Magic/Bird

Courtesy of www.playbill.com

Some who know me, know that I am a huge Celtics fan, and when I first saw the casting call for this play on playbill I didn’t believe it. I said to myself, a play about Larry Bird & Magic Johnson?! Is this really happening? and on Broadway at that. Opening in just a few days on April 11th, I was lucky enough to receive comp tickets to the show last night. (Thanks @PublicTheatreNY)

Sport themed plays aren’t new to Broadway, its actually been quite a trend. Bringing this particular story to Broadway to story was a collaborative want by the creative team and wasn’t a new venture  for producers Tony Ponturo and Fran Kirmser and director Thomas Kail , whom worked on Lombardi together. (A play about the life of former Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins head coach). Lombardi did well at the Box Office and hopefully  they will have the same success with Magic/Larry. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are co-producers of the project and Magic will be doing a Talk-back following the 2pm matinee performance on Friday April 13th. What a treat! I would love to be there for that!

In an interview with Bleacher Report, Kail said, “I think that there is a great opportunity to bring sports fans to the theater. Once you have seen a play onstage, we hope it will open the door to people wanting to see other non-sports related productions as their introduction to the theater.” Ironically, I was thinking the same thing as I sat in the audience last night.

I was so happy to take my mom and my little brother along for the Magic/Bird ride as part of my mother’s birthday weekend. I really enjoyed the show. There were a few kinks but that’s what previews are for. When I asked my brother what he thought about the show he said, “I liked it. I thought the multiple roles were seamless. It was like the documentary in play form. I don’t think a person who likes sports could not like it.” The comedy and humanity in this show is really touching. Despite their differences, these two men found a way to come together and become one of the most famous friendships in professional basketball history. Being different doesn’t mean there isn’t a humanized way to relate to one another and  I hope that this show reminds people of that.

My Brother, Mom and I after the show

Plays for living

Your network and always putting you best foot forward speaks volumes. Director/Teacher, Vicky Wallace referred me to a company she knows well called Plays for Living. When Operations Manager, Howard Edelbaum was looking for some actors Vicky put my name in the bunch. I really really thank her for that!  Plays for Living, is a not-for-profit organization, that uses interactive drama and theater techniques to help people at all levels of society explore and confront sensitive contemporary issues. I was aked to come on board for the project as not only an actor but a director as well. I had assistant directed before but never taken the reigns of Director before. This was a challenge and definitely scary.

“Whats the Difference?” A play based on Alice in Wonderland set in a high school. Its a play about diversity, bullying and the challenges kids face to “fit in.”  I was so delighted to be on board for such a great project. Being able to mesh together my love for theater and giving back is always a win, win. Throughout the rehearsal process, I had such support from the cast and from Howard. They believed in me and really respected what I brought to the project.  This past Monday, March 26th the gang and I loaded up in the car and drove down to Tenafly, NJ to perform for the 3rd, 4th & 5th graders of the Tenafly Elementary School.  Being in a show and directing has its challenges but we worked together as an ensemble. I thank Team Tenafly for their hard work. The show was a hit and we had a wonderful talk back with the kids. See Pictures & Email from Howard below:

Talk back with the students of Tenafly Elementary

 

Team Tenafly: 

TODAY WE HIT A HOME RUN. OOOPS…I SHOULD SAY WE HIT A GRAND SLAM. The cast was astounding. Congratulations to the cast under Franceli’s direction you were brilliant. The kids, at least 200, along with parents and teachers laughed and cheered. Julia who kicked off the performance by having the kids yell ACTION led a touching and riveting facilitated conversation. Some of the highlights were:

 At the end of the play Blue characters try to figure out color Alice really is – red, blue, yellow?
Julia asked the kids what color is Alice? What do they think?
One kid answered – What difference does it make?
Two kids named Ben who sat next to each other answered: If you mix all the colors together
you get turquoise.

 Julia at one point asked the kids to sit in a circle and asked them why we sat in a circle.
One kid answered – Because you told us to.
Another said – So, we can speak person to person.

 The biggest highlight was Derek. Derek spoke about how he did not have any friends.
Julie supported Derek by saying he did not have to do this by himself. Craig told Derek
how brave he was for saying he did not have any friends.

