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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2020 Gentle giant ‘The feel-good movie of quarantine’ of local black theatre remembered

Ralph Greene

Unity Theatre Ensemble founder Ralph Greene passes at 78

By Kenya Vaughn Kelvin Harrison Jr. of ‘The High Note’ Of The St. Louis American praises new film with Tracee Ellis Ross Kelvin Harrison Jr. Ralph Greene, a pioneering producer of black theater known for his cultivation of talent for the stage through Unity Theatre Ensemble, passed on them was kind of the most insane thing that movie of quarantine, then ‘The High Note’ is away on May 15. By Kenya Vaughn has happened. We both knew we were in it – your movie.” His death came after a series of health challenges Of The St. Louis American and we knew it was something special.” Harrison and Ross seemed destined to play that stemmed from a pair of strokes he suffered Harrison is confident that the same energy their respective roles. nearly ten years ago. He was 78. Just as she Kelvin Harrison Jr. knew from the feeling will wash over everyone who watches the film In the film, Ross is Grace Davis – a pop was with every production as Unity’s Managing that overcame him and co-star Tracee Ellis when it lands on demand May 29. Originally diva at a crossroads in her career as she faces Director, his wife Bonnie Harmon was right by his Ross when listening to rough cuts of songs set for a theatrical release, COVID-19 had middle age. Harrison plays David, an aspiring side. from the soundtrack that they had found some- other plans. But he feels that audiences will be singer who catches the eye of Davis’ assistant “‘We unite for the success of the show.’ This thing special in “The High Note.” thrilled that the release will go on through their as she seeks out talent to hone her craft as a was the mantra that Greene had the casts of Unity They laughed. They cried. They connected screens at home. producer. Theatre Ensemble productions repeat before every with their respective roles in an indescribable “If you are looking for a good laugh, if you The relationship dynamics between Davis’ performance,” Harmon said. “The of way. are looking for a good cuddle – even if it’s assistant Molly, played by Dakota Johnson, actors and technicians were the instruments and “I think it was that moment dancing with just with your pillow; if you are looking to see Davis’ manager, played by Ice Cube and Tracee and doing fake choreography,” Harrison Tracee Ellis Ross give nostalgic Diana Ross See Greene, B2 said. “Singing along to songs with our voices moments; if you are looking for the feel good See Movie, B2

‘Bubbling Brown Sugar’ bumped to Season 45

Ron Himes with rapper-turned-actor Black Rep’s season Tef Poe on the set of Ntozake Shange’s “Spell #7.” The popular production delayed, annual gala became the final show of season 43, when an extended run of the play was goes virtual in response shut down and the season finale of “Marie and Rosetta” was canceled due to COVID-19 to COVID-19.

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

COVID-19 has continued to bring bad news to the arts community as social distancing precau- tions make the traditional audience experience not in the best interest of the health of patrons. On the Friday before Memorial Day, The Black Rep announced that it had made the painful the show was a huge risk with respect to box decision to push its fall musical, the immensely office returns as people would still be tiptoeing popular black Broadway classic “Bubbling Brown into patronizing activities that present a chal- Sugar” to the front of season 45 as opposed to the lenge to social distancing. fall production for the start of season 44 – which is The company was mindful of this when they now set to start in January 2021. decided to restructure their annual fall gala “We were looking forward to opening with – which typically takes place in November – Bubbling Brown Sugar, but we’re not sure what into a virtual event. The gala will take place the world post-COVID will be,” said Ron Himes, on November 14, with details released as the founder and producing director of The Black 40-plus years. Black Rep leading lady Linda Kennedy in the event nears. Rep. “But we know things will not be business as Favorites J. Samuel Davis and Drummond role of Irene Page. Himes says that the silver lining in the usual.” K. Crenshaw were set to return. Himes admit- “We had all done it so many times when impact of COVID-19 is that his board is active Even if they had been able to present a ted that the original plans to move forward with we were too young for the role,” Himes said. and energized in their efforts to make sure that September show, Himes said that they were in the show were bittersweet because it would “Now she would have really been a sassy Irene talks of a substitute for “Bubbling,” a musical that have been the first time in the company’s his- Page.” the Black Rep has been producing for much of its tory that the show would have been without With its large cast, intricate set, full band, See Black Rep, B2

Only Online St. Louis County Library to offer www.stlamerican.com curbside service starting June 3

