Greetings! The “Tony’s” are coming and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” The Temptations on Broadway musical has 20 nominations for the upcoming 73rd Tony Awards, scheduled for June 9, 2019.The awards, honoring theatre professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway, will be telecast over CBS-TV live from Radio City Music Hall.
Speaking of legends, The World Famous Apollo Theater presents the premiere of “Twisted Melodies,” Thursday May 30, a powerful play honoring the artistic legacy and personal struggles of genius vocalist and composer, the late Donny Hathaway (1945-1979). For information, visit www. apollotheater.org.
THEATER
“Ain’t Too Proud” is the electrifying new musical celebrating The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Five guys-one dream with a sound that would make music history. Written by three time Obie award winner Dominique Morisseau, directed by two-time Tony award winner Des McAnuff (“Jersey Boys”), and featuring choreography by Tony nominee Sergio Trujillo (“Jersey Boys,” ”On Your Feet”), now brings the untold story of this legendary quintet to irresistible life on Broadway. Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street, Manhattan. Now through July 31. For information, call 844-379-0370 or visit: www.secureboxoffice.com.
“A Miracle in Uganda” Based on the life of bestselling author, Immaculee ILibagiza, a one woman play with Rwandan actress Malaika Uwamahoro playing 10 separate characters. Through May 11. The run of the play coincides with the 25th anniversary of the historic massacre in Rwanda. Lion Theater, 410 West 42nd St., Theatre Row, Manhattan. Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 3 p.m. For tickets: 833-215-5121 or visit www.miracleinrwanda.nyc.
“BLKS,” poet Aziza Barnes’ playwriting debut, paints a picture portrait day in the life of four young women of color in New York City, exploring the joy and anguish of growing up and out.
Starring Marié Botha, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, Alfie Fuller, Paige Gilbert, Chris Myers and Coral Peña. Robert Wilson MCC Theatre Space/Newman Mills Theatre, 511West 52nd Street, Manhattan. Tuesdays: 7 p.m., Wednesdays: 7 p.m., Thursdays: 7 p.m., Fridays: 8 p.m., Saturdays: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sundays: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. For information, call (646) 506-9393 or visit www.mmctheater.org.
MUSIC
Rock Solid Women: Nona Hendryx with Divinity Roxx and Special Guests, Thu, May 9 at 7 p.m., Gramercy Theater, 127 East 23rd Street, Manhattan. For information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Mavis Staples, Thu, May 9 at 8 p.m., Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th St. in Harlem, USA. For information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
The Temptations & the Four Tops, Thu, May 9 at 8 p.m., Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood, N.J. 07631. For information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Mother’s Day Music Festival with Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, Sat, May 11 at 7 p.m., 2301 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, N.J. 08401. For information, visit www.OnlineCityTickets.com.
Keith Sweat, Saturday, May 18, at 8 p.m., NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road ,Westbury, NY 11590. For ticket information, call (800) 854-2196 or visit www.westbury-theatre.com.
DANCE
Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, May 10 through May 12 at 8 p.m., New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center Street, Newark, N.J. 07102. For ticket information, call (800) 854-2196 or visit www.performingartscenternewark.com.
FILM
“Amazing Grace.” The “Queen Of Soul” Aretha Franklin in all of her glory, captured in this historic film documentary is now in theatres for the world to witness. The historic live recording was filmed at The New Bethel Church in Watts, Los Angeles, in 1972. Check theaters.
COMEDY
Monique’s Mother’s Day Comedy Special Live at the World Famous Apollo Theatre. Sat May 11 at 8 p.m.—only NYC area appearance. The multi media stand up queen, Oscar winning actress hosts and evening with Tone X and Friends. For ticket information, visit www.apollotheater.org.
BOOKS
The Schomburg Center launch of ”Black Is Beautiful” by Kwame S. Brathwaite: Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m. The launch event will feature a conversation with Archive Director Kwame S. Brathwaite, author and historian Tanisha C. Ford, former Grandassa Model Eunice Townsend, and moderated by curator, writer and social activist Kimberly R. Drew. 515 Malcolm X Boulevard, in Harlem. For information, call 917-275-6975.
COMMUNITY
All Roads lead to: A fundraising tribute to revolutionary freedom fighter and currently ailing Don Rojas with Sir Hilary Beckles as guest speaker, Saturday, May 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. Open to the public at House of the Lord Church, at 415 Atlantic Avenue and Bond St. The benefit tribute will be welcomed by the Reverends Herbert and Karen Daughtry, and include such notables as Dr. Ron Daniels, Charles and Inez Barron, Dr. Brenda Greene, Dr. Todd Burroughs, and Viola Plummer who will deliver testimonials, with a number of notable Pan-Africanists and activists from the Caribbean. For further information, call 718-596-1991.
A One-Day Special! Black Classic Press will donate to the Don Rojas Medical Fund Campaign, proceeds from the sale of any books in its online catalog on Friday, May 10, 2019, between the hours of 10 a.m. –10 p.m. You must use code 51019. For more information, visit www. BlackClassicBooks.com.
“The EAST 50th Anniversary Cultural Extravaganza” will be held Saturday, May 18, from 2-7 p.m. at the Historic Masonic Temple, 317 Clermont Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, will feature a dynamic roster of jazz greats. The EAST ALL STARS will round out the ensemble. The day’s festivities will offer face painting by Saeeda Banks, a 28 year veteran participant of the International African Arts Festival, children’s entertainment, an EAST Authors’ Book Mart, vendors, a memorabilia display and a slide show. Advance tickets for adults are available at the IAAF Office (718) 638-6700 or Little Sun People Day Care 718-789-7330, both in Restoration Plaza. Youth tickets and children’s tickets will be available at the door. Dinners, desserts and drinks on sale by community vendors. For more information, call 718-638-6700.
Listen to Imhotep Gary Byrd’s “Express Yourself,” Sunday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and simulcast over WLIB 1190AM. The full show can also be heard on HD radio at WBLS-HD2 and at WBLS.com, WLIB.com and NextRadio. IGB’s “Beat Experience” is heard Fridays 7 p.m. to 0 p.m. Archived online at www.wbai.org. For bookings or to reach us about your GBEvent or for comments, email co-editor Nyerere, nyerere1@aol.com, find us at Imhotep Gary Byrd on Facebook or call 212-592-3279.