Black Voices Blogs http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs Black Voices Blogs http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/feedlogo.gif Black Voices Blogs http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Tia Mowry: Grown Up, Married & Starring In Hit Showhttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/16/tia-mowry-grown-up-married-and-starring-in-hit-show/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/16/tia-mowry-grown-up-married-and-starring-in-hit-show/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/16/tia-mowry-grown-up-married-and-starring-in-hit-show/#commentsFiled under:

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com

Tia Mowry is all grown up now.

The former child star hasn't followed the trajectory of heartbreak, despair and obscurity like many before her.

Instead, the beautiful West Germany native is currently starring in the hit series, 'The Game,' which was picked up by The CW network for a third season earlier this week.

It's a far cry from her days as a precocious adolescent on the sitcom 'Sister, Sister,' which she starred on for seasons with her twin, Tamara Mowry.

"I just feel really fulfilled," she says of the success of 'The Game,' which was created by 'Girlfriends' producer Mara Brock Akil. "The main reason why I feel fulfilled is because not only is it hard to come back as a child star but it's hard when you're identified as a twin."

"And to be identified as an individual in this business, that's extremely hard," she added. "But I think it says a lot to, I guess, with what kind of person I am."

As Melanie Barnett, Mowry embodies the spirit of young woman who is traversing her formative years of medical school during a romance with her undergraduate studies sweetheart, Derwin Davis - who is now a professional football player (played by Pooch Hall).

The show, initially branded as a spin-off of the recently canceled 'Girlfriends,' has become a sleeper hit for the network -largely in part because of the relationship dynamic of the two lead characters, who went from live-in lovers to now just friends.

"I think the reason why people related to our characters is because we're a real couple," she explained. "We fight, we argue, there was infidelity and we've moved on from that situation and it's relatable," she continued. "Everybody wants to sit down and want to watch something that they can relate to."

Mowry readily admits that she didn't see the connection at first. "You know what's so weird? When we first started doing the show, our script supervisor said 'Oh my God, you guys are going to be the couple that everybody loves.' And we were like, 'What? Whatever!' But now we actually see it."

As far as how she wants to see her character develops in the next season, the happily married newlywed said she doesn't mind exploring the full complexities of Melanie as a single woman.

"I'm really, really enjoying - and I know the fans aren't - our characters being separated," she admitted, adding, "I think it's always great to portray an independent woman; a woman who doesn't necessarily need to have to identify themselves in a relationship."

"I love playing strong, independent women and right now, I feel where Melanie Barnett is right now, she's starting to evolve into a strong, independent woman," she continued. "It's not easy. In real life, it's not easy to move on... but I really want to see Melanie become a doctor, I want to get more into her studies. I want to see her evolve more into a woman, which she is doing slowly but surely. I think Mara wants to show growth, which happens in real life."

Hmmm.

In real life, though, Mowry is enjoying the bliss of being in a tight knit relationship with her new husband Cory Hardrict.

The dashing young actor, who starred in a popular Sprite commercial last year, is currently starring on the hit ABC Family drama series, 'Lincoln Heights.' The Chicago native also has eight films in production, most notably 'He's Just Not That Into You,' starring Scarlett Johansen, Jennifer Anniston and Drew Barrymore.

This June, Mowry said, will mark the eighth year since they've started dating.

"I met him in 1999, after 'Sister, Sister' ended," she revealed. "And he's been extremely supportive in my career, making me aware that I'm a great actress and helping me believe in my self and you really need to keep yourself around such positive people especially when you're young in this business," she continued.

"There's a lot of wrong people that you can get a hold of who are your friend for all the wrong reasons," she confided. "I'm really blessed to have a wonderful family and now I have a wonderful husband to just really support me throughout the time."

The happy couple wed at the Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore in Santa Barbara on April 20. Before 170 guests, the bride walked down the aisle in a couture gown by Detroit designer Kevan Hall in front as R&B crooner Kenny Lattimore serenaded her with his signature song, 'For You.'

"I'm loving it," she gushed. "I can really see why God made marriage. It is beautiful."

Let's hope Melanie and Derwin can share the same joy.

