Lia Chang Photos: The 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards and After Party

Hold These Truths’ star Joel de la Fuente and playwright Jeanne Sakata. Photo by Lia Chang

I had a grand time at the 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards presented by TheaterMania.com at Town Hall on Sunday, May 19, 2013, with Jeanne Sakata and her husband, Tim Patterson. The pair had flown in from LA to celebrate Joel de la Fuente, the star of Sakata’s one-man show Hold These Truths, directed by Lisa Rothe and produced Off-Broadway by the Epic Theatre Ensemble last Fall, who had been nominated in the category of “Outstanding Solo Performance”. Jeanne Sakata’s critically-acclaimed play Hold These Truths, starring 2013 Drama Desk Award Nominee Joel de la Fuente, is set for the 10th Annual soloNOVA Arts Festival at Culture Project, 6/4, 6/10 and 6/11

Tim Patterson and his wife Jeanne Sakata, Melissa and Joel de la Fuente. Photo by Lia Chang

Founded in 1949 to explore key issues in the theater and to bring together critics and writers in an organization to support the ongoing development of theater in New York, Drama Desk began presenting its awards in 1955, and it is the only critics’ organization to honor achievement in the theater with competition among Broadway, Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway productions in the same categories.

The cast of Hands on a Hardbody. Photo by Lia Chang

Presenters Brian Stokes Mitchell and Beth Leavel. Photo by Lia Chang

The 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards ceremony streamed live on Theatermania.com, with co-hosting duties shared by Billy Army, Audrey Lynn Weston, Todd Susman and Marilyn Sokol from the cast of Old Jews Telling Jokes. The show opened with Hands on a Hardbody (Music by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green, Lyrics by Amanda Green).

This year’s presenters included: Stephanie J. Block, Celia Keenan Bolger, Daniel Breaker, Danny Burstein, David Byrne, Charlotte d’Amboise, Jim Dale, John Glover, Cynthia Henson, Paul Huntley, Steve Karam, Lisa Kron, Beth Leavel, Martin Lowe, Terrence Mann, Joe Mantello, Jan Maxwell, Audra McDonald, Terrence McNally, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Donna Murphy, Denis O’Hare, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Michele Pawk, Tonya Pinkins, Alex Timbers, Tommy Tune, and William Wolf.

Terrence McNally and Tom Kirdahy. Photo by Lia Chang

Renee Albulario, Kelvin Moon Loh and Joshua Dela Cruz from the cast of Here Lies Love. Photo by Lia Chang

Dogfight’s Lindsay Mendez. Photo by Lia Chang

Here Lies Love, Starring Jose Llana and Ruthie Ann Miles, Extends at The Public through July 28, 2013
Other featured songs from Drama Desk nominated shows included “Pretty Funny” performed by Dogfight‘s Lindsay Mendez (Music and lyrics by Benji Pasek and Justin Paul); “He Wanted A Girl” performed by Giant‘s Katie Thompson (Music and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa); and “God Draws Straight” performed by Renee Albulario, Joshua Dela Cruz and Kelvin Moon Loh (Music by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, Lyrics by David Byrne).

Marie-France Arcilla, Joe Cassidy, Donna Lynne Champlin, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Nehal Joshi, and Kenita R. Miller, the cast of Working: A Musical, performed “All The Livelong Day (I Hear America Singing)”(Music by Stephen Schwartz, Lyrics by Walt Whitman), and were presented with a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance from Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Working: A Musical’s Donna Lynne Champlin, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Marie-France Arcilla, Colin Donnell, Kenita Miller and Nehal Joshi. Photo by Lia Chang

After the awards ceremony and show at Town Hall, Jeanne, Tim and I met up with Joel and his family at the after party at the Liberty Theatre. Here are my photo highlights of the night. Congrats to all of the winners.

Terrence McNally congratulates fellow playwright Christopher Durang. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Play
Christopher Durang, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Christopher Durang, Emily Mann and Andre Bishop. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Musical
Matilda

Outstanding Revival of a Play
Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’s Tracy Letts and Carrie Coons. Photo by Lia Chang

Cicely Tyson. Photo by Lia Chang

Billy Porter. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Revival of a Musical or Revue
Pippin

Outstanding Actor in a Play
Tracy Letts, Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Outstanding Actress in a Play
Cicely Tyson, The Trip to Bountiful

Outstanding Actor in a Musical
Billy Porter, Kinky Boots

Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Laura Osnes, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Nathan Johnson, Katie Thompson and Laura Osnes. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play
Richard Kind, The Big Knife

Richard Kind, Lindsay Mendez and Joe Mantello. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play
Judith Light, The Assembled Parties

Judith Light. Photo by Lia Chang

Pam MacKinnon. Photo by Lia Chang

Andrea Martin. Photo by Lia Chang

Diane Paulus and presenter Tommy Tune. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Bertie Carvel, Matilda

