By Bridget Bland, BlackVoices.com
For years, Black 2: Broadway, the preeminent non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the accomplishments of Broadway performers of color, has thrown its annual Tony Award viewing party. The gathering has attracted some of the most popular and talented Black thespians to grace the Great White Way, to include Sheryl Lee Ralph, Phylicia Rashad, Melba Moore, Lillias White, Jennifer Holliday, LaChanze and Savion Glover.
This Monday, November 3, 2008, Black 2: Broadway is headed to Harlem, New York for 'Black 2: Broadway Lending a Helping Hand,' a one-night only tribute to honor Broadway veterans B.J. Crosby (pictured left) and Adrian Bailey. The event will talk place at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
"With the timing of this history-making Presidential election, Black 2: Broadway decided that there couldn't be a better time to celebrate being black in America than in Harlem and to benefit two of the most beloved figures in the Broadway community," said Kevin-Anthony, lead producer of Black 2: Broadway.
Anthony adds that "Lending a Helping Hand" exhibits the bond within the Black Broadway community and the theater community, at large."This year two of Broadway's most respected veterans have had health challenges, and we feel that it is our duty to engage in an activity that would support their rehabilitation. This is not charity this is a community." He adds, "This is essential and I'm so happy that Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is joining us in this endeavor."
Earlier this year, Crosby, a New Orleans native who's best known for her Tony Award Nominated performance in 'Smokey Joe's Café', suffered a stroke. And, 'The Lion King' and 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' actor, Bailey suffered a near-fatal accident at a prestiguious Broadway theatre. All net proceeds from the event will benefit the two cherished performers and off-set their medical bills.
This marks the first event that the organization has hosted in the home of the black "Renaissance," and it is sure to be a memorable one.
New York audiences will only have to pay a mere $35 to see a who's who of black Broadway greats to include Tony award-winner Chuck Cooper, Chestor Gregory, Marva Hicks, Alyson Wiliiams, and gospel music newcomer Ton3x (pronounced Tonex).
Blackvoices.com just got wind that a certain MULTI-GRAMMY award-nominated R&B virtuoso is rumored to make a special performance at the benefit.
Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 8:00 p.m. Head over to Theatermania.com or call 212.352.0255 to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available at The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture's box-office on Monday. And, for more information on Black 2: Broadway, log on at www.b2productions.xbuild.com.
1. Now here is an event that I would love to be at. One of my favorite hangouts from the 60's to the new millinum. They have made that place a place to go if one ever go to NYC!!! Oh, how I miss NYC. But I could never afford to live there,again in this lifetime.
bigdrob1[pain in the keister + the mouth of the south] at 4:26AM on Nov 5th 2008