 

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]]>Melanie and DerwinMelanieAndDerwinThe GameTheGameTia MowryTiaMowryKaru F. Daniels2008-05-16T17:05:00+00:00Notable/Quotable:Syesha Mercadohttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/16/syesha-mercado-says-shes-the-black-christina-aguilera-notable-qu/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/16/syesha-mercado-says-shes-the-black-christina-aguilera-notable-qu/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/16/syesha-mercado-says-shes-the-black-christina-aguilera-notable-qu/#commentsFiled under:

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com



"I'm a mix of a lot of things ... I'm like a black Christina Aguilera ... I definitely can see myself putting together a Christina Aguilera album, the one that she just recently did and an Alicia Keys album like The Diary of Alicia Keys. I like Pop and I like R&B and I like the old school, new school thing so I'm growing as an artist, I'm evolving ... You'll know who I am once I put out that album."

-- 'American Idol' cast-off Syesha Mercado commenting on musical identity. (People)
NEXT: Sheila E On Prince. >>>


 

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]]>American IdolAmericanIdolSyesha Mercado Says Shes The Black Christina Aguilera Notable QuSyeshaMercadoSaysShesTheBlackChristinaAguileraNotableQuKaru F. Daniels2008-05-16T11:11:00+00:00T-Pain: Living a 'Good Life' With BET Nodshttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/16/t-pain-bet-nominations/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/16/t-pain-bet-nominations/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/16/t-pain-bet-nominations/#commentsFiled under:

By Brennan Williams, BlackVoices.com

Being one of today's most sought out artists has led singer/songwriter T-Pain ahead of the pack with five 2008 BET Award nominations.

The Florida native is nominated for his appearances on Kanye West's 'Good Life,' Flo Rida's 'Low' and Chris Brown's 'Kiss Kiss' in the best collaboration category. He's also nominated twice for video of the year.

BET also announced on Thursday other multiple nominees such as West and Keyshia Cole who received three nods, while Mary J. Blige, and Alicia Keys both received two.

Usher, Blige, Mariah Carey, and Nelly are scheduled to perform for the June 24 event.BET also announced on Thursday other multiple nominees such as West and Keyshia Cole who received three nods, while Mary J. Blige, and Alicia Keys both received two.

Usher, Blige, Mariah Carey, and Nelly are scheduled to perform for the June 24 event.

R&B soul legend Al Green will be honored with a lifetime achievement award, while Quincy Jones will receive an award for his humanitarian work.












 

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]]>Brennan Williams2008-05-16T02:00:00+00:00Rihanna: Good Girl Gone Historichttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/15/rihanna makes billboard history/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/15/rihanna makes billboard history/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/15/rihanna makes billboard history/#commentsFiled under:

By Brennan Williams, BlackVoices.com

Sexy R&B superstar Rihanna recently made history with her latest single 'Take A Bow.'

The hit song made one of the biggest jumps recorded in 'Billboard' history, moving from #53 to #1 in one week.

In addition to sliding into the Number One slot on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 chart, the single debuted on the 'Billboard' Hot Digital Songs Chart with a phenomenal first week of 266,696 scans.

Not bad, considering the Grammy Award winning beauty's forthcoming CD/DVD re-release of her latest album 'Good Girl Gone Bad.'The newly configured album will feature four bonus tracks including 'Take A Bow' and a DVD with concert footage, a 17-minute documentary, and a four-minute home movie of 'Umbrella' created by her band.

'Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded' hit stores on June 17th, which is a week after the album marks its historic 52nd week on the 'Billboard' 200 albums chart.

 

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]]>Good Girl Gonegood girl gone badGoodGirlGoneGoodGirlGoneBadrihannaBrennan Williams2008-05-15T13:00:00+00:00Cat On A Hot Tin Roof: Shut Out of Tony Awards, In The Heights Sweeps Nomshttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/13/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof-shut-out-of-tony-awards-in-the-heights-s/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/13/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof-shut-out-of-tony-awards-in-the-heights-s/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/13/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof-shut-out-of-tony-awards-in-the-heights-s/#commentsFiled under:

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com



Broadway phenomenon 'Cat on A Hot Tin Roof' didn't make the cut with this year's Tony Awards.