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical
Andrea Martin, Pippin

Outstanding Director of a Play
Pam MacKinnon, Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Outstanding Director of a Musical
Diane Paulus, Pippin

Diane Paulus and her husband Randy Weiner. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Choreography
Chet Walker and Gypsy Snider, Pippin

Chet Walker and Gypsy Snider. Photo by Lia Chang

David Byrne. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Music
David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, Here Lies Love

Outstanding Lyrics
Tim Minchin, Matilda

Outstanding Book of a Musical
Dennis Kelly, Matilda

Outstanding Orchestrations
Danny Troob, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Outstanding Music in a Play
Glen Kelly, The Nance

Outstanding Revue
Old Hats

Old Hats’ David Shiner and Bill Irwin win for Outstanding Revue. Photo by Lia Chang

Old Hats’ David Shiner and Bill Irwin win for Outstanding Revue. Photo by Lia Chang

Old Hats’ Bill Irwin and Signature Theatre’s Jim Houghton. Photo by Lia Chang

Kenita Miller and Brandon Victor Dixon. Photo by Lia Chang

Laila Robins and Robert Cuccioli. Photo by Lia Chang

Chuck Cooper, Tonya Pinkins and Debra Brevoort. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Set Design
Rob Howell, Matilda

Outstanding Costume Design
William Ivey Long, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Outstanding Lighting Design
Justin Townsend, Here Lies Love
Daniel Winters, The Man Who Laughs

Outstanding Projection Design
Peter Nigrini, Here Lies Love

Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical (3-WAY TIE)
Steve Canyon Kennedy, Hands on a Hardbody
Scott Lehrer and Drew Levy, Chaplin: The Musical
Tony Meola, The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Outstanding Sound Design in a Play
Mel Mercier, The Testament of Mary

Outstanding Solo Performance
Michael Urie, Buyer & Cellar

Unique Theatrical Experience
Cirque du Soleil: Totem

Special Awards – Each year, the Drama Desk votes special awards to recognize excellence and significant contributions to the theater. For 2012-2013, these awards are:

Michael John LaChuisa, Isaac Robert Hurwitz, Isabel Santiago and Katie Thompson. Photo by Lia Chang

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), Isaac Robert Hurwitz, Executive Director and Producer: for a decade of creating and nurturing new musical theater, ensuring the future of this essential art form.

Wakka Wakka. Photo by Lia Chang

Wakka Wakka (Gabrielle Brechner, Kirjan Waage, and Gwendolyn Warnock): for sophisticated puppet theater, as represented by this season’s SAGA, that explores with wit, imagination, and insight serious issues of our times.

Jayne Houdyshell. Photo by Lia Chang

Jayne Houdyshell: for her artistry as an exceptionally versatile and distinctive Broadway and Off-Broadway performer.

Samuel D. Hunter: His empathic and indelible The Whale affirms his arrival as a distinguished dramatist who depicts the human condition.

Maruti Evans, the Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award: for his ingenious lighting designs, reflecting an exquisite and bold theatrical aesthetic. This season’s The Pilo Family Circus and Tiny Dynamite confirm his incandescent creativity.

Kelvin Moon Loh and Here Lies Love director Alex Timbers. Photo by Lia Chang

Hold These Truths’ Family affair- Tim Patterson and his wife Jeanne Sakata, Melissa and Joel de La Fuente, Bob de la Fuente, Benjamin de la Fuente, Kathryn de la Fuente. Photo by Lia Chang

Isa Goldberg, president of the Drama Desk Board of Directors. Photo by Lia Chang

About Drama Desk
The 2012-2013 Board of Directors of the Drama Desk is composed of: Isa Goldberg (Broadwaychannel.com, Theaterlife.com) President, Leslie (Hoban) Blake (Theater Critic/City ARTS-Downtown; Co-Host/TWO on the AISLE, MNN) Vice President, Charles Wright (A+E Networks; Editorial Board, Best Plays Theater Year Book) Treasurer & 2nd Vice President, Richard Ridge (BroadwayWorld.com Backstage with Richard Ridge) Secretary, Arlene Epstein (South Shore Record/Herald Community Newspapers & LIHerald.com), Elysa Gardner (USA Today critic/reporter; New York Drama Critics Circle), Randy Gener (American Theatre; New York Theater Wire), John Istel (Freelance Editor and Arts Journalist; Managing Editor, Drama Desk website), David Kaufman (Author and Freelance), William Wolf (wolfentertainmentguide.com; Adjunct professor, NYU), and Lauren Yarger (Reflections in the Light; BroadwayWorld.com).

