Image

New York City

Phylicia Rashad & LaChanze Break Barriers with ‘Wine in the Wilderness’ & ‘Purpose’
2 weeks ago

Phylicia Rashad & LaChanze Break Barriers with ‘Wine in the Wilderness’ & ‘Purpose’

Cultural critic Patrick L. Riley examines how “Purpose” and “Wine in the Wilderness” powerfully challenge conventional narratives about Black identity through the lens of Black women’s experiences. Though separated by context—a contemporary prestigious family versus 1960s civil unrest—these productions showcase how theatrical storytelling continues to confront societal expectations and illuminate the complexities of Black life.
Read More

Review: Audra McDonald is Exquisite as Rose in “Gypsy”
9.1
3 weeks ago

Review: Audra McDonald is Exquisite as Rose in “Gypsy”

Six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald teams with director George C. Wolfe in a historic “Gypsy.” Her operatic vocals transform Rose’s anthems into revelatory emotional journeys, bringing new depth to Broadway’s most iconic stage mother.
Read More

Denzel Washington’s Othello is Raking in the Dough, But at What Cost?
1 month ago

Denzel Washington’s Othello is Raking in the Dough, But at What Cost?

Denzel Washington’s triumphant return to the stage as Othello marks a historic moment in Broadway history. Setting unprecedented box office records with standard tickets at $350 and premium seats exceeding $900, this Shakespearean revival rivals commercial powerhouses like Hamilton. But beyond the financial triumph lies a deeper significance: At 70, Washington brings authentic gravitas to Shakespeare’s aging Moorish general, fulfilling a full-circle journey that began with playing the same role as a 20-year-old drama student at Fordham University. Director Kenny Leon’s contemporary reimagining—set in 2028 with Othello as a U.S. Marine commander—explores timeless themes of race, power, and war’s psychological impact through a distinctly modern lens. Washington’s performance demonstrates why classical theater remains powerful and relevant in today’s entertainment landscape.
Read More

Roberta Flack: Howard Alum, Delta Soror, & Virtuoso Who Redefined Music
2 months ago

Roberta Flack: Howard Alum, Delta Soror, & Virtuoso Who Redefined Music

Roberta Flack, the iconic singer and pianist whose soulful voice and gifted piano playing defined an era, crafted a legacy steeped in musical brilliance, cultural significance, and authenticity. Flack’s artistry …
Read More

The Baldwin-Buckley Debate Reimagined as a Chamber Opera in NYC
2 months ago

The Baldwin-Buckley Debate Reimagined as a Chamber Opera in NYC

The Baldwin-Buckley debate took center stage as New York City’s Town Hall became a stage for history, music, and moral reckoning with The Tongue & The Lash, a …
Read More

Art and Rest as Resistance: Black Women Are Knocking the Hustle for Real
1 year ago

Art and Rest as Resistance: Black Women Are Knocking the Hustle for Real

At the intersection of art and activism, two remarkable women have emerged as champions of tranquility and repose for Black women. With her evocative and thought-provoking paintings, Danielle Mckinney and …
Read More

Langston Hughes’ Timeless Resonance on Showtime
1 year ago

Langston Hughes’ Timeless Resonance on Showtime

Fellow Travelers, a Showtime© series exploring the challenges queer individuals faced during McCarthyism, featured a pivotal scene. Journalist Marcus Hooks, portrayed by Jelani Aladdin, encounters the drag performer Frankie (Noah …
Read More

Terence Blanchard’s “Champion” Triumphs at The Met
2 years ago

Terence Blanchard’s “Champion” Triumphs at The Met

By  •  Opera

Terence Blanchard’s opera Champion is a unique blend of jazz and classical music, featuring a powerful libretto and stunning choreography. The opera tells the inspiring true story of Emile Griffith’s journey through discrimination, adversity, and triumph. With an exceptional score and Latonia Moore’s outstanding soprano voice as Emile Griffith’s estranged mother, Champion is a testament to Blanchard’s genius and ability to create a cohesive and emotionally-charged work of art.
Read More

The Art World’s New Frontier: NFT’s and the Unstoppable Force of Creativity
2 years ago

The Art World’s New Frontier: NFT’s and the Unstoppable Force of Creativity

Shooting stars of innovation, NFTs have disrupted the traditional art world, creating an emerging trend of exclusive and verifiable digital art. They are like beacons of light, guiding artists and collectors toward a future where ownership and authenticity are paramount.
Read More

Exhibition Creates New Narrative About African Art
10 years ago

Exhibition Creates New Narrative About African Art

By  •  Art, Travel

Artists live to tell the truth, challenge visual perceptions and decimate false ideologies, oftentimes through notions based on their own cultural and societal experiences. When it comes to African culture, …
Read More