The Debbie Allen-directed all-black Tennessee Williams revival didn't get any nominations for the 2008 Tony Awards, which were announced this morning by previous Tony Award winners Sara Ramirez and David Hyde Pierce from The New York Public Library for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Nominations in 26 competitive categories for the 62nd annual ceremony were selected by an independent committee of 23 theater professionals appointed by the Tony Awards Administration Committee.The 2008 Tony Award Nominating Committee consists of Joe Benincasa, Robert Callely, Betty Corwin, Jacqueline Z. Davis, Michael D. Dinwiddie, Teresa Eyring, Sue Frost, Andrew Jackness, Betty Jacobs, Geoffrey Johnson, Robert Kamlot, Michael Kantor, Howard Marren, Laurence Maslon, Phyllis Newman, Lynn Nottage, Gilbert Parker, Roger Rees, Jonathan Reynolds, Donald Saddler, Steven Suskin, Tom Viola and Kimberlee Wertz.

'Cat,' produced by former Wall Street broker Stephen Byrd, won decent reviews when it opened on March 6 at the Broadhurst Theatre. Due to its major star power, audiences -- including diehard theatergoers and newbies -- were instantly drawn to the classic play, which stars Academy Award nominated hottie Terrence Howard, Tony Award winners James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad and Anika Noni Rose, Giancarlo Esposito and Lisa Arrindelle Anderson.

So it could've been expected that the show would've garnered nods for Broadway's biggest night -- but sadly, that is not the case.

Even Morgan Freeman's big Broadway comeback, 'The Country Girl,' was shut out of the nominations this year.

But as expected, Laurence Fishburne's critically acclaimed turn as civil rights icon Thurgood Marshall in 'Thurgood' garnered a nod for Best Leading Actor in A Play.

And for her stellar work in 'Come Back, Little Sheba,' 'Law & Order' diva S. Epatha Merkerson is considered in the Best Leading Actress in A Play category.

With major wow factor, the Latino-flavored hit musical 'In The Heights' received 13 Tony Award nominations, more than any other show.

Starring Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the songs for the show, 'Heights' was first seen Off Broadway last year, and has dazzled fans and critics since opening at the Richard Rodgers Theater on March 10.

The new revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'South Pacific' took in 11 nominations, followed by 'Sunday in the Park With George' with nine.

This year's Pulitzer Prize winner 'August: Osage County,' the black alternative rock musical 'Passing Strange' and the Patti LuPone-helmed revival of 'Gypsy,' all received seven nods each.

'August,' produced by theater industry veterans Jeffrey Richards with his associate Irene Gandy spearheading the media campaign, premiered as Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and has already won the Outer Critics' Circle Award and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award.

Academy, Emmy, Golden Globe, Grammy and Tony Award winner Whoopi Goldberg is slated to host the ceremony. Presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, 'The 2008 Tony Awards' will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS, June 15.

 

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]]>Cat On A Hot Tin Roof Shut Out Of 2008 Tony AwardsCatOnAHotTinRoofShutOutOf2008TonyAwardsDebbie AllenDebbieAllenIn The Heights Sweep The 2008 Tony Awards NominationsInTheHeightsSweepThe2008TonyAwardsNominationsIrene GandyIreneGandyJames Earl JonesJamesEarlJonesJeffrey RichardsJeffreyRichardsTerrence HowardTerrenceHowardKaru F. Daniels2008-05-13T11:11:00+00:00Jimi Hendrix: The $100,000 Sex Tape Challengehttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/12/jimi-hendrix-sex-tape/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/12/jimi-hendrix-sex-tape/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/12/jimi-hendrix-sex-tape/#commentsFiled under:

By Brennan Williams, BlackVoices.com

Vivid Entertainment is determined to prove the authenticity of its latest release, 'Jimi Hendrix: The Sex Tape.'

So much so that they are putting their money where their porn is.

The controversial video which was released on May 6, allegedly features late rock & roll icon Jimi Hendrix involved in a sexual escapade with two unidentified brunettes.

As BlackVoices.com previously reported last week, Hendrix's estate, Experience Hendrix,LLC has publicly denied the tape and released a statement saying, "[strongly disputing] the claimed authenticity and affirmatively state that Experience Hendrix is neither involved in, nor have we authorized the distribution of this film."

However, Vivid co-chairman Steven Hirsch says the company's statement "proves nothing."

"Vivid took considerable time and spent a substantial sum of money to authenticate the footage and we are very comfortable that this is the real thing," Hirsch said.

