Nov. 20, 2006

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Sexual Circus

Marry traditional Cirque du Soleil elements with human love, sexuality and eroticism and you get 'Zumanity,' the Las Vegas production based at New York New York Hotel. It's a bold, sensual, seductive presentation with acrobatics, dance and the shock-and-awe factor expected from Cirque du Soleil. Add the live rock band-think Prince and The Revolution during the 'Purple Rain' days-and the show comes alive!

One of the principle acts in 'Zumanity' is Wassa Coulibaly, the Senegal, South African-bred dancer who has never been formally trained, only inspired by Janet Jackson. "I didn't have basic training. I was inspired by dancing by her. She was one of my motivations," said Coulibaly, before adding: "And a lot of it is instinct!"

The high-flying, tub-diving performances in 'Zumanity' are as risky as they seem. According to Coulibaly, there's the occasional injury during the show. "Many times. We have people injured. It is very dangerous and we don't want to show that to the public, but it is very risky. We've had a couple of accidents happen. We take a risk every time we go up there," she shared.

But despite it all, 'Zumanity' is a must-see Las Vegas production that's not for the prude or überly-sophisticated.

Buzzworthy

VH1 is gearing up for another season of 'Celebrity Fit Club' and I can tell you exclusively that among those onboard are Kimberly Locke ('American Idol'), rapper Warren Gand Maureen McCormick ('The Brady Bunch'). AOL Black Voices' Karu Daniels broke news in his BV Newswire Blog several weeks ago that rapper Da Brat had signed up for the next installment of the series as well.

Playwright/author David E. Talbert has a new play set to hit the road in January 2007 called 'Love in the Nick of Tyme.' The touring production will star actor Morris Chestnut and feature new music by R&B singer Vivian Green. "Nick of Tyme marks my 15th anniversary in theater," said Talbert. "And what better way to celebrate than to link my brand with Morris Chestnut. Starting with a play makes all the sense in the world given his status as a romantic leading man, and that most of my bigger plays have been romantic musicals." In partnership with BET and UrbanWorks Home Entertainment, 'Love in the Nick of Tyme' will also be shot for DVD. I'll have more on this production in the weeks to come.

Designer Angela Dean held her DeanZign Luxury Lifestyle Collection 'Paris to Hollywood' fashion show at the Celebrity Center International, located at the Scientology headquarters in Hollywood. Among those in attendance for the popular designer's stunning show were jazz veteran Nancy Wilson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson ('The Fighting Temptations'), Anna Maria Horsford ('Amen'), Cookie Johnson (wife of Magic Johnson), singer Norwood Young, designer Kevin Hall, Jasmine Lewis ('Barbershop'), Danielle Nicolet ('Second Time Around') and Hottie Schatar ('Flava of Love'). Dean has designed for many of the celebrities in attendance, in addition to folks like Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan, Ann Nesby, Patti LaBelle and others.

Can't Say Names…

What past-his-prime comic hit the stage at Tao nightclub at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas and bombed terribly with an impromptu performance that included hip-hop parody and the use of the n-word. Said comic, who is not African American, incorporated Jay-Z, Eminem and Justin Timberlake into his rant before a crowd of nearly 2,500, who watched quietly in disbelief.

BV Scene

Actor Omar Epps getting lunch at Panera Bread in Studio City, Calif… 'Dancing With The Stars' couple Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin coming out of Smart & Final on LaCienga Blvd. in Los Angeles… Rapper/actor Nick Cannon sporting a dark brown pinstripe suit while walking with a bodyguard through Caesar's Palace Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas during The Comedy Festival. Syndicated radio host Tom Joyner, comedian J. Anthony Brown and comic Michael Colyar were also spotted walking through Caesar's Palace as well… 'Bones' star David Boreanz and his wife attended the open house for the Center for Early Education in Los Angeles... Baseball superstar Derek Jeter and a guy pal pulled up in a black Suburban at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Sunset Blvd. and Fairfax Blvd. in West Hollywood.