Broadway / Theatre Review:
Written by: DeAlan Wilson 
Published on: www.ComedyE.com
 
Storyville, the new off -Broadway musical made its New York City debut this past week with a smash hit new production by The York Theatre Company. The show, with book by Ed Bullins, music and lyrics by Mildred Kayden is set in spicy New Orleans during the turn of the century when brothels and shady dealings ruled.

Michael Leonard James (standing-top) leads cast of Storyville in a show-stopping number.
Photo: The York Theatre Company Publicity


The time was Mardi Gras, the place was called Storyville. It was the red light district of New Orleans just two blocks from the French Quarter. Saloons, gambling joints, brothels and pervasive political corruption set the scene for a new kind of music. People fell in love, a world disappeared and the music moved upriver. Within all this, a new style of American music was born. It was called “Jazz”.


Tony Award nominee Ernestine Jackson
brings down the house in Storyville
Photo: The York Theatre Company

Starring two-time Tony Award nominee, Ernestine Jackson as Countess Willy Danger, Storyville takes flight from the very beginning as Michael Leonard James, Hot Licks Sam is joined by the entire cast in the opening number Welcome to New Orleans. The show moves to even greater heights when Ernestine Jackson, is joined by Leajato Robinson who plays Hot Feet Punchie in the sexy and sultry show-stopping number A Touch of Danger.


Debra Walton, Fifi Foxy knocks the audience for a loop as she
performs her sexy "fan dance" in Storyville.
Photo: The York Theatre Company

Featuring dazzling choreography by Mercedes Ellington, (Duke Ellington's Granddaughter) Storyville displays all the makings of a long-running, hit off-Broadway musical. Great story, music and talented performers.

In this show, Ellington has masterfully created choreography that is loose in feel therefore giving the characters real and natural movement. Such is evident in the steamy dance number featuring Debra Walton, as Fifi Foxy and the ladies of the brothel as they perform their rendition of an enticing fan dance.

Musical numbers featuring Michael Leonard James are not only brilliant, but make you sit-up in your seat.Watching James is like seeing many legendary Broadway "song-&-dance" men rolled into one. A phenomenal showman.

Michael Leonard James
is Hot Licks Sam in Storyville.
Photo: The York Theatre Company 



Other stellar lead performances including the one delivered by Zakiya Young.  With a voice that seems to float on air,  young brings life to the love seeking character of  Tigre Savoy with style and finesse.

The cast includes: D.C. Anderson, Cory Bretsch, Karen Burthwright, Kyle Robert Carter, Dameka Hayes, Ernestine Jackson, Michael Leonard James, Leajato Robinson, Clifton Samuels, Christopher Spaulding, Carl Wallnau, Debra Walton, NaTasha Yvette Williams and Zakiya Young. 

Zakiya Young as Tigre Savoy in Storyville.
Photo: The York Theatre Company Publicity
All Photos: Carol Rosegg  for Y.T.C.



Storyville is Directed by Bill Castellino. Artistic Director, James Morgan and Executive Director, Andrew Levin. The show will run through August 17, 2013, at The York Theatre Company. See this one for sure.
Posted by on

Mike & Molly - Get Ready For Forth Season of Laughs! - On CBS

Image Courtesy: CBS Television


Just back from her super-summer blockbuster movie The Heat, Melissa McCarthy returns for a forth season on the CBS Television Network comedy, Mike & Molly to air in 2013 -2014.Starring alongside McCarthy in this hit new comedy for CBS is actor Billy Gardell in a simple story about a working-class Chicago couple who had almost given up on love… and then found who find love at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting.

Gardell plays officer Mike Biggs, who's a good-hearted cop sincerely wanting  to lose weight. Mike's partner, Officer Carl McMillan (Reno Wilson), is a thin, fast-talking wise-guy always teasing Mike yet remains a loyal friend and partner supporting Mike's weight loss efforts.

Molly lives with her sexy older sister, Victoria (Katy Mixon), and their flirtatious, wine-loving mother, Joyce (Swoosie Kurtz). Mike and Carl often frequent a diner where they've become friends with a funny Senegalese waiter, Samuel (Nyambi Nyambi).