"We believe that those who say otherwise are relying on their emotions to make unsubstantiated claims."


The chairman obviously wants to issue a challenge.

"If Experience Hendrix can prove definitively that it's not Jimi Hendrix on this footage then we will pay them $100,000."

Vivid also noted that some of the so-called experts that have stepped forward to comment on the authenticity of the footage have never even met Hendrix.

No word from the Hendrix camp.





 

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]]>jimi hendrixJimiHendrixBrennan Williams2008-05-12T15:00:00+00:00Barbara Walters: Not Even Studying Star Joneshttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/12/barbara-walters-not-even-studying-star-jones/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/12/barbara-walters-not-even-studying-star-jones/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/12/barbara-walters-not-even-studying-star-jones/#commentsFiled under:

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com



With the release of her long-overdue, and much bally-hooed new memoir, 'Audition,' Barbara Walters has been thrust into the entertainment spotlight like never before.

Mostly because of some of the details in the gargantuan-sized read, which was published by Knopf on May 6.

One juicy morsel that has gotten America into a tizzy: the veteran news journalist's revelation that she had a lurid affair with a married man - a married Black man (former U.S. Senator Edward Brooke).

Star Jones, who infamously exited her long-running stint on 'The View' (which Walters created, produces and co-hosts), threw her two-cents in the mix last week, criticizing the former '20/20' host for using scandal to sell books.

"It is a sad day when an icon like Barbara Walters, in the sunset of her life, is reduced to publicly branding herself as an adulterer, humiliating an innocent family with accounts of her illicit affair and speaking negatively against me all for the sake of selling a book," Jones told a tabloid.. "It speaks to her true character."

Walters, however, has taken somewhat of the high road wit her response to Jones, who it was recently revealed is divorcing Al Scales Reynolds after four years of marriage."Star is going through a very difficult time right now, and I'm going to have very happy memories of how wonderful she was on the program," the twice-divorced Walters told 'AP Radio' on May 9. "I don't want to add to her difficulties."
Elsewhere in 'Audition,' Walters talks about how the women of 'The View' were forced to cover up Jones' gastric bypass surgery as she swiftly lost weight ahead of her wedding.

Unbelievable to many, Jones maintained at the time that she was eating less and doing Pilates.

"We lied for Star," Walters said in the interview. "She was our colleague. She didn't want to discuss it, we didn't force her to. Was that a mistake? I don't know. ... It was Star's decision."

And regarding that affair, she added: "I put it in to show in great part how race relations have changed. This was 30 years ago, it was an African-American prominent man. And it would've destroyed his career, and mine. Today it would have almost no impact."



 

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]]>affairAl Scales ReynoldsAlScalesReynoldsAuditionBarbara WaltersBarbaraWaltersmemoirStar JonesStar Jones ReynoldsStarJonesStarJonesReynoldstabloidThe ViewTheViewtwice divorceTwiceDivorceUS SenatorUsSenatorKaru F. Daniels2008-05-12T08:08:00+00:00Toni Braxton: Las Vegas Show Sidelined Until Junehttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/12/toni-braxton-las-vegas-show-sidelined-until-june/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/12/toni-braxton-las-vegas-show-sidelined-until-june/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/12/toni-braxton-las-vegas-show-sidelined-until-june/#commentsFiled under:

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com



Toni Braxton's Sin City show wont see the light of day for another month..

Harrah's Entertainment announced May 9 that it now expects to resume "Toni Braxton: Revealed" at the Flamingo Las Vegas hotel on June 6.The popular revue has been dark since the Grammy Award winning chanteuse was hospitalized
overnight for chest pains on April 7.

There was no further details given about Braxton's medical dedication.

The 40-year-old 'Breathe Again' singer has been treated in the past for pericarditis, a
viral inflammation of the heart.

Her two-year run at the Flamingo Las Vegas is scheduled to end in August.

