Edith Berry Covers the ARTS

The ARTS ALWAYS REACHING FOR THE STARS

by Edith C. Berry

Traveling On the Road with TCP Magazine has taken me all around the world! My first stop was in Bethlehem via The North Carolina Museum of Art at the Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Amphitheater in Raleigh, N.C. The Justice Theater Project’s annual production of Black Nativity by Langston Hughes directed by Dr. Asabi Stephanie Howard with Music Director Ray Watkins. Dr. Kristi V. Johnson and Latoya Chinfloo did remarkably in choreographing the dance compositions.

The audience brave the cold and were mesmerized. The downsizing of the cast from previous years did not deter the message nor power of the musicians’ voices. Approximately 3,000 patrons were in attendance for this outstanding revue.

Then I headed to New York City, 525 miles away to the historic theatre district of Times Square. I doubled my pleasure by watching two shows in one day. The first show MJ The Musical at The Neil Simon Theatre directed by James L. Nederlander with executive producer Michael David was upbeat, finger-popping, and moonwalk stepping as if Michael Jackson was reincarnated and came back as himself. Myles Frost starred as MJ and danced with a phenomenal cast. Then I had to “Beat It,” and head closer to 42nd Street.

Next, I headed through the hustle and bustle along that renowned street called Broadway to the American Airlines Theatre of The Roundabout Theatre Company to see Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress. Todd Raines, Artistic Director and CEO, with the Executive Producer brought to life a story that took sixty-six years to make it on Broadway. It performed off Broadway in 1955, and White directors tried to change the ending. Childress’ experience as an actor foretold in this script about racism, lack of equity as a female actor, diversity, and inclusion never made it to Broadway until now. Trouble in Mind, a state of disorder in the acting world still takes precedent in 2022.

Upon my return to Raleigh, North Carolina, I headed to Burning Coal Theatre presented by Artistic Director, Jerome Davis to see ART by Yasmina Reza, with Stage Managing Director, Simmie Kastner, and directed by Ken Hinton and Production Stage Manager, Cynita Lew.

This revue of three long-time friends played by Preston Campbell, Juan Isler, and Byron Jennings challenged their friendship because Serge (Preston Campbell), spent $200,000 francs on a French painting which is allwhite. I sat looking at a painting with no other color measuring four-feet by five-feet. It made you laugh with Ivan (Juan Isler), as Marc (Byron Jennings) did not appreciate his friend making a frivolous purchase. Do you tell the truth and hurt your friend’s feelings?

My last stop took me to The Wendell Community Center in Wendell, NC to hear the sultry sounds of Gospel-Jazz artist and actor, Lynnette Barber. She performed for The East Wake Community Center which focused on healthy living and the Oak Street Health gave a presentation on Heart Health. The highlight of the day was Barber singing Proud Mary. Many of the ladies became Ikettes raising the cardio levels of all the participants.

Now, if your adrenalin is stirring to attend live entertainment, join me as Agape Theatre Project presents Front Porch Society at Burning Coal Theatre, March 19-27, 2022. As one of the cast members in this production, come experience a trip to Marks, Mississippi to witness the political unrest and secrets on the eve of the election of Barack Obama as President. For tickets go to: www.agapetheatre.com.