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November 13 – 16 The Black Academy of Arts and Letters Naomi Bruton Theatre Dallas, Texas
Gigi Bolden
Carl Payne
Terri J. Vaughn Dorien Wilson 0
Charmin Lee Denise Dowse
Tommy Ford
The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, Inc. and New Image Motor Sports Present November 13 – 16, 2008 7 Stars. 6 Shows. 4 Days. 1 Stage.
“South of Where We Live” is the next generation in live entertainment. Featuring a cast of familiar
actors from top TV sitcoms, this glimpse into a 60-hour corporate workshop gives theater audiences the opportunity to participate in the on-stage stage antics. Since its inception the production has touched venues across the country and received numerous theatrical awards, including 4 NAACP Image Award nominations. After receiving rave reviews at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston Salem, N.C., “South of Where We Live” is bringing the heat to Dallas November 13 – 16 during six starstudded shows at The Black Academy of Arts & Letters. We’re excited to translate this entertainment opportunity into an impact opportunity. We invite new partners to come experience art imitating life at its very best. Definition of “South of Where We Live” To Look SOUTH of your home on the hill. SOUTH of your executive suite. SOUTH of your six or seven figure salary. SOUTH of your degree and title. Going BACK to the communities from which you’ve come! PURPOSE:
The real story begins long before opening night with the “Empowerment Tour,” a series of community outreach initiatives that raise awareness, support and dialogue around issues and solutions involving minorities. “South of Where We Live” will be a platform for actively engaging the Dallas community to make a real impact the weeks leading up to the premiere. premiere The cast and the community will come together to truly make a difference.. A portion of the partnership and event proceeds will be donated to support these efforts.
FEATURES:
- Cast appearances/assemblies at schools, churches and non-profits - Participation in voter awareness events - National/local media blitz in concert with community initiatives - Support of corporate diversity and philanthropic activities - Outreach to civic and government organizations
EMPOWERMENT: 6 weeks from October to mid-November SHOW DATES:
Thursday, November 13 – Sunday, November 16
TIMES:
Thursday/Friday – 8pm Saturday/Sunday – 3pm and 8pm
ATTENDANCE:
10,500 Theatre capacity
LOCATION:
The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc. Naomi Bruton Theatre 650 South Griffin Street Dallas, TX 75202
ADMISSION:
$32.50 – $37.50 (Group discounts & VIP tickets available)
CONTACT:
Adrian Parker, The Parker Marketing Group 917-881-2643 // ap@theparkmark.com ap@theparkmark
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MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2008
MEDIA CONTACT: Adrian Parker 917-881-2643 • ap@theparkmark.com
TV SHOW FAVORITES HEADLINE “SOUTH OF WHERE WE LIVE” The Black Academy of Arts And Letters, Inc and NI7 present the Dallas premiere of
TOMMY FORD’S “SOUTH OF WHERE WE LIVE”
By Kenneth B. Davis Directed by Tommy Ford Naomi Bruton Theatre // 650 South Griffin Street (Canton & Akard Streets) Opening Night:: Thurs., Nov. 13 // Run: Nov. 13 – 16 Tickets: 214-743-2400 2400 or www.ticketmaster.com Media Contact: Adrian Parker // ap@theparkmark.com // 917-881-2643 DALLAS (Nov. 4, 2008) – The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, Inc. announces the Dallas premiere of Tommy Ford’s “South of Where We Live,” written by Kenneth B. Davis, Nov. 13 – 16 at the Naomi Bruton Theatre. The cast of familiar favorites from TV sitcoms and films includes DORIEN WILSON (“The Parkers,” “Dream On,” “Goode Behavior,” “Beethoven’s 4th,” “House Party 4”), TERRI J. VAUGHN (“All of Us,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” “ER,” “Soul Food,” “Dirty Laundry”), CARL PAYNE (“Martin,” “The Cosby Show,” “The George Lopez Show,” “The Hughleys”), TOMMY FORD (“Martin,” “The Parkers,” “New York Undercover,” “Who’s Got Jokes?” “Harlem Knights”), DENISE YVONNE DOWSE (“Ray,” “Guess Who?” “Coach Carter,” “Law & Order,” “The Bernie Mac Show”), CHARMIN LEE (“Girlfriends,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Family Law”) and GIGI BOLDEN (“General Hospital,” “The Bernie Mac Show”). Six hot-shot shot executives are sequestered in a conference room for a leadership development seminar. The 60-hour hour session, meant to maximize managerial skills, quickly