 When Julia asked if others at times felt like Derek almost everyone including adults raised their hand.

 Susan showed us the assignments the kids did over the weekend. Every kid in the school wrote at least
one page about a bullying experience – reading some of them brought tears to my eyes.

 Mary, one of the parents said this needs to be videoed and we should be doing this everyday all over the country.
The teachers and Principal thanked us profusely.

 Once again GREAT JOB.

 

 

Golden Globes from a Colored Perspective …

As actors and writers of color, Keith Andre Collins  and I have come together to give our perspective on the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards Ceremony. It is rather difficult to watch the Golden Globe ceremony without the topic of color arising. Several of us are considering, commentating as well as rallying around: How many of us are in the room? How many of us are nominated? How many of us do we think will win? Latinos and African Americans  continue to work hard, defeat odds, and beat down doors to get in the room and what a night it was.

Entertainment is innate. From childhood, one evokes the presence of imagination in efforts to stay amused, find joy, and bring about happiness. In doing so, one begins to seek out images of their own reflection and identity. Although the entertainment industry appears to be one of change and evolution, African Americans and Latinos alike have overwhelming difficulty in shaping a clairvoyant expression consistent with the true essence of their image.

The media continues to shape and create the standards and the stars that strut the red carpet reiterate these images to the viewers at home. As a woman of color, of Latin descent I find it arduous to relate to the images of the Latina woman during the Globes.  With a growing number of Latinos affirming their cultural/ancestral roots to Africa, identifying themselves as Afro-Latino where do they fit in during the trump award season. (Watch Black and Latino & see post Politics of Race) 

Idris Elba- provided by www.goldenglobes.org

 Idris Elba, perhaps a shock to many, won for Best Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries for his performance in Luther. This was the first African American nominee and win of the night. In the press room, Scott Fimer from the Hollywood Reporter touches upon The Wire & his iconic role as “Stringer Bell” not receiving Golden Globe recognition as he is in his first year in Luther and if it was a challenge for Idris to have people see him in a different light. See his response here: Press Room w/Idris.  

Berenice Bejo

For Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture,  Bérénice Bejo, the Argentinean actress who delivered a stunning performance as Peppy Miller in the French silent film The Artist was nominated alongside Octavia Spencer as Minnie in  The Help. Although Beauty Bejo did not win The Artist certainly won for Best Motion Picture in that regard she’s a winner in our book. (she is also nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award)

 

Octavia Butler

Last night was Octavia Spencer’s big moment when her name was called. This win was monumental and ignited a spark in many, that African American performance was indeed relevant and deserves to be revered and showcased in high regard. The narrative of which is The Help is a fabric of our history. 

 As the nominees for Best Actress in a film were revealed we stood silent and held our breath. We wanted, hoped, and prayed, from the very depths of our spirits that Viola Davis would win. In that moment I had given up all objectivity and saw, most vividly, a woman who describes the essence and eminence of a culture, a catalyst in film expedition, nominated for one of the most coveted awards in the room, Best Actress, not won by an African American woman since 1986. She looked like me. I identify with every part of who Viola Davis is and that alone overwhelmed any idea of notable performance,despite being against someone I consider the most brilliant actor of this generation, Meryl Streep. 

Viola Davis

The disappointment lasted only a brief moment as mother Meryl righted all wrongs with her speech. She reminded us all the importance of noting this years most prized performances, nominated or not. Her unwavering respect and admiration for Viola speaks volumes in such a room.. She even mentioned the indie sundance film, Pariah, and its leading lady, Adepero Oduye. Who knew? This type of recognition in popular media is huge and shows that the Entertainment Industry just may be open, after all, to the possibilities African Americans and Latinos so desire to present and represent in examining the trajectory of our image.