St. Louis County Library will begin offering curbside service at all 20 branches on Wednesday, June 3. This contact-free service allows patrons to reserve and pick up books, movies and more while practicing social distancing. B2 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2020

everything would come The last show he directed Greene together for a successful was Unity’s “Everything Must outcome. And somehow it Change.” The musical revue always did!” also featured poetry, dance and Continued from B1 He was so nurturing and prose – and starred some of the supportive that many who company veterans. The show being unified gave strength were groomed for the stage was a fitting final curtain for a and effectiveness to the through Unity refer to Greene man who had been producing message being conveyed to the and Harmon as their “theater theater that offers context audience.” mother” and theater father.” and celebration of the black Unity was renowned for Actor and singer Herman experience for nearly a half- offering a platform for aspiring Louis Gordon Jr. is one of century. stage performers. them. “He will be missed, but his “Mr. Greene with his wife “He took a chance on spirit will stay alive in those he Bonnie at his side changed my me back in 1998 – my first touched,” Himes said. life and the lives of so many professional show,” said Harmon vows to carry on people who decided to step Gordon. “He pushed and his vision and the company onto a performance stage,” trained. I never thought I would that they poured into as life and said singer and actress Mardra work in theater. I just wanted work partners. Thomas. “He was a gentle to sing. Now I can’t get away “Greene and I were united giant who poured his beautiful from it.” until the end,” Harmon said. spirit and wisdom into so many And for everything he “I will miss him greatly in the people and kick-started careers poured into his “theater body, but I know he will be from SIUE’s Broadway campus children,” his son Ralph E. with me every step of the way to ‘Broadway’ and beyond. Greene Jr., received a double as we continue his work.” When challenged with changes, portion. He was preceded in death he taught me how to make “My father was an artist in by his father, Major Greene; adjustments – on the stage and Unity Theatre Ensamble in a past performance of “I Got The Music In Me.” every sense of the word, “said mother, Irazona Knight-Greene; in life. the younger Greene. “My life brother, Isaac Greene; and A native of Jacksonville, was spent watching him write sister, Angie Nora Greene- Florida and an accomplished and produce show after show Barlow; and stepdaughter, director of theater, playwright, to support his family and to put Marie Girardeau-Bianchetta. lyricist and arts administrator, at the Performing Arts Training Himes, founder and producing 2002. They produced countless out his art.” A memorial fund will be in 1971, Greene founded Center at Southern Illinois director of The St. Louis shows within the canon of He followed in his father’s established in his name to Kutana Players as a graduate University at Edwardsville, Black Repertory Company. African American theater, footsteps into the entertainment honor and continue his legacy assistantship project while he East St. Louis Center. “His direction strengthened created original work and industry, currently working as with the goal to support studied at Southern University “For him, theater was my foundation as a young sometimes adapted musical supervising producer for the developing young playwrights at Carbondale. His intention not just entertainment,” artist attempting to develop his films for the stage – such as Netflix series, Family Reunion: and performing artists. Because was to give African American Harmon said. “But a way to craft.” “Sparkle.” They continued to “He worked tirelessly to of the current social distancing theater majors a chance to teach, inspire, motivate and In September 1979, the produce shows at other venue present theater that entertained, requirements, a legacy grace the stage in roles beyond to sometimes question its company’s name was changed spaces, most recently at the inspired and most importantly memorial will be planned for the stereotypical characters of audience.” from Kutana Players (“Kutana” Ivory Theatre. to him… taught,” said Ralph some time in the future when butlers and maids. From September 1974 to is Swahili for “coming Watching Greene during Greene Jr. “He was a teacher it is clearly safe again for In 1974, Greene served February 1996, his troupe was together”) to Unity Ensemble rehearsal was fascinating, in his soul. A soft-spoken large gatherings. Expressions as stage manager for the the resident theater company and, in 1984, to Unity Theatre because he bucked every man who let his works do his of condolence can be sent to theater and music departments at the Katherine Dunham Ensemble. negative stereotype of the talking. Through the years he Unity Theatre Ensemble at P.O. collaborative production of Center for the Performing Arts After their partnership with neurotic process and antics touched many people’s lives Box 1035, Florissant, Missouri Scott Joplin’s “Treemonisha.” (KDCPA). the Dunham Center ended, often associated with directors. through his art and direction. 63031 or to 1832 Partridge The guest director, Miss “Back in the day I had Unity headed across the water “He rarely raised his voice He made people believe in Berry Drive, Florissant, Katherine Dunham, invited the privilege of working to St. Louis where they called and always sought to keep themselves and he gave back Missouri, 63031. Greene to come and develop with Ralph Greene and The Greeley’s 23rd Street Theatre harmony amidst the chaos,” in the form of community the theater training component Kutana Players,” said Ron home until the space closed in Harmon said “He knew that outreach projects.”

