NOTICE Start your week with The Real Deal Press. Community Calendar Text realdealpress to Garfield Heights Black History 48421 and be the first Celebration set for Friday to know when the new issue posts! Page 5

Volume 4 / Issue 16 / February 10, 2019 Blake & Sissle Sizzle at Karamu! stars still shine in the pantheon of By R. T. Andrews American culture. EDITOR The multi-media version on stage at Karamu was written Karamu House certainly lived up by Bill Rudman, executive di- to its Swahili name — a place of rector of The Musical Theatre joyful gathering — this past Thurs- Project [TMTP], and co-pro- day night with the world premiere duced by him and Karamu of a unique production that hon- CEO Tony Sias, along with ors an enduring pioneer moment their respective organizations in American musical history. in their first collaborative ef- The Impact of ‘Shuffle Along’ is fort as a vehicle for social jus- a musical concert version of the tice, awareness and change. 1920s musical Shuffle Along that It may indeed have that effect. But marked the emergence of Black what it was on Thursday was a rol- musical theater. Written and per- licking good time that featured the formed entirely by African Amer- enormous talents of a marvelous icans, the show brought the Har- cast that featured the singing and lem Renaissance to Broadway and dancing of Treva Offutt and Justin paved the way for the integration C. Woody, the Joe Hunter Trio + of audiences in New York City. The George Foley, and the incompa- stupendous talent on stage includ- rable jazz and blues singer Evelyn ed the likes of Paul Robeson and Wright, who had a couple of solo Josephine Baker, luminaries whose Continued on Page 5 Treva Offutt and Justin C. Woody jump, jive, and wail in “The Impact of Shuffle Along” at Karamu House. Photo credit: Vince Robinson Profile in the Arts Robert Barry Fleming personifies versatility in Play House roles

ond largest theater district in the of Cleveland Play House, which with our educational works.” By Nathan Paige CONTRIBUTING WRITER country. includes show selection for our Fleming also works closely Fleming has served as the Asso- regular season plays. Laura and with Education Director Pame- ciate Artistic Director at Cleve- I teach in the MFA Program, la DiPasquale, making sure that William Shakespeare wrote, land Play House since 2015. He’s in our partnership with Case the Play House’s mission and “All the world’s a stage…,” but part of a three-person leadership Western Reserve University’s vision initiatives are fulfilled Robert Barry Fleming is fo- team, led by Artistic Director MFA Program for Acting, and while being of service to the cusing his diverse talents on Laura Kepley, along with Manag- we do a good deal of work in Northeast Ohio community. a specific stage right here in ing Director Kevin Moore. making sure that the artistic “The Education department Cleveland – home to the sec- “We lead all artistic initiatives work actually works in tandem Continued on Page 4 Page 2 The Real Deal Press Volume 4 • Issue 16

Community Bullentin Board

BPACF calls for Black Profes- ney and Marvel Studios was re- information. sional of Year Nominations leased in theaters. Its earnings The Black Professionals Asso- reached $1.3 billion globally The National Council of ciation Charitable Foundation and the film was nominated for Negro Women, Cleveland is accepting nominations for 63 awards, winning 29. Section will be celebrating the the 2019 Black Professional But the story of Wakanda Cleveland arts community of the Year (BPOY) through began far before the film as a at its 2019 Legacy Luncheon February 20. series of comics that debuted officer of Baldwin Wallace on Saturday, June 8. Karamu “The BPOY award is a source in 1961 in the midst the civil University, and president of House CEO and President of great pride and respect rights movement, bringing the Ohio Diversity Offi- Tony Sias will be honored. amongst African Americans representation into the world cers Collaboration, will be The event venue is the Hilton in Northeast Ohio. We are of mainstream comics which the featured speaker at the Garden Inn on Beta Drive in encouraging community often lacked racial diversity, March 29 quarterly Faith Mayfield Village. Call lun- members from all walks of life both in the characters and the & Finance breakfast of the cheon co-chair Sherldean Da- to submit nominations.” said writers who create them. Christian Business League. vis at 216.640.0612 for more Marcella J. Brown, BPACF ex- The Black Panther story Call 216.71.5760 for more information. ecutive director, in a statement. The honoree is expected to be a community member with a stellar career trajectory, significant civic engagement experience and a track record Reuben Harris Jr. of investing in youth. Agent Past honorees have included 23360 Chagrin Blvd, Suite 101 Congresswoman Stephanie continues off-screen through Beachwood, OH 44122 Tubbs Jones, Margot James Co- Marvel’s comics. Rise of the peland, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., Bus 216 731 611 Fax 216 731 6836 Black Panther, was released a [email protected] Leon Bibb, and Robyn Minter month before the film and is Smyers [2018]. co-written by Evan Narcisse “Our past honorees are a Ta-Nehisi Coates. The graphic distinguished group of pro- novel details the first year of fessionals who we can all look the Black Panther, T’Challa, as to for inspiration, mentorship King of Wakanda. and leadership. They give us all Journalist, critic, and author something to aspire to, in hopes Evan Narcisse will appear at the of leading with a commitment City Club Tuesday, February 26 to excellence,” said Ronald V. at noon to talk about the Black Johnson, Jr., BPACF President. Panther and the representation This year’s recipient will of black life in pop culture. receive the award at the group’s High school students will be 39th Anniversary Scholarship admitted free. Ticket sales for and Awards Gala & BPOY non-students are limited. Call/ Salute on November 2. visit 216.621.6260/cityclub.org To submit a nomination, for more information. click here or call the office at 216.229.7110. Rev C. J. Harkness, pas- Last February the blockbuster tor of People’s Community film “Black Panther” from Dis- Church, chief diversity Many Views, One Vision.

