High-Kicking Towards Representation - A Reflection with Two Black Rockettes: Episode 126
We are back for a special episode to mark the Rockettes’ centennial. For 100 years, the Rockettes have been delighting audiences at the Radio City Music Hall and beyond with their signature precision and impressive high kicks.
We talk with two Black women who have stood on the line with the world-famous Rockettes: Jennifer Jones, the first Black Rockette, who detailed her experiences in her memoir, Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience from the first African American Rockette; and Regan Hutsell, who was a Rockette for the 2019 season.
We dive into their audition stories, the power of representation, and the special magic that makes them proud to be a part of the legacy.
5 Nov 2024
Giving The Nation a New Syncopation - Ragtime Revival at New York City Center: Episode 125
Today is November 5, 2024, Election Day for the United States of America. As with every Presidential Election, we Americans are flipping the page, preparing to write a new chapter of this country’s history.
The musical Ragtime examines a certain chapter of American history through a handful of characters from three groups in the New York City area at the turn of the century: Mother, Father, and the rest of their white, rich family of New Rochelle; Coalhouse Walker, Jr., Sarah, and the Black residents of Harlem; and Tateh, his daughter, and newly arrived immigrants in the Lower East Side.
With the two-week revival for New York City Center’s gala presentation, the continued relevance of Ragtime has us asking “How much has America actually changed in the last 125 years?” with a renewed sense of urgency. We talk with Tony nominee Joshua Henry (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.), Nichelle Lewis (Sarah), Tiffany Mann (Ensemble), and podcast alum Destinee Rea (Ensemble) at their press preview about the power of listening to that ragtime.
27 Sept 2024
Directing for Humanity - Schele Williams: Episode 124
Another season finale has arrived! For our final season six episode, we welcome director, actor, author, and Black Theatre United co-founder Schele Williams, who leaves us with gems of wisdom to carry us forward until we meet again!
She may be the first Black woman to direct a Broadway musical in 50 years, but she certainly isn’t interested in being the last. We talk about the power of mentorship and peer fellowship, her epic Broadway debut in Rent, and the rewards that came from helming The Wiz and The Notebook during her rookie year as a Broadway director.
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1 ratings
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