 

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]]>Breathe AgainBreatheAgainchest painsChestPainsLaz VegasLazVegasToni Braxton updateToniBraxtonUpdateKaru F. Daniels2008-05-12T07:34:00+00:00Spotted: Angie Stone and Dionne Warwickhttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/11/spotted-angie-stone-and-dionne-warwick/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/11/spotted-angie-stone-and-dionne-warwick/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/11/spotted-angie-stone-and-dionne-warwick/#commentsFiled under:

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com



Neo-soul diva Angie Stone and pop music legend Dionne Warwick took in the sights and sounds of the May 10 installment of "The 2008 St. Lucia Jazz Festival," presented by BET J, at Pigeon Island National Landmark. R&B powerhouse Anita Baker headlined the seven-hour line-up, which featured Najee, Alex Bugnon, Barbara Cadet & Friends, Nick Colionn, David Sanchez, and Ledisi.
Who Else Was Spotted? >>>

 

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]]>2008 St. Lucia Jazz Festival2008St.LuciaJazzFestivalAlex BugnonAngie StoneAngieStoneAnita BakerAnitaBakerDionne WarwickDionneWarwickLedisiNajeephotoPhotographedPicturedPigeon Island National LandmarkPigeonIslandNationalLandmarkSpottedKaru F. Daniels2008-05-11T08:08:00+00:00Lisa Arrindell Anderson: A "Mother" Load On Broadwayhttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/09/lisa-arrindell-anderson-mother-load-on-broadway/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/09/lisa-arrindell-anderson-mother-load-on-broadway/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/09/lisa-arrindell-anderson-mother-load-on-broadway/#commentsFiled under:

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com



In the hit Broadway play, 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,' Lisa Arrindell Anderson plays a wicked wench named Mae, often referred to as Sister Woman.

And she plays the dastardly role of a cunning and very pregnant married mother of three to a hilt - winning rave reviews for her Great White Way debut.

"When you get the call that Broadway wants you and that you'll be working with James Earl Jones for 6 months you feel like: Woohoo!!!!" she told BlackVoices.com yesterday.Born and raised in New York City, Anderson attended exclusive High School of the Performing Arts and the prestigious Juilliard School. She also had a scholarship for six years to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

So it's easy to assume that the burgeoning actress was born to do it.

Like her character in the Debbie Allen-directed Tennessee Williams revival, Anderson is a doting mother. Her two children, 11 year-old Jacob and five-year-old Jordan, are in Atlanta with her husband while she wows audiences eight times a week on Broadway.

"My husband has taken over a great deal of what I normally do at home, in addition to acquiring a caregiver for the after school hours," she shared. "And we've been strict about making sure that we all see each other every two weeks.....that's made it bearable."

Because of work, Anderson can't spend Mother's Day with her two children, but said that the family has been creative in celebrating her big day this year.

"My 5 year old daughter is a celebration-focused girl, so she was concerned when we told her that we wouldn't be together for Mother's Day; but when I told her we could celebrate it when they come to NY at the end of the month, because the date doesn't matter as much as that we celebrate it, she was comforted," Anderson said.

"When I was home in Georgia for the day last week my family took me shopping for Mother's Day gifts....they picked out three sexy summer dresses for me."

This year, Anderson -- who gained attention starring in the hit Tyler Perry movie 'Madea's Family Reunion' -- will get a chance to go to church with her mom and go to brunch at one of her favorite Brooklyn watering holes.

"Time together focused on mom," is what she said is the best Mother's Day gift to give.

And she plans to do just that.

'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof' is currently playing a strictly limited engagement at the Broadhurst Theatre.

 

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]]>black actressBlackActressBroadwayCat On A Hot Tin RoofCatOnAHotTinRoofDebbie AllenDebbieAllenLisa Arindell AndersonLisaArindellAndersonSister WomanSisterWomanTennessee WilliamsTennesseeWilliamsThe Great White WayTheGreatWhiteWayTyler PerryTylerPerryKaru F. Daniels2008-05-09T13:11:00+00:00Notable/Quotable: Sheila Ehttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/07/sheila-e-on-prince-romance/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/07/sheila-e-on-prince-romance/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/07/sheila-e-on-prince-romance/#commentsFiled under:

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com



"It was challenging ... It was very difficult and we went through a change and I just had to let everything go. It wasn't just letting him go and the work go, it was both. The hardest part about it was letting go of my best friend."