Your business has many unique characteristics, each requiring a superior level of understanding and support.

At Ulmer, a diverse and inclusive team enriches the work environment and is a catalyst for the client-focused, creative solutions that we are committed to providing to our clients every day.

Our business begins with you.®

CLEVELAND COLUMBUS CINCINNATI CHICAGO BOCA RATON ULMER.COM Page 4 The Real Deal Press Volume 4 • Issue 16 Robert Barry Fleming personifies versatility in Play House roles REAL DEPRESSAL Continued from page 1 has a suite of 12 pro- Reporting on the interplay of race, class and power in the civic, business grams; primarily these and cultural spaces of Northeast Ohio and beyond. initiatives are in the Our mission is to attract, articulate and amplify civic intelligence and schools, with our teach- community engagement for a healthier, stronger community. ing artists working every We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your name, address, day to help young people and best phone number. [Address and phone will not be published.] with their literacy arts We may edit for clarity and space. competencies, and their Submit letters, press releases, notices, calendar items, and corrections via email at [email protected] or fax 216.672.4304. social and emotional learning to ensure they Published weekly at Cuyahoga County OH. All rights reserved. © 2019. can excel in their school- Publisher & Editor: R. T. Andrews work and have all their Layout & Design: Steve Aresmon Thomas basic needs met.” Contributing Writers: Marilyn Dyson, Kirby V. Freeman, Fleming is also an ac- Nathan Paige, Taru Taylor. complished actor, having The Real Deal Press landed roles through-  216.672.4301 out his career on TV  [email protected] (“Family Matters”); the sets — being an educator necessarily finding that in @RealDealPress silver screen (“L.A. Con- and artist and interpreter Washington, D.C.” fidential”), and onstage of work — all seemed to Looking back on his three- (“Stand Up Tragedy,” be the best fit in the kind pronged career, Fleming “Ragtime” and “Jelly’s of role that I have now, found it difficult to pinpoint Last Jam”). Most recently, where I get to do all of a favorite role or piece of The Real Deal Press is now he was in the 2018 Cleve- those things.” choreography; however, di- published on Sundays. Start land Play House produc- Fleming isn’t new to recting “The Royale” stands your week with us. Tex t tion of “Sweat.” He serves Cleveland, per se. He has out as special. as choreographer for one familial roots here: it’s “Every project I’ve been realdealpress to 48421 of Cleveland Play House’s his father’s birthplace. “I involved in have been and be the first to know when current productions, do have a lot a family here very special processes, “Ken Ludwig’s Sher- and in Washington, D.C. and they all offered me the new issue is up! wood: The Adventures of I came here as an adult the opportunity to reflect Robin Hood,” and he will for the first time in 2015 on things that I think are direct Karen Zacarias’ for a conference. Being worthy of time and en- “Native Gardens” which here was one of those ergy. I got to direct “The opens for a three-week revelatory moments of Royale,” based on the Jack run beginning April 27. ‘wow, this city is really Johnson story, and that “Native Gardens” will be engaged, and much more felt really relevant be- Fleming’s fourth directing vibrant than the national cause we were producing effort at CPH, and he sees reputation.’ it right around the same his growth in the arts as a “I think Cleveland is the time that the President natural progression. quintessential American pardoned Jack Johnson, “I fully committed to community,” Fleming and it was also on the heels each path of my career, continued. “For me, it’s of the NFL ruling regard- in terms of being a tri- been of great interest to ing the National Anthem ple threat (acting, sing- practice my art as a the- policy. With those events ing, dancing), but I felt ater artist in this setting. happening within days of there was a more glob- While there is an incred- each other, I thought was al sense of wanting to ible renaissance here, thematically something contribute to individual there’s also the opportu- that that play captured. productions, and being nity to be incredibly in- It feels important to have in the field. That turned clusive, and not just for a that conversation about into a natural progres- small, wealthy segment of something that feels so sion where all my skill the community. I wasn’t immediate.” Follow Us @RealDealPress • February 10, 2019 The Real Deal Press Page 5 Blake & Sissle Sizzle at Karamu! Community Calendar Continued from page 1

