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.