VILLAGE LIFE MAGAZINE
FRIDAY JUNE 14, 2013
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(Continued from page 3)
BET’s newfound shift towards original programming. A protagonist who is far from perfect Being Mary Jane, which was shot in Atlanta, revolves around the main protagonist Mary Jane Paul (played by Union), a successful talk show host, who on the surface has an enviable lifestyle. Still, her life is far from perfect. “It’s in her [Mary Jane Paul's] low moments where she most expresses her humanity,” said creator Mara Brock Akil in a Q&A with entertainment journalist Kelley L. Carter after the screening at the stylish W Hotel in Midtown Atlanta. Though she has the trapping of success, Mary Jane has failed to fulfill a basic need: finding love with a man willing to commit. As she struggles to juggle her personal and professional
THE WIGGLES! “TAKING OFF!” WORLD TOUR VISITS THE NYCB THEATRE AT WESTBURY ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4TH AT 6:30PM **The Number One Children’s Entertainment Group Introduces a New Cast Including the First-Ever Female** TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, MAY 17TH AT 10AM/ PRE-SALE DATE TUESDAY, MAY 14TH AT 10AM
(New York, NY—May 8, 2013) After 21 years of entertaining children around the globe, The Wiggles will introduce three new cast members including the first-ever female member, Emma Watkins as the Yellow Wiggle. Founding member Anthony Field, knows as the Blue Wiggle, rounds out this vibrant group with Simon Pryce (Red Wiggle) and Lachlan Gillespie (Purple Wiggle). The “Taking Off!” worldwide tour will crisscross North America, hitting over thirty-five major cities between August and October in support of their new album of the same name (available May 7th on Razor & Tie). The Taking Off! DVD is slated for release later this summer, and a new television series will debut on Sprout in the fall. For a complete list of tour dates please see the schedule below or go to www.thewiggles.com. Always educational and entertaining, The Wiggles will be joined onstage by Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus for an extra wiggly good time. This marks the first time that North American audiences will get to meet the new line-up and hear new music, as well as sing along to their favorite hits which are all incorporated into their live show. Taking Off! features 21 new feet-stomping songs including the catchy soon-to-be favorite, “Do The Propeller!” as well as "Beep! Beep! Buckle Up!” "Emma (with the Bow in Her Hair)" and classics such as “Rock-A-Bye Your Bear” and “Get Ready to Wiggle.” ONLINE EDITION
life, the film also chronicles her devotion to her ailing mother and less successful siblings. In one scene, an angry Mary Jane expresses her frustration about her teenage niece’s pregnancy and unemployed siblings. “There are too many damn kids in this family and not enough people feeding them! Seriously, who has a job in this room? Raise your hand!” A show that ‘represents real life’ The film is smart, funny, touching and a candid portrayal of the trials and tribulations of life as a single, professional woman. Akil admits she is not trying to a “solve a problem” but explore issues and “that conversation is complicated.” She adds, “It represents real life.” In fact, the series is the brainchild of the successful husband and wife team Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil. Their company Akil Productions has secured a multi-year development deal with BET Networks, following the success of The Game. Being Mary Jane also touches on sensitive issues like colorism, what drives people to have illicit affairs and poverty in the African-American community. ‘A fresh look’ Karyn Greer, the longtime anchor for NBC’s Atlanta affiliate, 11 Alive, was just one of the hand-picked audience who turned out for the private Saturday afternoon screening. “I thought it was a fresh look at issues facing young urban professions, specifically black women,” said Greer. “Gabrielle Union does an amazing job showing us her other side. I really think it will open conversations in our community about dating, motherhood, and careers.” Akil promises to keep the series “lusciously complicated” and given the positive response to the pilot she may already have succeeded. PAGE 7