Phierce Pholks

'Memphis: A New Musical' Interview with AP-Red

J Edward — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:13:04 -0400

Of the new musicals coming to Broadway this season, I am very excited to see Memphis the Musical make it's way to New York! With an original story by Joe DiPietro, writer of the Off-Broadway smash hit I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change and score by David Bryan of Bon Jovi, Memphis looks to be a great success!

Jason Drew of AP-Red, got the chance to interview Montego Glover & Chad Kimball, the stars of Memphis, at a barbecue sponsored by VH1 in Shubert Alley! He did a wonderful job as always.

AP-Red is my favorite place to go for entertainment and industry news. It runs in partnership with AuditionPortal.com. If you're an agent, casting director or performer (actor, singer, dancer, comedian, etc.), register for free for access to castings and direct access to talent!.

Be sure to check out Memphis on their official website!

I Live for "The Cambria"

J Edward — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:05:44 -0400

On Wednesday, September 16th, I had the honor of joining the lovely Christine Cullen, who is the Accounts Administrator for the Irish Arts Center, to view their production of The Cambria, a play in two acts dedicated to a beautiful chapter of Frederick Douglass' life. Unfortunately, it is a story that remains left out of the education of Black American history and, I learned, Irish history.

Skillfully crafted by Donal O'Kelly, The Cambria recounts the days Frederick Douglass spent at sea, seeking asylum in Ireland after publishing his autobiography, making him a wanted man in the United States for being an escaped slave. The ship, after which the play was named, finds itself setting the stage for Douglass, who discovers he cannot escape his identity nor his destiny.

Performed by O'Kelly and Sorcha Fox, the pair progress through a myriad of characters and do so meticulously. I found myself in awe of how they both would have to switch between several characters in one scene - sometimes having to share characters - yet they are still completely connected to the essence of each individual. The sea captain, a choir director, a crew man, a slave owner, his daughter, Frederick Douglass and more give us their voice throughout the piece.

I have to admit, it took me a while to come to terms with O'Kelly's portrayal of Douglass, as neither resembles the other... by a long shot. However, watching the depth and tenderness the writer took as he brought one of my historical heroes to life was honest and so committed to truth that I felt honored to watch it.

What I found most interesting were the times that the structure of the play seemed to breakdown into a more abstract nature, though never deviating from the integrity of the play. At these moments, I found that there was a rhythm moving the play forward that reminded me of African dance, drawing me in. There were moments I was nearly driven to tears as stories of the trans-Atlantic slave trade were shared, reminding me of my how my own family came out of slavery and I am the result.

It was an educational experience as well, as I learned about Frederick Douglass' travels in Ireland, who welcomed him with uproarious acclaim, refusing to return him to the United States. This initiated his two year tour through out Ireland and Great Britain, during which his freedom was purchased from his slave-owners.

I give the Irish Arts Center's production of The Cambria my highest recommendation and hope this piece continues to evolve and enjoys growing success. Get out and see it before its run comes to a close on October 25th!

The Irish Arts Center, in association with Classical Theatre of Harlem, presents:
The Cambria
(performed in rotation with Frederick Douglass Now)

Tue-Fri 8 pm | Sat 2 pm & 8 pm | Sun 3pm & 7 pm
Presented on alternating evenings and matinees through October 25th only.
Each Performance : $50* general, $42* IAC & CTH members

Thanks so much to Christine Cullen, who also represents the Irish Arts Center on Twitter (@IrishArtsCenter), for the invitation, conversation and hospitality! You truly are one of the Phierce Pholks out there in the world!

'Til next time beautiful people,

Stay wonderful!

Dash 'N' Swank - Burn the Floor

J Edward — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:05:28 -0400

- Nordstrom
- Crystal Collection
- Drop Earrings
- $28 - Nordstrom

- Zads
- Snake Bangles
- $16 - Swell

- Amrita Singh
- 11 Piece Bangles
- $59 - Pink Mascara

- Marc by Marc Jacobs
- Fancy Mouse Ring
- $92 - Zappos Couture

- Blu Bijoux
- Black Cougar Bangle
- $54 - Max & Chloe

- Roberto Cavalli
- Sunglasses
- $650 - Endless.com

- Giuseppe Zanotti
- Jewled Sandal
- $1194 - Endless.com

- Franchi Kay Clutch
- $145 - Endless.com

- Fringed Grommet Mini Skirt
- $119 - Bebe

- Ruffle Mesh Halter
- $17 - Charlotte Russe

Hello beautiful people! Have you missed me?

