Features

The Ru Report #150

Return Of The Golden Era
"Good Black don't crack!” That's what my grandmother used to tell me. And she was right.

By hook or by crook, the Great White Way will see a bona fide Black production in the coming months with the recent announcement of Tony Award winners James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams starring in the acclaimed new production of "On Golden Pond.”

The Verizon pitchman and "Star Wars” star will join the "Roots” alum in the latest incarnation of Academy Award winner Ernest Thompson's beloved play. Opening on April 7 at Broadway's Cort Theater, the show will be helmed by "Master Class” director Leonard Foglia.

"I am honored to bring the legendary James Earl Jones back to Broadway, paired with Leslie Uggams," said producer Jeffrey Finn. "Our recent engagement at The Kennedy Center was a great success and we're looking forward to New York seeing our new production of this family classic.” Mr. Finn produced the premiere at The Kennedy Center and is joined by Stuart Thompson Productions in New York. This acclaimed new production premiered at The Kennedy Center on September 28, and originally co-starred Diahann Carroll (who withdrew from the play during rehearsals because of a back injury), and ran through October 17, followed by an engagement at The DuPont Theatre in Wilmington, DE.

Ironically, this path follows the original 1979 production's pre-Broadway journey from The Kennedy Center to The DuPont (then named The Playhouse) before opening on The Great White Way starring Tom Aldredge and Frances Sternhagen.

Rounding out the cast are Linda Powell, Peter Francis James, Craig Bockhorn and Alexander Mitchell. All four appeared with Mr. Jones and Ms. Uggams in D.C. and Wilmington. The production features set design by three-time Emmy Award winner Ray Klausen, costume design by 13-time Tony Award nominee Jane Greenwood, lighting design by Tony Award nominee Brian Nason and sound design and original music by Dan Moses Schreier.

In "On Golden Pond,” which starred Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn in the 1981 cinematic classic, a retired New England professor Norman Thayer and his spirited wife Ethel decides to spend one final summer at their family's lakeside cottage in Maine. But en route to Europe, the couple's estranged daughter Chelsea arrives to leave behind her fiancé's troubled young son. Colliding generations soon forge common ground, but when Chelsea returns to discover Norman playing the father she never had, years of bitter memories and resentment rise to the surface. It's an intimate family drama laced with humor and heart, exploring growing up, growing old and growing closer.

Peaking Idol
Fantasia Barrino Beware. The other fierce Black chick that almost captured the title of the 2004 American Idol just signed a record deal.

It was announced yesterday that Latoya London, my fave of the final three finalists on last season's wildly successful "American Idol,” just inked a contract with indie label Peak Records, in a partnership with the Universal Music-distributed Concord Records. The 25-year-old Oakland native is the third act of the season to announce a record deal, following George Huff--who released his inspirational Christmas disc last week, and Diana DeGarmo and Ms. Barrino, both singed to BMG imprints.

"Latoya will follow in the footsteps of Whitney Houston and the other great female R&B singers that shaped the genre,” said Peak Records President Andi Howard. "She's smart, beautiful, witty and incredibly talented. When I saw her perform on 'American Idol,' I was simply blown away. I am absolutely delighted that she has now joined our family.”

The Beverly Hills-based Peak is partnered with Concord Record, which recently scored multi-platinum hit with Genius Loves Company, the final recording from music legend Ray Charles. The company's roster has included R&B and contemporary jazz artists such as Regina Belle, Glenn Jones, Phil Perry, David Benoit, The Rippingtons, and Paul Taylor.

Ms. London is currently working with the Peak team on material for her debut release, which will primarily feature R&B originals. The CD is expected in summer of 2005 with recording to begin in January. Stay tuned.

Music Notes
As the Oscar race heats up, many media buffs are wondering whether or not acclaimed thespian Jamie Foxx botched his chances at the golden statue by hipping and a hopping his way on Dick Clark's stage during last Monday night's telecast of the "American Music Award.” But if all of the Academy Award buzz doesn't translate into the coveted honor for "Best Actor,” the versatile funnyman has a deal with Clive Davis' J Records and plans to release his sophomore album in 2005. True music aficionados will remember that ten years ago, before all of the movie success, the "In Living Color” alum released a smooth R&B record via Scotti Bros. Records titled "Peep This.” Since then, he's collaborated with soulful sexpot Adina Howard for the track "T-shirt and Panties” for the "Woo” soundtrack. And of course, we all know he sings the refrain to Twista's monster hit "Overnight Celebrity,” featuring Kanye West. And if the Hollywood machine ever hangs him out to dry, his friends in hip-hop and R&B will be there for him. Earlier this week, at the L.A. outpost of the pricey Chinese watering hole, Mr. Chow, Mr. Foxx kept good musical company with Brian McKnight, David Banner, Akon and Universal/Motown president Sylvia Rhone.

Rap veteran Sir Mix-A-Lot is getting back in the mix. The Grammy Award winning Seattle based lyricist signed an agreement with Versaly Entertainment, a leading mobile brand management company, to create and produce ringtones for branded products. Called 'Mixtones,' the products--including master ringtones, original voice ringtones and ringback tones--will soon be available through most US and Canadian carriers. "Versaly absolutely gets it--the need for funny, creative mobile products for the youth market," said the "Baby Got Back” rapper. "There are a lot of mobile ringtones that just don't entertain, due to a lack of originality and sound quality. I chose Versaly because we have a shared goal of creating high quality products that deliver the true Hip-Hop experience. Their Mobile Brand Management approach and global distribution network will bring the best mobile products to my fans."

R&R is a brand new "inspirational” jazz phenomenon comprised of Howard Riley, Jr., on soprano, alto & tenor sax, and Terrence Richburg, on 7-string bass, keyboards, and a virtual inventory of other instruments. With their debut release Ascension, the duo brings to the forefront a commanding sound of jazz innovation and gospel soul, breaking down walls of musical classification. Both natives of the Washington DC area, Mr. Riley and Mr. Richburg display fine artistry and delivers sincere commitment in their goal of creating music that uplifts the masses.

Etc
Hard rocking will come to New York's Times Square next year when the world's famous Hard Rock Café relocates to 1501 Broadway from its 20 year old residence on 57th street. Making a mad dash for the Disney-fied Tourist cash, the Hard Rock International organization announced the new location for their famous outpost yesterday. Scheduled to open in fall 2005, the new Hard Rock Cafe New York will feature a 583-seat restaurant, a 1,500 square-foot retail shop with authentic Hard Rock merchandise and a live music area for concerts and special events. Furthermore, the Cafe will have a unique outdoor space above the building's historic marquee, where guests can host private parties amid the lights and excitement of Times Square. In addition to being in the center of bustling Times Square, the property is strategically located blocks from the new Hard Rock Hotel New York, which is also scheduled to open in late 2005 on 46th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue… A one-of-a-kind 3-disc DVD showcasing the inspiring Tiger Woods story arrived on store shelves this week. "Tiger: The Authorized DVD Collection” is narrated by Laurence Fishburne and features the gold legend giving an exclusive account of his quest for golf's highest honors, and offering fascinating insights on his life story. The set is available at a suggested retail price of $49.99.

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