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The Ru Report #165

Give My Regards … Dance Fever
Choreographer Ken Roberson dances to his own beat.

And he wouldn't have it any other way.

"You have to show up when they call you," the hard-working hoofer said, while navigating his way through Los Angeles traffic on Tuesday. "Just show up. And be Ready!"

On Monday evening, the Thomson, Georgia-born dynamo lent more than his dynamic dancing skills to one of his many worthwhile causes; the Sting-helmed Rainforest Foundation US presentation of "Soul Survivor: Empowering Songs Of Triumph and Transformation." The glitzy fundraising event was held at New York City's Supper Club and featured some of the brightest stars of and on Broadway, including cast members of "Wicked," "Doubt," and "All Shook Up." According to a spokesperson, the event raised nearly $250,000 for the organization's initiatives.

"The magic comes from doing what you were created to do," Mr. Roberson, who produced and directed the show, told "The RU Report." "You to activate and exercise one's unique talents when it is inspired by the spirit of humanitarianism."

Magic is something Mr. Roberson knows all about. The self-described "very later to after midnight forties" figurant is the choreographer of the 2004 Tony Award winning Best Musical "Avenue Q." And with an impressive resume, also including "Smokey Joe's Café," "Harlem Song," "Showboat" and "Jar The Floor," he is in much demand.

The Emmy nominated performer's newest show is the Elvis Presley-inspired jukebox musical "All Shook Up," currently thrilling bridge and tunnel crowds at Broadway's Palace Theater.

So how did it all happen for this small town country boy? "Yikes," Mr. Roberson replied at the thought of recollecting two decades past. "I saw an audition announcement in 'Show Business' newspaper. This paper, if I remember correctly, came out on Thursdays and cost a big fat fifty cents," he recalled.

"That was a lot on the budget of a student with the diet of donuts and pizza," he deadpanned, and then continued, "They were looking for disco dancers. I was a skinny mess and did not get the job that I went there for. I think the disco act was called Celie B. But the manager for another Canadian disco act called The Bombers was standing in the doorway. Lord, the man was too cheap to set up his own audition so he was at the studio approaching dancers as they came out from other auditions. Well, he got to me and promised me money, adventure and travels to the far reaches of the world. And you know what? He kept to his word."

By the age of twenty-five, Mr. Roberson said he danced in discos and music venues all over North America and Europe. And dancing wasn't even what he went in to audition for. That's how fate works.

But the former Alvin Ailey dancer joked that he's still trying to "break into" the business. "Well I came to New York over twenty years ago and had some wonderful things happen to me to help my career goals along. But in between all of it I remained in class: dance, voice, acting, writing. I'm always the student--always on the move."

Having the talent and the dedication to a craft, per se, is enough to get you by in the entertainment business. But continuously working –sometimes vigorously-- in the confines of what is sometimes perceived as a racist arena can be T.O.B.A. (old Vaudeville terminology which stands for Tough On Black Asses).

Growing up in the Jim Crow south enabled Mr. Roberson to understand the challenges and the complexities of this. Nevertheless, he continued to pursue his passion to emote. "It was more that I wanted to create or co-create over the need to only dance in a show," he explained. "I wanted to find something in the industry that I loved doing without having to do it eight shows a week.

"I do not want to imply that my success as a choreographer was just snap of the fingers. It was really a "step out on faith."

Aside from the recent Rainforest benefit and "All Shook Up," Mr. Roberson cultivated the dance sequences of the recent revival of "Purlie." The Ossie Davis-inspired musical farce--starring Lillias White, Blair Underwood and Anika Noni Rose--was such a draw when it played a very limited run for City Center Encores, the production has morphed into a traveling jaunt. Rehearsals will start on June 7 at the Pasadena Playhouse, and Mr. Roberson is going along for the ride.

In addition, "Avenue Q" will start a West coast run, scheduled to open in Las Vegas during Labor Day weekend at the new Steve Wynn hotel.

"Never in my dreams did I think that I would have such a job," he added. "That is the beauty of living and life; all kinds of stuff can and will happen. Good stuff!"

Even with a speech impediment, the humorous and self-proclaimed "shy" guy is considered a beacon of hope for many with similar challenges. That's why on April 11, the Our Time Theater Company, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an artistic home for young people who stutter, honored Mr. Roberson at their Third Annual Benefit Gala. Tony Award winning actress Phylicia Rashad presented him with the award. "I felt good to be there for the teenagers because adolescence is hard enough. Who needs to stutter on top of all those hormones?" he quipped. "It brought back such memories to me. My mother was sitting next to me and we cried. We cried for us and the kids. Not a sad cry. A kind of Baptist Church spirit filled shake in the shoulder cry. I was on cloud nine."