It's been a busy month for me and now I'm back, with lots to share!

I am pleased to present "Dash 'n' Swank", my return to creating fashion layouts, this first edition dedicated to the ladies. If you're on Twitter, I'll be requesting suggestions for a challenge. Give me a show, movie, song or work of art to draw inspiration from, and I'll put together a look. Imagine my surprise when Burn the Floor asked me to design a spread based on the international smash hit for this inaugural post!

Burn the Floor is a celebration of latin and ballroom dance, choreographed by Jason Gilkison, taking the world by storm and has hit Broadway full force. Featuring live music, from the Viennese Waltz to Modern Pop, and a cast of dancers holding about 100 dance titles collectively, it seems no city is safe from this thrill ride. You may even get to see your favorite dancers from Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance!

Watching the footage on Burn the Floor's YouTube channel, I created a look that celebrates motion of the human body and the sensuous nature of dance. Take over the dance floor as the sueded fringe of the skirt swishes back and forth with your hips. Flick your wrists and feet as they catch the light, your Blu Bijoux Black Cougar Bangle chasing after your Marc by Marc Jacobs Fancy Mouse Ring. Keep the makeup light and natural, hair free flowing and go in for the kill!

Read more about the history of Burn the Floor and choreographer Jason Gilkison on Broadway.com. Be sure to get your tickets before their limited engagement comes to a close!

'Til next time,

Stay wonderful!

Hello Love! - It's my Birthday!

J Edward — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:07:00 -0400

I heart Seth Rudetsky! Above is a clip from his Broadway 101 show demonstrating the purpose of a Swing in a Broadway production set to one of my favorite songs, Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love!, from what might be my favorite show, A Chorus Line!

As of 10:07AM on this day, August 11th, 2009, I will be 22 years old and beginning my 23rd year of life on this planet. Looking back on the last year of my life, it certainly has been an interesting ride. If you were too look at any of my writing since my last birthday, you'll witness the number of changes I've been through to arrive where I am now. Through it all, I can see how God has kept me safe and used it all to bring me to a place of balance.

Although I've been unemployed most of this year and struggling day by day, the last year has been the most fulfilling and wonderful I could've asked for. So many extraorinary people have been brought into my life that I have the privelege to call my friends, my family even! I know that the next year in my life is going to be even better and that it will prepare me for my purpose and destiny. Full of challenges? Yes! But it's going to be amazing!

I want to extend a HUGE thanks to Mr. Dave Charest (@DaveCharest), one of my favorite people on Twitter for the best birthday present ever! One of my tweets inspired him to write a new song! Take a listen, it's amazing! I hope it inspires you to never let anyone or anything else tell you what you can and cannot do!

Down by Dave Charest.

Be sure to check out his other songs on Manic Joy and if you are a creative professional, check his website Case Ace Copy!

I love you all!

Here's to another year ahead!

Stay wonderful!

Inspirations - B. Scott - Walk In Your Truth

J Edward — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 01:08:12 -0400

I want to give a shout out to my girl, Carla Thompson, known as @cwrite101 on Twitter and author of The Ride, her blog. I had mentioned how, deep down, I believe my voice isn't valid enough for me to say all that I wish to. She had this to say in reply:

Seriously, the temptation is always to look to the right or the left for validation even though we know we are more than enough.

She reminded me that I've allowed myself to lose focus on my truth and discovering the depths of what my truth is. With all sorts of outside influences are pressuring you, whether they be friends, family, money, media, debt, education, etc., it becomes increasingly difficult to hang on to your truth. When we become distracted and forget our own strength and our own voice, everything else we do decreases in it's effectiveness. Our impact dwindles.

Earlier this year, I was introduced to Mr. B. Scott, a YouTube legend, and for good reason! You never know what to expect from him. Sometimes he's totally outrageous and hysterically funny, other times, he is on it! When he feels the need to bring truth to all his love muffins, he tells it like it is and leaves you feeling so empowered. His dedication to being nobody else but himself and making his dreams reality is tremendous.

Please watch and be encouraged. Walk in your truth and step forward in faith!

Be sure to follow Ms. Carla Thompson on Twitter @cwrite101 and vist her blog The Ride. B. Scott is also on Twitter @LoveBScott and on YouTube.