Theatre

Last night’s celebration of the theater both on and off Broadway was truly one for the record books as it pertained to African American star power being present and taking to the stage to accept the theater’s highest honor.  The Tony Awards, while rarely watched probably due to the small cultish following of Broadway plays, bestowed nominations on several black actors when the nominations were initially announced. 

With their revered performances in the revival of August Wilson’s Fences, Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington and Academy Award nominated actress Viola Davis scored the coveted lead actor and lead actress in a play honors.  In addition, Fences won the award for Best Revival of a Play. And while Fela! – the musical based on the life of the titular African musical legend - didn’t score the big best musical prize for its superstar producers Jay-Z, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, it did manage to take home three prizes, including Best Choreography.

You may have thought that the Tonys resembled the Oscars last night with all of the stars being present.  Presenters included Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter himself!), Katie Holmes, Cate Blanchett, Antonio Banderas and Will & Jada.  Other winners included Academy Award-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones (Actress in a Musical for A Little Night Music) and Scarlett Johansson (Featured Actress In A Play for A View from the Top).

The show featured performances from all of the nominated plays and musicals, including American Idiot and the stars of Glee stopped by for a special performance as well.  The Best Musical prize went to Memphis, a rhythm and blues type show set in the American South in the 1950’s.  The Best Play award went to Red, a two-man drama that focused on a painter who has to choose between honesty and a rich commission for the fancy Four Seasons reatuarant.

BET has been a staple in the African-American community for over 20 years and they are  known for many things…not all of them positive.  However, their channels Centric and BET J along with BET.com, have become platforms for the launch of many short films and independent or “indie” features, actors and opportunities.

Teamed up with Johnson & Johnson, BET is in it’s second season of the amazing series Lens ON Talent.  The series is a half hour short film showcase that airs the shorts of what they deem are the best and brightest filmmakers of the new generation.  Last season was hosted by Sanaa Lathan, and this year it is being lead by the sexy and accomplished Blair Underwood.  As part of the series, panels and workshops are being held all over the nation for the independent film communities to gather with their peers and idols and discuss the industry, opportunities and the push for bigger and better efforts from this vastly growing sector.

The panel that I attended on behalf of XI was moderated by a pioneer of Black film, Warrington Hudlin (Boomerang, House Party) and included panelists Kim Fields, Malik Yoba, Lisa Cortes, Tamir Muhammad, Pete Chatmon and Quincy Jones III (QD3). The audience was full of actors, writers, filmmakers, techies and film students, and the event was held at the Tish School of the Arts in New York.

After a brief introduction of each panelist, there was a presentation by self-proclaimed ‘tech geek’ QD3 as he told of how his company has broken down barriers with their docu-drama DVD’s along with his success in the music industry scoring projects.  Jones expressed that documentaries are a great platform to move into feature films and stated that “you get to travel, immerse yourself in the subject and that each film is like a college education.”  However he also sighted the challenges of having no script, never knowing what you’re going to get and needing excessive patience in regards to obtaining clearances and amassing research.  He also spoke a lot about the technological platforms that exist now that basically make each person their own network.  He told the audience how he would visit the SXSW expo and Silicone Valley to seek out new technology.  He encouraged the attendees to focus on crowd source marketing and to strategize their marketing based on the digital platforms that exist and to also learn about those that are on the way.  Jones stressed that “E-Hustling and understanding the components of the E-ecosystem will get you very far.”

Tamir Muhammed flanked the end of the panel row, but his info was surely relevant and helpful to the group.  As the Director of Tribeca All Access, the philanthropic arm of the world-renown Tribeca Film Festival, he had considerable advice and information for those indie writers and filmmakers in regard to working with Tribeca.  All Access is a program that is in it’s eighth year and holds an open call for works-in-progress, narrative films and documentaries.  The program, once accepted, connects these filmmakers with industry professionals that they can meet one-on-one for the purpose of not just learning but also pitching their projects.  Tamir encouraged everyone to network, not just with direct industry people, but also with attorneys and others that work on the business side, as they often broker and/or facilitate deals and opportunities as well.

A winner of Tribeca’s All Access competition in 2008 was panelist Pete Chatmon.  He spoke on how he had to submit several times before being accepted and how upon acceptance into the program, he already had quite a bit of work under his belt, so he had a good basis and foundation.  Chatmon spoke about having nearly 35 meetings in three days during what he deemed “speed dating for filmmakers and industry execs.”  His win garnered him not just bragging rights, but $12,000 and an amazing set of new relationships that continue to thrive.

