Coming Soon
Chicago Paramount Theater to Produce All Black Jesus Christ Superstar
The classic rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar will be produced at Chicago’s Paramount theater in its Broadway season finale. This 1970s musical explores the last seven days and the internal struggles of none other than Jesus Christ. The classic has been put on in 31 countries with many talented ensembles, however, Chicago is surely going to be memorable. Paramount Theater will feature an all Black cast lead by theater veteran Destan Owens as Jesus of Nazareth. Owens has been seen by Broadway audiences in productions such as Chicago (Billy Flynn), Rent (Tom Collins), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Adrian) but also some movie and small screen appearances in “Across the Universe” and TV’s “30 Rock”.
Owens is joined by Mykal Kilgore as Judas Iscariot, Felicia Boswell (Mary Magdalene), Rufus Bonds Jr. (Pontius Pilate), Avionce Hoyles (King Herod/Annas) and Lorenzo Rush jr. (Caiaphas).
Not only will the show have an amazing cast but director and producer Ron Kellum is making his Paramount theater debut. Kellum has a wide range of credits under his directing belt including Rent, The Color Purple, Dreamgirls, and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Kellum also staged the NFL 2017 Pro Bowl half time show. The show will also feature Paramount familiars, Tom Vendafreddo and Kory Danielson as co-music directors leading a 14 piece rock band.
According to Showbiz Chicago, Kellum said,
“Why an all-Black Superstar? ‘Why not’ Our responsibility as storytellers is to find ways to represent truth in ways that translate to every audience no matter of color, creed, orientation or status This will be a soul stirring experience!”
The ensemble features Stephen “Blu” Allen, Jos N. Banks, Ciera Dawn, Gilbert Domally, Candace C. Edwards, Jared D.M. Grant, Keirsten Hodgens, Mark J.P. Hood, Reneisha Jenkins, Micheal Lovette, Evan Tyrone Martin, Gabriel Mudd, Brian Nelson Jr., Renelle Nicole, Jaymes Osborne, Kafi Pierre, Jon Pierce, Travis Porchia, Camille Robinson, Alexis J. Roston and Jessica Brooke Seals.
Catch the show April 19th – through May 28 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in Aurora.
Celebrity Takeover
Tituss Burgess Has New Music, A New Movie, & No Time For Mess + The Preacher’s Wife Musical Update
On Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Tituss Burgess gave us an update on his musical adaptation of the 1996 movie, The Preacher’s Wife – starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. On the late-night talk show, a viewer called in to ask if there had been any updates regarding the show and Burgess shared that:
“ We are very close to signing with a hot-shot producer in New York, which means that the show is closer to appearing in London or here. But there’s also a recent development which could delay it for the better. You’ll find out about it later”
So not only do we know that the musical is still on its way to bless us, but there is an announcement about the show on the way! If you ask me, this is incredibly exciting. Tituss Burgess’ career has gone from stage to screen, and his abilities as an actor and singer are undeniable. Knowing that we are closer to seeing his skills as a musical theatre composer is mad exciting. Watch a clip from the interview above.
While we wait for The Preacher’s Wife Musical, listen to Burgess’ newly released EP Saint Tituss. Burgess sings his face off as he skillfully talks about issues that are personal and political — all while wrapping things up with a joyous celebration of resilience as positivity. He also has two songs that feature Daniel J. Watts including the single 45
He also has a new movie on the way. “Dolemite Is My Name” starring Eddie Murphy along with Burgess, Mike Epps, Chris Rock, & more will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. A national release date has not been set as of yet but is sure to be on its way.
While discussing the new movie during the same interview, Cohen asked Burgess about his relationship with Murphy. The way Cohen presented the question insinuates there might have been a problem between the two because of a ‘problematic past with the gays’ on Murphy’s part. The response given by Burgess is swift and loaded with “you tried it, but you won’t get me”:
“He wasn’t problematic for Tituss. We had a wonderful time. We talked about Dreamgirls and he should have won the Oscasr, I believe. He was great. Any troubles he may have had with gay people I guess are gone because he loved me.”
and this is why we live.
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