News

Tony-Nominated Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Known for Spike Lee Films, Dies at 70

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: October 5 2020 @ 10:00 am

Thomas Jefferson Byrd, known for his performances in many of Spike Lee's films, has died at the age of 70. Lee shared a post on Instagram on October 4, saying that Byrd was fatally shot in Atlanta, Georgia. The New York Times reported the Tony-nominated actor was found on an Atlanta street on October 3. The shooting is currently under investigation.

Born on June 25, 1950 in Griffin, Georgia, Byrd went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Morris Brown College and a master's degree from the California Institute of the Arts. His extensive list of regional stage credits included Spunk, Flyin' West, Hamlet and Miss Evers' Boys as well as August Wilson's Two Trains Running, The Piano Lesson and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at the Alliance Theater.

Byrd received a 2003 Tony nomination for his Broadway debut performance in August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. He played the role of Toledo. Glynn Turman plays the character in the upcoming Netflix film adaptation, starring Viola Davis.

On the big screen, Byrd appeared in several of Lee’s films, including Clockers, Get on the Bus, Bamboozled, Chi-Raq, Red Hook Summer, Girl 6 and Da Sweet Blood of Jesus. His other credits include Antoine Fuqua’s …

LA’s Small Theatres Come Together

Source: ArtsJournal.com | Posted: October 4 2020 @ 2:01 pm

The LA Together Festival is proof that something positive has emerged from an unprecedented crisis: With mutual survival on the line, L.A.’s network of small theaters has strengthened its communal bonds, pooling resources, expertise and ingenuity and setting aside (at least for the time being) competition. – Los Angeles Times

Hear Stage Door Stories on This Week's Elaine Paige on Sunday

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: October 4 2020 @ 10:00 am

Olivier-winning actress Elaine Paige is giving Broadway.com listeners a chance to hear her BBC Radio 2 show, Elaine Paige on Sunday. This week, Paige is turning to you, the listeners! In the new episode, hear stage door stories and onstage mishaps from fellow listeners all while hearing the best show tunes. Plus, get a newsy update on what's happening on stage across the pond. Listen to the full episode below!

Grading The Trump Presidency As An Act Of Theatre

Source: ArtsJournal.com | Posted: October 4 2020 @ 9:32 am

Trump’s political drama is unlike anything we’ve seen before. No one can figure out the rules of the script. Just when you think the action is building to a climax — the Mueller report, impeachment, more than 200,000 dead from a pandemic — a different calamity usurps our attention. – Los Angeles Times

Immersive Puzzle Game Based on Mary Shelley, Author of Frankenstein

Source: BroadwayDirect.com | Posted: October 2 2020 @ 5:09 pm

Through this pandemic, friends and families have turned to all kinds of new hobbies to pass the time, from puzzles to baking bread. Now, friends and families can enjoy this recently announced puzzle game, Mother of Frankenstein from its creator, Hatch Escapes. This immersive game is based on the life of Mary Shelley, author of…

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