Mike and Molly’s relationship is often complicated by the interference and unsolicited advice on love by family and friends including: Mike’s mom, Peggy (Rondi Reed), Carl’s Grandma (Cleo King) and Joyce’s fiancé Vince (Louis Mustillo).

Finally finding love now, Mike and Molly get married and begin their lives together in the midst of all this interference resulting in great laughs and comedy for all.

(Check your local listings for dates and times.)
Written By: DeAlanWilson
Posted by on

The Heat - Movie Review By DeAlan Wilson of ComedyE.com




Movie Review: By DeAlan Wilson


Sandra Bullock & Melissa McCarthy


Hands down this is a winner. This new film with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy has great laughs for everyone.


Bullock, who never ceases to amaze us, is back again with another film destined to be a hit. In this new comedy movie, The Heat, she pairs up with Melissa McCarthy to bring us non-stop laughs in a new film directed by Emmy® nominee Paul Feig, the director of Bridesmaids.

FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) – the Fed – and Boston cop Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy) – the Fuzz – couldn’t be more incompatible. But when they join forces to bring down a ruthless drug lord, they become the last thing anyone expected: buddies.



Melissa McCarthy & Sandra Bullock bust some moves
in their new comedy film "The Heat"
Photo: Courtesy 20th Century Fox


When we meet Sarah Ashburn (Bullock), she’s hoping for a promotion and high-tails it from her home base in New York City to Boston, to help solve the mystery behind several murders. Standing in Ashburn’s way is a hard-hitting Boston police officer, Shannon Mullins, who’s not so happy that the FBI is treading on her turf. Ashburn is determined to wrestle the case away from Mullins, but the disheveled, foul-mouthed, in-your-face cop is a formidable adversary. They’ll soon discover they have more in common than they ever thought possible.

“Ashburn’s effectiveness as an FBI agent comes from her meticulousness, stubbornness and thoroughness,” says Bullock. “But she’s completely inept when it comes to any kind of social interaction.” If Ashburn needs to be taken down a notch, then Mullins is only too happy to oblige.




Capt. Woods (Tom Wilson) tries to break up
Mullins(Melissa McCarthy -L) & Ashburn (Sandra Bullock-R)
in the new comedy film "The Heat".
Photo: Courtesy 20th Century Fox


“Mullins”, says Melissa McCarthy, is “all kinds of bark, but no bite – though she might actually bite people.” Mullins grew up on the streets of Boston, and has a shoot-from-the-hip (and mouth) style of dealing with crime . She’s the “yang” to Ashburn’s “yin.”


Throughout the movie I could not stop laughing. There is one scene early in the film where McCarthy actually chases down a local teen who she caught smoking pot and captured him by throwing a watermelon at him and knocking him down before aresting him.

Adding to the fun of this film are starring cast members Demian Bichir as Ashburn’s superior, Capt. Hale, and Marlon Wayans as Levy, an FBI agent who has what he calls, a “thing” for Ashburn. The city of Boston itself also takes center stage.

McCarthy who co-stars in The Heat, by the way, has had herself two consecutive smash hit comedies in the last two years – Bridesmaids and Identity Thief.

So, if you are looking for some good laughs definitely go check this one out. Lots of laughs here and worth a trip to the theatre for sure.
Written By: DeAlan Wilson
Posted by on

PBS' Animation and Cartoons Keep us Smiling!

The Thinga-ma-jigger is Coming!


One thing is for sure. We can always count on THE CAT IN THE HAT to allow us to jump into his "Thinga-ma-jigger", take off on an adventure, and keep us smiling and laughing.

Every weekday afternoon big kids and small kids, like myself, always have a great time with the Cat in The Hat as PBS KIDS and Random House joins forces to support science and learning for preschoolers nationwide.

This long-running animation voiced by award-winning actor Martin Short, Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat guides friends Sally and Nick - with a little help from the Fish, Thing 1 and Thing 2 - on fun-filled adventures where they make natural-science discoveries, from how bees make honey to why owls sleep during the day.  Filled with both adventure and silliness, THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!- Yes he does!