  Before this year’s globes, only 10 Latinos have won a golden globe. Shocking I know but we were represented. This year’s hit show, Homeland won Best TV Drama which Brazilian actress, Morena Baccarin is in. Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas were presenters for Best Television Series Musical or Comedy for the Latino moment of the evening. Antonio Banderas had a soliloquy in Spanish and Salma Hayek interrupts him, “I don’t understand what he’s saying either.”  Modern Family, snagged the golden globe which stars Colombian actress Sofia Vergara. Vergara acceptance speech was entirely in Spanish. She was  nominated

   for Best Supporting Actress, but lost  to American Horror Story star Jessica Lange.  One incredibly poignant moment of particular significance enlisted Morgan Freeman and his acceptance of the Cecil B. Demille Award. Moreover, I feel truly grateful and indebted for this moment alone, one that challenges the paradigm of image alloted African American actors.With a ferocious vocabulary of eclectic performance and role, Morgan Freeman has done over 50 films…

Lean on Me , Driving Miss Daisy, Million Dollar Baby, The Shawskwank, Redemption,Glory, Street Smart, Seven, Unforgiven, The Dark Knight, Bruce Almighty, Deep Impact, March of

Peguins, The Electric Company, Bucket List, Invictus, Amistad
Sidney Poitier presented this award to Freeman and
Freeman says: “In my house this will also be known as the Sidney
Poitier Award”   

This night clearly was one of great celebration; however, the Globes left many patrons hungry for more. The 69th annual Golden Globe Awards may not have been all that we wished it to be but it did showcase the preservation, the prestige, and the undeniable perseverance of the image of people of color in an industry that is still biased in the opportunities afforded.

 **Written by Keith Andre Collins & Franceli Chapman

Politics of Race..

2012 is here and there is such a battle of culture and identity and I find it to be ever so interesting here in New York. Last night I went out to a Bar that I usually attend and was turned away at the door by a African American bouncer because of the African American men in my party. He said, “No men allowed tonight unless they are regulars” I was so confused since this same group of friends just attended this venue the night before.Then a group of Caucasian men approach the door and are let right in. I was so upset! We leave and go down the street to the pizza place to grab some food, as we leave the establishment my friend realizes that he was not given the correct amount of change. I proceed to the counter to speak in Spanish with the Mexican worker and explain the situation. He was surprised to see me speak the language, looked at my friend and refused to give us the change. My mind at the moment began to race around the fact that for some reason as a “Black Latino” I find myself not “fitting” in as either. I’m so tired of explaining to people that I’m black and their response is “But your Spanish”. 

This post was inspired by my beautiful cousin Kat whom shared this great video with me today on Facebook precisely about this topic! Talk about great timing! So many people are ignorant to our culture, this history. I thank my father, the late Dr. Francisco Chapman PHD (Ethnic Studies Professor) who raised me knowing and understanding this history. At my dad’s funeral there were songs, dance and spoken word very similar to what I saw in this video. I know and understand where I came from and I am a proud to be a Black Latina.

Check it out

Blues For Mister Charlie

As an actor, I’ve had the great opportunity of performing in some great shows. Once in a while there are those shows that come along that stay with you forever. Blues for Mister Charlie by James Baldwin is one of them.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK IN TIME OUT NEW YORK MAGAZINE!                               LR: Jasmine Romero, Stephen Macari, Dennis Jordan, Earl Griffin, Franceli Chapman, Reginald L. Wilson

My “Blues” journey began shortly after I resigned from my job. I went into the audition unknowing of the greatness I was embarking upon this past summer. I had never read the play before, (Shame on me, I know) and didn’t know the magnitude and importance of this piece. With a cast of 21 and rehearsals Mon-Sat from 10am-4pm we became a family rather quickly. From May through the end of July this was my home away from home

Blues for Mister Charlie was the inaugural show of the New Haarlem Arts Theater- “In this new theater company, emerging professional actors from the CCNY community will work alongside the most daring, imaginative, and creative artists in their field on a high professional level.” Taking on the role ofJuanita Harmon pushed me to grow as an actress. The role was given to  City College student Tiffany Warren and professional actress Franceli Chapman. Director, Gene Nesmith  pushed Tiffany Warren and I during the rehearsal process for the infamous “He Layed Beside Me” monologue. Usually women placed in the same role can become very catty but Tiffany and I worked together, learned from each other and most importantly cheered each other on at every show! We discovered we both lost a parent in college and used that pain in our performance. 

