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We Were There: Hughie starring Forest Whitaker

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8 years ago

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In his Broadway debut in Eugene O’Neill’s Hughie, Forest Whitaker dutifuly reminds us why he’s one of the best actors of our generation.

In Hughie, which takes place  in the lobby of a crummy New York City hotel in the late 1920s, Whitaker plays “Erie Smith,” a small-town hustler whose luck has gone bad after the death of his friend and former hotel clerk, Hughie. The play itself is a 60-minute, one act play that only consists of two characters the entire time. The majority of the play is essentially Whitaker delivering a 60 minute monologue to the audience and the new night clerk, Charlie Hughes.

With no intermission, no breaks, and a whole lot of lines, Forest Whitaker proved to be more than up to the task, as his delivery was poignant and effortless as ever. The pauses were deliberate, the emotions were real, the charm was believable, as he really makes Erie Smith come to life on the stage. Where there were moments that required the audience to empathize, we did. When there were moments that required laughter, we did that, too. It’s clear Whitaker took his time with this piece and valued the art of the theatre as he made “Hughie” as real to us as possible.

This role was the first time in decades that Whitaker has acted in a play, and coincidently it will also be the first time that a black actor has played Erie Smith on Broadway — a detail that doesn’t go unnoticed by us –especially in light of the recent buzz in Hollywood and its #OscarsSoWhite, meanwhile Broadway is celebrating its most diverse season ever, and I mean EVER (Just check out 45th street this spring).

In addition to the performance, the set also makes you feel as though you are back in the 1920s. It features an amazing bronze-painted staircase and fright elevator that was lit beautifully the entire 60-minutes I spent in the Booth Theatre. If you have the chance to go see Hughie, you’d be doing yourself a favor.

Hughie is now playing at the Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street) on a strictly limited engagement. Tickets can be purchased here, by phone at 212-239-6200 , or by visiting the box office in person.

Check out pics & video from Opening Night of Hughie on Broadway below!

Forest Whitaker Opening Night Curtain Call

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Coming Soon

Phylicia Rashad To Direct The Roommate at Steppenwolf Theatre

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7 years ago

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March 27, 2017

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phylicia rashad

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has announced that stage, film and television star Phylicia Rashad will direct the company’s Chicago premiere of The Roommate, starring Ora Jones and Sandra Marquez, as part of their 2017-2018 season. Performances begin June 21, 2018, and end August 21, 2018.

Rashad, perhaps best-known for her TV role as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has several directorial credits to her name, including a plethora of works by the late August Wilson. She directed Seattle Repertory Theatre’s 2007 production of Gem of the Ocean, the 2014 revival of Fences at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, NJ, and most recently, a 2016 production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

In a press announcement, artistic director Anna D. Shapiro said:

“We are thrilled to have the phenomenal Phylicia Rashad join us next season. Her captivating artistry spans theatre, television, and film, and her work continues to break boundaries. Steppenwolf’s relationship with Phylicia began when she portrayed Viola Westin in August: Osage County on Broadway and has deepened through her work in ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Head of Passes. It was a true joy to pay honor to her at this year’s Women in the Arts luncheon, and we look forward to welcoming her back to direct this beautiful play.”

Jen Silverman’s dark new comedy tells the story of Sharon, a recent divorcee in need of a roommate to share her Iowa home. Robyn needs a place to hide and a chance to start over. But as Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, they encourage her own deep-seated desire to transform her life completely.

Find out more about subscriptions and memberships for the 2017–18 season, available by calling Audience Services at (312) 335-1650 or visiting steppenwolf.org.

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A Must See

Jasmine Holloway Sings The Color Purple Finale At Carnegie Hall

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8 years ago

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July 14, 2016

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Jasmine Holloway  sang The Color Purple finale song at Carnegie Hall on July 12, 2016. Holloway (21-year-old mentee of TCP cast member, Rema Webb) was selected for “The Carnegie Hall Moment,” presented by Paramount Pictures. The team chose various young singers across America, including Jasmine, a student from Rema’s  foundation, On Broadway PATP (Performing Arts Training Program).

In light of the late Florence Foster Jenkins’ dream to perform at Carnegie Hall, the upcoming film, “Florence Foster Jenkins,” about the opera singer and pianist, will release in mid-August. The film will star Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, and Rebecca Ferguson.

I’ll admit that I assumed Jasmine Holloway was in The Color Purple cast when I first clicked the video of her singing at Carnegie. I thought, “Oh, who is this new swing, or understudy? She’s fantastic!” I jumped to a conclusion without reading the caption because Jasmine quite naturally fits in with the Broadway ensemble. Her voice is unique and crisp, and she delivers the song with such a confident, triumphant attitude.

See for yourself:


The video ended with Rema saying, “Jasmine, turn around,” and there was The Color Purple family cheering her on. They immediately welcomed and embraced her after first joining in the chorus. Well, Jasmine, you’ve got The Color Purple, Rema, Paramount Pictures staff, and now Broadway Black on your side, awaiting your Broadway debut. You’re in good hands with 18-year Broadway veteran, Rema Webb, and together, we fully support your endeavors.

For further inquiries about On Broadway PATP, visit the webpage. The next showcase will be Hairspray Jr. on August 11, 2016. Lets support the babies, y’all. They are our future, and our next season of Broadway Black stars.

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