History Theatre used to produce Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird to honor Black History Month. The classic play showcases precocious youngster Scout’s reflections on her dad, crusading attorney Atticus Finch, along with his valiant, but failed attempt to save Tom Robinson from being framed for rape. This season, Black life moved from the incidentally tragic to stage center as … [Read more...]
Arts & Entertainment: a space for local and national arts and entertainment stories, with an emphasis on stories pertaining to African and African Americans.
The poetry of Langston Hughes takes spotlight in ‘Warm Dark Dusk’
Warm Dark Dusk, a jazz music and dance production presented by Phyllis Productions that celebrates the poetry of Langston Hughes, is coming to a theater near you. Hughes, as described in the press release, is “one of the essential figures in American literature. His vision of America was as timely today as back in the decades in which his poems were written.” The production … [Read more...]
Subversive comedy opens Mixed Blood Theatre’s 2016-17 season
Director reflects on upcoming BARBECUE Thomas W. Jones II, when he's at work, presently directing BARBECUE at Mixed Blood Theatre, is the proverbial consummate pro, acutely assessing a script, deftly taking actors through their paces, expertly crafting an enjoyable stage experience. Relaxing to get ready for an interview, the man is, as the saying goes, a mess, … [Read more...]
2016 Ivey Awards shines bright light on thriving theater scene
The 2016 Ivey Awards usually attracts a packed house, so this year’s sold-out event was no surprise to those who regularly attend. African Americans were well represented once again during the 12th annual show held at the Historic State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis, September 19. The event was co-hosted by Regina Marie-Williams again, but this year Mark Benninghofen … [Read more...]
‘Charm,’ one of three productions on tap in Twin Cities for prolific playwright
Chicago-based playwright Phillip Dawkins is mounting a one-man invasion of Twin Cities theater. This season he'll see three scripts produced: Charm at Mixed Blood Theater, Le Switch (The Jungle) and Dr. Seuss’ THE SNEETCHES (Children's Theatre Company). “I've had a crush on St. Paul/Minneapolis for a long time!” he spiritedly states. Charm relates the courageously … [Read more...]