"Now mind you, the dance form was not exactly what I had come to New York City to do," he clarified, "Yet, to get paid to dance and to travel to boot. Hey, I had hit pay dirt ... I can never remember myself not wanting to, not needing to dance. There were times that I tried to ignore this desire, this calling as it were; however, when it was all said and done I seemed to allow my true self to have its way after all."

With all the kudos and the accolades, Mr. Roberson is reflective of more humble times (doing jobs just for carfare; one night gigs and enduring the perils unemployment insurance), but because of blind faith and good friends, he continued to soar.

He said he's passionate about mounting his very own one-man show, titled "I Think, Therefore, I Is," which he said was him "all the way. I write, direct, produce and choreograph the show. It is a piece of comedy and truth about perseverance with a backbeat."

Well with Tony Award winning shows under his belt, and a tight bond with the incomparable theatrical czar George C. Wolfe (the Tony Award winning director/producer tapped him to helm the dance sequences of the critically acclaimed HBO film "Lackawanna Blues") his dream project wont be deferred.

Asked what he would want to tell the generations to come after him, he replied: "Really want it. Want it in your bones, your cells, your heart. Just want it."

That's a great place to start.

No Doubt About It
Get a load of that Adriane Lenox, who stars as Mrs. Muller in the Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway play "Doubt." For her remarkable work as a compromising yet determined mother in the John Patrick Shanley masterpiece, Ms. Lenox has been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play. This honor marks her very first coveted nod on The Great White Way--for her very first play.

"I'm just trying to do my job," Miss Lenox explained, while sipping on a strawberry smoothie at the Jamba Juice outpost just a few steps down from The Walter Kerr Theater --where she works her craft eight times a week. "If they want to give me something for that little bit of time I have on stage, that's great. I welcome it. That's God's grace for real."

The Memphis-reared tour-de-force has always had a self-effacing demeanor. And she is no stranger to the Broadway stage having appeared in shows including "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Dreamgirls," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and "Kiss Me, Kate" among others. True New York theater fans will remember Miss Lenox for her Obie and Audelco Award winning turn--playing multiple characters--in the critically acclaimed "Dinah Was," which was based on the life and times of R&B legend Dinah Washington.

Known primarily for her vivacious vocal prowess, Ms. Lenox points out that the "buzz" hasn't really gotten to her. "It hasn't so much affected me as it has others who assumed that my real gift was singing. God has certainly enlarged my territory now."

The Manhattan Theatre Club production of "Doubt," directed by Doug Hughes, has caused a stir on Broadway, garnering "#1 Play" status from what Bill O'Reilly refers to as "the elite media." Produced by Carole Shorenstein Hays, Roger Berlind and Scott Rudin, the one and half hour play stars Cherry Jones, Brían F. O'Byrne and Heather Goldenhersh.

Set against the backdrop of a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, "Doubt" centers on a strong-minded nun faced with a difficult decision about voicing her concerns regarding one of her male colleagues…even if she's not entirely certain of the truth.

It's deep and heavy fare that deals with molestation and the Catholic church.

"This is a timely piece and is hitting people in a very spiritual way in that they can check in with themselves on this notion of 'doubt,'" Miss Lenox added. "It's exciting to be a part of making that happen. The subject matter certainly gets under your skin particularly when there is real evidence of these to put it mildly, indiscretions.

On Tuesday morning "Doubt" received more Tony Award nominations than any other play with a total of eight, including nominations for all four actors.

Just before "Doubt" became the hit show it is, Ms. Lenox was cast to play the spunky Shug Avery in the stage production of the Oscar nominated film "The Color Purple." And then as the musical progressed, she didn't make the cut as it gears up to hit the Broadway boards. All sorts of rumors were flying around –one particularly naming Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige as her replacement. Ms. Lenox remained graceful. "Come on man, you know this business," she said about the topic. "I had a great time doing the part in Atlanta and getting such wonderful feedback concerning my work. I am, however, not a recognizable name so it is my understanding that the "Purple" is going to proceed without me," she continued.

Well as I always say: one man's trash is another man's treasure!

