Blessings of this Holiday Season to you all! We’re so happy to welcome you to the 26th Anniversary Season of “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum”, a mystical journey into a time and place of perpetual peace and harmony based upon a foundation of trust and respect for all. Experiencing “Granny” is reminiscent of sitting beside our cherished grandmothers, hearing their wonderful stories. Each year, the cast and crew share a heightened sense of wonder on-stage and with the audience. “Granny” encourages everyone to view the world with a receptive heart, allowing the potential for PEACE, LOVE and RESPECT to shine through. It gives our “Granny Village” such joy when we see audiences carry the “Granny” spirit into their daily lives to share with others. “Granny” is truly a legacy keeper. My sister-friend, colleague and dancer of over thirty-eight years, the late Ms. Marceline “Marcy” Freeman, for whom I created the title role, connects us to the timeless strength of the human heart. Her final “Granny” performances as the Ancestral Spirit in 2010, left us breathless as Marcy, even though blind, demonstrated the dignity of a true artist. Veteran actor, Ms. Margarita Taylor, who has played Granny for nine seasons, says one of the greatest gifts she’s ever received was being given Marcy’s blessing when she assumed the role. In that spirit of legacy, Veteran Ensemble member Cedric Dewayne Hall, who portrayed our Junkanoo King for ten seasons, now assumes the role of Griot: The Storyteller, following in the honored footsteps of Vincent C. Robinson, who depicted this memorable character for twenty-four years. Vince’s impact on “Granny” will always be felt and we remain ever-grateful for his continued generosity and kindness, both on-stage and off. Cantadora the Dreamweaver is portrayed by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) Ensemble member Chloe Abel, in her fourth season in the role. Ensemble members Alexis Amos and Tony DeBerry return for a second season as Nakia the Granddaughter and TiSean the Grandson. I have the privilege of portraying Shakti (Granny’s Guardian Angel), a role that fills me with joy, even after 26 years! Our “Granny Band” features some of Denver’s finest jazz musicians, including musical director, Mark Caldwell, who’s been with the show for eighteen years and Fred Jordan who’s been with us for all twenty-six years. This wonderful band will have you dancing in your seats, and our amazing vocalists Jacquie Van Horn and Robert Johnson will make you want to sing out loud! CPRD Assistant Artistic Director, Ms. Winifred R. Harris, Chloe Abel (Ensemble Rehearsal Director), Cedric Dewayne Hall (Children’s Ensemble Director), Jessica Horton (Youth Ensemble Director), and Victoria Shead (Assistant to the Youth and Children’s Ensemble’s Directors) and alumnus Ensemble member Christopher Page-Sanders (Assistant to the
Director) all work closely with me to guide the production. “Granny” depends on the devotion of our Ensemble (supporting wardrobe, props and rehearsals) and our Youth and Children’s Ensemble parents (working backstage, providing meals, rides and hugs, ushering, supporting the front of house). We are grateful for the tireless commitment and expertise of Rhetta Shead (Director of Administration / Production Manager) and our gifted technical team of Trey “Trezie” Grimes (Technical Director), Connor Morford and Anastazia Coney (CPRD Sound and Lighting Engineers) and Paris Bankston (Assistant Stage Manager). Our administrative staff, Mary Hart (Director of Bookings, Tours and Community Relations), Hillary Harding (Director of Development), and Shelby Jarosz (Education Manager) are undaunted by the production’s challenges. These amazing teams are guided by the able leadership of our Executive Director, Malik Robinson. In our 47th ANNIVERSARY SEASON, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, through the support of generous individuals, businesses, corporations and civic organizations, continues to advance our artistic and educational vision into an ever-expanding community of students and audiences. Our 8th Annual “Dancing with the Denver Stars!” Gala in August saw fourteen of Denver’s business and community leaders perform in support of our goals, enabling us to further our educational and outreach programming, and fund scholarships for a significant percentage of our year-round Academy’s enrollment. Through support from SCFD and other agencies and sponsors, CPRD works with over 40,000 children in as many as 40 metro-area schools, as well as educational and community facilities nation-wide. Don’t’ miss our 9th Annual “Dancing with the Denver Stars” Gala on August 25th, 2018! Our 23rd Annual International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI), the region’s finest summer intensive program, brought master teachers and dedicated students together for four weeks of dance immersion, culminating in the Mile High Dance Festival in our amphitheater. Visit www.cleoparkerdance.org for updates on the 2018 ISDI schedule and Mile-High Dance Festival. Don’t forget - our yearround Academy of Dance offers exceptional training for students of all ages and abilities. From Ballet to Zumba – it’s simply a case of finding your own way to move! We hope you’ll follow ‘Granny’s” wonderful example year-round – sing out, dance with joy, explore your culture and traditions, share your stories…. And remember always – Granny Loves You!