Check out Tiffany and I being interviewed by Tracie Strahan  of Positively Black on NBC : http://bit.ly/qzOYul

Tiffany Warren and I on Opening Night- Makeup & Hair for all the women by Johnny Gonzalez

Thanks to the theater amazing relationships are born! Another great  cast mate playing my childhood love, Richard Henry is  Reginald L. Wilson.  Always willing to stay late or arrive early to run lines, go over character objectives or just feel the space, Reggie provided great leadership to our cast. Since Blues, we continue to work together and support one another. We both now sit on the Advisory Board for the New Haarlem Arts Theater.

Reggie and I goofing off backstage

The show  was well received by the Harlem community as well as receiving a great amount of press. (see below) Special thanks to our awesome Press Agent: Jonathan Slaff as well as everyone in the crew and production team that helped make Blues such a success! Thank you for giving me the opportunity and joy to work with all of you and giving us all a show we can be proud of.

THE CAST OF BLUES FOR MISTER CHARLIE

BLUES PRESS:

DAILY NEWS- “Juanita (a restrained and lovely Franceli Chapman)”

NEW YORK TIMES

NY THEATRE -“The impressive ensemble of twenty actors supports stand-out performances from Juanita (Franceli Chapman)…”

BACKSTAGE

NEW YORK POST

CURTAIN UP

OFF OFF ONLINE

Quarter of a century and counting..

BEST BIRTHDAY CAKE EVER! MADE FIT FOR AN ACTRESS via Crystal Brown

I’m here.. I made it.. November 20th marked the 25th year of my life. Quarter of a century! For those who know me, Birthdays are a big deal! Somewhat of a holiday really. . I am blessed to have great friends, and had a week long celebration! 

One of my favorite Disney movies is the Little Mermaid and for my bday party I wanted to embody the young girl leaving the sea and becoming a woman on land. Thanks to amazing stylist Johnny Gonzalez  he made that happen! Take a look!

Makeup & Hair- Johnny Gonzalez Dress tailored by Niamar

I’ve been on a whirlwind the past several months since my last post. As the year is coming to end, I will dabble and reflect on what’s been going on in the next few posts.

So stay tuned & thanks for all the support!

 

New York Times Outstanding Playwright Awards

 On July 12, I had the pleasure to attend this wonderful event at the beautiful  Times Center.  This year’s honor goes to Kristoffer Diaz for his play, “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity”. I was invited by Artistic Director of Castillo Theatre, Dan Friedman to represent the Young Playwrights of Castillo.  It was great to see a fellow latino get honored by the New York Times. As a new playwright whose play was just recently produced, the timing to be invited to such an event couldn’t have been better. The New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award was established in 2009 to encourage and support American Playwrights whose work recently received its professional debut in New York.  

BRAVO KRISTOFFER DIAZ

Upon arriving at the Times Center I sat in the lobby with his parents and grandfather. (I had no idea at first.) His mother was so pleasant and talked about Kristoffer writing poems and stories since he was a kid. Before the ceremony began I was able to introduce myself to Kris and congratulate him. As we entered the theatre space I was in awe of the beauty of the great theatre space in the Times Building. Dan commented on how it would be great to do a production of “A MidSummer Night’s Dream” with the landscape in the background. The program began with Arthur Sulzberger Jr’s (Chairmen & Publisher of NYT) opening remarks followed by the presentation of the award. It was a treat when actor Desmin Borges performed the opening monologue of the play. He did an amazing  job! I love seeing other actors kill the stage. The program closed with Scott Heller conducting an interview with Kristoffer on stage. The audience got an in-depth look at “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” and at the wrestling nerd that has written this play. “My first artistic love just happens to have been professional wrestling.  I remember watching the original Wrestlemania on closed circuit television (and crying about how the US Express was cheated out of their tag team titles).  In college, a friend of mine said “you’re a smart guy. How can you watch that crap?”  And from there, this play was born.  The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity attempts to experiment with form and content, mixing monologue, spectacle, and traditional narrative to explore what I think is a truly unique and often underutilized American art form.” – Kristoffer 

Times Center Stage.. What a beauty!