Industry Influencer, Lisa Cortes had so much to impart during the panel my hand cramped trying to write it all down!  A mover and shaker in the film and music industry for many years, Cortes most recently was the Executive Producer on the breakout hit Precious, directed by Lee Daniels.  Cortes spoke on how she and Lee Daniels kept going back to option the film from Sapphire, the writer of the novel PUSH, which the film was based on.  For years they courted her to no avail, until she saw a project that they had done called “Shadowboxer.” Upon seeing this film, she realized that this duo would be able to maintain the integrity and nature of her characters, and granted them the rights to the screenplay.  During the filming Cortes explained that she would often bring the people who loved the book to the set so that she could create the initial audience for the film and she also stressed that the success was due to their ability to “not compromise, network, hustle and be of service to both the art and the commerce.”  An educator in her own right, she even taught a few lessons.  She advised filmmakers to have several budget plans – a dream budget, a middle range and a bare bones “plan C” budget.  She passionately instructed the audience that “you can not be a filmmaker and live with fear, it can’t sit at the table, it must wait outside!”

All of this information had me on overload.  It was as if I had been plugged back into the matrix!  But the two that stirred me the most were Malik and Kim.  Seated beside one another, they both had a litany of wonderful and powerful statements and humorous one-liners that brought a realism to all of this hope that had been given.  Though I’ll admit that  as an actress and (recently added to my resume) a filmmaker, I could have been a bit biased.

Malik Yoba is very well known for his role as Detective J.C. Williams on New York Undercover in the 90’s.  Most recently he’s been praised for his role in both Tyler Perry films, “Why Did I Get Married?” and “Why Did I Get Married Too?” He’s won several NAACP Image awards and is not just an actor, but a writer, director, musician, activist and educator.  He also has a web series on BET.com called Shop Talk, which is a semi-scripted series based on his play “What’s On the Hearts of Men.”

“Tenacity is key” he touted as he told the audience that he works on projects and eats even when he’s not seen.  Looking casual and cool in his rolled up jeans and flip flops, he poignantly quoted his father, “build your own generator so when they shut off the power you still have lights!”  This statement only further impressing that Malik fully believes in creating ones own opportunities and providing a platform for your own work so that it is able to be seen.  He spoke on the need for brand integration and using that to move into relationships and partnerships with influential individuals.  Malik also acknowledged that most creative people don’t have a business mind and how important that is to develop that or have a partner that can check that aspect.  He explained that “in show business, the business is longer than the show.”  He passionately told everyone that “you are the CEO of you” and even infused humor and a few great impressions into his commentary.

Kim Fields, who will forever in our minds be Tootie from the Facts of Life, is all grown up now.  A new wife and mother, she sat with this incredible glowing skin (sans make-up, but still youthful and gorgeous) and had a regality about her that drew you in.  Unlike Regine from Living Single, there were no wigs or wild hairpieces and she even switched up from her long locks; donning a simple natural set of twists.  Fields has worked on a lot of indie films and has been doing most of her work of-late behind the camera as a writer and director.  She also is a spoken word artist, with a smooth jazz/spoken word CD out called “Smooth is Spoken Here.”

Fields didn’t say much in the beginning of the panel, but when she did speak you were compelled to listen as she did so with a genuineness and intensity that held your attention…along with unintentional humor and that infamous laugh of hers when anyone else would say something that she found amusing.  “Just cuz you don’t see, me don’t mean I’m somewhere all cracked out” she spat, but with no venom…just fact!  She spoke of the need to reinvent oneself and also the need to protect your work.  Kim answered an audience question on the subject by saying if you can’t afford a lawyer at the very least do a “poor man’s copyright” of your work by mailing it to yourself and never opening the document; thus preserving the date of your work with the postmark.  She also said that people should network and if they have friends that are in law school for contract law or know a pretty knowledgeable paralegal, they can get preliminary advice from those sources along with the internet.  Kim spoke on the fact that the business is “no longer business as usual” with the surge of technology.  She encouraged the audience to find what works for them and to be wary of who they share their dreams with because everyone won’t get it and won’t believe in it.  Someone in the audience then spoke about only wanting to work with 35mm camera’s, feeling they were the best to use.  After simultaneously shaking her head with Malik, she told the woman “just because the format has changed, doesn’t mean the quality of what’s funneled through is less; you are still a content provider and it doesn’t matter what the medium that you use is.”  She stressed the need to be dedicated, driven and passionate no matter what.

