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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 2, 1989)
» « V * * * * * * * • • » * * • * * ♦ F ( I Behind-The Scenes by Lisa Collins I I Bi Brenda Phillips by Stephen E. McPherson Special Correspondent Black theatre is alive and doing quite well here in the City of Roses, thank you. Last summer, Garland Th om pson staged the artistically suc cessful “ Simply H eavenly” by Lang ston Hughes. Drawing from much of that same cast, Director Al Jamison has synthesized a winning team into a comedy, “ The Colored M useum ," the likes of which have not been seen since “ Purlie Victorious.” George C. W olfe’s “ Colored Mu seum ” has enjoyed critical acclaim wherever it has been presented, but here in Portland it is something very special because of the manner in which it showcases the versatility of several local people. This ensemble is so effective that one is inclined to suggest that they become a perm a nent repertory group. X -- 'J « t • •* • . J ’• . .Z Í S ’ a .! . - 4 S’u7- S’ 5. RHYTHM & BLUES SINGING STAR, RUTH BROWN HOSPITALIZED IN NEW YORK It was just about two weeks ago that we saw "That Rhythm, Those Blues,” an hourlong documentary film that chronicles the life of R & B sing ers Charles and Ruth Brown, here at the Northwest Film and Video Cen ter. Film-maker, George Niernberg, told me after the screening (Jan. 14th, 1989) of the news of Ruth Brown’s illness in New York, while she was in rehearsal for a new show about Rhythm & Blues. Ruth Brown’s contribution to early rock ‘n’ roll, unbreakable color barriers, her help in the establish ment of Atlantic Records (known as “ The House that Ruth Built") and film footage of her sixtieth birthday party at the famed Harlem nightspot, the Baby Grand, are just a few of the topics featured in the historical docu mentary. Shot in color with every piece of actual perform ance film in vintage black and white that he could find, the film-maker succeeds in giving us Ruth Brown, her place in history, the diva, artist (who once leaped offstage to kick some w om an’s ass for throw a glass of beer at her on stage for not singing a request prompt enough). I am waiting for an update on her condition (please call the office) and we all wish her a speedy recovery. “Write on, Ruth." (The landmark, Baby Grand Lounge is on 125th Street and Nicholas Ave., between Mary Bruce’s Dance Studio and the Frank Silvera W riters’ W orkshop in Harlem.) TALE OF DEAD DOG FILMING COM ING OUT OF HOLLYW OOD My son, Gariand Jr., a 26-year-old developing film technician, called me from Los Angeles, all excited about his receiving a eleven weeks crew assignment on Handmade Film’s, new film, “ Cold Dog Soup," scheduled to shoot in Los Angeles this month. Thomas Pope adapted (and co-pro duces) and Alan M etter directs, nov elist Stephen Dobyns' bizarre yarn of a young man whose passion leads him on an all-night quest to bury a ' •: ■: .r • • ./• : - / - v • ; ,• •. t ’ •»- % ’ i - . v;>* ; 4 r- • .7*. • * ù r ’ Æ *, Z- • /f ; I ♦ , œ t a ’Ä -3 * îy.1 -». $.?• ' i t j v »• - ■•" *•■ : 7<¿ V ?-Í Í We n; A “The Colored M useum ” opened Friday night at the Interstate Fire house Cultural Center located at 5340 N. In te rs ta te A ve . b e tw e e n Killingsworth and Portland Blvd. If there is a particular upbeat and jolly mood in the city this week, one might attribute it to the tons of laughter that this very, very humorous but satirical piece of drama produced. “ The Colored M useum" displays eleven events in Black culture with a sardonic tongue in cheek. Persons from the larger community might need a Black com panion to enhance their enjoyment with the necessary anno tations. But for Black people, just as with “ Purlie,” the message is quite clear. The show opens with inveterate Nyewusi Askari portending the mes sage from our deep roots in African culture. Soon thereafter Denise W il liams bounces onto the stage in air line flight attendant manner to an nounce with irreverent regard to the inner passage that: “ You must w ear your shackles at all times until the Captain turns off the ‘fasten your shackles sign’. And remember, no drums allowed.” from that point forward, one perceives that no sacred cow will be left unattended. Miss W illiams ends her parody with "Just think of what you are going to mean to W illiam Faulkner.” Miss Williams later assumes equally consuming roles as a suave model in a photo session whose only chal lenge is to smile. Next she is a ver bally attacked by two wigs. In the soap opera she becomes a women's libber and finally assumes a role as country bumpkin who lays a dino saur-sized egg. B roadway B ound R eport : ' / * • * a • •».r < Shirley Nanette Neal Thomas <:•! dead dog. It’s hopeful to hear of a young Black technician getting a chance to work in the tough and nearly “ closed shop” and market of big-time Hollywood film industry circles. He could receive his union card (which is very difficult to do, Black or White) on this production if things go well. “Write on, Gar Jr." BLACK ACTOR, SHABAKA RE TURNS TO TOW N FOR SHOW AT PORTLAND REP. I met this past week, with talented Black actor, Shabaka, who just re turned to Portland to rehearse and open a