The original “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” was conceived, co-directed and cowritten by Cleo Parker Robinson based on stories from Opalanga Pugh’s audio tape “Festivals of Light”, an odyssey of stories and songs about holiday celebrations world-wide. The original concept evolved through the creative energies of former Ensemble member and choreographer Gary Abbott, actors Marta Barnard and Jaime Lujan, directors Buddy Butler and Michael R. Durn, musical directors Paul Conly, Carlton Bacon, and Reverend Hayward Hobbs, percussionist Bataki Cambrelen, costume designer Lara Kirksey, and technical director / lighting designer Keith W. Rice. In subsequent years, a great diversity of artists have contributed their time and talent to the production, with each year offering audiences new incarnations of Granny’s memories. The journey of “Granny” started over twenty-six years ago while Cleo Parker Robinson was visiting two former company members in Washington, D.C. The young couple had a children’s book in their nursery titled “The Dancing Granny”, retold and illustra-+ted by Ashley Bryan. The book was, in essence, a story of the special and unique gifts we are given throughout the year, the wonderful blessing of family and friends. Cleo began to reminisce about her own family and the stories the grandmothers would share, including those told by her own “Mama Cleo” whom she is named after. Now, Cleo herself is grandmother to three wonderful grand-children and the spirit of the work feels even more familiar, a beautiful reminder of how rich our lives are. “I wanted to create a piece that would bring families, friends and communities together in celebration of our unique gifts, traditions and cultures. It is even more perfect for the dancers of the Ensemble, who often begin to feel a bit blue at holiday time, being away from their families. “Granny” is a perfect way to encourage everyone to count their blessings. For me, “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” lets us experience a greater understanding and respect for all cultures – and a greater reason to dance. We are one - “Harambee.” Thank you Granny! Together, as one family, let us celebrate our World of Cultures!
Our Mission and Vision
Currently celebrating its 47th Anniversary Season, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is an international, cross-cultural, dance-arts and educational institution rooted in African American traditions, dedicated to excellence in instruction, performances and community programs, for inter-generational students, artists and audiences. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is guided by the vision of dance as a universal language of movement - celebrating performance, individual expression, healing and peace - thereby transforming the world into a sanctuary which transcends boundaries of culture, class and age. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is committed to honoring diversity and inclusiveness throughout the global community.
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE Located in Denver’s Historic Five Points District 119 Park Avenue West, Denver, Colorado 80205 Ph # 303 295 1759 | Fx # 303 295 1328 | www.cleoparkerdance.org
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ACADEMY
A year-round academy offering classes for all ages and levels of technique For information or to register visit www.cleoparkerdance.org or call 303 295 1759 x17
ENSEMBLE BOOKINGS, TOURING and COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS Mary Hart 303 295 1759 x20 / Mary@cleoparkerdance.org
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
Shelby Jarosz 303 295 1759 x10 / Shelby@cleoparkerdance.org
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON | Shakti Granny’s Guardian Angel
Founder / Artistic Director / Original Concept / Producer / Director
Cleo Parker Robinson is founder, artistic director and choreographer of the 47-year-old Denver-based artistic institution, CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE which she founded in 1970. She leads a professional dance Ensemble, Youth Ensemble, an Academy of Dance, an International Summer Dance Institute, a 240-seat theatre that bears her name, and numerous community outreach programs. She is the recipient of honors and awards from civic, community, and artistic organizations world-wide, and is called upon by a myriad of organizations and performance venues to bring her Ensemble for performances, workshops, master classes, and motivational seminars. Her philosophy of “One Spirit, Many Voices” is reflected in the vision she brings to everyone she meets, everywhere she goes. A master teacher, choreographer, and cultural ambassador, she has taught and performed with her Ensemble in Iceland, Singapore, Hawaii, Nassau, Belize, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, throughout Europe, and the African continent. People of all ages and backgrounds have participated in her workshops and master classes at conservatories, universities and dance centers worldwide. Ms. Parker Robinson’s awards include the Colorado’s Governor’s Award for Excellence (1974), Denver’s Mayor’s Award (1979), induction into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (1989) and the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame (1994). Recognized in Who’s Who in America Colleges and Universities, she holds an Honorary Doctorate from Denver University (1991), an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Colorado College (2003), and an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Regis University in Denver (2008). In 2011, she was voted an Honorary Lifetime Trustee of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, in recognition of her longtime commitment and lasting impact on the Center. In March 2011, she was inducted into the Denver and Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame, and in 2012, she was named a “Timeless Legend” by the Denver Urban Spectrum. In October of 2015, she received the “Molly Brown” Award. In the Summer of 2017, she received the prestigious Honor Award from DanceUSA. In 2013, she produced and presented, for the first time in the United States, the incomparable “Southland”, a masterpiece of the immortal Katherine Dunham. The 2014/2015 season saw Ms. Parker Robinson resuming her role as a significant choreographic master – with two new works “Madiba’s River” and “On the Edge… Reaching for Higher Ground”. The 2016/17 season saw the reprise of both her “Romeo and Juliet” and “Porgy and Bess” along with the premiere of “Copacetic: A Tribute to Jonathon “JP” Parker”. In Spring of 2018, she will debut her “Lark Ascending” in collaboration with the Boulder Philharmonic. It is this spirit of commitment to art and community that inspired Ms. Parker Robinson to return “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” to its original Five Points home in 2015 where it now remains to the delight of her audiences.