All of the panelists along with the guests and Mr. Hudlin, provided a great laundry list of advice, approaches to the business and encouragement to be great!  They were a phenomenal mix of talent, all with diverse perspectives and all bolstering the same objective and vision of BET and Johnson & Johnson…incredible independent Film!

We at XI have made a commitment to foster, support and recognize the independent film market as well and will begin to profile indie filmmakers, actors and events in our XI In Focus section.  This will include our coverage of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) 2010.  Look out for blog posts and exclusive photos from ABFF along with interviews and Q&A’s from some of your favorite personalities along with future favorites.  Also, be sure to check out Lens On Talent (check your local listing for dates and times) and BET for Malik Yoba’s Shop Talk and the Scene Steelers series which chronicles two filmmakers on a 48 hour mission to make a movie.  Keep your eye on the new BET channel, Centric, for old school commercials, shows and the best in today’s music videos as well!

On Saturday May 22^nd G. Stone and I attended a showing of Marc L. Abbott’s Off-Broadway play, A Gamble of Faith. Presented by Mo’Diva Quality Productions, the show ran for 3 days at the Times Square Arts Center in New York City.  The play is an adaptation from Abbott’s novel of the same name.  It presents a story of lost hope, friendship and knowing when to take that leap of faith.

I don’t want to spoil the plot for you all, so I won’t go into detail of who exactly the characters are, but the break out actors in my opinion were Jay McClure (Michael) and Steven Strickland (Terrance).  Both young men portrayed very strong and believable characters that evoked emotion, whether it was laughter or anger.  McClure had a presence that was commanding and is a very attractive sight on stage ladies! *wink*  Strickland, also a good looking brother, carried his character with a charm and humor that made you understand where he was in his life and sympathize with that. Actor Paul Ross (Marquis) was the show’s comic relief and he played it well. His timing was often dead on and you were quite endeared to his character.  Nicole Moore (Lucy), David Beckles Jr. (Gregory) and Celia Au (Alyssa) also lent their talents to this awesome show and rounded out Abbot’s cast.  

A Gamble of Faith has been running for several years and after toiling for five arduous months, this particular cast brought the show back to life, much to the seeming pleasure of the writer and Producer of the show.  “I’m very proud of the cast and very happy with how it turned out.  We put a lot of faith into this and there was something inside of every single one in this cast, including myself that said we are not going to fail, we are not going to give up;  we are going to make this happen because we have to bring this story back to the stage.”

Marc Abbott is a Brooklyn native and has been writing since 1995.  He’s worked on shows such as “Law & Order” and has written shorts, two radio dramas and three novels.  His Producer Monique Andress is an accomplished actress in her own right and this was the first production for her company.  “This has been a labor of love and my staff has made me so happy,” Andress gushed as the cast took their bows and prepared for a soiree after the show to celebrate the last performance of this particular run.

The beginning was a little confusing to me at first, though in hindsight it lent to the plot and the reveal.  However, after it revved up, it was funny, thought provoking, entertaining, well played and enjoyable.  I encourage you all to check out all of Abbott’s novels (A Gamble of Faith, The Hooky Party and Anthorrorgy) and if you get the chance, definitely plan to see the play.

This year’s Tony Awards nominations could easily be mistaken for the list of nominees of the Academy Awards with Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Catherine Zeta-Jones making the list.

From the Huffington Post:

NEW YORK — Two strikingly different musicals, “Fela!” and “La Cage aux Folles,” dominated the star-laden 2010 Tony Awards nominations.

“Fela!” – the innovative Afro-beat biography of Nigerian superstar Fela Anikulapo-Kuti – and “La Cage aux Folles” – a revival of the classic Jerry Herman-Harvey Fierstein musical celebrating family – each received 11 nods on Tuesday as Jeff Daniels and Lea Michele announced the nominees for the 64th annual awards during a news conference.

They were followed by the revival of August Wilson’s “Fences,” with 10 nominations and the musical “Memphis,” with eight.

“I actually got to call Jerry Herman, ’cause he’s on the West Coast, and break the news to him,” said Fierstein, whose “La Cage” won a best-musical Tony in 1984 and then a best musical-revival Tony in 2005. “We have had this child together since we began writing it in ‘81 or ‘82, so it’s always good when you get to call the other parent and tell them that the child is doing well.”