And there's nothing trashy about Ms. Lenox, who is on the cusp of being one of the great ones of our times. As a 12-year member of Broadway Inspirational Voices, she is an avid supporter of the theatrical community.

Her mother recently passed away while "Doubt" was garnering critical acclaim. It was a devastating blow that would've been a setback for someone of lesser strength. Miss Lenox bounced back and was at work in no time. "God is good," she exclaimed. "I have made the effort to stay aware of His presence and acknowledge His grace. My mother is in her new home and at rest. There's peace when you believe that truth. I thank God for His mercy and bless her memory."

She's contractually obligated to continue doing "Doubt," through September. But I'm sure by the time Tony Awards season winds down, she'll have more than a few offers. "I am thrilled with what's happening right now. I feel truly blessed."

Stages
"Hairspray" star Chester Gregory reached out to me this week to alert folks that he will take the stage for an all-out concert at New York City's performance venue The Cutting Room, on May 16. The Chicago-born singer/songwriter told us that he is in pursuit of a recording deal and this performance will showcase his five-octave vocal range to industry brass. Mr. Gregory has been wowing audiences on The Great White Way for the past two years as scene-stealer Seaweed J. Stubbs in the eight-time Tony Award-winning musical. He said R&B/soul music is his passion and he's eager to let the world know his true talents outside of the realm of the razzle and dazzle of Broadway. "It's one thing to be acknowledged for singing someone else's work," he explained. "But it hits a special place in your heart when people want YOUR music." For his one-hour set, Mr. Gregory, whom also toured the country in "The Jackie Wilson Story" for three years, will perform his own tunes, and do an interpretation of the classic ballad "I Only Have Eyes For You." However, the centerpiece of the show will be his fist single "High Love." In addition to taking to the Neil Simon Theater for eight shows a week, he has been working with producers. Dave Tozer (John Legend, Amerie) and Dave Liang (Carl Thomas), alongside songwriter Devo Harris (Kanye West). (www.ChesterGregory.com)

The top of the week saw a wondrous salute to the honorable thespian Ruby Dee at New York's posh Waldorf Astoria by The Harlem School of the Arts. The legendary stage and screen actress was honored with the Dorothy Maynor Artistic Achievement Award--named in the honor of the Arts-in-Education institution's late founder, the famed African American opera singer. CNN anchor Soledad O'Brien and Lynn Whitfield, served as honorary co-chairs, along with entertainment legend and activist Harry Belafonte, who delivered the award to Ms. Dee. "Early Show" host Harry Smith served as master of ceremonies at the $500 a plate event. Harlem School's corporate sponsor Saatchi & Saatchi was also cited. And meals with Ms. O'Brien and Ms. Whitfield were auctioned to the highest bidder. Members of the Harlem School Of The Arts Jazz & Latin Band performed an impassioned set, while student Zora Howard brought the ballroom to its feet with her original spoken word piece.

Russell Simmons' big foray onto the Broadway stage was not done in vain. One of the most outspoken voices from the Tony Award winning "Def Poetry On Broadway" is readying another go at the New York theatrical scene. Acclaimed poet and performance artist Staceyanne Chin has created a one-woman play called "BORDER/CLASH: A Litany of Desires," which will begin preview performances on June 3 at The Culture Project (also known as 45 Bleecker Street). The production, which will be directed by Rob Urbinati, is an autobiographical portrait of a woman evolving. According to production notes, the Jamaican-bred fiery feminist will tackle such topics as negotiating familial ties, abandonment, rejection, misadventures of coming of age, sexual identity and politics. (www.45Bleecker.com).

And Denzel Washington's much ballyhooed performance as Brutus in the "sell-out" Shakespearian play "Julius Caesar" didn't get a Tony Award nomination, this year. As a matter of fact, the critically-panned Broadway show didn't get any nods. Okay!

If you don't know, now you know!

Notable/Quotable
"I was never interested in learning the 'traditional' way to put together a play because I felt that would take away from the realness found in urban theaters… People who understand the formalities of theater are caught off guard by my plays because they break all the rules."
--Multi-millionaire, cross-dressing playwright, actor, producer and director Tyler Perry, who is on a role with his "urban" theater.

Coming Up
"The RU Report" continues its celebration of the theatrical arts with our annual "Give My Regards…" series, which runs throughout the entire month of May, preceding the Tony Awards. Stay tuned.

©2005 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~Daniels-Goldstein, P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com