escalates into a bickering, blaming, back-stabbing category 5 disaster. Kenneth Dole (TOMMY TOMMY FORD) FORD is an egotistical mover-and-shaker trying hard to hide his dysfunctions from everyone, especially Edwina Beard (TERRI ( J. VAUGHN), the chain smoking beauty whose big IQ is outweighed only by her big mouth. Marlena (CHARMIN LEE) and Stan (DORIEN WILSON)) discover they have more in common than just success, arrogance and white spouses – they also both married for money. As the gloves come off, so do the masks as the seminar test their pride, patience and past. Each character is forced to discover who they really are and remember where they’re really from. “At its core, the play is about going south of your home on the hill, your degrees, your salary and your executive suite, and going back to the communities from which you’ve come,” said Ford, who is also the director and producer. “My job is to make a deposit. Other shows come to town and make withdrawals. ‘South of Where We Live’ is about positive thinking and community empowerment.” While in Dallas preparing for the upcoming production, Ford has taken each trip as an opportunity to donate his time back to the very communities that have made his career successful. Coined the Empowerment Tour, the goal is to build a platform for raising awareness and support for issues facing minority communities. The entire cast will be in Dallas volunteering for community events prior to opening night. (cont’d) 2
MEDIA RELEASE – Page 2 MEDIA CONTACT: Adrian Parker 917-881-2643 • ap@theparkmark.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2008
Since its national premiere last year, the production has touched venues across the country, received four NAACP Image Award nominations and been featured at the National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina. “South of Where We Live” is executive produced by New Image Motor Sports. Opening night is Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. Performance times are Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Single tickets are $32.50 - $37.50 and available online at www.ticketmaster.com. For group discounts and VIP packages, contact the box office at 214214 743-2400. 2400. The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc. Naomi Bruton Theatre is located at 650 South Griffin Street (corner of Canton & Akard Streets). CELEBRITY INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY Tues 11/4 – Sun 11/9 :: Radio call-ins Sun 11/9 – Sun 11/16 :: Radio in-studio Sun 11/9 – Sun 11/16 :: TV Morning Show Appearances Thu 11/13 :: Premiere Night Interviews and Photo Ops CELEBRITY COMMUNITY APPEARANCES Mon 11/10 at 2 p.m. Children’s Medical Center (Main Campus at 1935 Medical District Dr. Dallas, TX 75235) Mon 11/10 at 5 p.m. Boys and Girls Club of Oak Cliff (2907 Linfield Rd. Dallas, TX 75216) Tue 11/11 at Lancaster High School (200 East Wintergreen Rd. Lancaster, TX 75134) CELEBRITY VIP RECEPTIONS Cast members will meet and greet attendees at special VIP receptions directly following each show. VIP packages are available for purchase at theatre box office. VENUE MEDIA CREDENTIALS Pre-coverage, coverage, event listing and show coverage are welcome. Requests for media credentials should be submitted to ap@theparkmark.com by Wednesday, November 12. Requests for entertainer interviews & backstage passes will be accommodated on a first come, first serve basis. Please arrive 30 minutes before showtime for press check-in. in. Working media only. Media Contact: Adrian Parker // ap@theparkmark.com // 917-881-2643 ###
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The Stars GIGI BOLDEN (Shelly): This energetic actress is a veteran of many stage productions. She perfected her craft at the Lee Strasberg
Theatre Institute. A few of Gigi’s stage credits include “Vanities,” “Applause” and “Feelings” - of which she is a co-writer and received a nomination from the NAACP for Best Playwright. Gigi has received Best Supporting Actress nominations from the NAACP for her stage performances in “South of Where We Live” (written by Kenneth B. Davis) and “Long Time Since Yesterday.” Gigi performed her one-woman show, “Ugly” (another Kenneth B.. Davis story) at the world famous National Black Theatre Festival, in 2005, and was subsequently nominated for an NAACP Theatre Award as Best Actress for the role. She has appeared on “General Hospital” and “The Bernie Mac Show” and can be seen in the soon to be released films “Two Degrees” and “The Tears of a Clown.”