new play, “ I’m not Rappa- port,” at the Portland Repertory The atre. His last appearance in town was by Garland Lee Thompson in the title role in the New Rose The atre production of “ Life Of G alileo,” last season at the W inningstad The atre. W e talked about his recent successful trip to perform again with the San Francisco Mime Troupe on tour in Germany, a film and his cur rent exciting new project; the found ing of the new Black Theatre Artists W orkshop at the L A. Theatre Center in California. The W orkshop’s new play readings and acting showcase, according to my friend, Shabaka, is been attended by a host of Holly w ood’s Black professional actors, playwrights, directors and producers of in the film industry and theatre scene. ★ Best Cash Prices ★ $74.00 $111.00 MRS C’S WIGS TU WHOLESALE & RETAIL FOR YOUR EVERCHANGMG LIFESTYLES NAOMI SIMS • BORNFREE MICHAEL WEEKS TUIS-SAT 11i3O-6«O0 3C » AND OTHER NAME BRANOS -W EVERYTHNG FROM CURRENT STYLES TO SPECIALTY W E S UNUUE HAR ORNAMENTS HAR BEADS ft BEAUTY SUPPUES MRS. CS EBONY ESSENCE C0SMETCS BEAUTICIAN ZURIC0SMETES & STUDENT DISCOUNTS 281-6525 & FREMONT (707 N.E. FREMONT, Lenny Kravitz has signed a very lu- crative record pact with Virgin. The music is a mixture of psychedelic, rock, and gospel, but everyone in- eluding mom (actress) Roxie Roker and wife, (actress) Lisa Bonet are crazy over the music ... Recording artist Vesta W illiam s is happy a bout h e r p a rt in th e m u c h -ta lk e d a b o u t f i l m - ” M is s is s ip p i B u rn in g .” And while, Williams, who has done som e acting, was not seen in the film, she can be heard in an updated version of the gospel h y m n -” Try Jesus,” w hich is part of the soundtrack for the Orion film release, W illiams is com ing off of her single “Sweet, Sweet Love," which climbed to number one on the na- s Í Ü íU b e J tf 34T5N.E. Broadway • « r i ’ ( l L II IIB ¡J im in 100% HUMAN HAM FOR BRAIDING ft WEAVMG r (5Q3) 287-17^5 Malaffetti ?**>>{ ".v • VA * ► r >> '*3f' * ” .s . r . • r .’ . < * •’ - ' • ? : ; - ■ J ; ■ 1 p •; > »' I ’ ; •, •- .: -* tion’s R&B charts ... Eddie M urphy .* and heavyweight cham pion Mike Tyson made som e k in d o f d y n a m ic d u o as they hung out together in Los Angeles recently. h ; J HUNDREDS OF WIGS BETTY CABINE PROPRIETOR com m entary Ahmad Rashad will co host his 1989 Soul Train Music Awards. The two-hour nationally syndicated special will be telecast live on Wednes- day, April 12th, from the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium. Nom inees were selected by eligible recording artists, radio station personnel, and retail outlet representatives. W h o o p i G o ld b e rg to p la y producer?: With her recent acquisition of the book M ajor Taylor, one may assume that W hoopi G oldberg’s next big credits may com e under the category of producer. For those of you who d on’t know, M ajor Taylor, a bicycling champion, was one of the country's top black athletes at the turn of the century. N ew M arley R e c o rd in g s ? : Rec ord industry veteran Danny Sims has formed independent Slam Records, and announced that he will release 150 previously unheard tracks reg- gae legends Bob Marley and the Wailers. The Marley recordings will be released on five LPs, which will be overseen by reggae historian Roger Steffens. The tracks were recorded between 1967 and 1972. S h o rt T akes: While no date has been set, it looks like w e d d in g b e lls fo r M iam i V ic e ’s O liv ia B ro w n , w ho just recently got engaged to record ing artist Tomi Jenkins ... Musician 150 Gals. (5 0 3 ) 2 8 2 -5 1 1 1 i.r j other soaps who now feature blacks, * in that in other soaps--”the charac-. ters seem to go off to a kind of lim b o ' instead of home ... you d on’t get to know anything about their lives." Production on the half-hour serial is slated to begin March 6. The network is allowing two year for the soap to catch on, while affiliates will be given the option to run the show at noon or 12:30 p.m. EST/PST. Jackson Makes R adio Debut: Bob * Dockery, president of "Syndicate It Productions” has announced that The Rev. Jesse Jackson w ill return to radio with “ The Jesse Jackson Commentary," beginning on February * 1. The twice-daily, 90-second vignettes - will be heard over 120 stations throughout the country. The show w ill: key in on issues that affect the nation’s blacks. A similar show was suspended in 1987 when Jackson began his - campaign for the presidency. T is The S eason For Award Shows: Don Cornelius has announced that Dionne W arwick and TV sports ' s $45.00 1 0 4 N .E . R u s s e ll S t P o r t la n d , O R 9 7 2 1 2 $25.00 Temper, Temper!: A nasty argu ment with a friend and a little too much to drink apparently resulted in the arrest of "M atlock” co-star Kene Holliday for vandalism and drunk driv ing, overthe holidays. Seems a quar rel led the 39-year old actor to smash out windows of a friend’s home, be fore getting into his car and crashing into a parked vehicle. Short Takes: Stevie W onder and the Tem ptations will be am ong those inducted into the “ Rocki N ’ Roll Hall Of Fam e" this week in star-studded ceremonies at the W aldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. In Other