Recently, “Fabulous Animal Families Week"
Aired: April 15 -19, 2013 on PBS KIDS

Based on the acclaimed The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library book series, this show appeals to preschoolers' natural curiosity, and engages them in the process of scientific exploration and discovery.

Big kids like myself, well, I must admit,  we simply like to laugh and smile. That's why we watch it!

Written By: DeAlanWilson 6/13/13
Visit: ComedyE.com for more writings by DeAlan Wilson, Publisher of Comedy Entertainment Magazine and Comedy Ent. Inc. Las Vegas NV.
Posted by on

The Man On The Bench
Written By: DeAlan Wilson


A TRUE STORY:

Walking to the office this morning, I stopped near a bench to adjust my personal belongings.  A young man came over to the bench, sat down and began to observe a loaf of wheat bread he held.

 

He longingly looked at the bread. You could tell he only had one desire in mind…to burst that bag of bread open and have himself one good ’ole slice.

 

From his outward appearance, he did not appear hungry.  Nor did he appear to be in need at all.  However, something was amiss. Taking a moment to observe, you’d notice.


I reached into my pocket and pulled out $10.00.   I gestured towards the man.  He promptly looked up, reach for the money saying “Oh, thank you.”   I asked, “Have you eaten today?”  He replied "No."  I handed him the cash and politely suggested he use the money to get him breakfast today.  He smiled.  I walked away.

 

As I entered my office building this morning a gentleman walks up to me and hands me a crisp $10.00 bill, shakes my hand and yells "Thanks D!" as he rushed towards his elevator bank.

 

I yelled back, "For What!?"  He replied, "The restaurant you told me to take my client to was phenomenal!  We got the account!"

 

DeAlan Wilson

March 5,2013
Posted by on

"Gangnam Style" - Mania
Takes Over The World!

 




"Gangnam Style" is a K-pop single by South Korean musician PSY. The song was released on July 15, 2012, as the lead single of his sixth studio album PSY 6 (Six Rules), Part 1. "Gangnam Style" debuted at number one on the Gaon Chart, the national record chart of South Korea. As of December 10, 2012 the misuc video has been viewed over 924 million times on YouTube (view video link above) and is the site's most watched video after surpassing Justin Bieber's single "Baby."

The popular and catchy tunewas written by writers Park Jae-Sang, Yoo Gun Hyung, Producer Park Jae-Sang and Yoo Gun Hyung. The phrase "Gangnam Style" is a Korean neologism that refers to a lifestyle associated with the Gangnam District of Seoul. The song and its accompanying music video went viral in August 2012 and have influenced popular culture since then.

"Gangnam Style" received mixed to positive reviews, with praise going to its catchy beat and PSY's amusing dance moves in the music video.


Blogger: DeAlanWilson
Posted by on

SISTAS - Off Broadway New Musical Review By DeAlan Wilson

Powerful “SISTAS” Hits Off- Broadway!

Review By: DeAlan Wilson

What do you get when you combine five powerful singers, one great story and lots of hit music? You get a new hit Off-Broadway musical called “SISTAS”.  And fortunately, I recently had the opportunity to see the show in New York City.

When I walked into the theatre on West 46th street, I really did not know what to expect. Many times I have attended off-Broadway productions to be sadly disappointed. I have labored through poor lighting, bad sound systems, poorly written books etc. all in hopes of finding gems among the rubble. With “SISTAS”, I have found a solid DIAMOND!

“SISTAS”, the new Off-Broadway musical is truly awesome! With an original book written by Dr. Dorothy Marcic, the show takes us on a musical ride of a lifetime. The story is a simple one. Three sisters plus one sister-in-law and one daughter gather in the attic of their recently deceased grandmother to go through her left behind personal items. While they are trying to figure out an appropriate song to perform, in her honor, at an upcoming church service, we get to know all these women very intimately. As they go through grandma’s old records etc. we are taken down a road through musical history highlighting some of the best R&B, Pop, Gospel and Soul music from the past 50 plus years.