Jeanne Sakata, Scott and Barbara Siegel. Photo by Lia Chang

The 2012-2013 Drama Desk Nominating Committee is composed of: Barbara Siegel, Chairperson (TalkinBroadway.com and freelance); David Kaufman (author and freelance), Samuel L. Leiter (Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Theatre, Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center), Martha Wade Steketee (urbanexcavations.com; editor and contributor, Chance Magazine), Adrian Wattenmaker (Theater Faculty, Brooklyn College; Director, School of Creative and Performing Arts), and James Wilson (Professor of Theatre, CUNY; co-editor of Journal of American Drama and Theatre).

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About TheaterMania.com
Founded in 1999, TheaterMania connects the theater industry with a mass consumer audience with comprehensive listings, news, reviews, features, interviews, and video content covering theater across the United States. TheaterMania’s widely distributed email newsletters provide special offers to its subscribers. In addition to providing theaters with online marketing programs to drive ticket sales, TheaterMania’s proprietary ticketing system OvationTix™ is used throughout America by hundreds of performing arts organizations, museums, concerts, festivals, and events to process tickets sales, and manage fundraising and patron information. TheaterMania recently acquired London-based WhatsOnStage.com, a source for information and tickets to UK theater. Gretchen Shugart, CEO of TheaterMania, became Executive Producer of Drama Desk Awards in 2012.

About Joey Parnes Productions
Led by Joey Parnes, a veteran Broadway producer and general manager who served as coordinating producer for the TONY Awards from 2001 to 2008, primarily focuses on producing and general managing plays and musicals for Broadway as well as providing executive producer and general management services for a wide range of theatrical ventures including non-profit theater consulting and working with non-profits on Broadway transfers. Sue Wagner and John Johnson are his associates.

In addition to TheaterMania and Gretchen Shugart, Robert R. Blume and David S. Stone in association with Renee McCurry are Co-Executive Producers of Drama Desk Awards.

www.DramaDeskAwards.com

Brandon Victor Dixon and Lia Chang. Photo by
Tim Patterson

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist. This summer she will appear as Carole Barbara in Lorey Hayes’ Power Play at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C., with Pauletta Pearson Washington, Roscoe Orman, Lorey Hayes, Marcus Naylor and Penwah, July 30-August 1, 2013.

Jeanne Sakata, Joel de la Fuente and Lia Chang. Photo by Tim Patterson

Other articles by Lia Chang:
Lorey Hayes’ Power Play Set for National Black Theatre Festival 7/30-8/1
Photos & Video: Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-Stars, Manu Narayan, Deep Singh and More
Ghostlight Records Releases ‘Giant’ Original Cast Album Featuring Kate Baldwin, Brian d’Arcy James, P.J. Griffith, Raul Aranas, Katie Thompson and more
Here Lies Love, Starring Jose Llana and Ruthie Ann Miles, Extends at The Public through July 28, 2013
Two-Time Tony Nominee André De Shields, Nehal Joshi, Akash Chopra and More Set for Mary Zimmerman helmed The Jungle Book at The Goodman, 6/21-8/4 and The Huntington, 9/7-10/6
Christine Toy Johnson, Thom Sesma, Ali Ewoldt, Jose Llana, Ann Harada, Telly Leung and More Set for The Asian American Composers and Lyricists Project at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre
Photos: Working Theater’s World Premiere of Ed Cardona, Jr.’s La Ruta
Christine Toy Johnson and Raul Aranas Lead the Cast of the National Asian Artists Project’s (NAAP) Benefit Presentation of Hello Dolly!, at The Pershing Square Signature Center on April 29 and May 6
Photos: All-Access Pass to August Wilson’s Two Trains Running with John Earl Jelks, Harvy Blanks, Chuck Cooper, Anthony Chisholm, Owiso Odera, Roslyn Ruff and James A. Williams
Chuck Cooper, Austin Pendleton, Nicholas L. Ashe, Kyle Beltran, Grantham Coleman, Jeremy Pope, and Wallace Smith Set for MTC’s World Premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Choir Boy, June 18- July 21, 2013
Jose Llana, Ruthie Ann Miles, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Conrad Ricamora, Kelvin Moon Loh and More Set for World Premiere of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s Here Lies Love at The Public, April 2 – May 19, 2013
Keith David, January LaVoy, John Douglas Thompson, Glynn Turman, Lillias White and More Set for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the CTG/Mark Taper Forum, April 24 – June 9, 2013
Ellen Burstyn, Jayne Houdyshell, Elizabeth Marvel, Kristine Nielsen and David Hyde Pierce Set for Drama Desk Panel: “The Art of Storytelling” at Sardi’s on March 22, 2013
Photos: David Henry Hwang, Jennifer Lim, Leigh Silverman, Samuel L. Jackson, Kenny Leon, David Ives, Douglas Carter Beane and More at The Drama Desk & Fordham University Theatre Program’s “Anatomy of a Breakout” Panel
Orville Mendoza is currently appearing as Sergeant Lombardi in Classic Stage Company’s Passion through April 19, 2013
Ann Harada Plays Cinderella’s Stepsister Charlotte in Broadway Premiere of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Broadway Theatre
Manu Narayan, Mark Bennett, Lea Salonga, Michael K. Lee and Stafford Arima Among 2012 Craig Noel Award Nominees
Photos: Maurice Hines, Jonathan Groff, Mercedes Ellington, Charles Randolph Wright at The Beechman for André De Shields’s I PUT A SPELL ON YOU
Signature’s Off-Broadway Revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, helmed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, runs October 30 -December 9, 2012
Raul Aranas, Kate Baldwin, Brian d’Arcy James, P.J. Griffith, Bobby Steggert and Michele Pawk Set for New York Premiere of GIANT at The Public Theater, October 26-December 2, 2012
Albee, Hwang, Enos, Taylor, Wilson, Clarke and Jacobs-Jenkins Set for Signature Theatre’s 2013-14 Season
Photos: David Henry Hwang’s The Dance and The Railroad Opening Night at Signature Theatre
Photos: Partying with the Cast of David Henry Hwang’s Golden Child
Photos: Q & A with Mel Sagrado Maghuyop, The King in Harbor Lights’ Production of The King and I
Playing Lady Thiang in the Harbor Lights’ Production of The King and I is a dream come true for Christine Toy Johnson
Multimedia: Manu Narayan Dazzles as Richard Roma in La Jolla Playhouse’s Revival of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross
Tony Award Winner Tonya Pinkins Celebrates Ethel Waters at 54 Below on August 27, 2012
Photos: All-Access Pass to Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny with Thom Sesma, Francis Jue, Robin De Jesus, John Tartaglia, Jason Graae, Curtis Holbrook, Eddie Korbich, Samantha Massell and Ken Page
C.J. Wilson navigates armor and swordplay in Signature Theatre Company’s World Premiere of Kenneth Lonergan’s Medieval Play
Up Close and Personal with Darren Pettie, Star of The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore
Photos and Video: Disney’s The Lion King Las Vegas- In the Makeup Chair with Thom Sesma
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2013 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Lia Chang Photos: Tonya Pinkins, André De Shields, S. Epatha Merkerson, Billy Porter and George C. Wolfe at 54 Below