MARGARITA TAYLOR | Granny Ms. Taylor began dancing in her birthplace, Port-of-Spain Trinidad, under the direction of the late Astor Johnson. Upon moving to New York, she studied with Lenny Williams, Rom Pratt, Lyn Simmonson, Phil Black, John Hatchett of The Broadway Dance Center, as well as the Jeffory Ballet, and the Jeannett Neil Dance School of Boston. She danced with the Mafata Dance Company of New York, the Impulse Dance Company of Boston, and ensemble roles in “Cinderella”, “Romeo and Juliet”, and “The Wizard of Oz” with the Wheelock Family Theatre. Margarita graduated from Wheelock with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and while there directed Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls who have considered suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf” and Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias”. Her roles with a myriad of companies include the village woman in Derek Walcott’s “Steel”, and the Denver Brass production of “Jump kn da Line”. She has been a dance teacher in after-school programs for the Denver Public School system, and for Children’s Creative Movement, and Adult Modern classes at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Margarita served as Children’s Rehearsal Director for “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Ms. Taylor is also a teacher with Denver Public Schools. This is Ms. Taylor’s fourteenth season with “Granny” and her ninth season in the title role, fulfilling a long-time dream. TONY DEBERRY | TiSean the Grandson A native of Cleveland, Ohio and graduate of Bowling Green State University, Mr. DeBerry holds a Bachelors’ of Science in Education. As an educator for Cuyahoga Community College Performance Artist Academy, and the Cleveland School of the Arts, he collaborated with the City of Cleveland Department of Recreation as choreographer and counselor to inner city youth. Tony has performed for the NAACP, United Black Funds, Canton Symphony, IABD (International Association of Blacks In Dance), and the Karamu House of Theatre and has choreographed and produced a dance video compilation featuring R&B diva Chrisette Michelle’s single “Make Us One” - the first project launched through his vision of Kreative Minds Through Performance. Following one season as a member of Cleo II, Mr. DeBerry is now an instructor in the CPRD Academy of Dance and is in his first season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and his second season in the role of TiSean in “Granny”.
ALEXIS AMOS | Nakia the Granddaughter A native of Lafayette, LA, Ms. Amos began training at age sixteen as a student of Lafayette High’s performing arts academy, as well as The Ballet Studio in Milton, La. where she studied under Beverly Spell. She later became a LeapN’Learn certified ballet instructor and performed in three of her own original ballets. Furthering her training at The Ailey School and The School of Nashville Ballet, she earned a University of Louisiana B.S. in Exercise Science. After graduating and becoming a member of Cleo II, she is now in her second season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and in the role of Nakia in “Granny”. CHLOE ABEL | Cantadora the Dreamweaver Ensemble Rehearsal Director
A Kansas City, MO native, Ms. Abel first trained for twelve years under full scholarship at the Kansas City Ballet School. She studied in New York at the Ailey School as a Fellowship recipient, and received her BFA in Dance, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Chloe’s professional career includes performances with Quixotic Performance Fusion, the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, the Owen/Cox Dance Group, and Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company. After one season with Cleo II, Ms. Abel is now Ensemble Rehearsal Director and in her sixth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance. This is Ms. Abel’s fourth season as Cantadora the Dreamweaver. CEDRIC DEWAYNE HALL | Griot the Storyteller / Preacher Children’s Ensemble Director
First dancing with the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre’s CONSORT Youth Dance Training and Development Program, Mr. Hall later became a full company member. He was featured in numerous musicals including “The Wiz”, “West Side Story” and “Footloose”, and has worked with renowned choreographers Terrance Greene, Dianne McIntyre, Gary Abbott, and Kevin “Iega” Jeff. This is Mr. Hall’s eleventh season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble where he also serves on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance, as Director of the CPRD Junior Youth Ensemble and as our Granny Children’s Ensemble Director. Having been our “Granny” Junkanoo King for ten years, this is Mr. Hall’s first season in the role of Griot, following in the honored footsteps of 25-year Granny veteran Vincent C. Robinson.
Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director Producer / Director / Choreographer
Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director Chloe Abel Ensemble Rehearsal Director
Christopher Page-Sanders Assistant to the Director Script Development
Mark Caldwell Musical Director / Composer Trey “Trezie” Grimes Technical Director
Rhetta Shead Production Manager
Cedric Dewayne Hall Children’s Ensemble Director
Jessica Horton Youth Ensemble Director
Victoria Shead Youth Ensembles Assistant Director
Paris Bankston Assistant Stage Manager
Phil Hagel Original “Granny” Sound Design (DCPA) Shakeel Waheeb Sound Design Conor Morford Sound Engineer / Running Crew
Taketo Kobayashi Video Animation Design
Keith W. Rice Original Lighting Design
Anastazia Coney Lighting Engineer / Running Crew
Davry Ratcliffe Props Master
Leticia Tanguma Banner Design
Luis Contrerras Set Design
Michael Hecht Gobo Design
Lara Kirksey Original Costume Design
Joey Santos Costume Design
Alex J. Gordon Costume Design
Ralaya Goshea Wardrobe Mistress
Mary Hart Volunteers Coordinator / Playbill Groups Sales / Script Development
Jody Gilbert Playbill Design
Stan Obert CPRD Photographer
David Andrews CPRD Viedographer
Kenny Shead CPRD Viedographer
MARK CALDWELL Composer / Musical Director / Guitar This will be the eighteenth year that Mr. Caldwell has performed with “Granny” and the twelfth year that he has served as the Musical Director. As composer for the show, Mr. Caldwell has written the majority of the music including “Butterfly” in memory of Marceline Freeman and the musical tour de force “Granny Boom Boom”. When not working with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Mr. Caldwell works in other shows as well as several local bands. Mr. Caldwell is also very active teaching guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele and general music.
EVAN BALLINGER Keyboards A resident of Denver, Mr. Ballinger is currently a full-time student at Metro State University. He performs frequently throughout Colorado with various bands, including Ghost Tapes, The Dendrites and Contraband, with whom he has toured several times throughout the western United States. In addition to playing piano, Mr. Ballinger is also a drummer and singer. This is his second season with the Granny Band.
ABDOUL KARIM DOUMBIA Djembe / Percussion Born in Mali, Mr. Doumbia began learning the music of his culture at the age of five, eventually completing a 16-year apprenticeship with master drummer Moriba Keita. Working with professional companies in Mali, including nine years as lead drummer for the renowned traditional troupe Babemba, he represented his region for eight consecutive years in the National Drum Festival of Mali. Immigrating to the U.S. to accept a position at Brown University, he taught extensively at Yale, Harvard, Princeton, RISDI, and the Universities of Florida and Connecticut before moving to Boulder where he currently lives and teaches at CU, Naropa and The Colorado College. As a master of Malian djembe and dunun, he is a respected source regarding Mali’s rich culture and history. This is Mr. Doumbia’s second season with our Granny Band.
CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Bass Guitar Joining our Granny Band for his eleventh season, Mr. Harris comments “I go where others have gone before, to seek out and explore new forms of expression and the sharing of new musical moments and ideas.”
ROBERT JOHNSON Vocals With a voice reminiscent of the early days of R & B, Mr. Johnson is at home in every arena of performing. As a backing vocalist he’s appeared with Roberta Flack, Jeffery Osborne and Stevie Wonder, has been the opening act for Bill Cosby and Bob Hope, and had his voice heard in commercials for Mc Donald’s, Dairy Queen and United Artist Theaters. The recipient of accolades from the Denver Post Readers Poll and the Colorado Songwriters Association, he can be heard on CD releases with Jakarta Records, Richard the Third and Black Prince Road. This is Mr. Johnson’s twentieth season with “Granny”.
FRED “Baba Ilu Ile” JORDAN Tumba / Percussion Accomplished on congas, ashiko, tom toms, and other percussion instruments, Mr. Jordan celebrates his twenty-sixth season with “Granny” and his thirtieth year as a drummer for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. He has been playing hand drums for over forty years, and African drums for over thirty years. Having studied for three years at the CU School of Music, Mr. Jordan was honored to study with drum masters Adetunji Joda and Babatunde Olatunji, and in July of 2001 was given his drum name “Baba Ilu Ile” (Father Drummer of the House) by Baba Ishangi who joined the Ancestors in 2004.
JOHN OLSSON Drumset A drummer for over 20 years, Mr. Olsson joins the Granny Band for his third season, having worked with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance as an academy accompanist since 2009, instructing youth drumming classes and performing in numerous CPRD productions as well, including Ms. Parker Robinson’s stellar work, “Madiba’s River”. In addition to three years studying global percussion and jazz at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, he has traveled often to West Africa for in-depth studies of the culture and roots of rhythm and is a board member of the non-profit Koffi Togo Cultural Center Foundation. Mr. Olsson loves performing in pit orchestras in local theaters, including Littleton Town Hall Arts Center and the Aurora Fox, and is a band member at New Dawn C.S.L. Church of Aurora. He also plays with a variety of other local bands, in addition to teaching both privately and at area schools and community centers.
JACQUIE VAN HORNE Vocals Ms. Van Horne is a “Music Together” teacher, facilitating village-style music and movement for young children and their parents, grandparents and caregivers. She has been an instructor at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and elsewhere in metro Denver, teaching Afro Caribe, an Afro-Caribbean/Latin fusion. As a future Somatic Psychotherapist and Dance Movement Therapist, she is pursuing her masters degree at Naropa University. She is also founder, creator, and director of “Artistic Mamas”, a collaborative artistic-social network for women, offering an opportunity for them to share their artistic passions with the community through gallery exhibits. This is Ms. Van Horne’s eighth year with the “Granny” production.