The critically maligned “Addams Family,” based on the New Yorker cartoons, was one of the most anticipated musicals of the season. It managed only two nominations, for Andrew Lippa’s music and lyrics, and for featured actor Kevin Chamberlin, who plays Uncle Fester in the show.

“Addams” stars Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth were among the notable omissions for nominations. Also missing in action were Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman, stars of Keith Huff’s police melodrama “A Steady Rain,” the big box-office sensation of last fall. And so were the star, John Gallagher Jr., and director, Michael Mayer, of “American Idiot.”

Best play nominations went to “Red,” John Logan’s incisive look at an artist – Mark Rothko – at work; “Time Stands Still,” Donald Margulies’ examination of a photojournalist’s intense commitment to her craft; Geoffrey Nauffts’ “Next Fall,” a story of belief and non-belief; and Sarah Ruhl’s “In the Next Room (or the vibrator play),” a comedy about female liberation of a very specific kind.

“Red” received seven nominations. Among its nominees was Alfred Molina, who portrays Rothko. He will compete in what is perhaps the starriest Tony category – actor-play. His challengers: Denzel Washington, who plays an embittered sanitation worker with dashed dreams of baseball glory in “Fences”; Liev Schreiber, an obsessive Brooklyn longshoreman in “A View From the Bridge”; Christopher Walken, a peculiar fellow seeking revenge in “A Behanding in Spokane”; and Jude Law as the melancholy Danish prince in “Hamlet.”

“What a great honor,” Law said. “Bringing our production of Hamlet to New York will always be one of the highlights of my career and to receive this recognition amongst these other brilliant actors only makes this experience sweeter.”

Washington said that being on Broadway again – he last appeared in 2005 in “Julius Caesar” – was “like coming home again for me, and sharing a Tony nomination for ‘Fences’ with so many wonderfully talented people associated with this play makes it seem like one big family reunion.”

For the top musical prize, “Fela!” will go up against “Memphis,” an interracial romance set against the backdrop of the 1950s rhythm ‘n’ blues explosion; “American Idiot,” Green Day’s tale of disaffected slackers;l and “Million Dollar Quartet,” a celebratory jam session involving Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury were nominated – in different categories – for their roles in “A Little Night Music,” a musical revival nominee against “La Cage” and two shows that already have closed, “Finian’s Rainbow” and “Ragtime.”

“What a thrill to be nominated,” said Zeta-Jones, who plays the amorous Desiree Armfeldt in the Stephen Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler musical. “The experience of doing this incredible show and working every night with such a talented group of people has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. And now to be nominated for a Tony, in my dreams, I couldn’t imagine a better way to make my Broadway debut.”

Zeta-Jones faces Kate Baldwin, “Finian’s Rainbow”; Montego Glover, “Memphis”; Christiane Noll, “Ragtime”; and Sherie Rene Scott, “Everyday Rapture.” In the featured actress-musical category, Lansbury goes up against Barbara Cook, “Sondheim on Sondheim”; Katie Finneran, “Promises, Promises”; Karine Plantadit, “Come Fly Away,” and Lillias White, “Fela!”

In the actress-play category, the nominees were Viola Davis, “Fences”; Valerie Harper, “Looped”; Linda Lavin, “Collected Stories”; Laura Linney, “Time Stands Still”; and Jan Maxwell, “The Royal Family.”

“I am so happy to be back ‘home’ again on stage, in this play, with these actors and to be recognized is icing on the cake,” said theater veteran Davis, who portrays Washington’s stoic, understanding wife in “Fences.”

“I am very, very grateful!”

Harper said her nomination was “bittersweet” because “Looped” had closed. “That was sad and disappointing but boy does this sweeten the pot,” she said. “And we have a 10-week commitment in Toronto. So there is an afterlife for the play, and that’s exciting.”

The two stars of “La Cage” – Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge – will compete against each other for the actor-musical prize. Their competition will be Sean Hayes, the ambitious young executive in “Promises, Promises”; Chad Kimball, the soul-drenched disc jockey in “Memphis”; and Sahr Ngaujah, the title character in “Fela!”