all those people and watching Kelvin Harrison Jr. and trayal of Davis as he did. Movie the audience stand up during Dakota Johnson in “The “I want people to know who the musical. That’s how great High Note.” they are and what they have to they were. The feeling that offer,” Harrison said. “That was Continued from B1 comes out of song and perfor- one of the things I respected mance is like nothing else.” about Tracee’s performance David make for music industry The son of highly regarded of the character of Grace was insight and a romantic comedy musicians in his native New Jerkins was critical. that this was a woman who that tugs at heart strings from Orleans, Harrison got his start “He has worked with knew she had a gift. She knew beyond just the romance. in musicals. He starred in Whitney Houston and Michael she had something to share Harrison has been making “Hairspray” with his little siter. Jackson and the list goes on,” and she knew people needed it a splash on the film scene in “I played Stevie and she Harrison said. “He knew what and wanted it – and she never the past couple of years, par- played little Inez,” Harrison he had to do to get it out of allowed the industry to dictate ticularly with his role in the said. “That was such a magi- me. He knew what that young, to her what that was going to film “Waves” – which co-stars cal experience and this movie scared artist looks like. He be.” St. Louis’ own Sterling K. allowed me to do that through helped me make those words He believes the film will Brown. He is also a member film – which is my new love. mine – as if I wrote them. Who lend the opportunity for audi- of the ensemble of the highly It’s been such a rewarding am I singing this to? That expe- ences to remind themselves anticipated “ Seven.” experience and an even great- rience with him really changed that they have so much to bring But “The High Note” presented er gift to be able to do it with the way I looked at music and to the table – and to not limit a new opportunity for him in Tracee.” approach music.” themselves or diminish their that he was able to marry his It’s no easy feat – especially He felt parallels within the light because of other people’s love of acting with his love of when it comes to finding the a little more rock – or a little learned a lot about how you character surrounding his own insecurities and their attempt to singing. voice of a character as opposed more traditional pop or soul. find storytelling in song. upbringing and the insecurities control their narrative. “It is the ultimate when it to just singing as he would as a I had to keep transforming “I think that what I was lack- regarding his musical talent “Own your own story,” comes to expressing your- musician. my voice to see what it would ing as an artist was not know- because of it. Harrison said. “And you don’t self,” Harrison said. “That’s “David is a little more pop. sound like.” ing how to personalize the story “My parents are wonderful need to wait for someone to why I love musicals so We were really trying to fig- Working with Grammy- within the song,” Harrison said. musicians and I was scared,” give you license to step into much. I remember sitting in ure out where his voice sat,” winner Rodney Jerkins, who “I learned how to do that with Harrison said. “I was like, what you feel called, led or ‘’ when I was a kid Harrison said. “We did a vari- produced the soundtrack, acting, but I hadn’t figured out ‘What if I don’t live up to that gifted to do.” and listening to Jamie Foxx, ety of different sounds. Some helped him find David’s voice. how to do it with music yet.” expectation? I didn’t have The High Note will be Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson and were a little more boy band or Through the process, Harrison Being in the studio with that mindset of perseverance. released on demand on Friday, I wanted to run away from it. May 29. The film is rated That’s why I did acting. By PG-13 with a running time of doing this film I wanted to per- 113 minutes. For more infor- petuate perseverance – that it mation, visit https://www.focus- does work if you commit.” features.com/the-high-note. He hopes that people find as CALL 855-904-3108 much inspiration in Ross’ por-

Shange’s “Spell #7,” and mul- Black Rep tidisciplinary artists Kristian Blackmon and Cheeraz ® Gormon. MRCOOL DIY MINISPLIT Continued from B1 “We are brainstorming right The MRCOOL DIY® Series heat pump is the only ductless now,” Himes said. “Meeting mini-split system on the market explicitly designed for The Black Rep is not a casualty and talking about possible amateur installation. You don't need special tools or of the pandemic – and not only projects and hopefully come training to install this high efficiency heat pump. survives but thrives. out with something in the fall ® “Philanthropy will have a that might not call for us to WHY MRCOOL DIY? lot to do with how we come need a full theatre – that might Easy Do-It-Yourself Design out of this,” Himes said. “Our call for us to be in a space that Simple to Use capacity to fundraise and garner would be limited capacity. In Install in any room the kind of corporate and foun- experimenting with the piece, dation support that is so integral we would also experiment as Energy Efficient DC Inverter Technology to us being able to do the work far as how and where we would 100% Sealed System we’ve been able to do.” produce it.” Eco Safe R-410A Refrigerant Another bright side He had to end his season for Himes is that moving Smartphone App Controls early, but this time of year “Bubbling Brown Sugar” Lifetime Technical Support is typically set aside for rest, already has him looking for- rejuvenation, restoration and ward to season 45. strategy. “We will already know what “Our season would just season 45 is because a couple now be ending,” Himes said. of things we had been looking “It’s not like some of those forward to using this upcoming other companies – likes Opera season will move to next sea- Theatre of Saint Louis, St. son,” Himes said. Louis Shakespeare and The As he meets and discusses Muny – who had shows sched- what’s to come with the artistic uled to open next month.” and production partners that He’s reading plays, shuffling will help him stage season 44 schedules and discussing alter- and 45, Himes is in fantastic native options depending what spirits. budgets will allow. “I’m hopeful. I’m optimistic Himes is also using this and like James Brown said, ‘I opportunity to team up with feel good.’” other artists and producers. For mor information on The JUST ASK works with the He has formed a cohort with Black Rep, visit www.theblack-

*DIY-36 MODEL IS NOT ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED Tef Poe, who made his Black rep.org. Rep stage debut in Ntozake