> -* * < * * - V- » •» < ♦ * 4 > <*> » o t O t t t t « * * « Portland Observer NOVEMBER 29,1989 Page 5 itaa ENTERTAINMENT 000000000000000 000000000000000 Oregon Symphony To Present "Holiday POPS” Broad Report by Garland Lee Thompson TH E 17TH ANNUAL AUDELCO BLACK THEATRE RECOGNITION AWARDS The seventeenth Annual AUDELCO Black Theatre Recognition Awards was held at the Aaron Davis Hall - City College of New York Monday night, November 20, 1989. The star-studded gala event honoring the best of Black Theatre was packed with emotions as the award for “ Best Drama” went to "T h e Talented Tenth,” a new play Richard Wesley. It was produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club at the City Center Theatre of New York. In addition to “ Best Playwright Award,” other AUDELCO Awards were won by the Manhattan Theatre Club production of “ The Talented Tenth;” “ Dramatic Production of the Year,” “ Best Director/Dramatic Production” (M. Neema Barnette), “ Best Sound Design” (David Lawson), “ Best Supporting Actress” (La- Tanya Richardson), “ Best Lead Actress” (Marie Thomas), and ‘ ‘ Dramatic Production of the Year.” EIG HT AUDELCO AWARDS FOR TH E NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE The National Black Theatre’s musical production, “ Song o f Sheba,” has captured eight 1989 AUDELCO Awards including: “ Best Musical Production of the Year;” “ Outstanding Performance in a Musical by a Female” (Johanna Daughtrey). Clarice L. Thompson received "Outstanding Musical Director.” Elmo Terry-Morgan received “ Best Director for a Musical Production. “ Outstanding Musical Creator” went to both Clarice L. Thompson and Elmo Terry-Mor gan. “ Best Choreography” was presented to Judith Samuel. “ Best Lighting Design” went to Melody Beal. * * The Talented Tenth,” is the latest play by Richard Wesley, who has been writing primarily for film and television in rocently years (“ Uptown Saturday Night,” “ Let’s Do It A gain” and “ Native Son,” etc.) His last play to reach Broadway in New York was “ The Might Gents,” which this writer first produced Off-Off Broadway in 1977, under the title of * ‘The Last Street Play,” for the Frank Silvera W riters’ Workshop. Both the Workshop and the Eugene O ’Neill Play wrights’ Center were given credit for assist ing the development of that powerful Rich ard Wesley play. Richard Wesley is a founding member and w as on the board of directors of the Frank Silvera W riters’ Workshop for a number of years in the seventeen years since this writer founded the Workshop in New York for development of new playwrights and the theatre. The AUDELCO “ Outstanding Pioneer” Award for this year went to actress/pro- ducer/director, Cynthia Belgrave, whose career in the theatre spans more than thirty years She has appeared in the original New York production of “ Take A Giant Step,” “ The Blacks,” "Funnyhouse o f a Negro,” and Nobel Prize winner, Wole Soyinka’s “ the Trials of Brother Jero.” Ms. Belgrave has directed and produced a number of impor tant plays at her CBA Studio Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. It was ‘ ‘old hom e’ ’ night for this writer, who had not attended the New York AUDELCO Black Theatre Awards presenta tion since 1985, when we, at the Frank Sil vera W riters’ Workshop, won AUDELCO Awards for “ Best Actor” and “ Best Sup porting Actor” in the production of “ Tous saint L’Overture, Angel-warrior of Haiti,” starring Anthonio Fagas. The AUDELCO Recognition Awards was founded in 1973 by Vivian Robinson, who was formerly with the Amsterdam News, the largest African-American weekly news paper in New York. The concept of the AUDELCO (Audience Development Com mittee, Inc.) is to salute and pay tribute to the many African-American artists and Black Theatre productions that ate produced in the New York and the Tri-state area of New Jersey, Conn, and New York. The Colored Museum Back By Popular Demand At The IFCC Last season The Oregonian called it "audacious theatre, challenging politics, and one of the best shows in town." Now the IFCC's critically acclaimed production of The Colored Museum returns, Nov. 15 through Dec. 17, complete with the original cast including Willie Award winner Brenda Phillips and jazz singer Shirley Nanette. Eleven "exhibits" or sketches unfold against a museum background in this searing, satirical revue by George c. Wolfe. Sophisticated wit, song and chilling drama combine to explore and explode the stere otypes and myths surrounding Black America. If you saw it last year, you'll want to come back and bring a friend. If you missed it last year, here's a second chance to enter one of the funniest, most enlightening museums around! There are performances available to fit everyone's schedule and pocket book: The preview on Nov. 14 at 8:00 p.m. is only $5. Special performances on Nov. 15 and 16 are gala benefits for the IFCC to help replace funds lost in this year's City budget cuts. Tickets are S25 per person and the event includes a post-show champagne reception with entertainment on Wednesday night by Art Alexander, and Thaursday night by Janice Scroggins. The Colored Museum continues through Dec. 17, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are going fast so call 243-7930 for reservations today! Unity o f Love. 6720 N.E. Martin Luther King Blvd. (Formerly Union Ave.) 283-5440 h o l id a y S P E C IA L SPECIAL ON ALL CURLS \N ave N oveau C are Free D e s ig n e r C url