Songs including gospel classics like: “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round” and “Oh Happy Day!” and modern day hits from: Beyonce Knowles, Whitney Houston, Erykah Badu and India Arie are all included in this show.

The overall way in which playwright, Dr. Marcic writes and molds the lives of these five women together in a cataclysmic synergy of spirit is a sight to behold. The performances of all the casts members including Jennifer Fouche, Amy Goldberger, Tracy Conyer Lee, Lexi Rhoades and April Nixon are high caliber for sure. All their voices are simply breathtaking. One number , in particular, performed by Lexi Rhoades who portrays the character “Tamika”, a late teen/early twenty something year old daughter who struggles in a relationship with a young man that is leading to nowhere, sings a ‘knock-the-ball-out- of-the-park’ rendition of late Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing”. Her performance, which brought several audience members to their feet, left us all wanting more.



The show continued to deliver much more as it went on to illustrate many long-known issues faced by African American women throughout history. Covering topics including absentee and runaway male spouses, women’s self-image issues, politics, parenting and so much more, the show touches your heart mind and soul. However, the truly great thing about this show is that playwright, Dr. Dorothy Marcic did not make this show all about simply “beating-up” on the African American male. She has carefully crafted a storyline more about humanity’s self-image. Whether male or female, she helps us all understand our personal lives more clearly especially, when it comes to judging our family members, friends and others around us. Thinking about this, I am taken aback to one great ensemble number brilliantly staged by director, Kenneth Ferrone, in which he creates a wonderful moment by having all the ladies hold up small hand-held mirrors. Looking at themselves, they sing a gut-retching version of the India Arie popularized song, “I Am Not My Hair”.



The show, is produced by three time Tony Award winner, Hinton Battle in association with Jenkay LLC., and choreographed by Lauren Lim Jackson.

After the show, I had the opportunity to sit and talk with the show’s playwright, Dr. Dorothy Marcic whose career includes work as a Columbia University Professor as well as being a U.S. Fulbright Scholar.

During my interview with Dr. Marcic, she was not only extremely warm but very candid about her latest creation. Dr. Marcic, who is Caucasian, says she was first prompted to write this story more than seven years ago when she was approached by a group of African American women who were performing in one of her earlier works. She says they asked her to write something focused on Black women and the issues they considered relevant. Dr. Marcic says she never expected her efforts would endear her to the African American community as it has.

When I asked Dr. Marcic about bringing this show to Off-Broadway, she candidly told me, “One of the most difficult parts was finding the right producers and financing for the show.” She had several offers but expressed that she wanted to find the right combination for this particular show. It was not until after presenting the show at the Midtown International Theatre Festival in 2011 that she says everything fell into place.

My interview with Dr. Marcic also gave me the opportunity to ask her about her inclusion of the one and only Caucasian female character in the show, “Heather” (brilliantly played by actress Amy Goldberger). I wanted to know why she included this great character as a part of the story. Dr. Marcic kindly replied, “Many of the issues faced by African American women are the same for other races. In order for me to be able to bring up many of these issues I felt this character was needed.” (In the show, the character of “Heather” happens to be very happily married to the brother of the “SISTAS”.) Dr. Marcic went on to say, “We White women struggle with the issue of our weight in the same way many African American women struggle with the looks and styles of their hair.” (We all laughed.)


DeAlan Wilson with Cast of Off-Broadway show, "SISTAS" in New York City. From left: Tracey Conyer Lee, Jennifer Fouche, Dr. Dorothy Marcic,
Heather Goldberger, Lexi Rhoades and April Nixon.