Entertainm ent News: Matt Williams, executive producer and creator of the hit TV series, “ Rose anne", walked off the set last week. Williams, who is Black, had lone been experiencing creative tensions with comedian Roseanne Barr, who had made a stake for creative control of her own character. According to one source, things had gotten so bad between the two that they w eren’t speaking. A spokesm an for W illiams has said that he will not return to the show, but will instead pursue other projects. NBC To Launch Daytim e Serial To Feature Blacks In March: March 27 has been set as the prem iere date for N BC ’s Generations, a new day tim e serial which will parallel the story of three generations of tw o Chicago fam ilie s-o n e black and one white. Actresses Joan Pringle (formerly of “ The W hite Shadow,” and Lynn Hamilton have been tapped to play 50 Gals. Heating Oils 2 5 G a ls . It’s On Again For Robin & Mike: Despite the rumors, the lawsuits, and the tabloid tales, it appears that there still remain some sparks between Robin and Mike Tyson. The couple reportedly began dating again over the holidays, and according to a source close to Givens, Tyson is all over her. Meanwhile, professionally-speaking Givens will find herself at the mercy of a homicidal maniac w ho was once her childhood best friend, in a Steve W hite production titled “ Penthouse” which was scheduled to begin filming in Vancouver, B.C. last weekend. The made-for-TV m ovie will air on ABC later this season. The telepic also stars Robert Guilliam e in the role of G ivens’ father. the lead black roles. According to a staff writer, this soap will differ from- $29.00 DAD’S OIL SERVICE 100 Gals. “i THE GODFATHER OF SOUL GOES TO JA IL FOR SIX YEARS Another great R & B star named Brown, suffers a crisis. James Brown, “the Godfather of Soul," received a six-year prison term and $1,000 fine this week in Augusta, Ga., after plead ing guilty to an array of m isdemeanor weapons and traffic charges. Brown, who just hit the “ double nickel” (55) in years, was over the speed limit, under the influence, packing his piece in a two-state car chase last September. It sounds like a movie to me. We hope and pray for his return. “ A lot of people would like to see me fall, but you can’t make a winner a loser,” he said. “ Write on, J.B. If actor, Stacey Keach (busted in England on drug charges) can do it, so can you. 25 Gals. Speedy Service J “ The Colored M useum ” leaves nothing holy or immune to attack. There is the inevitable stalwart Black mother who despite all of the social ills of the world is concerned only that her offspring adhere to the mles of her home and that they wipe their feet before entering. That little vignette evolves into a clever musical treat ment of the sam e subject. Pivotal to the success of "The C ol ored M useum ” is the deftness with which the players make transitions to the several different characters that each portrays. They do it so well that often one is left with the illusion that a completely different person is taking the part. Neal Thomas is first seen as the ghost of a war-crazed Viet Nam sol dier turned executioner, next as the mannequin in a m agazine photo session, then as the narrator of a soap opera and finally in a tragi-com ic episode in which he declares that, “ Being black is too emotionally tax ing, therefore I will be black only on weekends and holidays.” Gregory Donovan is excellent in roles as the revolutionary son of a tra ditional Black m other and is almost completely unrecognizable as a gay hippie adorned in modish drag. Brenda Phillips comes across quite well in song ancf dialogue as a televi sion cook, as the soap opera mamma and finally as a wig in a hilarious cameo that spoofs Black people’s obsession with the texture of hair. Shirley Nanette does a splendid parody of Josephine Baker that ends with an adorable scene with nine year old Afi Reid and Louise Moaning. “ The Colored M useum ” certainly is excellent entertainm ent and it is something that the Black com m unity really needs to take the entire family to see. It will be running for the next five weeks and will include school perform ances and a short tenure at the W inningstad Center for Perform ing Arts. Reservations and ticket in formation are available by calling 243- 7930. Eddie Murphy Sets Out In TV: In spite of two separate co p yrg h t in fringement lawsuits filed against Paramount over "C om ing To Am er ica,” Eddie M urphy’s production com pany plans to go ahead with a sitcom version of the hit movie for CBS, which could be on the air by midseason. M urphy is expected to make a cam eo appearance in the first episode. Another Murphy project for CBS, “ W hat’s Alan W atching?” is slated to go into production this month. The hour-long pilot, which is being tagged a com edic com m entary on television, stems from an idea that Eddie had along with some of his former Saturday Night Live colleagues. In the pilot, slated to air on February 27 at 8 p.m., Eddie will play both James Brown and Mike Tyson. The pilot stars Barbara Barrie and form er W ebster co-star Corky Nemec. More of Murphy's TV projects, including a syndicated Christmas movie for 1989, will be announced soon. » $4M0O