Wednesday, Feb. 13, 11:45a This session, aimed at devising solutions to the Fairfax Healthcare Legacy Lunches continue problems of domestic violence and abusive rela- with Yvonne Lucas tionships, will cover the legal system, resources Fairfax Healthcare, 9014 Cedar Ave. [44106], and assistance, and community engagement. It continues its weekly legacy lunch and soul starts at 10:30a at the Cleveland Hts.-University buffet series with speaker Yvonne H. Lucas of Hts. Main Library, 2345 Lee Rd. [44118]. www. Lucas Funeral Homes this week. Other speak- conversationandleadership.org/events ers in the Black History Month series include Sunday, Feb. 17, 3p Dr. Julian Earls, retired NASA-Glenn chief, on Jewish-Black Relations In Cleveland’s Urban Feb. 20, and Rev. C Todd Davidson of Antioch Neighborhoods: 1920-1960 Baptist Church on Feb. 27. 216.795.1363. Black and Jewish interactions in mid-20th Friday, Feb. 15, 6:30p century neighborhoods like Glenville and Mt. (left to right) Bill Rudman of The Musical Theater Project and Tony F. Sias of Karamu House host “The Impact of Garfield Heights Black History Pleasant left a lasting legacy to their inter- Shuffle Along” at Karamu. Evelyn Wright, backed by The Joe Hunter Trio + George Foley croons in “The Impact of Celebration set for Friday group relations. The Cleveland story has been Shuffle Along” at Karamu House, a co-production with The Musical Theater Project. Photo credits: Vince Robinson Former TV news anchor Eleanor Hayes will masterfully told by area native Todd Michney, numbers that nearly brought and the marketplace. be the special guest speaker at a Black History now an assistant professor of history at Month observance at the Garfield Perform- Georgia Tech, in his book, Surrogate Suburbs: down the house, and which For those of you prepar- ing Arts Center, 4900 Turney Rd. The first Black Upward Mobility and Neighborhood surely stirred the spirit of ing to go online and grab and current Garfield HS valedictorians will Change in Cleveland, 1900–1980 (2017). Langston Hughes that on ducats for the show, we be honored. Call Councilman Mike Dudley Michney will talk about trepidation, tolerance this occasion, surely infused have sad news: today’s 3p 216.324.7661 for more info. and turnover in these and other Cleveland the newly expanded Jelliffe matinee is the final perfor- Saturday, Feb. 16, 10:30a neighborhoods next Sunday at the Maltz Theatre. mance and it is sold out. Second Justice for Our Sisters Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond And it was educational But you may still take heart forum set for Saturday Rd., Beachwood. Admission will be $10. to boot, told principal- in knowing that Karamu’s ly through the script and season is ongoing, with two narration of Rudman and one-act plays by Tennessee Sias, who also demon- Williams opening on this strated some of the per- Thursday on Valentine’s formance chops that have Day, and numerous other been somewhat moth- attractions in its portfolio. balled as he leads Karamu’s Karamu, the country’s own renaissance. oldest African Ameri- The original Shuffle can theater, is one of this Along is known for the city’s precious few truly music and lyrics of Eubie integrated cultural ven- Blake and Noble Sissle ues. Less than a decade that informed a thin plot ago, there were whispers line about a mayoral race about folding its iconic written by Flournoy Mill- theater into the Cleveland er and Aubrey Lyles. The Play House family, a move collaboration of these four that would essentially have black men to conceive and meant the demise of its produce a production and unique cultural heritage take it from the outskirts and role. It took the col- of Broadway and trans- laborative efforts of many form American theater people on several levels to is a Black History Month prevent that development lesson in itself. It is a re- and then initiate the re- minder of the days when naissance that is occurring the black community drew today. At its heart, the Im- strength from its own con- pact of Shuffle Along cele- siderable resources, even brates that can-do spirit. as it struggled to find foot- Karamu, with its cultural holds in a larger society heritage and resonance, where slavery was still a remains a place with the personal memory for mil- potential to manufacture lions and blackface was more of that sorely needed still common in vaudeville spirit for our community. Page 6 The Real Deal Press Volume 4 • Issue 16

CLASSIFIED APARTMENTS FOR RENT The Rosedale Apartments, 1458 East 115th St. Gorgeous 1-2 BR Units within walking distance of University Circle. $950-$1750. Must See! Newly renovated. Includes All Utilities, Wi-Fi, Appliances & Washer/Dryer. Inquire: http://www.phoenixdevelopmentgrp.com Call for details: 216-910-7469.

Kirby V. Freeman Banking/Financial Services Consulant

[email protected] 216.973.1086

We have the BEST RATES for Natural Gas & Electricity! Let us give you a NO OBLIGATION quote. NEVER a fee to you, AND we may find you additional areas of savings. Call Us 216.282.5111