Pilobolus Dance Theatre's Dance in America: Monkshood's Farewell, Ocellus, Ciona, & Untitled (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have yet to see Pilobolus live, but I know from their video alone that they are one of my favorite dance companies. Supple, flowing bodies doing things you never knew were possible... tricks on the eye.... gorgeous soundscapes... interviews with the dancers themselves... if you like modern dance which is stunningly original yet crowd-pleasing, rich in athleticism AND thought-provoking, never pretentious, and just weird and wild, buy this video.

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When Hell Freezes Over, I'll Skate (Broadway Theatre Archive) (1979) Review

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(More customer reviews)This Vinnette Carroll production, brought to life by a talented 8-member troupe of singers and dancers, features a combination of poetry and song which reflects the African-American experience. Inspiring, at the same time that it is an indictment of the treatment black America endured over the ages, the production celebrates the ultimate triumph of the rich and varied African-American culture.
With music created and directed by Tony Award winner Cleavant Derricks and his twin brother Clinton Derricks-Carroll, the revue showcases the performers and their melodies and rhythms, rather than musical instruments. Hand-clapping, simple drums, and a single piano or sax often provide the only accompaniment.
Joyful and enthusiastic, the music ranges from early chants and marches, as in "When the Colored Band Comes Marching Down the Street," through folk dance, gospel, revival music, blues, and disco. The late Lynne Thigpen is the female anchor, doing a passionate blues solo, her voice a contrast to the soprano of Lynne Clifton-Allen, who "just spreads her mouth and shouts, 'Come to Jesus'" in a gospel song. Clevant Derricks is a powerful interpreter/singer throughout, as is his twin, Clinton Derricks-Carroll, whose stirring bass/baritone inspires both the live audience and the viewer.
The production contains almost as much poetry as it does music, with poems by Countee Cullen, Julian Bond, Nikki Giovanni, and Langston Hughes, among others, enacted by the talented cast. Sometimes humorous and satiric, the poems range from the elegantly expressed to the vernacular, always showcasing attitudes and events which have led to moments of triumph, including domestic triumph. Gracefully blending songs, dance, and poetry, the revue creates a moving and comprehensive tribute to the enduring spirit of Black America. As one singer attests, "You can't put out the fiery spirit [of] my soul." Mary Whipple


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Madea's Big Happy Family: The Play Review

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(More customer reviews)I have seen this Play live in Kansas City and I must agree. I laughed, cried, was angry, sad and happy. But thank god for the majority I was laughing. :)
It involved every emotion that we experience in life, and not to be dissapointed had quiet a few lessons in it.
As with every good comedy, you take someones hardship and make fun of it' a lot of people will laugh, because they can relate. The cast was the best he has had yet. Very talented all the way through and I had my favorites of course. "Yaaaa Trick!!!" lol
I have seen all of Tyler Perry's Plays, watched all of his movies. But with this one I wasnt even out of the Sprint Center and asked if they had the play on DVD. But was told I had to wait until november. :( sniff.
I have never ever in 40 years waited on any movie or play ...on anything for that matter for 6 month,
but for this I did.
Thank You Tyler for opening my eyes on a few things and making me laugh while you are sharing your experience and pain.
Buy it, trust me you will not regret it, it's worth every penny!
(Oh and this is my first ever review. Can you tell? lol)

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Shirley has important news for her family, but she has five grown children with different lifestyles and finds it difficult to get them and the kids all together. So in steps Madea, the Matriarch General, to put the family's life in perspective with a hilarious twist on financial difficulties, drugs and, most important, family secrets. The next generation has a lot to learn. In her own way, Madea expresses how deliverance won\'t change you to be someone else, but will allow you to be who you really are. Ain\'t nothing like family!

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Beyond the Steps (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Judith Jamison, Rennie Harris and Robert Battle are awesome choreographers in the moving ballet "Love Stories" past, present,and future. "Visually Spectacular"! and the Alvin Ailey dancers are nothing short of extraordinary, they are the best, see them in various interviews, then watch them rehearse and deliver a tour de force performance! This documentary is shot in New York and Russia, and gives you a litte history on Alvin Ailey and his legacy as well as the classy Judith Jamison and what she has done to continue that legacy. Whether you are a fan of modern dance or not, I dare you to catch the Alvin Ailey Dance Company live on tour and /or order your copy of "Beyond the Steps" today....you will really be glad you did!

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This dazzling cinema verité documentary follows the extraordinary dancers and renowned choreographers of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater as they do everything it takes to keep American modern dance fresh and a legacy alive.Award-winning filmmaker Phil Bertelsen offers a rare backstage look at one of America s oldest modern dance companies at a defining moment in its history--as it settles into its own permanent home and training facility in New York City. Set against the construction of the new dance center and the creation of a new dance, every bit of passion, talent, and hard work that goes into keeping a company running is on display. The troupe seamlessly weaves from rehearsal to a triumphant tour in Russia, back to their new dream-come-true digs in Manhattan. BEYOND THE STEPS intertwines the dancersindividual tragedies and triumphs with breathtaking performance footage from their journey, shining a spotlight on the story of one of America s most beloved cultural institutions. Visually stunning and emotionally poignant, the film provides a rare glimpse into the fascinating world of modern dance.DVD Features: Love Stories: A Ballet

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For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf - Alfre Woodard, Lynn Whitfield (Broadway Theatre Archive) (1982) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been looking for this video for at least 10 years! I gave up a few years ago. I was just doing a random search and I can't believe it's been on Amazon all this time! There are no words to describe this play. The older I get, each poem takes on a new and deeper meaning. I am overjoyed to own a copy of this extraordinary work.

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The history of black women in America: having emigrated on a purely involuntary basis, they became slaves to white America and nurturers to white America's offspring. They were rewarded by being the last Americans given the right to vote. This explosive, vivid "choreopoem" illuminates the story of black women in America as they celebrate in song, poetry and dance their strength, beauty and enormous capacity for love. The seven women comprising the cast, including author Ntozake Shange, share with the viewer their exuberance for life and their ability to begin again, no matter how ridiculous the odds. "A play that should be seen, savored and treasured." --The New York Times. With Alfre Woodard, Ntozake Shange, and Lynn Whitfield.

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