ACT I SCENE I THE MAGICAL JOURNEY TO KARAMAZAM
Collaboration Cleo Parker Robinson, Opalanga Pugh, Christopher Page-Sanders Dancers Shakti and Granny Music “Siyahamba” Traditional South African Yemanja (Water Deity) Ralaya S. Goshea Agwe (Water Deity) Martez McKinzy Dancers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble Music “Invocation” Composer / Co-arranger Mark Caldwell Co-arranger Djordie Vasovic Dancers The Granny Village Music Composer / Co-arranger Co-arranger Little Granny
ACT I SCENE II STORYTIME Coyote Deer
Music Composer / Co-arranger Co-arranger Collaboration Dancers
“Butterfly” / “Yemanja” Mark Caldwell Djordie Vasovic Jessica Horton Nyna Moore Gabriella Shead “Granny’s Lament” Mark Caldwell Djordie Vasovic Gary Abbott, Christopher Page-Sanders Shakti and Granny
ACT 1 SCENE III SALANGO “ANCESTOR’S MESSAGE OF LOVE AND JOY” Music Salango Griot Dancers
Fanga “A Traditional West African Welcoming Dance” John e. Roberts Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and The Granny Village
ACT I SCENE IV NATIVE AMERICAN WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Sankofa “We honor our future as we honor our past” Collaboration Cleo Parker Robinson, Olga Vianey Gonzalez Robinson Concept Nezahualcoyotl Jimenez-Gonzalez Music Traditional Drums Composer Mark Caldwell Slave Parents Ralaya S. Goshea, John e. Roberts Slave Children Anjolie Matthewson, Giorgio Petit Slaves Little Granny, Nakia, TiSean, Davry Ratcliffe, Bria Jarna Tyner Native Children Meadow Contreras, Ximalma Gonzalez Robinson Native Mother Maya Contreras Native Maidens Hannah Bustillos, Natalie Drummond Village Children The Children’s Ensemble
“The Four Winds” Storyteller Cantadora Music Traditional The Four Winds Youth Ensemble and Children’s Ensemble Eagle Bria Jarna Tyner / YooJung Hahm Bear Martez McKinzy Coyote Nyna Moore Deer Gabriella Shead “Grandmother Spider’s Story” Recreation Grandmother Spider
Opalanga Pugh YooJung Hahm / Bria Jarna Tyner
ACT I SCENE V YULE TIME
Collaboration Cleo Parker Robinson, Christopher Page-Sanders, John “Mr. Tap” Williams Music “The Lament of the Moon” / “The Sun and Moon Jig” Composer Mark Caldwell The Moon Amelia Dietz The Sun Davry Ratcliffe African Slaves Ralaya S. Goshea, John e. Roberts Irish Servants Theresa Berger, Abigail Johnson Great Migration Tappers Amelia Dietz, Bria Jarna Tyner Max Nelson-Steinhoff, Lily McKenna Isabelle Thornton, Gabriella Shead
ACT I SCENE VI LA SENDA A BELEN
“Mexican Processional Celebrating the Nativity” Composer Suzanne Morales Our Lady of Guadalupe Theresa Berger / Jessica Horton Processional Soloist Griot Dancers The Youth Ensemble and The Children’s Ensemble Children with Gifts Moriah Bass and Mackinley Nelson-Steinhoff Ellie Peoples and Giorgio Petit “Invitaados de Navidad” Choreographer Marceline Freeman Original Lyrics Suzanne Morales and Carlton Bacon Original Music Carlton Bacon Dancers Nakia, TiSean Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and The Granny Village
ACT I SCENE VII THE CHURCH
Vocal Arrangements Rev. Hayward Hobbs Music Traditional Author Buddy Butler The Preacher Griot Mary and Joseph Nakia and TiSean The Innkeeper Davry Ratcliffe The Deacons Davry Ratcliffe, John e. Roberts The Deaconesses Amelia Dietz, Ralaya S. Goshea, Jessica Horton The Choir Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Victoria Shead The Congregation The Youth Ensemble and The Children’s Ensemble INTERMISSION (15 Minutes)
ACT II SCENE I KWANZAA “A SEVEN-DAY AFRICAN AMERICAN CELEBRATION” Collaboration Original Music Musical Adaptation Storyteller Dancers
Cleo Parker Robinson, Opalanga Pugh, Gary Abbott Carlton Bacon Mark Caldwell Shakti Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
“The African Family” African Parents African Child
Anjolie Mathewson / Moriah Bass Jessica Horton and Martez McKinzy Anjolie Mathewson
“The Kwanzaa Family” Kwanzaa Parents Kwanzaa Child
Ralaya S. Goshea and John e. Roberts Ximalma Gonzalez Robinson
ACT II SCENE II HANUKKAH “FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS”
Music Traditional Author Opalanga Pugh Women’s Trio Theresa Berger, Amelia Dietz, YooJung Hahm “Men’s Dance” Collaboration Antiochus The Macabee The Syrian Soldiers
Cleo Parker Robinson, Gary Abbott, Randy Brooks Martez McKinzy TiSean, Alex J. Gordon Davry Ratcliffe, John e. Roberts
“Dreydl Children’s Game” Music Traditional Dancers Women’s Trio and The Children’s Ensemble
ACT II SCENE III DIWALI “EAST INDIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHT” “Renunciation” Collaboration Music Dancers “Bhangra” Music Dancers
Cleo Parker Robinson, Namita Khanna Nariani Anand Shankar Ralaya S. Goshea, Bria Jarna Tyner Kuldeep Mank Nakia and TiSean Amelia Dietz and Davry Ratcliffe Jessica Horton and Martez McKinzy
ACT II SCENE IV CHRISTMAS RAP Collaboration Composer / Co-arranger Co-arranger Dancers
ACT II SCENE V CANDOMBLÉ Collaboration Music Dancers
ACT II SCENE VI NEW YEAR
Cleo Parker Robinson, Cedric Dewayne Hall Mark Caldwell Djordie Vasovic Griot and The Youth Ensemble
