9/30/14 O&A REVIEW: Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical

By Walter Rutledge

10258085_858986384127388_3299946600128557896_o

Before RuPaul, or Boy George the crown of cross-dressing performers was wore by Sylvester the “Queen of Disco”. He reigned over the androgynous 1970’s and 1980’s dance and club culture with visual daring and signature gospel infused falsetto vocals. The new off-Broadway musical Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical now playing at The Theatre at St. Clement’s, 423 West 46th Street pays tribute to the iconic and trailblazing songwriter and performer. Continue reading

9/23/14 O&A This Week: September 22 thru 29: Places To Go and Things To See

IMG_0454 2

Fall is here! As we bid summer a fond farewell the new season ushers in a whirlwind of arts events. We have classic cars in the Bronx, a watershed moment in dance in Manhattan and Brooklyn, the “Queen of disco” is re-crowned Off Broadway and there are Killer Heels in Brooklyn that would make Nancy Sinatra “walk all over you”. Here are a few of the many events happening in the city that never sleeps guaranteed to keep you Out and About. Continue reading

(Repost) 10/9/20 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Sammy Davis Jr.- The Original Triple Threat

Shall We Dance

Sammy Davis Junior

Samuel George “Sammy” Davis, Jr. was born on December 8, 1925. He was an African- American entertainer who broke many barriers and paved the way for entertainers in all  disciplines. Davis was primarily a dancer and singer, but he also received acclaim as an actor of stage and screen, musician, and impressionist. Davis died at age 64 in 1990, after spending 61 years in the profession he loved.  Continue reading

O & A This Week: Tuesday, August 5 through Monday, August 11, 2014 Art, Dance, Film, Theatre … And More

By Walter Rutledge
Evan_Joseph_NYC34The first week of August is the height of the summer, and the same is true for the arts. This week an old master of modern art returns to midtown, while an up and coming dance company debuts in Central Park. Here are a few of the many events taking place in the city that never sleeps guaranteed to get you Out and About. Continue reading

Hollywood Monday: Chicago- Cell Block Tango and When You’re Good To Mama

Hollywood Mondays

Chicago

Chicago (2002) is an American musical comedy-drama film adapted from the satirical stage musical of the same name. Both the movie and the stage play explore themes of celebrity, scandal, and corruption in Jazz Age Chicago. The film stars Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere and Catherine Zeta-Jones and also features Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly, Christine Baranski, Taye Diggs, Colm Feore, Mya Harrison and Desmond Richardson.  Continue reading

O&A This Week: July 22- 27, 2014- Art, Dance, Film and Theatre

By Walter Rutledge

RHPM_photo by TBD

 

This week summer is in full force and so are the arts. We have art in Soho, dance on the Westside and Chelsea, Shakespeare in Harlem and a great lady of the theatre portrays the great Lady Day. Here are some of the many events happening in that city that never sleeps guaranteed to keep you Out and About. Continue reading

Apollo Gala: Honors The Place Where Stars Are Born And Legends Are Made

By Walter Rutledge

DESK EMAIL

The annual Apollo Gala has become one of the premiere uptown events. The star studded casts and celebrity laden audience recalls the glamor of the original Harlem Renaissance. This year the format was slightly different; instead of paying homage to a music legend, we were invited to honor the legendary Apollo Theater on the concert hall’s 80th anniversary. Continue reading

The Apollo Gala Celebrates 80th Anniversary Tonight

By Walter Rutledge

Wayne Brady

The Apollo Theater 2014 annual Spring Gala will take place on Tuesday, June 10, at 7pm. The Gala will depart from its tradition of inducting legends into the Apollo Hall of Fame, this year’s Gala will celebrate the eight decades of artistic brilliance that has been presented on the Apollo stage since 1934. The evening will include special tribute performances by the some of the music industry’s biggest artists, including Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, The Isley Brothers, and more. Wayne Brady returns as the Gala host, this is the Emmy Award-winning and Grammy nominated entertainer’s second consecutive year as host.

Proceeds from the 80th anniversary bash will support the Apollo’s year-round performing arts programming, innovative education initiatives, and community programs. To purchase Gala tickets or to make a donation to the Apollo Theater, call 212-531-5347. For more information, visit apollotheater.org.

Apollo Club Harlem

By Walter Rutledge

ACH_Illustration_Carousel_950x450_L2a

Apollo Club Harlem returned to the Apollo Theater for four performances Thursday, February 20 through Sunday, February 23, 2014. The evening consisted of a pre-show musical interlude by pianist Isaac Ben Ayala, a lively revue and post show dancing on stage for orchestra patrons. The stylish evening was a true up-scale date night combining entertainment, dining and dancing while celebrating the history of Harlem’s most venerable performance venue. Continue reading

Creating an Urban Legend: A Conversation with George Faison and Ebon Charles

By Walter Rutledge

Christmas Poster edit

On December 5, 2013 Bah Humbug from The Notorious E.B. Scrooge premiered at the Faison Firehouse Theater. The production was conceived, written, directed and choreographed by George Faison. Ebon Charles, who also performed the role of E.B. Scrooge- a ruthless record mogul, and Hip Hop artist Rah Digga contributed additional material. Faison’s urban adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol used rap music as the storytelling devise, transforming the holiday classic into an urban legend. Continue reading