Chester Gregory Plays Berry Gordy in Motown Musical

The Legendary Berry Gordy and Broadway Actor Chester Gregory

Actor Chester Gregory has done some amazing roles in his life while working on Broadway stepping into the role of the legendary Berry Gordy for the Motown Musical.  After being in Los Angeles for the past few years, he is back in the Big Apple for the revival of the Motown musical on Broadway.  The show is scheduled to start on July 12, 2016 and run for only 18 weeks.

Gregory was born in Gary, Indiana to a steel mill worker and a school teacher, Chester “CHΞSS” Gregory drew inspiration from hometown hero Michael Jackson to pursue his dream of becoming an artist. He began his journey performing in local talent shows and participating in workshops for young performers.

Writer, Judith Davis and Broadway Actor Chester Gregory

After a few years, Gregory was ready to take the next step and auditioned for the Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts. Although his first two attempts were unsuccessful, Gregory didn’t give up, and his third try provided him the opportunity to attend by the time he reached high school. A testament to his gift, he was voted ‘Most Talented’ his senior year of high school.

In January 2016, Gregory joined the touring cast of the Broadway production Motown: The Musical. In the show, Gregory plays the lead character, Motown founder Berry Gordy. He’s expected to remain in the show through its return to Broadway in the summer of 2016.

To date, Gregory continues to perform his one man show The Eve of Jackie to sold out audiences across the country. His successful Broadway career has allowed Gregory to transition to TV and film work. Chester is excited to get started in this amazing role as Berry Gordy and so is the audience.

Tony and Grammy Award winner Heather Headley joins the cast of The Color Purple

There is a good news, but also a little bit of sad news so perhaps it is bittersweet news for theater goers. Beginning on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, Tony and Grammy Award winner Heather Headley will assume the role of Shug Avery in John Doyle’s critically acclaimed production of the Broadway musical, The Color Purple.

This is Ms. Headley’s first appearance on Broadway since winning the 2000 Tony Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her performance in Aida. Grammy and Academy Award winnerJennifer Hudson, who made her critically-acclaimed Broadway debut in the role of Shug Avery, will complete her six month run on Sunday, May 8 and will give her final performance that afternoon.

“These last six months have been nothing short of a dream come true. I have found an extended family in the cast of The Color Purple that will go far beyond my commitment on-stage,” said Jennifer Hudson. “I owe so much to the Broadway community and our audiences. My heart is full as I say to Broadway,‘until we meet again.”

“I was privileged to see John Doyle’s production of The Color Purple and was completely moved and bowled over by his beautiful work and this brilliant company,” said Ms. Headley. “I am humbled to be joining this immensely talented group of actors. I can’t think of a better way to return to the Broadway stage than in this extraordinary show, helping to tell Alice Walker’s story.”

Heather Headley made her Broadway debut in the role of Nala in the original Broadway cast of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Tony-winning musical, The Lion King. While still in The Lion King, Heather was asked to audition for the title role in the writing duo’s next Broadway venture together, Aida. Her portrayal of the Nubian princess Aida won her the 2000 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical as well as the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical. Heather continued her musical success on the pop charts with her 2002 debut album. The opening title single became Heather’s first #1 hit, topping the dance and R&B charts and earning her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. In addition to her independent release of Only One In The World, in 2009 Heather released Audience of One, for which she won a Grammy Award for the Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album. In 2012, she made her London stage debut in the West End production of The Bodyguard, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award.

The show has received rave reviews with Hudson in the role and Shug Avery and will continue as Headley assumes the role in May 2016. For more information, photos, and videos of the production please visit the Color Purple website.

Actor Forest Whitaker shines on Broadway in Hughie

Photo used with permission from Hughie on Broadway

With this being Whitaker’s first Broadway run, audiences were especially interested in seeing how well he would translate from film to the stage. The New York Times calls Forest Whitaker, “one of the pre-eminent actors of his generation. Whitaker is a magnetic actor” and the Chicago Tribune says “Forest Whitaker is one of the best actors of our generation.” CBS says “Whitaker doesn’t so much play roles as inhabit them” and Variety calls Whitaker “an acting force.” This is very apparent in his portrayal of this down and out gambler.

As theater buffs may know, the play is set in the summer 1928 in New York City. Beyond the bright lights of the Great White Way, a small-time gambler and big-time drinker returns to the faded hotel he has made his home. He encounters a new night clerk at the front desk and as the early hours of the morning give way to another dawn, he continues to chase the American Dream in order to survive. HUGHIE is a rarely seen theatrical masterpiece that beautifully explores redemption and offers a unique insight into the human condition.

Hughie first premiered on Broadway in 1964 with Jason Robards in the role of “Erie” Smith. The role of “Erie” has been played by illustrious actors such as Burgess Meredith, Ben Gazzara and Al Pacino. Now Forest Whitaker can be added to the list of those playing this interesting an complex role. Forest Whitaker quickly makes the role his own and keeps the audience’s attention as he unveils his character.

