Our Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is a cultural treasure.
On a sultry summer evening, what’s better than witnessing a timeless soap opera worthy of the real housewives of Lenox Terrace, written decades earlier by Plato, Shakespeare, or Scott Joplin? Surrounded by tall trees and twinkling stars at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park, audiences are transported across time and space into other worlds and earlier eras.
Whether it’s a young couple on a romantic date or a family seeking affordable, uplifting entertainment, there are few experiences more fun or memorable. The winter readings the group sponsors, including revivals, new works, and musicals, are equally diverting. CTH is the only professional theater company above 96th Street dedicated to theater’s classical canon. It was no surprise, then, that the group’s holiday fundraiser proved to be something out of the ordinary.
I was right — it was incredible! Hosted by two-time Tony Award winner Kara Young, the evening took the form of a cabaret featuring Grammy-winning singer Renée Elise Goldsberry, who performed a medley of holiday songs.
Ty Jones greets Community Engagement Specialist Dana Moorhead 
Justice Debora James with Elizabeth Howard of A Short Fuse Project 
Kat File, CTH Database Administrator with Liz Player, founder and director of the Harlem Players and Sandra Billingslea 
Entrepreneur Maria Kelly and firefighter Craig Owens 
Noelle Lilley of CBS and Zee Ngema of OkayAfrica 
Literary director Shawn Rene Graham 
Both executive Shaene Jackson and DeNora Getachew are proud CTH supporters 
Writer and artist Jaime Cepero 
Grammy winner Renee Elise Goldsberry affectingly evoking Christmas past 
Elegant diva Elasea Douglas and bassist Sadiki Pierre of NYC’s premier cabaret duo, ‘Acute Inflections’ 
Patricia Miller and Alfred Zollar, celebrated patrons Credit: Michael Henry Adams
The setting? Red Rooster Restaurant’s intimate, speakeasy-like Ginny’s Supper Club. When Marcus Samuelsson opened the space in 2011, it quickly became a popular weekend destination for locals, affectionately nicknamed the Rooster’s “Colored section.” Ty Jones, CTH’s one-time company member-turned artistic director, greeted each guest personally with miles of smiles, buoyed by the energy of a newly announced $1 million grant from the Dale and Deborah Smith Foundation. All agree that Jones’ efforts — his dedication to excellence, an unerring eye for talent and an ear for great entertainment — that’s galvanized the Classical Theatre of Harlem’s resounding success.
“They are fantastic,” said Justice Debra James. “Ty Jones is a genius! They maintain this outstanding professional theater company in Harlem, create employment and educational outreach opportunities, and nurture a new, young, and culturally diverse audience for the classics. And all the while, they are heightening awareness of and appreciation for theater and art uptown! I just love it!“
Well said, my wise friend!