DENISE YVONNE DOWSE (Hazel): Originally from Honolulu Hawaii, Denise graduated from Norfolk State University with a BA
in English/Theatre, and moved to California after seven years in Germany working as the Aschaffenburg Military Community Theatre Director. She has guest-starred on shows such as Law & Order, Shark, All of Us, Inconceivable, Threshold, The Bernie Mac Show, Charmed, Everwood, The Guardian, Without a Trace, Judging Amy, The West Wing, and a host of others. Her film projects include “Her Best Move “(2007), “Reign Over Me” (2007), “Guess Who?,” “Coach Carter” (2005), and she also starred in “Ray” (2004). Denise is an accomplished performer of both the screen and theater and a talented writer, producer and director.
CHARMIN LEE (Marlena): Charmin’s credits include recurring roles on CW's “Girlfriends, “CBS' “Diagnosis Murder” and “Family
Law.” Charmin's passion to create extends beyond acting as she is also an accomplished director/acting instructor. After receiving Drama Logue/Hollywood Reporters "pick of the week" for her directorial debut of August Wilson's “Fences“ in 1996, she has never looked back. Since then musicals, short films and music videos have been added to her repertoire while continuing to direct an array of other award winning theater productions including “The Children's Hour,” and “The Visit.” Above all, Charmin embraces a passion for educating and empowering young people through the performing arts. "I will never be too busy to be a part of the solution. Through blessing them, I shall be blessed!" For more than 20 years Charmin Lee has toured the country teaching our youth how to "Color Their Dreams.“
CARL PAYNE (Humphrey): Raised in Harlem , his television credits include Martin and The Cosby Show, as well as guest starring roles in The George Lopez Show, The Hughleys and Quantum Leap, Leap starring Scott Bakula. In film, Payne co-wrote and starred in Swirl,, an independent film produced by his own production company Alter Ego. He also appeared in The Breaks, Black and White, Two of a Kind and Overnight Delivery.. Payne graduated from Howard University and is a trained dancer in breakdancing, jazz and tap. He's also skilled in playing the trombone and piano. In his spare time, he enjoys daredevil activities, including riding motorcycles and parasailing. Payne currently lives in Los Angeles with his family.
WENDY RAQUEL ROBINSON (Edwina): On television, she tickled audiences for six seasons as the attractive principal Regina
Grier on The Steve Harvey Show, for which she received four NAACP Image Award Nominations for Best Actress in a Comedy. You can currently see her on CW’s – The Game. On the big screen, you’ve seen her in the comedy, “Rebound” opposite Martin Lawrence, and “Something New.” Other film projects include “Two Can Play That Game” opposite Vivica A. Fox, “Miss Congeniality” starring Sandra Bullock, “Squirrel Man” with Bill Cobbs, “With Or Without You,” “Ringmaster,” “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” and “The Walking Dead.” On stage, she has performed in a number of well received productions, including The Vagina Monologues (V-Day-L.A.), Eddie Lee Baker Is Dead, Black Woman’s Blues,, Agnes of God, A Midsummer’s NightDream, The Colored Museum and Vanities, for which she received an NAACP Theatre Award for Best Choreographer and Best Actress Nomination. (NOT in DALLAS Show)
TERRI J. VAUGHN (Edwina): First, she stole America's heart with her portrayal of Lovita Alizay Jenkins on the WB's “The Steve
Harvey Show” and then made her way to UPN's “All of Us.” From her first professional job in a 20-city tour of “Tellin' it Like it Tiz” to her first sitcom role on the hit show Living Single, to a memorable turn as a single mother wrongly accused of abusing her child on ER, this San Francisco native has proven herself to be a talent to be reckoned with. Vaughn has been honored with three NAACP Image Awards and received a nomination for a 2005 BET Comedy Award . She has appeared on Showtime’s “Soul Food” and recently in the family dramedy, “Dirty Laundry,” which is making the rounds and creating a strong buzz through the Independent Film Festivals.
DORIEN WILSON (Stan): For over a decade, Dorien has been a staple on American television. From talk show host Eddie
Charles on HBO’s ACE award winning series, “Dream On,” to Professor Stanley Oglevee on The Parkers—for which he received the NAACP Image Award as Best Supporting Actor. Wilson has demonstrated Hollywood’s elusive trait: staying power. A native of Lompoc, California, Wilson is a graduate of the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts, in Santa Maria, CA, and the prestigious American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, CA. Other television credits include starring as Franklin Goode in UPN's "Goode Behavior" with Sherman Hemsley and recurring roles on "Living Single," "Friends," "The Steve Harvey Show" and "Sister, Sister." He has guest starred on "Seinfeld," "Moesha," "Friends," "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air," and "Martin."