Billy Porter, Tonya Pinkins and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

On the last Monday in August, the joint was jumpin’ at 54 BELOW for Tonya Pinkins who performed excerpts from Hurricane Ethel, her upcoming one woman show written in collaboration with director Dennis Courtney.

The actress, who won a Tony Award for Jelly’s Last Jam, was transcendent as she channelled Ethel Waters, the legendary African-American actress and jazz-era singer who was America’s first International superstar of any race, weaving a vibrant tapestry of characters instrumental in Waters’ life, and highlighting the canon of songs in the Great American Songbook written especially for her golden pipes.

Many in the theater community turned out on this sultry summer night to join her in celebrating the iconic entertainer, including André De Shields, George Faison, David Ives, S. Epatha Merkerson, Billy Porter, Elaine Stritch, Jeanine Tesori, Charles Turner, George C. Wolfe, Colleen Zenk, and Pinkins’ son Maxx Brawer.

George C. Wolfe, Tonya Pinkins and S. Epatha Merkerson. Photo by Lia Chang

Born on October 31, 1896 in Chesterfield, PA., Ethel Waters was a pioneer as an African American artist in the entertainment field whose talents and accomplishments were peerless. She was the first black woman heard on the radio, the first black singer to perform on television, the first African American to perform in an integrated cast on Broadway, the first black woman to perform in a lead dramatic role on Broadway, and the first African American to receive equal billing on Broadway. source: http://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/musician.php?id=11192

Jeanine Tesori,Tonya Pinkins and George Faison. Photo by Lia Chang

Ms. Pinkins, accompanied by her musical director Barry Levitt on piano, Dick Sarpola on bass, and Waldren Ricks on trumpet, sang arrangements of songs that Waters made famous and utilized signature tunes as signposts to tell the story of the famed singer’s life. Her set list included “I Got Rhythm,” “You Can’t Do What My Last Man Did,” “Last of the Red Hot Mamas,” “Come Up and See Me Sometime,” “Go Back Where You Stayed Last Night,” “St. Louis Blues,” “Lil Black Boy,” “Eli Eli,” “Heatwave,” “Dinah,” “Old Man Harlem/ Harlem on My Mind,” “Moon Glow/Taking a Chance on Love,” “Honey in the Honeycomb/Happiness is a Thing Called Joe/Cabin in the Sky Medley,” “Suppertime,” “Stormy Weather,” “Handyman,” “Black and Blue,” and “A Hundred Years from Today.”

