BV Entertainment Newswire March 31: Lee Daniels, Adriane Lenox, Miles Davis, The Boondocks

Still Having A 'Ball'

The mind behind 'Monster's Ball,' and Kevin Bacon's most daring film 'The Woodsman,' Lee Daniels, is readying the next challenge; his much buzzed about directorial debut 'Shadowboxer' -- in theaters June 9. Starring Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding, Jr. and British actress Dame Helen Mirren, the arresting drama centers on an aging assassin re-considering her mortality after a big job goes awry, changing the course of many lives.

"The script really blew my mind," the Philadelphia native says of what some early reviewers have considered a controversial storyline. "I don't think as African Americans we get to tell tales like this… it's a little Euro, it's a little homo and it's a little ghetto. That's it in a nutshell." The cast includes Stephen Dorff, Vanessa Ferlito, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Macy Gray in the Will Rokos written pulp fiction. Comedic actress Mo'Nique delivers a noteworthy dramatic acting debut, as a drug addict mixed up in the wrong crowd. "I've could've sold out and done the usual," Daniels adds, "but all I have is my name and for me it was important to find a unique story and put my voice on it. I think I am representing African Americans in a different way."

The former health care professional, who began his entertainment career as a casting director for music videos, is now one of the most sought after creative entities in Hollywood. "Lee has the eye of a cinematographer and the heart of an actor," brand strategist Marvet Britto tells Black Voices. As Co-executive Producer of 'Shadowboxer,' she also teamed with Daniels on garnering financing for 'The Woodsman.' "All of this combined with his directorial vision makes him one of the best filmmakers of his time." Daniels says he is excited about the recently solidified distribution deal with Jeff Clanagan's Code Black Entertainment -- to bring 'Shadowboxer' into over 125 theaters nationally.

In May, principal photography will begin for Daniels' next big project; a family drama titled 'Tennessee" with pop diva Mariah Carey attached as a waitress with singing aspirations, experiencing domestic violence. "It's my version of 'Terms of Endearment," Daniels says of what he considers "lighter" fare. "Mariah is very complex and she has had a very interesting career and she brings all of those complexities to this film. She's on it. Just like Halle Berry, just like Kevin Bacon and just like Cuba Gooding, Jr, she is hungry for this and that’s when superb-ness and brilliance comes."

No 'Doubt' About It

Today, the Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway play, 'Doubt,' celebrates its first anniversary, marking more than 400 performances. Written by John Patrick Shanley and directed by Doug Hughes, the 90-minute show is the story of a strong-minded woman faced with a difficult decision, set against the backdrop of a Bronx Catholic school in 1964. Adriane Lenox, who won the Tony Award last year for her mesmerizing role as Mrs. Muller, is the only original cast member who continues to shine in the sold-out show. "It's been a nice, easy gig for a sister," the Memphis native told Black Voices. "The new cast members and the crew are all wonderful and we are continuing to bring in the patrons. And that is a good thing.” While Lenox has starred in a string of Broadway musicals --including 'Dreamgirls' -- her calling card on the theatrical circuit has been her scene-stealing turn in 'Dinah Was,' based on the life and times of legendary song stylist Dinah Washington. "People that know me from my musical theatre background have asked if I miss singing eight shows a week," she says, "and I tell them quickly, 'No I do not.' Doing 'Doubt' is a nice rest." She says she still sings for recording gigs, church functions and benefits -- most notably a fundraising event on April 3, benefiting Ethiopian Orphanage Theatre Project at The Public Theatre. "I try to do a lot of the stuff that comes my way, especially the benefits, because the melody still lingers on." Lenox, who has appeared on numerous episodes of 'Law & Order,' can be seen in forthcoming movies 'Preachin' To the Choir'; 'Black Snake Moan,' starring S. Epatha Merkerson and Samuel L. Jackson, and the John Leguizamo drama, 'Where God Left His Shoes.'

Traveling Miles

Jazz Appreciation Month -which is celebrated in April-- officially got underway yesterday when the families of jazz pioneers Miles Davis and Theolonious Monk donated objects during a ceremony at Washington D.C.'s Smithsonian National Museum of American History to mark the start of the fifth annual celebration. A special display case will highlight several of the new donations, including Davis’ Versace jacket, Monk’s skull cap and two music manuscripts. Photographer Herman Leonard will enhance the collection with 20 jazz-related photographs, including images of Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie, Lena Horne and Tony Bennett. Operating one of the world’s most comprehensive jazz programs, the Smithsonian will showcase the history of jazz through concerts, programs and displays throughout the month. "They were two restless innovators, brilliant and individualistic creative artists who challenged musicians, critics, and audiences alike," offered John Edward Hasse, Ph.D., who is the Smithsonian's Curator of American Music. "These donations will enrich the Museum's jazz holdings, which is the largest museum collection of jazz in the world."

Home To The Boondocks

All 15 episodes of Cartoon Networks' hit comedy series, 'The Boondocks', will make its way to home video on June 13. Based on Aaron McGruder's award-winning and politically-charged comic strip, distributed in 350 newspapers nationwide, 'The Boondocks: The Complete First Season,' will be packaged in a three-disc set and retail for $49.95. Extensive bonuses include a behind-the-scenes featurette, commentary on select episodes, and deleted scenes.