Among the more unusual twists of the 2010 nominations: Maxwell of “A Royal Family” was also nominated in the featured actress-play category, for her role as an opera singer’s jealous wife in “Lend Me a Tenor.” Competing with Maxwell are Maria Dizzia, “In the Next Room (or the vibrator play”; Rosemary Harris, “The Royal Family”; Jessica Hecht, “A View From the Bridge”; and Scarlett Johansson, “A View From the Bridge.”

“It has been a dream come true to be a part of the Broadway community,” Johansson said. “I am deeply honored to be nominated and so proud to have been a part of this extraordinary production.”

Featured actor in a play nominees included David Alan Grier, “Race”; Stephen McKinley Henderson, “Fences”; Jon Michael Hill, “Superior Donuts”; Stephen Kunken, “Enron”; and Eddie Redmayne as Rothko’s young assistant in “Red.”

Twyla Tharp, who choreographed and conceived the dance musical “Come Fly Away,” set to Frank Sinatra songs, will compete for the best choreography Tony with Rob Ashford, “Promises, Promises”; Bill T. Jones, “Fela!”; and Lynne Page, “La Cage aux Folles.”

Special Tony Awards for lifetime achievement will be given to playwright Alan Ayckbourn (“The Norman Conquests,” a trilogy that won the play-revival Tony last year), and actress Marian Seldes (“A Delicate Balance,” “Equus,” “Deathtrap,” “Three Tall Women”).

The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Conn., will receive the regional theater award.

Winners will be announced June 13 during a ceremony televised by CBS from Radio City Music Hall.