Cleo Parker Robinson, Carlos dos Santos Jr. Traditional Brazilian Yoruba Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
Collaboration Cleo Parker Robinson, Susan Richardson Music “Dragon Dance” Composer / Co-arranger Mark Caldwell Co-arranger Djordie Vasovic Acrobats Ximalma Gonzalez Robinson, Abigail Johnson, Bryligh Jones, Dragonettes Nyna Moore, Gabriella Shead, Ajala Way Dragon The Youth Ensemble
ACT II SCENE VII JUNKANOO “THE CARIBBEAN CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS” Collaboration Cleo Parker Robinson, Gary Abbott, Margarita Taylor Music “Granny Boom Boom” Composer / Co-arranger Mark Caldwell Co-arranger Djordie Vasovic Junkanoo King Costume Andrew Yelusich (Denver Center Theatre Company) The Junkanoo King Martez McKinzy Dancers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and The Granny Village Remember, Granny loves you! In memory of Ms. Marceline Freeman Program content, order, and casting are subject to change without prior notice. Audio and/or video recordings of any type, including cell phone and tablets are not permitted without prior written consent from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Failure to obtain this permission may result in confiscation of recordings, footage and equipment.
Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director Malik Robinson Executive Director Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director Rhetta Shead Director of Administration Hillary Harding Director of Development Mary Hart Director of Bookings, Tours, and Community Engagement
Shelby Jarosz Education Manager Amelia Dietz Academy Director Daniel Herrera Assistant Academy Administrator Victoria Shead Assistant Academy Administrator Pat Smith (OnTarget Public Relations) Marketing and Public Relations Contractor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gwen Brewer Board Chair Cleo Parker Robinson *Founder / Artistic Director Tyrone Gant Board Treasurer Debbie Herrera Vice Chair Shale Wong Vice Chair
Hon. Crisanta Duran, Angela Norris Hawkins, Demesha Hill, Lisa Hogan, Tony Price, Shelley Thompson, Josett Valdez, Alfred Walker, Jennifer Wozniak
EMERITUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Henry Lowenstein (Deceased) Nancy McClosky Dawn Nakamura-Kessler Edmond “Buddy” Noel * Schyleen Qualls Brown * Tom Robinson * John Wagner Lester Ward Faye & Reggie Washington
Judge Raymond Dean Jones J.D.* Chairman Emeritus Chelsye J. Burrows Michael Donegan Kevin Fallon Les Franklin Helen Franzgrote Marceline Freeman (Deceased) Rosalind “Bee” Harris Eric Hughes Renee Hurley
* Founding members of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Board of Directors
THE CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ENSEMBLE Chloe Abel - Rehearsal Director Chloé Abel / Alexis Amos / Theresa Berger / Tony DeBerry / Ameila Dietz / Alex J. Gordon Ralaya S. Goshea / YooJung Hahm / Cedric Dewayne Hall / Jessica Horton / Martez McKinzy Davry Ratcliffe / John e. Roberts / Bria Jarna Tyner THE YOUTH ENSEMBLE Jessica Horton – Director Victoria Shead – Assistant Rehearsal Director / Guest Artist Hannah Bustillos / Maya Contreras / Natalie Drummond / Tamia Fair / Bebe Garcia Abigail Johnson / Nyna Moore / Max Nelson-Steinhoff / Gabriella Shead / Ajala Way THE CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE Cedric Dewayne Hall - Director Asianay Banks / Moriah Bass / Meadow Contreras / Keana Fleming / Naturelle Garcia-Taylor Nehema Gatheve / Ximalma Gonzalez Robinson / Bryligh Jones / Adelyne Kirshling Selecia Kono / Anjolie Mathewson / Lily & Zinnia McKenna / Senait McNally s Mackinley Nelson-Steinhoff / Ellie Peoples / Giorgio Petit Isabelle Thornton / Emilie Tobar / Lily & Sophie Wechsler THE GRANNY BAND Mark Caldwell - Musical Director Abdoul Karim Doumbia / Chris Harris / Robert Johnson Fred “Baba Ilu Ile” Jordan / John Olsson Evan Ballinger / Jacquie Van Horne
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON - Founder / Artistic Director (See Featured Artists) WINIFRED R. HARRIS - Associate Artistic Director Ms. Harris, choreographer, artist, teacher and community activist, has created a significant body of work with a strong balance ofs technical prowess and gestural expression. Having trained under Cleo Parker Robinson, she danced professionally for ten years with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble before moving on to Dallas Black Dance Theater and a solo stint in New York and abroad. In October 1991, she relocated to Los Angeles, CA, founding her own awardnominated contemporary modern dance company. In recognition of her dedication and commitment to underprivileged youth, Ms. Harris received several awards from the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles for her teaching efforts within that community. Having served on faculty at various universities and studios nationwide, including Cal Arts (her alma mater), Cal State Los Angeles and Spelman College, she returned to Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in 2010 as Ensemble Rehearsal