-- 80's pop star Sheila E breaking her silence about her romance with Prince. (Latina)
NEXT: Flavor Flav on Denzel, Morgan. >>>

 

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]]>80sLatinamusicPopPrinceRomanceSheila ESheilaEKaru F. Daniels2008-05-07T12:12:00+00:00Laurence Fishburne: Back To His Roots On Broadway; As Thurgood Marshallhttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/05/laurence-fishburne-back-to-his-roots-on-broadway-as-thurgood-m/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/05/laurence-fishburne-back-to-his-roots-on-broadway-as-thurgood-m/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/05/laurence-fishburne-back-to-his-roots-on-broadway-as-thurgood-m/#commentsFiled under:

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com

To take on the role of late civil rights activist Thurgood Marshall, Laurence Fishburne goes back to his roots and digs up some of America's ugliest ones.

Surprisingly enough, for his return on The Great White Way -- in the Leonard Foglia directed play, 'Thurgood,' -- the seasoned Tony Award winning thespian has received rave reviews.

'USA Today' heralded it with a three and a half star (out of four) review, calling the 90-minute bioplay "excellent." 'New York Post' gossip guru Cindy Adams showered the Academy Award nominated actor with praise, saying he was "magical." The 'Associated Press' noted that "Fishburne has the theatrical, larger-than-life demeanor of an old-fashioned preacher, including the necessary pizzazz to keep an audience's attention for an intermissionless [show]." 'New York Daily News' critic Joe Dziemianowicz said that Fishburne was "magnetic" and the show as "a worthwhile story rich in history, humanity and humor."


"Once again, he demonstrates his genius and brilliance as a masterful and skilled talent," said Gwendolyn Quinn, President of the African-American Public Relations Collective (AAPRC) and President of GQ Media & Public Relations.

The power publicist (pictured right with Fishburne) joined a host of luminaries - including Cicely Tyson, Charlie Rose, James Carville, Mary Matalin, Vernon Jordan, Rev. Al Sharpton, Henry Simmons, Leslie Uggams, LeeLee Sobieski, Kevin-Anthony and Fishburne's beautiful wife, actress Gina Torres - during the show's opening night celebration.

As can be expected, Fishburne is, indeed, magnificent in the role which involves a narrative where an elderly Marshall addresses students at Howard University 50 years after he graduated from the storied college in 1933.

The audience is taken through Marshall's thrilling walk down memory lane of life-changing and history-making events. Though mostly known to new generations as the legendary Supreme Court Justice, Marshall was also renowned as legal counsel for the NAACP; he also argued the historic Brown vs. Board of Education case before the Supreme Court in 1954.

The Baltimore native rose to prominence by fighting the good fight during one of America's most shamefully divisive eras.

The meaty role is a homecoming of sorts for Fishburne, who won a Tony Award in 1992 for his work in August Wilson's critically acclaimed play 'Two Trains Running.'

The Augusta, Georgia born actor cut his teeth on gritty material; as a child he starred in the drama 'Cornbread, Earl & Me' and was originally cast to play Michael Evans on 'Good Times.'

In 1979, he starred in Francis Ford Coppola's 'Apocalypse Now' and in the 1980s made a splash with theatrical turns in the plays 'Short Eyes' and 'Loose Ends.'

This was all before he became the box-office superstar he is now known as - with 'The Color Purple,' 'What's Love Got to Do With It?,' 'Deep Cover,' 'The Matrix' trilogy and the recently released '21' to his credit.

Though Broadway audiences haven't seen him chew on some fat since 1999's 'Lion in Winter,' he hasn't lost any of his roar with the George Stevens, Jr.-helmed play.

But nothing less should be expected from the man who called theater "church for actors."

"I want the audiences to learn the same things I'm learning - not just about a man's life but what that man's life work has done for us as a country," Fishburne said about the play - which originally starred James Earl Jones when it played in Connecticut two years prior. "He used the law as his weapon, and he really changed the way things are."

And the roles that he continues to take on, the hardworking actor seem to be doing the same.

'Thurgood' is playing at the Booth Theatre for a limited 16 week engagement.