Jermaine “Jay Everyday” Smith – The voice of the future coming to stage near you! As an actress, I have the blessed fortune of meeting some amazing writers, directors, fellow actors and just all around dope creative individuals. One such person is Mr. Jermaine Smith. Hailing from East New York (Brooklyn), Jay is a writer, actor and radio personality here in NYC. But he’s definitely no local-yokel! I met Jay on Facebook about two years ago as he was promoting and pushing his play “A Piece of Me.” Knowing that I was looking for a new project to join, I asked to come check out the play and he was gracious enough to invite me down, comp me and walk me into his world through his play. I laughed, I definitely cried and I was incredibly moved. The cast was pretty good, with a few stand-out stars, the premise was very familiar to me and it just read as real and genuine. We all know that Tyler Perry has opened the door for independent playwrights and the “every day” actor to have a chance to be involved in something great. He made the world take notice of the local/regional level of Urban Theatre. Though their stories have some similarities, Jay is doing this on a whole new level in that he is adding a younger feel and a more contemporary perspective to the mix. I got up with Jay and we got down to the nitty-gritty of how he started, why and where he’s going from here… XI: How did you first discover that you could write? My most memorable moment goes as far back to the age of nine or ten for me. That is where I would regularly find myself weekly with a therapist discussing my vivid writings about life as I viewed it. XI: Why plays as opposed to other facets of writing like novels, films, poetry? I am originally a songwriter. The stage plays are just the beginning for me, and I am definitely looking into turning my plays into books for all. XI: What was your family life like? How did that impact what type of plays you would write? My family life was non-existent; due to my father’s early demise along with my mothers’ twenty-seven year substance abuse, addiction has played a significant part in the broken structure. My writings are impacted by the constant reminder of the pain in my past and the GOD given ability to survive that past is one of the greatest sources for me to write. XI: How would you describe your plays? What genre would you categorize them under? I describe my stage plays as Thought Provoking, Reality-Based, Edutainment for all. The best category that could describe my work is, Inspirational. XI: Who is/was your biggest influence? My biggest influence will always be GOD. The individuals that I keep my eyes and ears on are Bishop Noel Jones, Steve Harvey, Oprah Winfrey and Jay-Z; everyday people who are surviving and thriving. As well as the small inner circle of friends/cast members that I am connected with. XI: What type of press coverage/exposure have you been getting as a result of your shows? We have gotten minimal press thus far, but very favorable coverage nonetheless. We as a team have frequented many NY & CT college radio stations to promote and interview, along with write-ups in local newspapers from Orlando, Fl. To East Stroudsburg, PA. and Syracuse, NY. XI: What to date, has been your greatest achievement with your plays? The greatest achievement thus far has to be the 80 souls that have publicly turned over a new spiritual leaf by giving their life to Christ at the shows, along with winning the 2009 HBG Award for Best Stageplay (CT) for “A Piece of Me”. XI: Have you worked with any notable folks/venues? To date I have worked with several actors that are definitely the stars of tomorrow. My stage play “A Piece of Me” has performed at several notable venues, such as “Crossroads Theatre” (New Brunswick, NJ), “The Shawnee Playhouse” (East Stroudsburg, PA.), “The Playhouse on the Green” (Bridgeport, CT), and the Off-Broadway venue “The Producer’s Club” (NY, NY) And this was all due to me searching for the next big venue and my desire to build the resume. All of this helps me to work the region by spreading the vision and the message. XI: What are the challenges of being an independent playwright? For me as an independent, the challenges are solely financial and acquiring sponsorship. Being the sole financier, I have to prepare for the shows that help finance the dream, most time either breaking even or taking a loss. XI: How has your faith affected your writing and your life since you began this journey of being a playwright? My faith plays 95% of the part, because there are many days when I consider not producing another show or completing a play that I have started writing. But I stand on the fact that God has created and prepared me to do this so I keep going and P.U.S.H.ing (Praying Until Something Happens) XI: Do you feel that it’s better to do it all yourself? (Write/Direct/Produce/Act) I definitely feel that it’s good to do what you’re best at, as well as to delegate some duties. I myself choose to let the actors act, and I stay in my sweet spot of writing, producing and directing. XI: How do you create and develop your characters? I create my characters by using my family, friends, people I see on the train, and of course my imagination. XI: If you could work with ANY actor/actress…who would it be and why? I would preferably like to help break new stars; to let the world know that they exist. Now my wish list definitely has Viola Jackson (Doubt, Antwone Fisher), Rosalyn Sanchez (Rush Hour 2), Gary Sturgis (Daddy’s Little Girls), Kevin Spacey, Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington. XI: What are your thoughts on Tyler Perry and the comments that Spike Lee made regarding his brand of theater and stories…as some of his aesthetics are quite similar to your own? I believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion, and Tyler’s vision is Tyler’s vision, just as Spike has his own. The comparisons that I get on my work being just as good as Tyler is an ultimate compliment to me. From what I have read and heard Tyler speak on, the road to success was not easy and I applaud his faithfulness and tenacity. XI: What is Jermaine the Man about…aside from the plays and the stage? “Jermaine the man is a complex man drawn off of simplicity.. (Lol)” I can say I’m a man that is coming into his own; as a person, son and father. Just constantly looking to build on my relationship with GOD. XI: What can we expect next from J. Smith? Right now I’m just living in expectation of what GOD has next for us all. I’m patiently waiting for the showing of a filmed documentary segment that will air on the Christian Broadcasting Network’s “The 700 Club” during the month of February. The piece is on me, my company and my faith journey. I’m definitely excited about the continued demand for “A Piece of Me”, and the anticipation from my family, friends as well as those that have previewed my prior work to see my new stage play “Cooking in Yesterday’s Grease” which will debut in NY on February 12th. As you can read, Jay is definitely focused and determined to show the world what he’s got. I respect his hustle and know from experience, that the grind will pay off. His determination to give local actors the opportunity to shine is commendable and I’m sure that we will hear his name much more in the years to come. For those citiXIns in NYC that are looking for something to do this V-day weekend, check out the flyer for his newest production, Cooking In Yesterday’s Grease: Cooking in Yesterday’s Grease revolves around the relationships (or lack there of) that Carter James has with his live in girlfriend Dream, his over-protective Aunt Vye, and the reemergence of his mother Lucinda. Carter’s constant efforts to keep putting a comma where GOD has placed a period, keeps him Cooking in Yesterday’s Grease. FRI FEB 12TH FAITH ASSEMBLIES OF GOD 1014 GATES AVE. 7:15PM SAT FEB 13TH OBERIA D. DEMPSEY CTR. 127 W. 127TH ST. 7:15PM Starring: Steve Strickland, Staxx Cordero, Martinique, Allen Jenkins, Dre Foreman, Glenda “Toni Steelz” Martinez, Jelani Maleeq, Jonathan Robinson III, and Sharon “Aunt Vye” King. For more information, email jsmithstageplays@gmail.com.