SISTAS is currently running off-Broadway at St. Lukes Theatre located at 308 West 46th Street in New York City. For tickets and show times, visit: http://www.sistasthemusical.com/

_____________________



Review Posted By: DeAlan Wilson (Entertainment Correspondent / Writer / Producer – New York City, N.Y.) DeAlan Wilson is a freelance television & film screenwriter and TV show developer. His online publication Comedy Entertainment Magazine and www.ComedyMags.com cover entertainment news & comedy. His blog can be followed at: www.ComedyEntertainmentWorld.Blogspot.com
Posted by on

Queen Latifah in "Joyful Noise" Movie Review

JOYFUL NOISE

Movie Review By: DeAlan Wilson

Posted January 11, 2012

Movie Opens: January 13, 2012



If you are in the mood for a good laugh, enjoy gospel music and stories of love, faith, inspiration, and hope, you will totally enjoy Oscar® nominees Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton as they team up to star in Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Joyful Noise”. A music-filled family-oriented film, this movie, written and directed by Todd Graff from his original screenplay is not only exciting and entertaining but makes us all give serious consideration to personal and social values in the midst of these difficult and trying financial times.
DOLLY PARTON as G.G. Sparrow,
KEKE PALMER as Olivia Hill
and QUEEN LATIFAH as Vi Rose Hill
in "JOYFUL NOISE"
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.
The small town of Pacashau, Georgia, has fallen on hard times, buildings are boarded up, businesses along the main avenue are closing down and money is short. But through it all, hope is still alive there. And the citizens of this small rural town are counting on their local church, the Divinity Church Choir, to uplift the town’s spirits by winning the National Joyful Noise Competition in Los Angeles.

DOLLY PARTON as G.G. Sparrow
and QUEEN LATIFAH as Vi Rose Hill
 "JOYFUL NOISE,"
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.
The choir has always known how to sing in harmony, but discord between its two leading ladies, their newly appointed choir director, Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah) and their fiery financial supporter, G.G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton) who is a member of the choir. While Vi Rose (wants the choir to stick with an older traditional style of choir singing G.G. thinks they should shake things up a bit with a more modern style of gospel music.

JEREMY JORDAN as Randy Garrity
and KEKE PALMER as Olivia Hill
in  "JOYFUL NOISE,"
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros. 
Adding to the story is the surprise arrival of G.G.’s handsome and rebellious teenage grandson Randy (Jeremy Jordan) who falls “head-over-heels” for one of the local young ladies, Olivia Hill (Keke Palmer) who just so happens to be the sixteen year old daughter of the choir’s new director, Vi Rose.


A soul-stirring, musically driven movie, this film brings together the sounds of gospel, pop, country, rock and R & B with countless memorable songs all performed by Queen Latifah, Parton and the cast. A wide range of songs are used including material from writers and artists such as: Michael Jackson, Usher, Chris Brown, Paul McCartney, Sly & the Family Stone and Stevie Wonder. Dolly Parton also wrote three new original songs for the film as well.

KIRK FRANKLIN as Baylor Sykes
in "JOYFUL NOISE,"
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.
Other popular gospel singers including Karen Peck and Kirk Franklin make cameo appearances in the film. Their performances are not only uplifting, but add true authenticity to the film as they pay homage to the growing popularity of church choir competitions all across the U.S.

Franklin, who penned and performed his new high energy gospel song “In Love” in the film, gave a very electric performance that definitely made him stand out in the film. His energy and dance moves seem to make him jump right off the screen and into the theatre. Director Todd Graff adds, “Kirk dances like some version of Prince cross-bred with James Brown,...so charismatic.”

DOLLY PARTON as G.G. Sparrow
in "JOYFUL NOISE,"
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.
Other musical highlights from the film include Queen Latifah’s gut wrenching solo “Fix Me Jesus” and a beautiful new ballad penned by Dolly Parton entitled “From Here To The Moon and Back”. The film’s Grammy Award winning Music Producer Mervyn Warren says, “It’s like working a puzzle: a given song needs to …say something specific or comment upon the story.”

After seeing the film and hearing all hearing all the great new music and new musical arrangements of many old classics, I find myself longing for the soundtrack and can’t wait to get my hands on it. I am sure it will be just as soul-stirring as the film itself.

Rounding out the main cast is Courtney B. Vance who plays the church’s minister Pastor Dale, Kris Kristofferson as Bernard Sparrow and Dexter Darden as Walter Hill. Other supporting cast members include: Angela Grovey, Paul Woolfolk and Jesse L. Martin.


This film is set to open in theatres nationwide on January 13, 2012.


Posted by on
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)