On Broadway, Ms. Waters starred in As Thousands Cheer, At Home Abroad, Mamba’s Daughters, Cabin in the Sky, and Member of the Wedding. She was an indelible presence in the films Cabin in the Sky, The Member of the Wedding,The Sound and the Fury, and Pinky, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actress in 1949, following Hattie McDaniel as the second Black woman to be nominated for an Oscar. The following year, she won the New York Drama Critics Award for best actress. Ms. Waters starred in the television show “Beaulah,” wrote her autobiography “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” with Charles Samuel, and in the late Fifties, performed and toured with evangelist Billy Graham until her death in 1977.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethel_Waters

Tonya Pinkins (Photo by Lia Chang)

In the past twelve months alone, Tonya Pinkins has given five critically acclaimed performances in roles as diverse as an aging Countess, a syphilitic Bawd, a bitter ghetto mom, a diabetic great grandmother and a faithful Latina from the Bronx. Her performance in Milk Like Sugar won the 2012 Lucille Lortel Award. On Broadway, Ms. Pinkins made her debut in the original cast of Merrily We Roll Along, appeared in Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Play On!, The Wild Party, Caroline, or Change, and Radio Golf. Television audiences are most familiar with her from “As The World Turns,” “All My Children” and “Army Wives”.

Maxx Brawer and his mom Tonya Pinkins. Photo by Lia Chang

Her performances have been nominated for the Olivier, Jefferson, Helen Hayes, NAACP, Dramaleague, What’s On Stage, Audience Choice, Soap Opera Digest, Noel and Ovation awards. She is the winner of the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critic’s Circle, Clarence Derwent, Monarch, Black theater Alliance, Garland, L.A. Drama Critics, Audelco and Obie Awards.

OPRAH named her “One of the ten women in America who will take your breath away” and TIME OUT New York included Ms. Pinkins as One of Broadways 25 all Time Greatest Divas. www.tonyapinkins.com

Director Dennis Courtney staged a re-envisioned production of Fiddler on the Roof (currently in its 5th year running in Tel Aviv) as the official production for the 60th Anniversary of Israel, for which he won the Israeli National Theatre Award. He recently directed the off-Broadway premiere of Civil War Voices (6 MITF Awards). He has been the director/choreographer of over 150 stage productions including Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby (Los Angeles Drama Critics and DramaLogue Awards for Direction & Choreography) and Can-Can with Leslie Uggams. Mr. Courtney has conceived and staged special events and award shows, working with such performers as Bette Midler, Celine Dion, Quincy Jones, Warren Beatty, The Bacon Brothers & David Letterman. On television, Mr. Courtney directed the 5th season opener of TV’s “Perfect Strangers.”

54 BELOW is owned and operated by Tony Award winning producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, and Steven Baruch. 54 BELOW features up to three shows nightly and has audio and video recording capabilities. The cover charge ranges from $5-$85.

54 BELOW is located at 254 West 54th Street. Tickets and information are available at www.54Below.com.

Tonya Pinkins and Colleen Zenk. Photo by Lia Chang

Other Articles by Lia Chang:
Jennifer Lim, Julyana Soelistyo, Greg Watanabe Set for Signature Theatre’s Production of David Henry Hwang’s Golden Child, October 23-December 2, 2012
Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins Celebrates Ethel Waters at 54 Below in New York on August 27, 2012
Faith Prince and Jason Graae: The Prince & the Showboy in Concert at 54 Below, August 21-25, 2012
André De Shields Returns to The Laurie Beechman Theatre with I Put A Spell on You, October 5 and 12
Photos: All-Access Pass to Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny with Thom Sesma, Francis Jue, Robin De Jesus, John Tartaglia, Jason Graae, Curtis Holbrook, Eddie Korbich, Samantha Massell and Ken Page
Photos: Tonya Pinkins, Billy Eugene Jones, Matthew Murumba and Toccarra Cash in Reading of Camille Darby’s Lords Resistance
Reading of Camille Darby’s Lords Resistance Stars Tonya Pinkins, Billy Eugene Jones, Tocarra Cash and Matthew Murumba at The Red Room on January 18
MTC’s An Enemy of The People Starring Boyd Gaines and Richard Thomas Begin Previews at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Tony Award – winning Playwright Terrence McNally to be Honored at Westport Country Playhouse Annual Gala, September 24, 2012
Signature Theatre’s World Premiere of Sam Shepard’s Heartless Starring Lois Smith, Gary Cole, Jenny Bacon, Betty Gilpin, and Julianne Nicholson Extends through September 30, 2012
Sean Dugan Set for West Coast Premiere of George C. Wolfe’s Tony Award-Winning Production of The Normal Heart at A.C.T., September 13 – October 7, 2012
David Henry Hwang to Receive the 2012 Steinberg Distinguished Playwright Award at the 5th Annual Steinberg Playwright “Mimi” Awards on October 29, 2012
Performing Arts Images from the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection on Display at the Library of Congress to Celebrate APA Heritage Month
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Broadwayworld.com Photo Flash: Library of Congress’ IN REHEARSAL Exhibit
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist.
All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2012 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins Celebrates Ethel Waters at 54 Below in New York on August 27, 2012

Tonight, I’m going to my new favorite cabaret club, the swellegant 54 Below in New York, to see Tony award-winner Tonya Pinkins, where she’ll be performing signature anthems celebrating the life and music of Ethel Waters, at 9:30pm.