In the past six months that XI has been up and running in the blogosphere, we have learned so much about the internet and how it has become a lucrative business for many already. Positioning ourselves and placing our stamp on the information highway, our team of just two has grown to 15 in a very short time. Khai and I networked and connected with these people in various ways. Each contributor & editor bringing something different to the table. But, there was an energy and a spirit that we sought out to find in building this team. And what we found were people who shared similar visions as we did. Genuine people who are paving their own ways in various industries and making their own rules up as they go along. Khai and I provided the platform to fill a void we felt is missing on the internet today. We want to showcase these people and others like us, who are out their struggling but still going hard and never giving up despite personal hardships and obstacles in their way. Highlighting the actual person as much as what they have accomplished in their lives. Okema T. Moore, XI’s own Contributing Editor and On-Site Correspondent is one of these people. Khai and I met Okema through G. Stone as we were beginning to network with people in order to get XI more notoriety.  However, Okema is not just someone that we put in our Rolodex as a contact for later. We made her a part of the team almost instantly, because we found so much more in Okema that has become invaluable to Khai and I in our personal lives than what she can offer to XI professionally. Her enthusiasm for what we were trying to build excited us. But, we later discovered that was her spirit  speaking to us and that she was like this with her own career path; an actress, singer, and songwriter in her own right. I’d do her no justice in saying she was just “aspiring.” The more I spoke with Okema and learned her history, I was intrigued more so by the person she was. And as you’ll see, her story is even more captivating. New York native, Okema T. Moore began singing at a very young age. Her parents were both performers, so to say that “it’s in her blood” is an understatement. However, her story really starts when her mother and grandmother put her in acting and dance classes on the weekends to keep her occupied. But, it was her talents being displayed as one of the students at the top of her class that landed her an audition for Sesame Street when she was only 7-years-old. Moore landed roles as a Grouchketeer and Birdketeer, singing along with Sesame Street’s own Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird’s Flap Gang and Mr. Snuffleupagus. When Okema was 11, she joined a group called Cuties in Affect (C.I.A.). She sang background and rapped (much to her chagrin) with C.I.A. throughout her teen years. Performing at industry events, touring with the Black Expo in the 90s and opening for established R&B acts such as SWV, Intro, Joe. She has performed on the same stages as B.I.G and Pac. Not many people can say that. Although the self-proclaimed former tomboy saw her new found teen stardom as cool and received love from many, she says there were haters.

“Back then we were hot and saw a lot of love. We would be on Video Music Box every week and went to all the industry parties.  I remember we were even in Right On!. which was cool.  As a kid it was the BEST! But, the hate was hard! I was in high school at the time in Harlem and there were other people in school doing really big things.  The choreographer, K’Shaya Dudley, (Foxy Brown, Lil’ Kim, Michael Jackson & Gwen Stefani) went to school with us and she was a good friend of mine back then.  So, you know, we were all doing stuff like I’m on Video Music Box every other day and Shashia’s got AZ and Nas picking her up from school. (laughs) It was funny!”

The ride continued when C.I.A. got a record deal, but it did not last long.

“You know as a kid, you are doing what you love. You really don’t think about the details, you are just doing what you love. I can’t say that I learned whole alot at that particular time, because I wasn’t paying attention in that way. I was a teenager and just enjoying it all.   You know…but it was a lot of fun.  And then we got a deal but due to some internal stuff, the record deal fell through.  After that my mother was like, “Oh that’s cute, and now it’s time for you to go to college. (chuckles) The record deal thing came and went but now it’s time for you to go to school.” So, I went away. I went to Marist (College) and then  my mom got preganant and I came back and finished at Brooklyn College. I didn’t really sing much at that time….losing a deal really broke my heart.  At 16, I didn’t get! It was like “What?! What do you mean, ‘we’re not going to be singing?’ What do you mean, ‘we’re not going to get to perform?’ What do you mean, ‘we’re not going to get to live our dreams?’ What are you talking about?!” I stopped singing for years.”

Well, that was until she moved to Delaware after graduating college and started dating a guy, who gave her the push she needed to get back to that place where she truly wanted to be.

“A guy that I was seeing at the time surprised me and took me to this open mic in Philly… unfortunately it burnt down.  It was called the 5 Spot and they used to have open mic every Tursday night. He didn’t tell me, but he had signed me to the list. So I’m sitting there watching this show, and I mean u got Jaguar Wright, u got Jazmine Sullivan, u got Floetry. I mean, this was their place! This is their hometown spot to go and just kinda chill, or perform if they felt like it, or just hang out with no one bothering or pressing them.  So I hear my name and I say “What the hell?” (laughs) And he says “SURPRISE!” And I’m thinking “That’s not cool!”  So I wound up singing Brownstone’s “If You Love Me” and it went really well and I got a lot of love. After that I went back every Tuesday night knowing I had to be at work Wednesday morning and it didn’t start until midnight. But, I loved it!”