Kristoffer holds a BA from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, an MFA from NYU’s Department of Dramatic Writing, and an MFA from Brooklyn College’s Performing Arts Management program. Kristoffer’s play was produced by Second Stage Theatre and directed by Edward Torres here in NY last year.  Which was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2009. The play is going on to Los Angeles in a couple weeks, followed by Boston and Dallas. Mr. Diaz hopes that by the end of the year the play will be published for folks to get their hands on to read. I hope so, and when it does, I know I will pick up a copy. I didn’t get a chance to see the show, but based on what I saw, the comedy, wit, and humility in his writing had me intrigued to see how this story unravels.

 I hope to continue to see out of the box theatre being recognized in this way.  

                                                     

My Look for the event: Hair/Makeup by Johnny Gonzalez 

 

VLOGING

Vlogging, its a new thing for me. I love to write in my blog, yet lately things are happening so swiftly that by the time I get to sit down to write one, it feels like old news already. I have a few blogs to “catch up” on but I thought I would try the “Vlog” thing. A friend suggested to try it out.. SO here goes, check out my vlog from yesterday…..

ENJOY! and LEAVE COMMENTS

GoalDigger

Where are all the #goaldiggers at!? A coin phrase  turned into her new t-shirt line by Tina Lee Jones. Dedicated, Determined, Ambitious and a Go-Getter are words used to describe Ms. Tina Lee Jones!  An Actress from  Houston, Texas came to the big city to dig for her goals.  Upon arriving to New York, one of her first jobs was working for the legendary Tony Bennett at RPM Music. She later went on to work for Russell Simmons and became the Executive Assistant to Dr. Benjamin Chavis at the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. After realizing her true calling, she strategically planned her exit and then decided to step out on faith and pursue her life’s dreams and goals.

“Tina Lee Jones” has a resume that consists of three voice-overs and two on camera commercial leads for BET and much more. “Tina Lee Jones” completed her lead role in feature film ‘My Obsessed Tenant’, which is now being submitted to several film festivals. Recently Ms. Jones accepted another lead role in the short film, ‘The Bad Sister’ written and directed by Sheba Jordan. She made her New York stage debut co-staring in the Equity Production of ‘Love and Hilarity’ with Love Creek Productions.  

Taking her career into her own hands, she branched out and became  the owner/creator of the “GOAL DIGGER” T-Shirt which can be purchased at www.tinaleejones.com. To follow all of Tina’s adventures, follow her on Twitter- @tinaleejones

On May 18, 2011 the Goal Digger movement had its first sponsorship event.  Tina Lee Jones sponsored the Extreme Dreamers website launch party.  The Extreme Dreamers, founded by Jonell ‘Young Harlem’ Green, is an organization whose purpose is to empower others through fashion, music, literature & film. 

Celitheactress and her t-shirt

                                                                                                                                         

I was very happy to attend this event and support Extreme Dreamers as well as Tina Lee Jones. Be sure to check out the website www.extremedreamers.com as well as the video below of the event. I was able to be in the video as well, and plug celitheactress.

Aids Walk NY!

                                                                                                            Last Sunday, through the cold and rainy weather 45,000 walkers raised 6.2 Million Dollars at the 26th Annual AIDS Walk New York.  This was my first AIDS Walk and I was very excited. Central Park was so packed and the energy was felt everywhere even with the slew of umbrellas. There were young, old, gay and straight all represented. Many fraternities/sororities, corporate/community organizations were there as well. I represented Norfolk State with my school paraphernalia. Giving back even in a small way is important. I walked with fellow friends and entertainment ladies, Tina Lee Jones (Actress/Entrepreneuar) and Quan Lateef of Avenue Pink.   After we got our buttons and registration forms we were all set to go for our 6 mile walk!

My Button and Registration Form

The six miles were not easy and we encouraged each other and took a few breaks. This walked helped me realize I need to get back in shape. There was music at some points and even cheerleaders! Quan, interviewed some folks on their experience and almost 3 hours after our start , we crossed the finish line. With sore legs and tired spirits we marched up to Chipotle to treat ourselves. 

Left to Right: Tina Lee Jones, Quan Lateef, Franceli Chapman