Black in Period Films

The musical formerly known as GUNS and POWDER has changes names to WANTED before its Broadway debut. WANTED is the mostly true story of Mary and Martha Clarke set in 1893 Texas. The Clarke sisters pass as white and end up on a remarkable Wild West adventure that examines race, family, and identity. The two extraordinary women go from farm girls to outlaws to legends. The musical is written by their descendant Angelica Chéri, music by Ross Baum, and direction by Stevie Walker-Webb (Ain’t No Mo’ on Broadway). WANTED is coming to Broadway in 2026.

The trailer for the cultural phenom Hamilton is here! The proshot is coming to the Disney+ streaming service this July 3!! Fans of the history making musical play will get a chance to see the beloved original cast. I firmly believe in Broadway productions becoming more accessible to fans of the medium, so proshots that can reach everyone are a step in the direction.  I am in love with the soundtrack and can not wait to see the OBS in action!! Hamilton OBS Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler Chris Jackson as George Washington Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette / Thomas Jefferson Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan / James Madison Anthony Ramos as John Laurens / Philip Hamilton Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler / Maria Reynolds Jonathan Groff as King George III  Jon Rua as Charles Lee / Ensemble Ephraim Sykes as George Eack...

Ain't Too Proud is an electrifying new musical about the life and times of The Temptations. Previews are scheduled to begin on February 28, 2019 with an opening set for March 21 at the  Imperial Theatre.  Ain't Too Proud follows The Temptations from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Reviews for the musical have been overwhelming positive. The  recent L.A. production of Ain't Too Proud starred Derrick Baskin as Otis Williams, James Harkness as Paul Williams, Jawan M. Jackson as Melvin Franklin, Jeremy Pope as Eddie Kendricks and Ephraim Sykes as David Ruffin.  The Broadway casting will be confirmed at a later date.

Costume of the Week goes to .... Sanaa Lathan as Vera Stark in Broadway play By The Way, Meet Vera Stark!!! I simply adore the beautiful pinky purple color of the dress. The cute hat adds to the adorableness of it all. Costume Designer: ESosa

Photo Credit:  mccarter.org Esau Pritchett as Antony and Nicole Ari Parker as Cleopatra. This production will be directed by Emily Mann.

                     Watch the video for some AMAZING Harlem Renaissance Broadway feels!! WATCH Fantasia, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Dule Hill and the After Midnight Broadway Cast perform On The Sunny Side / It Don’t Mean A Thing live at the Tony Awards 2014

I was fortunate enough to stumble across this video clip of a performance by Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell singing Wheels of a Dream.  Ragtime The Musical takes place in early 20th century America.  On its own the music, costumes, and acting is brilliant. Watching this musical number I shed tears.  I have not seen the play but if I should ever get the chance I will do a complete review.  Lyrics: [COALHOUSE] I see his face. I hear his heartbeat. I look in those eyes. How wise they seem. Well, when he is old enough I will show him America And he will ride on the wheels of a dream. [COALHOUSE] We'll go down South  [SARAH] Go down South, [COALHOUSE] And see your people  [SARAH] See my folks. [COALHOUSE] Won't they take to him [SARAH] They'll take to him [COALHOUSE] Like cats to cream!  [SARAH] Mmm... [COALHOUSE] Then we'll travel on from there. [SARAH] California or who knows where! [BOTH] And we will ride On the wheels of a dre...