Director and became Associate Artistic Director in 2014. CHRISTOPHER PAGE-SANDERS - Assistant to the Director Originally from St. Louis, Mr. Page-Sanders, founder and co-artistic director of the Nu-World Contemporary Dance Theatre, received his formal training from the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) and the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri- Kansas City. Mr. Page-Sanders danced, taught and choreographed for seven seasons as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble (CPRDE). Having danced with Wylliams-Henry Contemporary Dance Company, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, The Slaughter Project Dance Ensemble, and the St. Louis Black Repertory Theater Company, he has also served as resident choreographer for the Center of Creative Arts Musical Theater Program, and UMKC. He has been commissioned by CPRD, Cleo II, COCAdance, The Slaughter Project, Davis Contemporary Dance Company, That Uppity Theatre Company, and Metro Theater Company, and his choreography has been presented twice at the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. In 2013, he received the Leni Wylliams Award for choreography and innovation from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. This is his second season to serve as Assistant to the Director for “Granny”. MARK CALDWELL - Musical Director (See Granny Band) CHLOE ABEL - Ensemble Rehearsal Director (See Featured Artists) JESSICA HORTON - Youth Ensemble Director (See Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble) CEDRIC DEWAYNE HALL - Children’s Ensemble Director (See Featured Artists)
Chloe Abel (See Featured Artists) Alexis Amos (See Featured Artists) Theresa Berger Originally from Ankeny, IA, Ms. Berger, under the
direction of Nancy Moore Overturff, studied and performed with the Iowa Dance Theatre and the Performing Edge, Moore Dance’s pre-professional company. With a BFA in Dance from the University of Iowa, she moved to Denver where she danced with both Kim Robards Dance and Moraporvida Contemporary Dance. Now in her second season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble after one season as an apprentice, she is also a faculty member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance. This is her third season as part of the “Granny” cast.
Tony DeBerry (See Featured Artists) Amelia Dietz First training at Barbara Baker School and BalletMet Columbus, Ms. Dietz continued her studies at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, Northern Ballet Theatre in Leeds, England, American Repertory Ballet and The Ailey School. She was awarded the BalletMet Mary Fuller Scholarship Award, and for four seasons was a member of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Second Company, having received a BFA in Dance from Wright State University. This is Ms. Dietz’s sixth season with the “Granny” cast and with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble where she also serves as Academy Administrator of the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance and liaison to Metropolitan State University Denver. Alex J. Gordon Originally from Beaumont, TX, Mr. Gordon began his
formal dance training at Washington University in St. Louis, receiving his BA in architecture and minor in modern dance. While in college, he joined The Slaughter Project Dance company and guested with numerous Saint Louis based companies and performance artists. After attending the ADF (American Dance Festival) on a work-study scholarship, he joined The Missouri Contemporary Ballet in Columbia, where he also became the resident costume designer. He guested as a dancer and costume designer for Deeply Rooted Young Choreographers Showcase, subsequently moving to Chicago to join Thodos Dance Chicago and become resident costume designer for the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. While in Chicago, Mr. Gordon costumed for many local dance companies and schools including Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater, Chicago Dance Crash, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and Chicago Academy for the Arts, and taught for Ballet Chicago, Glenwood Dance Studios and The Boys & Girls Club. This is Mr. Gordon’s first season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and with the cast of “Granny”.
Ralaya S. Goshea Born in Detroit, Ms. Goshea trained at the Detroit
High School for the Fine and Performing Arts and Oakland University, receiving her Bachelor’s in Performing Arts. She has performed with the Brown Dance Project, Patterson Rhythm and Pace, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, SMAGDance Company and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC). She choreographed a full concert for Triple Threat Productions Company of Rochester, Michigan, and set a work on the University of Dayton’s Dance Ensemble. A member of Cleo II for two seasons, she is now in her fifth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and her seventh season with the cast of “Granny”.