Touch Up $55.00 $45.00 $45.00 $25.00 Ask for Daryl For Discount! The Oregon Symphony’s Merrill Lynch Pops series presents “ Holiday Pops” featuring the Portland Symphonic Choir and soprano Amy Dothman at 8 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 9, at the Arlene Sch- nitzer Concert Hall. Oregon Symphony assistant conductor Frank Diliberto conducts, to be repeated at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 10; and at 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, and Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The program combines a full blend of Christmas season favorites for the entire family including excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “ The Nutcracker Suite” and a medley of music from the movie “ Miracle on 34th Street.” Other tradi tional tunes such as “ Winter Wonder land,” “ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “ We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “ O Santissima,” “ Joy to the W orld,” and “ Away in a Manger,” followed by a Christmas carol sing-along will surely bring on good cheer. Tickets are nearly sold out for all performances except the Saturday eve ning concert. Tickets are $10 to $23 and are available at the Oregon Symphony’s ticket office in downtown Portland at 719 SW Alder, open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets may be charged by telephone at 228-1353. Tickets also are available at the Performing Arts Center Box Office, Monday through ticket centers. The Portland Symphonic Choir, di rected by Dr. Bruce Browne, is the offi cial choir of the Oregon Symphony Orchestra. M o v ie R e v ie w s : by Danny Bell Harlem Nights and Sidewalk Stories Harlem Nights is Eddie Murphy’s lat est effort in cinema, it also marks his first time as a director, along with increasing his credits as a producer, and leading man. Harlem Nights has some of the ele ments of the godfather. Sting, and a little know Black film Baby needs a new pair of shoes. Harlem Nights is rated (R) primarily for the use of profanity. The film also has a lot of off screen violence, and death. Con sidering the subject matter, which is a white ganglord uninvited take over of a posh ”A Celebration Of Duke Ellington” Is A Triumph For The Schomburg Center Black owned speakeasy. The story seems credible, and holds the viewers interest. In defense of Harlem Nights which has received some strident reviews, this is es sentially adult entertainment and the screen play is plausible and there are some unex pected, but interesting turn of events. Richard Pryor gave an understated and fine performance as Sugar Ray. Further more Red Foxx and Della Reese both turn adequate performances in their respective role as a croupier and madame. On a whole Harlem Nights is entertain ing, albeit it deals with an era that was less tolerant than today, and with the subject of crime during the 1920s. The film "Sidewalk Stories” is a rare endeavor, in that is it a silent movie. Char les Lane writer, producer, and central char acter has produced a film that is intellectu ally engaging, whose story line is remin- scent of a children’s fairytale. "Sidew alk Stories” is about a home less Greenwich Village street artist who inadvertently becomes a guardian of a child whose father is murdered. The film also observes some of the dilemmas of living a homeless life. The fairytale effect comes from the manner in which reality is suspended in otherwise bleak existence, and the relation ship of the artist and woman baby boutique owner. This is definitely an art film for those who appreciate visual metaphor and lyri cism. “ Sidewalk Stories” musical score lends a lot to the movie, and shows a expansion of diversity accenting the various moods of the film. If one is interested in a fib experience from the ordinary "Sidewalk Stories” is mentally stimulating and provocative piece of cinema. by Lisa Collins From left, Howard Dodson, Chief of the Schomburg Center, Mrs. Felix Rohatyn, .Mercer Ellington and Mrs. Edgar Bronfman, Jr., gather at Sardi’s following “ A Celebration of Duke Ellington.” Mrs. Bronfman and Mrs. Rohatyn were General Chairmen of the event, which raised more than $240,000 for the Schomburg Center’s historic expansion Project. NEW YORK, N Y -th e Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture re cently held a 90th birthday tribute to ac knowledge and celebrate the rich legacy of music left by composer, performer, con ductor and arranger Edward Kennedy Elling ton-better known as “ The Duke.” Con noisseurs of fine music from business, social and artistic fields came together for “ A celebration of Duke Ellington," which raised more than $240,000 for the Schomburg Center’s historic expansion project. The celebration was truly a family affair. Mercer Ellington, the only child of Duke Ellington, conducted the orchestra named for his father, while Mercedes Ellington, one of The Duke’s granddaughters, directed and performed with her troupe, “ DancElling- ton. ” Early in the evening, Gaye Ellington, another of The Duke’s granddaughters, displayed a series of her paintings inspired by her grandfather’s varied musical themes. Astor Hall, an elegant setting within The New York Public Library, was the site for the opening cocktail reception for 800 guests. A sold-out performance featuring The Duke Ellington Orchestra followed at the Shubert Theatre. Celebrities who par ticipated in the program included