Tonya Pinkins

Ms. Pinkins’ late summer concert will feature excerpts from her upcoming one woman show about Ethel Waters, a legendary artist who was America’s first International superstar of any race, written in collaboration with Dennis Courtney entitled HURRICANE ETHEL. This is her first concert performance since her celebrated Jazz at Lincoln Center appearance in 2005 when she performed her acclaimed Harold Arlen Concert.

Best known for her celebrated roles in Caroline, or Change and Jelly’s Last Jam, Ms. Pinkins made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Merrily We Roll Along. Broadway audiences have also delighted in her performances in Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Play On!, The Wild Party and Radio Golf, while television audiences know her from “As The World Turns,” “All My Children” and “Army Wives”. Her performance in Milk Like Sugar won the 2012 Lucille Lortel Award, and she has been nominated for the Olivier, Jefferson, Helen Hayes, NAACP, Dramaleague, What’s On Stage, Audience Choice, Soap Opera Digest, Noel and Ovation Awards. She is the winner of the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Clarence Derwent, Monarch, Black Theatre Alliance, Garland, L.A. Drama Critics, AUDELCO and Obie Awards.

Ms. Pinkins is the author of GET OVER YOURSELF: How to drop the drama and claim the life you deserve. (Hyperion Books) and is the creator of “The Actorpreneur Attitude,” giving workshops lectures & life coaching to businesses & individuals across the globe. A single mother of four, she is an activist for women’s and children’s rights and has won legal battles in several states on the trial and appellate level as a self-represented litigant. She is also an accomplished painter and art teacher, and has taught at every level of education, from pre-K through graduate school.

54 Below in New York. Photo by Lia Chang

54 Below is located at 254 West 54th Street in New York. There is a $30-$40 cover plus a $25 food/drink minimum. The concert is at 9:30pm, doors open at 9pm. For more information, call 646-476-3551.

Faith Prince and Jason Graae onstage after their show at 54 Below in New York on August 24, 2012. Photo by Lia Chang

My first visit to 54 Below was last Thursday to see Faith Prince and Jason Graae in their show, The Prince and the Showboy. The charming and funny pair received glowing reviews during their one week run in New York. I first met Jason when he was performing in the Off-Broadway hit Forever Plaid, and reconnected with him over the summer in St. Louis where he was performing as Omar, in Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny.

Faith and Jason have been fast friends since their college days at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, and their closeness and mutual admiration for one another was evident on the intimate stage, even from my seat at the bar (There isn’t a bad seat in the house).

Both masters of their craft with impeccable comedic timing, the Broadway vets were accompanied by their musical director, Alex Rybeck on the keys. I had so much fun, that I returned with another friend for the late night show on Friday. We were seated in front of the stage, and were treated to an even richer experience. Thank you Faith and Jason for the laughter, the tears and the gift of your performances.

Francis Jue, Jason Graae and Eddie Korbich in Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny on JUly 8, 2012. Photo by Lia Chang

Other articles on The Prince and The Showboy:
nytimes.com: Two Vestiges of Vaudeville
Broadway.com: Music Mix: 54 Below’s Faith Prince and Jason Graae Talk Liza, The Book of Mormon and Once On This Island
theatermania.com: Faith Prince & Jason Graae: The Prince & The Showboy