 

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]]>21Francis Ford CoppolaFrancisFordCoppolagina torresGinaTorresJames CarvilleJamesCarvilleLaurence Fishburn on BroadwayLaurenceFishburnOnBroadwaylegal counselLegalCounselNAACPNew York Daily News critic Joe DziemianowiczNew York Post gossip guru Cindy AdamsNewYorkDailyNewsCriticJoeDziemianowiczNewYorkPostGossipGuruCindyAdamsplaying Thurgood MarshallPlayingThurgoodMarshallreviewsThe Great White WayTheGreatWhiteWayUSA TodayUsaTodayVernon JordanVernonJordanwhats love got to do with itWhatsLoveGotToDoWithItKaru F. Daniels2008-05-05T19:07:00+00:00Jimi Hendrix: Posthumous Porn Star?http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/05/jimi-hendrix-sex-tape/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/05/jimi-hendrix-sex-tape/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/05/jimi-hendrix-sex-tape/#commentsFiled under:

By Brennan Williams, BlackVoices.com



Hip-hop soul crooners R. Kelly and Ray J aren't the only black studs whose sex videos have seeped into public consciousness.

Late rock & roll icon Jimi Hendrix has allegedly joined the fray.

On May 6, Vivid Entertainment will release 'Jimi Hendrix The Sex Tape,' featuring clips of the 'Purple Haze' superstar engaged in various sexual acts with two brunettes.

In addition to the rock star's rare 11 minute performance, the leading adult entertainment studio tapped sexperts Pamela Des Barres, author of 'I'm with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie' and Cynthia Plaster Caster, who is famous for making plaster molds of the penises of rock stars, including Hendrix himself, to be featured in the project -- which was packaged as a documentary.

"I had never heard that he made porn films, which now I'm hearing he did more than once apparently," Plaster Caster told BlackVoices.com late last week in an interview.

"Vivid Entertainment called me in November saying that they had some footage they wanted me to look at and authenticate for them. And they were going to fly me out to New York just to do that," she further explained.

"But they wouldn't tell me what it was, because that would spoil the surprise...They put the DVD into the slots and the first thing I see is a very familiar long purple penis. And then it was starting to sink in. And just as I recognized it Jimi Hendrix's face came into the frame. I couldn't believe it."

Some things never change.

The 61 year-old had the opportunity to plaster cast the legend's goods (which she calls his "Hampton Wood") as one of the first in her collection of 65 casts.

"My role ironically became the mold maker. I initially started doing this in order to initiate sex, but it back-fired on me. I didn't get any action out of it, but I got to take the cast home."

Despite the ex-groupie's claims of Hendrix appearing in the sex tape, Experience Hendrix, the company that controls the rights to Hendrix's music and likeness, released a statement last week "[strongly disputing] the claimed authenticity and affirmatively state that Experience Hendrix is neither involved in, nor have we authorized the distribution of this film."

Vivid Entertainment co-chairman Steven Hirsch responded to the allegations saying Experience Hendrix's statement "is not in any way a refutation of the authenticity of 'Jimi Hendrix the Sex Tape.' Vivid took considerable time and spent a substantial sum of money to authenticate the footage and we are very comfortable that this is the real thing."

So is the 40 year old footage real or fake?

Charles R. Cross, who is the author of the Hendrix biography 'Room Full of Mirrors,' previously told the Associated Press' he had seen the film and doubted the man is Hendrix. Saying the face and nostrils of the man in the video don't match the legendary guitarist.

"I'm 100% certain it's him, I recognize the cock!" Caster attested. "It was the cock I seen before it went into my mold. It was a very long cock with the same balls that I managed to capture. Those were the same as my plaster cast."

"Facially it looks like a squashed version of his facial features because the camera wasn't looking at him from eye level, it's at a weird angle," she added.

Caster also testified to the legendary myth of black men being more blessed than others: "That was the first thing I thought when I saw it. Yeah it seems to be true ... I think they all were pretty well packaged."

As far as giving up her career as being the queen of plastering sex organs, she has no plans on hanging up her molds anytime soon.

"I don't have any plans on retiring until my arms go limp," she added. "As long as they're talented rock stars willing to let a 61 year old recovering groupie cast their balls I'm there for them!"

