the play, and it is only with time that she embraces a hat that her elders might regard as more fitting and dignified.
These women have a full arsenal of approaches for sharing their love for hats: they tell stories, they pass along sayings (hatisms), they teach lessons, they sing, they dance, they provide both serious and humorous reenactments, and above all else, they model the hats they cherish. As if in a pageant, there is a competitive spirit among the women, but while there is a sense of wanting to wear and show off the best hat, there's also a respect and appreciation for seeing other women wear the beautiful hats they choose to wear. It wouldn't be as beautiful a world for any of these women ever to find herself alone as a hat-wearer.
While "Crowns" celebrates women, it does not ignore the role that men can play in women's hat-wearing customs. Joseph Level, a widely acclaimed radio personality with 1510 Big WEAL Gospel, plays the all-purpose Man for this show, and he adds a wonderful voice, diverse personalities, and his own collection of hats. (You can see him become a different character just by changing of hats.)
Director Donna Baldwin-Bradby, an Adjunct Professor and Director of Marketing and Publicity for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at North Carolina A & T State University, follows up her wonderful job directing Triad Stage's "From the Mississippi Delta" in the spring.
Darrell J. Hunt, a senior professional theatre major at North Carolina A & T State University, serves as the Stage Manager.
Stephanie D. Gray, a member of the Theatre Faculty at North Carolina A & T State University, serves as the Musical Director and Keyboardist. In her bio on the program, she expresses appreciation for "working with her favorite collaborator, Donna Bradby."
While I've tried to use words to capture some of the essence of "Crowns," none of what I've written comes close to capturing the actual experience of viewing this musical in person. You need to see it for yourself. There was a good crowd for the opening show, but there was room for more to attend. It's a show that deserves an audience, and if you're around and have the time, you really should make plans to attend.
Here's information about the seven remaining shows, how you can get tickets, and where the Open Space Cafe Theatre is located:
- Friday, August 8 at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, August 9 at 8:00 PM
- Sunday, August 10 at 2:00 PM
- Thursday, August 14 at 8:00 PM
- Friday, August 15 at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, August 16 at 8:00 PM
- Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 PM
Call 336-292-2285 for tickets. If the answering machine answers, just leave a) your name, b)phone number, c) the number of tickets you need, and d) the date you wish to attend.
Tickets are $20.00 per person; $17.00 each for senior citizens; $10.00 for students 17 years old and younger. If you have a party of 8 or more, you will receive a $2.00 discount per ticket.
The Open Space Cafe Theatre is located at 4609 W. Market Street in Greensboro. It's a small, intimate theatre, located across from Bert's Seafood Grille and next door to a Public Storage facility. Directions can be found here.
The show is approximately 1 1/2 hours, and there is no intermission. Drinks and desserts may be purchased before the show begins, and you sit at tables at which you can enjoy your refreshments during the performance.
Be sure to spread the word about this show.
And I hope you'll enjoy "Crowns" as much as I did.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
8 Chances for You to See "Crowns"
Inspired by a book about the hats that some African-American women are famous for wearing, the musical "Crowns" opens at the Open Space Cafe Theatre on Thursday, August 7, 2008 and runs through Sunday, August 17, 2008.
Beloved by readers, "Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats" (by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry) moved playwright Regina Taylor enough to create a gospel-style tribute to these women and their hats.
The synopsis from the OSC Theatre website: "A musical tribute to the fabulous church hats and the African-American women for whom they are symbolic crowns, a means to express themselves in the presence of God. The story of a Brooklyn girl, staying with her grandmother in the South following a tragedy, is a springboard for an exploration of black cultural history and identity."
Receiving positive reviews in Orlando, New York, and San Francisco, "Crowns" will be directed locally by Donna Baldwin-Bradby, a North Carolina A&T State University adjunct professor and the recent director of Triad Stage's "From the Mississippi Delta."
