Ayana Jackson: CENTER STAGE – Jackson to Jackson - Becoming Katherine Jackson in MJ: The Musical
Everyone knows The Jacksons, and if you’ve "made your way over to" to the Neil Simon Theatre to see MJ: The Musical, you’ll see a shining star on stage in the form of Ayana Jackson. Jackson is becoming a legend in her own right; Balancing motherhood, being an emerging businesswoman and performing as Katherine Jackson in the Tony-winning Broadway production of MJ: The Musical means that this multi-hyphenate can, has, and will see it all.
On this Tuesday afternoon in October, Jackson unveiled her professional journey with me. How she stewards her gift with grace, humility, and of course, a touch of humor to keep joy alive along the way and invites us to see the vulnerability and resilience that seek to both shape and elevate her art.
Aisha Jackson: CENTER STAGE – making The Notebook’s Middle Allie her own
Aisha Jackson’s innate ability to tell a story rings true in our conversation.
Jackson brings a vibrant authenticity to every character she embodies, from the Shirelles’ harmonies in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and now, to the timeless romance of The Notebook on Broadway. Stepping into the role of Middle Allie in this Tony-nominated musical, Jackson weaves her own story of resilience, creativity, and growth. The Atlanta native sat down with Black Girls Do Theater’s Tiara Starks to reflect on her journey from her Broadway debut as a swing in Beautiful, a role that would teach her both the stamina and grace required to navigate the stage’s most demanding roles, to now leading a cast in The Notebook as Middle Allie.
Jackie Leon: CENTER STAGE – A Journey from Houston to Broadway's Hell's Kitchen"
For eight shows a week, Leon steps into the world of Hell's Kitchen as Jessica, one of Ali’s hip best friends. The semi-autobiographical musical from Grammy Award-winner songstress, Alicia Keys, has taken the Broadway scene by storm and surely, Jackie Leon has too.
Hell’s Kitchen went from being a buzzy Off-Broadway production at The Public Theatre to becoming the Tony-winning production on Broadway at The Shubert Theatre to being cemented as one of the most lively musical experiences that illustrates and embodies New York’s diverse melting pot of culture.
Playwright and Screenwriter Christina Ham talks The Kilroys
Christina Ham has seen it all. This LA-based writer has worked doubly in the ever-changing theater industry and in the writers’ rooms of some of Hollywood’s highly-acclaimed television series. Christina has nurtured the skill of storytelling so much that her artistry has extended beyond the page and informs her work in advocacy as a member of The Kilroys.
UP CLOSE WITH THE CAST OF JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING
Nestled on the vibrant and bustling streets of Harlem, Jaja's African Hair Braiding is more than just a hair salon; it's a cultural sanctuary where stories, tradition, and identity are intricately woven together. As the enchanting story of Jaja's unfolds on the Broadway stage, we are introduced to a diverse ensemble cast that collectively carries the essence of black womanhood and the significance of hair braiding.
BACK TO THE FUTURE MUSICAL ROUNDTABLE
With Broadway debuts and “Get Better” emails from THE Bob Gale, the cast of one of the hottest shows on Broadway, Back To The Future: The Musical, spoke with us about the inner-workings of bringing this iconic cult classic to the American stage.
LEGACY: KELLEY GIROD
We sat down with Kelley Girod, Artistic Director of The Fire This Time Festival and the New Works Director for the Apollo Theater.
Now in its 13th season the Obie Award-winning festival presents World Premiere 10-minute plays by early career African-American playwrights.