TOMMY FORD (Producer/Director/Kenneth): Tommy is currently a co-host on TV One’s new #1 comedy show, “Who’s Got Jokes.” Recently Tommy filmed two television pilots – “Jamilia’s Jamilia’s Box” and a pilot for Aaron Spelling “Hitched.” Whether playing Tommy on FOX’s hit “Martin,” displaying a versatile style on “New York Undercover,” or his recurring role as the fun-loving father on UPN’s “The Parkers”, Tommy is constantly entertaining. A few of his film credits: Eddie Murphy’s “Harlem Knights,” “Mr. Jones” with Richard Gere, “Butcher’s Wife” with Demi Moore and “Across The Track” with Brad Pitt. He has been involved in numerous stage productions for which he has received critical acclaim for his producing, directing and acting efforts. Among these productions are “Jonin',” “South of Where We Live,” “Monsoon Christmas,” “Living Room,” and “Distant Fires.” Ford has followed a long time dream and launched a series of children’s books that are designed to promote healthy, spiritual and non-violent living.
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The Story Joint Effort: Audience joins veteran actors on a journey Winston-Salem Journal review by Erin Perkins (8/2/07)
A talent pool of seven actors brought to life Kenneth B. Davis’ script for South of Where We Live during a hilarious and interactive performance yesterday. In the play, seven black professionals with big salaries - and even bigger egos - find their pride and patience tested during a 60-hour-long business conference on social relations. relations It doesn’t take long for arguments, insults and retaliation to ensue while they’re stuck with each other. But pride and wealth can’t alter the path of their journey together. together As the characters reveal their motives for attending the conference, they begin to discover that there is more to life than they imagined. In fact, they wind up “south of where they live,” meaning that their egos have come down a few notches. Leading the cast is Tommy Ford, who portrays Kenneth, an outspoken jerk with a crude mouth. Ford, who gained attention as one of Martin Lawrence’s sidekick in the sitcom Martin, displays his quick wit and comedic timing as Kenneth. Portraying Edwina, Karen Malina White also shows off her comedic background as a vivacious, fast-talking Southern lady. White, who has appeared on The Cosby Show and The Bernie Mac Show, never failed at drawing laughs. Michael Beach (Soul Food, Third Watch) seemed to make a connection with the audience as the outraged activist, Humphrey, winning laughter at every outburst. Denise Yvonne Dowse captures the audience’s empathy as Hazel, the facilitator struggling not to become emotionally involved with the other characters during the conference. conference South of Where We Live had a cast of familiar faces from film, TV and theater, which seemed to help the audience engage with the characters and the plot. But it was also the audience’s participation during the performance that helped them to connect with the story. Repeatedly during the performance, the stage lights would dim and one spotlight would focus on a character who shared his or her thoughts with the audience. Allowing the audience to interact with the characters made the story more authentic and fun. Sometimes, the characters would even solicit advice or a response from audience members. In the end, South of Where We Live takes everyone’s line of thinking in a new direction. ###
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Media Involvement Making a deposit in the community
The goal of the “south of Where We Live” Empowerment Tour is to empower, educate and motivate our communities. To that end, we will engage in a series of interactive events that truly touch lives and make a lasting impression. SOWWL Empowerment Tour Events 10/5 – Firewater Grill Tank Concert 10/6 – Pearl C. Anderson Middle School 10/6 – Woodrow Wilson High School 10/14 – DISD “Saving Our Boys” Education Matters Rally 10/21 - Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, TX 10/21 - Paul Quinn College in Dallas 10/21 - Vision Regeneration, Inc. in Dallas 10/22 - Harold Wendell Lang Sr. Middle School in Dallas 10/22 – Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts -11/10 Children’s Medical Center Dallas Main Campus (Tommy, Dorien and Denise) 11/10 Oak Cliff Boys & Girls Club (entire cast) 11/11 Lancaster HS (entire cast) The cast/crew are available for local/national media activities: • Live interviews and call-ins •Morning show appearances •Publication profiles •Appearance at media sponsored community event •Guest hosting/DJ •Photo Ops For more information, media passes and scheduling, please contact Adrian Parker at ap@theparkmark.com or 917-881-2643.
Important Links
www.southofwherewelive.com - Official website http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7tUEKTolwU – See the TV commercial
Confirmed Partners
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