 

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

]]>jimi hendrixJimiHendrixpornopurple hazepurple penisPurpleHazePurplePenisr. kellyR.Kellyray jRayJrock guitaristrock rollRockGuitaristRockRollsexsex tapeSexTapethe jimi hendrix experienceTheJimiHendrixExperienceVivid EntertainmentVividEntertainmentwildBrennan Williams2008-05-05T10:30:00+00:00Spotted: Rev. Al Sharpton & Laurence Fishburnehttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/01/spotted-rev-al-sharpton-and-laurence-fishburne/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/01/spotted-rev-al-sharpton-and-laurence-fishburne/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/01/spotted-rev-al-sharpton-and-laurence-fishburne/#commentsFiled under:

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com

Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton took a break from his political pulpit to congratulate Laurence Fishburne on his critically acclaimed return to Broadway in 'Thurgood,' during the opening night after party at New York City's Bryant Park Grill. The Oscar Award nominated,Tony Award winning thespian portrays the legendary Supreme Court Justice in the Leonard Foglia-directed play, which is playing at the Booth Theater.
Who Else Was Spotted? >>>

 

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

]]>BroadwayGreat White WayGreatWhiteWayLaurence FishburneRev. Al SharptonRev.AlSharptonTheaterThurgood MarshallKaru F. Daniels2008-05-01T20:08:00+00:00Mariah Carey: Reportedly Married to Nick Cannonhttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/01/Nick-Cannon-Married to-Mariah-Carey/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/01/Nick-Cannon-Married to-Mariah-Carey/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/01/Nick-Cannon-Married to-Mariah-Carey/#commentsFiled under:

By Brennan Williams, BlackVoices.com


Nick Cannon must have the key to women's hearts!

Following various reports of the young black Hollywood bachelor being linked to top-selling music diva Mariah Carey, it is now reported that the two are officially married.

That's right!

'Latina' magazine takes claim at breaking the story on May 1, stating that a source close to Cannon confirmed the couple held a small "impulsive" ceremony at Carey's recently purchased home in The Bahamas.The singer's alleged second marriage was far more low-key in comparison to her 1993 wedding to ex-Sony Records chief Tommy Mottola (the two divorced in 1998).

This go-round it is said that the 'Vision of Love' singer kept it simple, by having a few close friends including female rapper Da Brat.

Other sources revealed to the 'New York Post' that the two "have been smitten with each other for days, weeks...and she's always had a crush on him. There was no pre-nup--there wasn't time."

No pre-nup!?

Love obviously don't cost a thing these days!

But that's a tune a different multiple-times-married diva sang.

And the title of one of Cannon's box-office clunkers.

The 27-year-old San Diego native has been around the marriage block -- well almost -- before.

Last fall, the 'Drumline' star called off his five month engagement to 'Victoria's Secret' model Selita Ebanks, who he proposed to (amidst much media fanfare) via a Time Sqaure jumbotron.

The Cayman Islands supermodel was a bit quiet when 'US Magazine' asked her about Nick's latest actions.

"I have no comment but wish them well," she told the tabloid outlet.

There is no official word if the couple are married or not.

Publicity stunt?

Maybe.

Carey, 38, is riding the wave of success with her newest album, 'E=MC2,' which held its position atop the Billboard charts for the second week in a row.


 

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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

]]>da bratDaBratDrumline starDrumlineStarMariah CareyMariahCareyMarriageNick CannonNickCannonSelita EbanksSelitaEbankstommy mottolaTommyMottolavictorias secretVictoriasSecretBrennan Williams2008-05-01T20:00:00+00:00Cat On A Hot Tin Roof: Shut Out of Drama Desk Awardshttp://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/01/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof-shut-out-of-drama-desk-awards/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/01/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof-shut-out-of-drama-desk-awards/http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/05/01/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof-shut-out-of-drama-desk-awards/#commentsFiled under:

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com



Despite much fanfare, a thriving box-office and a stellar cast of characters, the new version of Tennessee Williams' 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' isn't up to snuff.

Well, at least - according to the Drama Desk Awards committee.

Of the near 30 categories, the Debbie Allen-directed all-African American version of the play - starring Tony Award winners James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad and Anika Noni Rose, along with Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard - didn't pull in one nomination.The Drama Desk is an organization of theater critics, writers and editors that honors excellence in all areas of New York theater: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway and not-for-profit.

Well when it came to the Stephen Byrd-produced phenomenon, excellence was not recognized.

Nominations for the 53rd annual awards ceremony were announced earlier this week. 'A Catered Affair,' about a Bronx wedding in the 1950s, garnered the most nods with 12.

Considered somewhat of a consolation; theater vet Jones will be honored with a "special award" during the awards, which will be presented on May 18 at Lincoln Center in New York City.