The journey began again for Okema when she met Musiq Soulchild and Carvin Haggins (songwriter for Will Smith, Jill Scott, Musiq, Aaries, Raheem Devaughn). She began singing background for a group called Treo, who opened for Musiq in Philadelphia many times ,and recording with Def Soul artist Jonell. In 2006, moving from music to musical theater, Okema starred as Lorell Robinson in the TONY award-winning stage play, Dreamgirls. Directed by Ben Harney (1982 Tony Award winner for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for his role as Curtis Taylor, Jr. in the original run of Dreamgirls), she had been reluctant to even audition; initially intimidated by Harney’s own accomplishments.  She thought of every reason not to audition and emailed Harney to tell him why.  His only reply: “If this is your dream, be audacious and stand in that.” as a result she landed the role of Lorell in her first major musical production. She performed at New York’s historic Lamb’s Theater on Broadway. Quite a triumph for someone who now goes for underdog roles as a challenge for herself. Mastering singing and acting on stage and in film & television roles, Moore has decided to add songwriting to her repertoire. Mentored by Haggins, Eli Tubo (of Erick B. & Rakim), Baltimore’s own B-Boys, and The Headbangaz of Carolina, Moore is working diligently on placing songs. She has submitted her work to Toni Braxton and Ashanti’s latest projects; she says although her songs did not make their albums she received excellent feedback on her work. But, didn’t stop there!  She continues to be inspired by music in order to create songs that move her audience. Currently, she is penning a fiction novel with the working title of “For Such a Time as This” about the trials and tribulations of a young woman navigating through life and love while holding onto her Christian values. Moore says her book uses no profanity and does not contain any explicit sex scenes. Instead she chooses to convey positive images for her younger siblings and mentees who are bombarded by negative images that are already ever present in today’s media. Okema feels this will set her apart and establish her as a true author. (Bill Cosby comes to mind…) This woman on-the-go has Red Carpet and charity event hosting credits to her name as well. In November, she co-hosted a town hall meeting along with Dr. Marc Lamont Hill (CNN, Fox News) in Harlem on Economic Health and Healthcare Reform that will air this year. 2010 has begun for Okema with a bang! She has been cast in starring roles in two short films and has co-written two short films. She is presently filming the  Independant Soap pilot, “Drama Inc.” and will also be performing in her first show of 2010 at Santos Party House on Tuesday, January 26th at 7pm. This is an artist showcase (competition) and many A&Rs and industry executives will be in attendance. The show is being given by Urbanbuzzfactor.com and Promo Radio, and she is looking forward to the additional exposure.  Of course, she will be contributing to Exclusivity Magazine where she will be our on-site correspondent at  red carpet events around town. Okema dreams big! She listens to Jazmine Sullivan’s song “Dream Big” daily to remind her of her purpose and why her grind is so mean. Her resume and body of work speaks volumes, even if you don’t know her name yet.   She calls her journey thus far: “amazing” and works hard towards her goals to acheive all the things she desires in life and her career. As Editorial Director and on behalf of my partner, Khai G., I would like to officially welcome Okema to the team! She has become an integral part of XI’s empire; a blessing of sorts. Her tenacity, enthusiasm, and effervescent attitude is infectious. We both love and admire Okema and wish her all the best in her many endeavors and in the future. We will continue to encourage and support Okema along the way! Enjoy some of Okema’s music in the player below! Great songs and a beautiful voice! Find more music like this on THE URBAN BUZZ FACTOR

Shane Sparks, the talented choreographer from So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars as well as a judge on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew and most recently the co-choreographer for the National Tour of DREAMGIRLS, has been arrested in North Hollywood on nine (9) counts of child molestation including inflicting a lewd act upon a child which is a FELONY.  The alleged incidents began in 1994 and are in reference to an alleged relationship with an underage girl at least ten (10) years his junior. Now we at XI can not corroborate the details of this story or say what is exactly going on; however according to multiple media resources, Sparks has definitely been arrested and is presently being held on $590,000.00 bail. As more info is released we will keep you updated, but our prayers go out to Sparks as well as the family of the alleged child.  We are not taking any sides on this but are definitely awaiting more information.