John Blake, Ed Bradley, Rosalind Cash, Honi Coles, John Garcia Gensel, Savion Glover of Broadway’s “ Black and blue,” dick G re gory, Phyllis Hyman. Morgana King, Den ise Nicholas, Bill Taylor and Leon Thomas. In his autobiography. Music Is My Mistress, Duke Ellington wrote: “ Jazz is based on the sound of our native Heritage. It is an American idiom with African roots- a trunk of soul with limbs reaching in every direction . . . ” “ Duke Ellington’s contribution to the world of America’s classical music, also called jazz, cannot be measured simply by his thousands of published and unpublished compositions,” said Howard Dodson, Chief of the Schomburg Center. “ Although the quality and quantity of his work indeed add up to a monumental legacy, that legacy is all the more intriguing once one begins to appreciate Duke the person. This evening, we are saluting Duke the artistic genius and Edward Kennedy Ellington, the human being.” The Schomburg Center, a research library affiliated with The New York Public Li brary, is a national symbol of the struggles, achievements and aspirations of Black people. It is one of the most widely used research facilities in the world devoted to collecting, preserving and providing access to materi als that document Black life and promote the study and interpretation of Black his tory and culture. The Center has a vast collection of materials on Duke Ellington, whose work included more than 1,500 compositions, in a variety of formats (in cluding records, cassettes, books and vide otapes.) What A Week! It started with a star- studded tribute to Sammy Davis Jr., and just about everybody was there. There was Michael Jackson (who sang a song h e’d written especially for Sammy), Frank Si natra, Bill Cosby, Eddie Murphy (who served as host), Richard Pryor, Anita Baker, Shirley MacLaine, Steve Wonder, Jasmine Guy, Goldie Hawn (who recited a song), W hit ney Houston, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Paula Abdul, Clint Eastwood, Dionne Warwick, Mike Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Ella Fitzger ald, Gregory Peck, Dean Martin, and be lieve it or not, the list went on. Proceeds from the event, honoring his 60 years in show business, went to benefit the United Negro College Fund. The highlight of the evening came when Davis took to the stage for a little tap routine with none other than Gregory Hines. Davis couldn’t say much due to surgery for his throat cancer, but all could see how very touched he was “ I got good news from the doctor,” Davis said backstage in a barely audible voice. “ In about four or five weeks of recovery, I ’ 11 be back yelling and screaming again.” After the show, he invited 50 or so of the guests back to his Beverly Hills home for a more intimate celebration. (Incidentally the show was taped for broadcast on ABC sometime in January). Just two days later, a star-studded crowd turned out for the 1 Oth Anniversary of the UNCF's Parade O f Stars telethon. Honorary Chairman Eddie Murphy came accompanied by (just good friend) W hit ney Houston. O f course, Lou Rawls was also there, and it was so crowded you couldn't breathe. But what else can you expect when the type-written invitations signed by Murphy, imparted that he would be on hand to personally greet guests. Those who came out included Vanessa Williams, Suzanne DePasse, Sidney Poitier, Nell Carter, Quincy Jones, Jeopardy’s Alex Trabec (who received a special award), Jackee, Rapper Jazzy Jeff, Marilyn McCoo, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Later that night, Murphy turned up at pal Arsenio H all’s promo party in con junction with the release of his new MCA album, “ Large And In Charge.” Hall, as Chunky A, videotaped a special message to guests at the chicken-ai . ci.< mpagnebash The very next nig; . M 'iphy ’s “ Hat lem N ights” opened to. ix I eviews.The film which just could ¡"e.. ie life into the career o f Richard Pry — a 1 co-stars like Delia Reese and Redd t vx But M urphy’s first attempt at directing has not met with critical acclaim. Once major complaint has been the language, reminiscent of the humor that has at one time or another given him self, Pryor and Foxx bad reps on the touring circuit. Honoring R&B Pioneers: Percy Sledge, Mary Wells Etta James and Ruth Brown were among those honored with Career Achievement Awards from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation at the Smithsonian Insti tution's National Museum of American History. Speaking o f awards, the Holly wood-Beverly Hills chapter of the NA ACP announced nominations in the categories of recording, movie and television industries for the 22nd Annual Image Awards Pro gram. The awards ceremony, which is slated for Dec. 9 in Los Angeles, will be broadcast on NBC in January Oprah Winfrey was named “ Entertainer of the Y ear," while Sammy Davis Jr., Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. In Short: " In The Heat of the N ight” star Howard Rollins is taking it easy after chest pains left him hospitalized in Atlanta. The actor underwent tests to ueterminc the cause but was released in “ good condi tion” . . . Oprah Winfrey admitted to re gaining 17 of the 67 pounds she lost last year in her celebrated diet. Still, however, she refuses to say just what her weight is . .. Whoopi Goldberg’s daughter Alexandria gave birth to a six pound, 1 ’»-ounce baby girl on her mom’s birthday. (Goldberg turned 40 on November 6)!