Other Articles by Lia Chang:
Faith Prince and Jason Graae: The Prince & the Showboy in Concert at 54 Below, August 21-25, 2012
Photos: All-Access Pass to Disney’s Aladdin at The Muny with Thom Sesma, Francis Jue, Robin De Jesus, John Tartaglia, Jason Graae, Curtis Holbrook, Eddie Korbich, Samantha Massell and Ken Page
Photos: Tonya Pinkins, Billy Eugene Jones, Matthew Murumba and Toccarra Cash in Reading of Camille Darby’s Lords Resistance
Reading of Camille Darby’s Lords Resistance Stars Tonya Pinkins, Billy Eugene Jones, Tocarra Cash and Matthew Murumba at The Red Room on January 18
David Henry Hwang to Receive the 2012 Steinberg Distinguished Playwright Award at the 5th Annual Steinberg Playwright “Mimi” Awards on October 29, 2012
10 minutes with Sullivan & Son’s Jodi Long, Award Winning Actor and Filmmaker
West Coast Premiere of David Henry Hwang’s Chinglish at Berkeley Rep stars Michelle Krusiec and Alex Moggridge, August 24-October 7, 2012
New York Foundation for the Arts presents ‘An Evening with David Henry Hwang’ at Barnes & Noble on July 26, 2012
Performing Arts Images from the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection on Display at the Library of Congress to Celebrate APA Heritage Month
Photos: David Henry Hwang, Oskar Eustis, BD Wong, Brian d’Arcy James, Francis Jue, Jennifer Lim and Leigh Silverman at WNYC’s The Greene Space
Multimedia: Screen Actors Guild Foundation’s Conversations with Derek Ting, Linus Roache and Michael Park of $upercapitalist
Tony Award – winning Playwright Terrence McNally to be Honored at Westport Country Playhouse Annual Gala, September 24, 2012
Richard Thomas and Boyd Gaines to star in An Enemy of the People at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre during Manhattan Theatre Club’s 2012-2013 Season
Lily Mariye’s Model Minority, Jayshree Janu Kharpade’s Fire in Our Hearts, Eliaichi Kimaro’s A Lot Like You, Vincent Sandoval’s Señorita, and Liang Cheng’s My Spiritual Medicine among AAIFF’12 Award Winners
Janet Yang to receive 2012 Asian American Media Award at AAIFF’12 Opening Night Presentation of Shanghai Calling
George Takei, Lea Salonga, Telly Leung and Paolo Montalban star in the World Premiere of Allegiance – A New American Musical at The Old Globe, September 7 – October 21, 2012
Three Year Swim Club, Encounter, TEA, Christmas in Hanoi and Chess set for East West Players 47th Anniversary Season
Performing Arts Images from the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection on Display at the Library of Congress to Celebrate APA Heritage Month
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Photos: BD Wong, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Brandon Victor Dixon, Tom Viola at “Passing It On: An Evening of Mentorship to Benefit Rosie’s Theater Kids”
Photos: Highlights of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan (3pm) with Andre Bishop, Mary Beth Hurt, Jennifer Lim, Angela Lin, Philip Kan Gotanda, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Richard Thomas, Jay O. Sanders, and more
Photos: Highlights of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan (8pm) with Oskar Eustis, Patti LuPone, Lisa Emery, Ann Harada, Paolo Montalban, Thom Sesma, Sab Shimono, Henry Stram, Richard Thomas, John Weidman and more
Photos: In Rehearsal with Director Bartlett Sher and the cast of Shinsai: Theaters for Japan
Photos: In Rehearsal with BD Wong at Dixon Place for Live Concert Recording of Herringbone
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist.
All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2012 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Lia Chang: Camille Darby’s The White Peacock in The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s inaugural Future Classics Festival at The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Center on June 27, 2012

Playwright Camille Darby © Lia Chang

On Wednesday, June 27, 2012 @ 7 PM, a reading of Camille Darby’s The White Peacock, directed by LA Williams, will be featured in The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s inaugural Future Classics Festival at The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Center at 3940 Broadway (at the corner of 165 and Broadway).

Synopsis:
Chloe Haynes—a young, aspiring painter—has just left behind small beginnings to take on a promising new life in New York during the Harlem Renaissance; however, she soon discovers that the price of her success is a cost she may have to pay forever.
Admission is free and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Camille Darby, a 2011 finalist for the Van Lier Fellowship program at The Lark Play Development Center, was born in Jamaica, West Indies, but migrated to New York City with her family at 6 years old. Her constant attempts at adjusting to American culture—she soon discovered—were best manifested through her writing. It was her first play Mother, May I? written as a high school student during the Theatre Development Fund’s Residency Arts Program that drew the attention of acclaimed playwright, Wendy Wasserstein. With the guidance and encouragement of Ms. Wasserstein, the budding playwright continued to study theatre, literature and film at Sarah Lawrence College where she received her B.A. in 2005. Ms. Darby holds an M.F.A (2007) in Dramatic Writing from New York University’s, Tisch School of the Arts, and during that time, has had readings at The Public Theatre and as part of THE FIRE THIS TIME FESTIVAL 2011 and 2012.Camille Plays.

Other articles by Lia Chang
Photos: Tonya Pinkins, Billy Eugene Jones, Matthew Murumba and Toccarra Cash in Reading of Camille Darby’s Lords Resistance
Reading of Camille Darby’s Lords Resistance Stars Tonya Pinkins, Billy Eugene Jones, Tocarra Cash and Matthew Murumba at The Red Room on January 18
Camille Darby’s Lord’s Resistance
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Photos: “How To Succeed” stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rose Hemingway and John Larroquette at Lord & Taylor for Windows Unveiling
Multimedia: Promises, Promises’ Stars Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes at Lord & Taylor Fifth Ave
Broadwayworld.com Photo Flash: Library of Congress’ IN REHEARSAL Exhibit
Photos: David Duchovny, John Earl Jelks, Amanda Peet, Tracee Chimo at Opening Night Party of Neil LaBute’s Break of Noon
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Lia Chang. Photo by Brianne Michelle Photography

Lia Chang is an actor, performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multimedia journalist.