If you haven't seen a show at the Open Space Cafe Theatre yet, this would be a great chance to see your first performance there. It's a small, intimate theatre, and since I first discovered the OSC Theatre a year ago, I've thoroughly enjoyed every production they've done. (The only show I've missed was "Godspell," and that's because it sold out before I was able to get tickets for the night I could have attended.) Knowing what an amazing job Baldwin-Bradby did with "From the Mississippi Delta," I'm looking even more forward to seeing "Crowns."
Here is all the information you should need to get your tickets and attend, and be sure to spread the word among your friends and family members:
Beloved by readers, "Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats" (by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry) moved playwright Regina Taylor enough to create a gospel-style tribute to these women and their hats.
The synopsis from the OSC Theatre website: "A musical tribute to the fabulous church hats and the African-American women for whom they are symbolic crowns, a means to express themselves in the presence of God. The story of a Brooklyn girl, staying with her grandmother in the South following a tragedy, is a springboard for an exploration of black cultural history and identity."
Receiving positive reviews in Orlando, New York, and San Francisco, "Crowns" will be directed locally by Donna Baldwin-Bradby, a North Carolina A&T State University adjunct professor and the recent director of Triad Stage's "From the Mississippi Delta."
If you haven't seen a show at the Open Space Cafe Theatre yet, this would be a great chance to see your first performance there. It's a small, intimate theatre, and since I first discovered the OSC Theatre a year ago, I've thoroughly enjoyed every production they've done. (The only show I've missed was "Godspell," and that's because it sold out before I was able to get tickets for the night I could have attended.) Knowing what an amazing job Baldwin-Bradby did with "From the Mississippi Delta," I'm looking even more forward to seeing "Crowns."
Here is all the information you should need to get your tickets and attend, and be sure to spread the word among your friends and family members:
- The Open Space Cafe Theatre is located at 4609 West Market Street/ Greensboro, NC 27407 (across from Bert's Seafood Grille; directions here).
- Call 336-292-2285 for tickets.
- $20.00 per ticket; $17.00 for seniors; $10.00 for students, 17 years and younger. (Groups of 8 or more receive a $2.00 discount.)
- Desserts, coffee, sodas, and wine may be purchased before the show and enjoyed at the tables that are a part of the theatre's cafe-style seating.
These are your 8 chances to see "Crowns":
- Thursday, August 7 at 8:00 PM
- Friday, August 8 at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, August 9 at 8:00 PM
- Sunday, August 10 at 2:00 PM
- Thursday, August 14 at 8:00 PM
- Friday, August 15 at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, August 16 at 8:00 PM
- Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 PM
The Odd Couple of Movie Criticism
Roger Ebert writes about the end of the show that he and Gene Siskel started 33 years ago, reflecting on the relationship they shared and some of the memories. Ebert describes the nature of their relationship:
I can't recall when or how, but by the time I discovered their show, Siskel and Ebert were already pretty well established. When he worked at the old movie theatre next to Four Seasons Town Centre, my brother told me that one of his managers had told him that Siskel and Ebert had at one point had the power to make or break movies simply by giving them their thumbs up or a thumbs down. Apparently that level of influence went back to their early days on PBS. (By the time I stumbled across their show, it was on one of the other networks.)
As movie fans, my brother and I, like many other people, developed a respect and appreciation for the reviews Siskel and Ebert gave. They didn't influence all of our movie-going and movie-viewing habits, but they definitely contributed to us being more or less enthusiastic and open-minded about certain movies. Hearing their passionate recommendations made me excited about seeing movies I otherwise wouldn't have considered (or, in some cases, even known about). And in reverse fashion, they sometimes made me less interested in seeing movies I had previously thought were must-see movies. It was always fascinating to find out what one or both noticed about the movies they watched. They made me more aware of things that were worth paying attention to while watching a movie, and they revealed the different ways and multiple levels by which a movie could be enjoyed and appreciated.
