I recently sat down with two-time Tony nominee, Vivian Reed, who is currently in residency at the Metropolitan Room serving soprano spirituality and soul in her one-woman concert series, An Evening With Vivian, Reed Standards and More.
THEE legendary Vivian Reed. “God Bless The Child” Vivian Reed.
Well, they say Rome wasn’t built in one day and legend status certainly isn’t achieved overnight. Vivian walked me through her life. She was born a classical singer, making melodious tones at the age of three. Started voice lessons at eight. Went on to study at Juilliard, starred on Broadway (Bubbling Brown Sugar, The High Rollers Social and Pleasure Club, Marie Christine), and navigated a successful career as a recording artist.
After taking some time off to care for her mother, Vivian is back like she never left.The time is now! We have the opportunity to see her in an intimate setting, presenting her powerhouse vocals and one of a kind arrangements with the accompaniment of a four-piece band.
From watching her past performances, she exudes vibrancy and energy in a way that makes it clear that performing is her passion. Performance is met with storytelling that is deliberate and direct, structured and intentional.
In response, she said, “People say I take them on a journey. You can have a powerful voice, and not be an entertainer. I am an entertainer. That’s what I do. It’s an adventure. Laugh. Cry. Think. When you come to my show you should bring a hanky.”
Now that’s a word.
Put perhaps what’s best, is that every song she picks to perform means something to her. She’s telling her story. The story of a Pittsburgh native. The daughter of Lucille and Clyde Reed. The story of an accomplished singer, a standout dancer, a striking actor— a true entertainer, a woman who has traveled and performed around the world and then some.
She leaned in and told me,“I am very real, nothing is rehearsed or scripted.”
As to her longevity in the business, she credited learning many parts of the business and the importance of making a living when not performing. She’s conquered acting, singing, dance, fashion, and teaching. She’s currently on staff of Marymount College in New York, and previously taught at Berklee College of Music. She is a photographer. And she has a line of customized scarves that are certainly worth checking out.
Vivian Reed is a Broadway legend. Truly a representation of the excellence that is Broadway Black. In light of the spectacular season of talented Black actors and actresses dominating the stage, I asked if any performances stuck out to her.
Immediately she spoke of The Color Purple’sCynthia Erivo and Shuffle Along’sAudra McDonald.
“Cynthia blew me away. I wanted to jump in the middle of her song and just scream.” As for Audra, Vivian spoke admiringly of Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill, saying “Audra put in the work and I was truly impressed.”
So were we, Vivian. So were we!
As for her future, Ms. Reed sees more films on the horizon. She’s a supporter of original pieces, and doesn’t mind directing. So can we get an original piece with Audra McDonald and Cynthia Erivo? We’ve got our director! It’s out in the atmosphere now!
Vivian Reed doesn’t live in one vein. She effortlessly transitions from pop, blues, rock and roll, musical theater, and gospel. She is dressed for the Gods. She is flawless. And honey, if it’s not clear yet, she can SANG! Don’t miss your opportunity.
An Evening With Vivian Reed: Standards and More will be at the Metropolitan Room Monday, May 23 at 7 PM, Friday, June 17 at 9:30 PM, and Thursday, July 21 at 7 PM. To make reservations visit www.MetropolitanRoom.com or call 212-206-0440.
There is limited seating left for Erika Dickerson-Despenza’s new play CULLUD WATTAH at The Public Theater. Opening today, Thursday, March 7th and running until Sunday, March 10th in the Public Studio is about three generations of Black women living through the current water crisis in Flint, Michigan.
“It’s been 936 days since Marion’s family has had clean water. When local activists file a class action lawsuit against the city, Marion—a third-generation employee at General Motors—must decide how best to support her two daughters, sister, and mother while lead seeps into the community, their home, and their bodies. As corrosive memories and secrets rise among them, the family wonders if they’ll ever be able to filter out the truth.”
2018 Relentless Award Semifinalist and poet-playwright makes her Public Theater debut with CULLUD WATTAH directed by Lilly Award winner Candis C. Jones; the cast includes Deonna Bouye (Marion), Alana Raquel Bowers (Reesee), Caroline Stefanie Clay (Big Ma), Nikiya Mathis (Ainee), and Kara Young (Plum).
The creative team includes Production Stage Manager Gregory Fletcher, Stage Manager Priscilla Villanueva, and Movement Director Adesola Osakalumi. Along with scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado, Costume Design by Ntokozo Fuzunina Kunene, lighting Design by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, and sound design by Megan Culley
We believe in this work so much we’re giving away 4 tickets to the performances on March 10th. 2 tickets to the matinee and two the evening performance thanks to our founder Drew Shade and actress/playwright Jocelyn Bioh. Go to our Instagram to find out how!
Also, find out more about how you can help the Flint Water Crisis and support this show HERE.
Listen to Erika talk about her work on an episode of Off Book Podcast below
Performances begin today, Tuesday February 26th, for the New York premiere of Surely Goodness and Mercy, presented by Keen Company. A story about an exceptional boy living a troubled life in Newark, NJ who does a good deed for an often unnoticed person. Sarita Covington, Jay Mazyck, Brenda Pressley, Courtney Thomas, and Cezar Williams star under Jessi D. Hill’s direction.
Set in an under-funded public school in Newark, Surely Goodness and Mercy by rising playwright Chisa Hutchinson, tells the story of a bible-toting boy with a photographic memory who befriends the cantankerous old lunch lady. Against all odds, Tino and Bernadette help each other through the mess of growing up and growing old.
Surely Goodness and Mercy has spent the last year charming audiences across the country: “Notably absent from Hutchinson’s frank and sobering story: cynicism” – Chicago Reader; “(Surely Goodness and Mercy has) a soul-stirring quality, touching audiences with its sincerity” – Daily Utah Chronicle; “it’s impossible not to like it” – The Salt Lake Tribune. Now, Keen is honored to bring this big-hearted new play to New York for the first time.
Performances for this limited Off-Broadway engagement of Surely Goodness and Mercy will continue through Saturday, April 13th only, with opening night set for Wednesday, March 13th.