Lia Chang Photos: Tonya Pinkins, Billy Eugene Jones, Matthew Murumba and Toccarra Cash in Reading of Camille Darby’s Lords Resistance

Tonya PInkins Photo by Lia Chang

“I cannot stress enough how significant THE FIRE THIS TIME FESTIVAL has been in helping emerging artists like myself cultivate and share new work in New York City,” said award-winning playwright Camille Darby, who returned to The Festival for the second consecutive year with a staged reading of her play Lords Resistance, starring Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (Caroline, or Change; “All My Children”), Billy Eugene Jones (Passing Strange; Radio Golf), Matthew Murumba (Kofi, Law and Order), and 2007 Princess Grace Award Recipient Toccarra Cash (Bonfire Night, The Roxy’s and Bleu; Shoppin’), in The Kraine Theatre in the East Village of Manhattan on January 18, 2012, directed by Christopher Burris.

Billy Eugene Jones. Photo by Lia Chang

Last year, Ms. Darby’s play, Exodus was featured in THE FIRE THIS TIME FESTIVAL 2011, an alternative showcase that supports early-career playwrights of African descent to explore new voices, styles and challenging new directions for contemporary theatre. Ms. Darby is the recipient of the 2008 Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) playwriting prize from the Bronx Council on the Arts for Lords Resistance, which was among 6 full length plays to have staged readings this season.

Toccarra Cash, Matthew Murumba, Tonya Pinkins and Billy Eugene Jones. Photo by Lia Chang

In Lords Resistance, all is right for the Whitakers, or so it appears. When their adopted teenage son, and former child solider Okello arrives, this family reveals that they are much less than perfect. Both a victim and perpetrator of Uganda’s civil unrest which spans over two decades, Okello finally gets the opportunity to replace the terrifying memories of his past with new beginnings in an upper class suburb outside of Chicago. But it isn’t long before the Whitakers witness the chilling effects of the war that haunts Okello. Michelle Whitaker, an eager freshman at Northwestern, hoping to connect and redefine herself through her new brother, probes him with questions he refuses to answer. While he does everything to rid himself of his past, Okello is in the midst of yet another war within the Whitaker household—a war fought silently between husband Harvey, and wife Pauline. Losing the ability to conceive her own child, a determined Pauline does everything to make Okello her own, even at the expense of her marriage. A questionable relationship between mother and son develops leaving the family divided in a way that could leave permanent damage for everyone.

Lords Resistance playwright Camille Darby and her playwright Christopher Burris. Photo by Lia Chang

Camille Darby, a 2011 finalist for the Van Lier Fellowship program at The Lark Play Development Center, was born in Jamaica, West Indies, but migrated to New York City with her family at 6 years old. Her constant attempts at adjusting to American culture—she soon discovered—were best manifested through her writing. It was her first play Mother, May I? written as a high school student during the Theatre Development Fund’s Residency Arts Program that drew the attention of acclaimed playwright, Wendy Wasserstein. With the guidance and encouragement of Ms. Wasserstein, the budding playwright continued to study theatre, literature and film at Sarah Lawrence College where she received her B.A. in 2005. Ms. Darby holds an M.F.A (2007) in Dramatic Writing from New York University’s, Tisch School of the Arts, and during that time, has had readings at The Public Theatre. Camille Plays.

Billy Eugene Jones, Jamyl Dobson, Toccarra Cash, Camille Darby, Tonya Pinkins, Matthew Murumba and Christopher Burris. Photo by Lia Chang

“It has been refreshing and inspiring,” said Ms. Darby. “It has made me reach a new level of pride and confidence in my work, and has also given me a renewed sense of hope that black playwrights will be seen and heard.”

Other articles by Lia Chang
Reading of Camille Darby’s Lords Resistance Stars Tonya Pinkins, Billy Eugene Jones, Tocarra Cash and Matthew Murumba at The Red Room on January 18
Camille Darby’s Lord’s Resistance
Mu Daiko 15th Anniversary Concert and Minnesota Tour, February 9-19, 2012
Aaron Lazar, Kate Baldwin, P.J. Griffith, Raul Aranas Set for the Dallas Theater Center/Public Theater Co-Production of Giant at the Wyly Theatre, January 18 – February 19, 2012
Photos: Yellow Fever Playwright Rick Shiomi Explores New Territory with An All-Female Cast
Photos: “How To Succeed” stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rose Hemingway and John Larroquette at Lord & Taylor for Windows Unveiling
Multimedia: Promises, Promises’ Stars Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes at Lord & Taylor Fifth Ave
Broadwayworld.com Photo Flash: Library of Congress’ IN REHEARSAL Exhibit
Photos: David Duchovny, John Earl Jelks, Amanda Peet, Tracee Chimo at Opening Night Party of Neil LaBute’s Break of Noon
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

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Lia Chang. Photo by Brianne Michelle Photography

Lia Chang is an actor, performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multimedia journalist.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2011 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com.