YooJung Hahm Born in Seoul, Korea, Ms. Hahm began her training with the Muyoungnara academy in Ilsan, Korea. Her studies in a myriad of techniques also included the Seoul Arts High School and the Korea National University of Arts in Korea. Near the conclusion of her studies at the KNUA, she received a scholarship from Alvin Ailey in NYC through her performances at the Seoul International Dance Competition. After graduation she moved to Manhattan, training in Horton technique for a year at the Ailey Dance School. She also performed at LAUNCH:10 with the North West Dance Project in Portland. This is Ms. Hahm’s second season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and with the cast of “Granny”.
Cedric Dewayne Hall (See Featured Artists) Jessica Horton Born in Tuscaloosa, AL, Ms. Horton trained at Shelton
State Dance Department and the Alabama School of Fine Arts, receiving the Woodward Dishion Memorial Award. She also trained through The Ailey School, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. With a BFA in Dance from Wright State University, she performed with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II from 2009-2011, and as a post-graduate, was a counselor for Summerdance with Ballet Academy East in New York. A member of Cleo II and an apprentice to the Ensemble for two seasons each, she is now in her second season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, is on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance, and serves as Director of the CPRD Youth Ensemble. This is her fifth season with the cast of “Granny”.
Martez McKinzy Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. McKinzy
studied with Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey under the direction of Tyrone Aiken. Having been a member of Cleo II and an apprentice for one season each, he is now in his second season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and his fourth season with the cast of “Granny”.
Davry Ratcliffe Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Ratcliffe began training at Fort Hayes Performing Arts MEC under Marva “China” White (Dance Theatre of Harlem) in the Pre-Professional program. He has been involved in creating multiple productions and has worked with renowned choreographers including Laurieanne Gibson, Gil Dudilduo, and several of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” competitors. He spent a season with the Dayton Contemporary Dance 2nd company, while shaping a non-profit company to advance professional development and community outreach through hip hop culture. After two seasons with Cleo II, he is now in his second season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance. This is his fourth season with the cast of “Granny”. John e. Roberts Born and raised in St. Louis, Mr. Roberts first trained there at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) and subsequently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of Missouri Kansas-City (UMKC) Conservatory with an emphasis in Dance Performance and Choreography. His training has also included studies with Antonio Douthit -Boyd, Alicia Graf-Mack, and Kirven Douthit-Boyd (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre), Christopher Page-Sanders (Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and Nu-World Contemporary Danse Company), Rolando Yaines (Milwaukee Ballet), Jessica Taylor (DAMAGED Dance Company), Alonzo King (LINES Ballet Company), and Gary Abbott (Deeply Rooted Dance Theater). Mr. Roberts performed with Ballet Eclectica and COCADance, and also participated in numerous musical theater performances at COCA through the FOX Charitable Foundation. This is Mr. Roberts first season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and the cast of “Granny”. Bria Jarna Tyner A native of Fairfield, AL, Ms. Tyner began her dance
training at The Ebony Arrington Dance and Performance School of Birmingham, AL, studying for ten years under the direction of Ebony Arrington and Bronze McGhee. Continuing her training for three more years at The Pointe Dance Arts under Angela Walker before studying under Cornelius Carter at the University of Alabama, she received her BFA in Dance. This is Ms. Tyner’s second season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and she is also a faculty member with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance. This is her second season with the cast of “Granny”.
SPECIAL THANKS
to the Ensemble, Board of Directors, Sponsors, Education Partners, Administrative & Technical Staff, Youth Ensemble, Children’s Ensemble, Actors and Musicians, Faculty, Students, Parents, & Volunteers of CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE & “GRANNY DANCES TO A HOLIDAY DRUM”
We also thank the following for their extraordinary support of
“THE GRANNY VILLAGE” David Andrews Artreach Marilyn Benson Pat Brooks
Jonathon “JP” Parker (In memoriam) Reina Parker and Family Martha Parker (In memoriam) Amber Peneaux
Colorado High School Activities Association (Tom Robinson)
Publication Printers
The Denver Post Community
Malik and Vianey Robinson
Denver Public Schools
The Robinson Family
Fiesta Colorado (Jeanette TrujilloLucero)
Rocky Mountain Pubic Media
5 Points News (Brother Jeff Fard)
Rocky Mountain PBS
Marceline Freeman (In memoriam)
Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD)
Robertta Freeman (In memoriam)
Rhetta and Kenny Shead
KCFR 90.1 FM Colorado Public Radio
Tracy and Ron Thornton
KUVO 89.3 Jazz In the City
The Urban Spectrum (Bee Harris)
National Endowment for the Arts
Visit Denver
Kristen Nelson-Steinhoff
Leslie Sue Parker Wallace and James Wallace
Stan and Chris Obert
Letitia Williams