What took the show to an even higher level was the entertainment value of not only their reviews but also their interactions with one another. While they shared a love of movies, Siskel and Ebert couldn't have looked any more different physically nor could they have possessed less similar personalities. Their differences added a dramatic tension that made watching them more entertaining and even more suspenseful. By watching them, you learned a bit about their individual tastes and idiosyncrasies, but they also always maintained a level of unpredictability. You never knew for sure how they would feel about a movie or what they might say next.
At some point, I discovered that Ebert also wrote reviews, and I enjoyed reading his writing as much as I enjoyed watching him talk about movies. For as many reviews as he has written all these years, Ebert hasn't run out of the words necessary to write fresh, entertaining reviews.
It made me sad when I learned that Siskel had passed away. After having different critics take turns sitting in Siskel's chair alongside Ebert, Richard Roeper ended up with the uneviable task of trying to replace Siskel in the balcony. More recently, Ebert has suffered problems with his own health. It's good that he's back to writing, and even though it sounds like big changes are in store, it's comforting to know that the show might still survive "in a new venue."
Thanks, Siskel and Ebert and Roeper, for sharing with us your love for the movies!
"Did Gene and I hate each other? Yes. Did we love each other? Yes. Somehow an outtake from a promo session has found its way on YouTube, where in a single take you can see us bitterly sniping at one another and then happily joking together. It was like that. 'You have the entire staff in terror of you,' I told him. 'That's funny,' he said. 'That's what they tell me about you.' We were both terrible to work with. And great to work with."
I can't recall when or how, but by the time I discovered their show, Siskel and Ebert were already pretty well established. When he worked at the old movie theatre next to Four Seasons Town Centre, my brother told me that one of his managers had told him that Siskel and Ebert had at one point had the power to make or break movies simply by giving them their thumbs up or a thumbs down. Apparently that level of influence went back to their early days on PBS. (By the time I stumbled across their show, it was on one of the other networks.)
As movie fans, my brother and I, like many other people, developed a respect and appreciation for the reviews Siskel and Ebert gave. They didn't influence all of our movie-going and movie-viewing habits, but they definitely contributed to us being more or less enthusiastic and open-minded about certain movies. Hearing their passionate recommendations made me excited about seeing movies I otherwise wouldn't have considered (or, in some cases, even known about). And in reverse fashion, they sometimes made me less interested in seeing movies I had previously thought were must-see movies. It was always fascinating to find out what one or both noticed about the movies they watched. They made me more aware of things that were worth paying attention to while watching a movie, and they revealed the different ways and multiple levels by which a movie could be enjoyed and appreciated.
What took the show to an even higher level was the entertainment value of not only their reviews but also their interactions with one another. While they shared a love of movies, Siskel and Ebert couldn't have looked any more different physically nor could they have possessed less similar personalities. Their differences added a dramatic tension that made watching them more entertaining and even more suspenseful. By watching them, you learned a bit about their individual tastes and idiosyncrasies, but they also always maintained a level of unpredictability. You never knew for sure how they would feel about a movie or what they might say next.
At some point, I discovered that Ebert also wrote reviews, and I enjoyed reading his writing as much as I enjoyed watching him talk about movies. For as many reviews as he has written all these years, Ebert hasn't run out of the words necessary to write fresh, entertaining reviews.
It made me sad when I learned that Siskel had passed away. After having different critics take turns sitting in Siskel's chair alongside Ebert, Richard Roeper ended up with the uneviable task of trying to replace Siskel in the balcony. More recently, Ebert has suffered problems with his own health. It's good that he's back to writing, and even though it sounds like big changes are in store, it's comforting to know that the show might still survive "in a new venue."
Thanks, Siskel and Ebert and Roeper, for sharing with us your love for the movies!
Positive Communication from GCS School Board Member Amos Quick
Using the Chalkboard as a communication tool, Guilford County School Board Member Amos Quick expresses assorted thoughts (comment at 1:26 PM on August 5, 2008) that are well-worth reading. A great example of a leader acknowledging fellow citizens' concerns, while also raising the level of the conversation. Exactly what we need to witness more often at all levels of our society and our government. Thank you, Mr. Quick!
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