Tickets for Hughie range from $25 – $149, and are available at: HughieBroadway, Telecharge (212.239.6200), or directly at the Booth Theatre box office. Please note, the show only has a strictly limited engagement so if one waits to long, they may miss the show.

“Smart People” on Broadway at The 2econd Stage Theater in NYC

Thought provoking plays on Broadway are always a treasure. The stories often leave the audience with so much to think and talk about even if the subject is one that is quite uncomfortable. This seems to be the case for “Smart People”, new play by Lydia R. Diamond (Stick Fly), helmed by Kenny Leon (The Wiz), the Tony Award®-winning director of the 2014 revival of A Raisin in the Sun.

Within the context of the story, there is the quest for love, achievement and identity. This is universal subject, but the underlying question is what role does race play in the story of our lives?

 The journey is set on the eve of Obama’s first election, and deals with four Harvard intellectuals that find themselves entangled in a complex web of social and sexual politics. The interactions are provocative and funny but will leave many to question if things have gotten for the better to worse in America. The cast includes:

Mahershala Ali who is best known for his role on the award-winning Netflix series “House of Cards,” as lobbyist and press secretary Remy Danton. On stage, he plays Jackson, a smart and charismatic doctor working hard to help others, set goals and prove his place in this competitive medical world. He is sometimes frustrated by his superiors.

Joshua Jackson who is well-known for many movie and television roles, but probably most notably for when he came on the scene in the hit TV show “Dawson’s Creek.” He takes on the character of Brian. As a part of his research study, he takes on the stereotypes of race in society. During his research, he soon discovers that many of his findings are some of the things he actually feels himself.

Anne Son has acted and can be seen on various television shows such as “My Generation and “Fargo”, She plays the role of Ginny. She is the very intelligent. sexy, shopaholic doctor who wants to help others and also fight the stereotypes she sees that are imposed on her by others. She is a bit abrasive, but her heart is in the right place.

Tessa Thompson plays Valerie and is best known for her lead role as Dear White People” and “Creed.” She is a beautiful and artsy grad student/actress who is still figuring her way out. Her parents want her to strive for more, but acting is her passion. She has to deal with her studies, her parents and finding herself in the world.

They are lead separate lives for a while, then circumstance happen and they come together as two, then finally as four at a dinner setting. This meeting of the four causes secret thoughts and prejudices to erupt. The play is perfect for this particular time and racism seems to be out front and center even in this Presidential Race. Audiences will leave with many thoughts and may even have to look within themselves to see what they indeed feel about others.

For more information on the play, visit the 2econdStageTheater website.

The “Color Purple” returns to Broadway with an awesome cast

Photo used with permission from The Color Purple on Broadway

If you are looking for a roaring good time, look no further than Broadway this season. There are always exciting musicals to choose from, but one of the best shows on Broadway currently is the revival of the smash hit “The Color Purple.”

The Color Purple began preview performances on Tuesday, November 10 and will officially open on Thursday, December 10, 2015. This installment of the Color Purple features Grammy, Academy Award, and Golden Globe award winner Jennifer Husdon who has been cast in the sultry role as Shug Avery. Playing opposite of Jennifer, is British actress Cynthia Erivo. Cynthia is the breakout star of John Doyle’s acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory production. Rounding out the female cast is Danielle Brooks. Brooks might be mostly known for her role as “Taystee” in the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black”, and she will be playing the role that Oprah Winfrey made famous, Sophia.

This is a historic and major moment for the show since all three outstanding actresses will be making their Broadway debuts. Newcomer Joaquina Kalukango will appear on the play as Nettie. Kalukango credits include: Encores! Wild Party and Holler If Ya Hear Me. Singer/Actress Jennifer Hudson, who plays Shug Avery stated “I want the audience to be inspired and come away learning something good from the role.” Actress Cynthia Erivo who plays the main role Celie explained that she hopes the viewers can take a journey that can change their life.” Actress Danielle Brooks who was cast as Sophia, expressed as she gushed with excitement, “I am elated to play such an iconic role.” With comments such as these, this musical/play is definitely set to leave fans transformed and leaving the theater

Even the male cast members spoke about their excitement to be a part of such a great play. The male cast includes. actor Isaiah Johnson and Kyle Scaliffe. Johnson will play the role of Mister and some of his credits include: The Merchant of Venice and Peter and the Starcatcher, while Scatliffe was cast as Harpo, and has past roles in Les Misérables.

As fans and audience members know, The Color Purple is an unforgettable story of enduring sisterly love and triumph over adversity. This play presents its music with a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, as we the inspirational and heartbreaking journey of Celie, as she develops from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life.

Interested in checking out the show? Tickets are currently available for purchase at colorpurple.com and Telecharge.com. In addition, the box office is located at (242 West 45th street) will be open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-8pm, and on Sundays from 12pm-6pm.