By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
When it rains it pours.
Just ask actress Dawnn Lewis -- who is having a career renaissance of sorts with her most recent acting endeavors.
The plump-lipped 'A Different World' star has an important cameo in the hit movie musical 'Dreamgirls' and is also fronting the stage adaptation of Whoopi Goldberg's box office smash 'Sister Act.'
So in essence, the woman who many affectionately know simply as Jaleesa Vinson (her character on the groundbreaking 'Cosby Show' spin-off) is literally flipping the script: 'Dreamgirls,' of course, was a legendary Broadway musical and is now a Bill Condon-helmed cinematic spectacle; and 'Sister Act' was a ....
Well you get my drift.
In 'Sister Act the Musical,' Lewis stars in the lead role as diva-in-waiting Deloris Van Cartier (a.k.a. Sister Mary Clarence) --an icon of empowered, ferocious, irreverent African-American womanhood-- who after witnessing a murder, packs up her platform shoes and moves in with the sisters at the down-and-out Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith.
If you saw the movie, you know it's a comedic romp.
The storyline set to music sounds like it could be real fun.
Directed by Peter Schneider (producer of Broadway musicals 'The Lion King' and 'Aida'), 'Sister Act' will make its world premiere at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre on Jan 24, after a week of preview performances. The show is scheduled to run through Feb. 25.
Lewis, a Brooklyn native who turns 46 this year, married retired NBA player Johnny Newman in 2004. They are now separated.
Professionally, she recently worked on the wildly popular Cartoon Network series 'The Boondocks.'
Comments: (17)
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By: Lynn on 1/12/2007 7:43AM
Dawn Lewis appears to be a very nice lady, I've watched her whole career. But I don't feel that's she can act all the great. It always looks as though she IS acting. Maybe the play will give her some more practice.
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By: Hotdog Evans on 1/12/2007 7:51AM
I think Dawn is doing her thing! Different World was a long time ago and I loved that show but now she is doing bigger and better things! Good luck girlfriend!!
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By: TC Evans on 1/12/2007 9:07AM
Dawn Lewis has always been a wonderful addition to anything she has done and I believe it will continue to be so.
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By: Lance Scurvin on 1/12/2007 9:59AM
I take my hat off to anyone who can overcome the odds and maintain a passion for THEIR passion! If anyone knows how shark infested and challenging the world of acting, Broadway and Hollywood can be, they would probably run under their bed and hide! We may see the finished product onstage, but can you imagine the hard work, focus and drive required to perform on this level especially AFTER going through a separation? I am inspired by Dawn's resurgence (It's not a comeback, she never left!) and hope to God that I will continue on my on path as blessed as she is. Keep it up Dawn! We love you always!
www.ScurvOriginalz.com
"Art That Reflects The Realities Of Urban Black Life!"
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By: Lance Scurvin on 1/12/2007 10:02AM
http://www.ScurvOriginalz.com
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By: laconya cunningham on 1/12/2007 10:31AM
i have not seen the movie yet but i know she'll do greatshe always has in hollywood everybody cant be on top but its good be somebody in a career you love keep on keepin on girl
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By: Brenda M on 1/12/2007 1:17PM
I'm from back in the day so I remember the TV show well. I'm happy for Ms. Lewis because I think she is a very talented lady. I am also a big fan of Boondocks. She was the voice of one of the characters? Which one?
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By: FashionMeccaInc on 1/12/2007 7:40PM
WHO IS DAWN LEWIS AGAIN PLEASE?
National and International Actress available for castings.
www.ProfessionalModelAndActress.com
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By: TJ on 1/12/2007 5:39PM
What the heck is 'plump lipped'?
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By: Edna on 1/12/2007 6:11PM
I love Dawn Lewis.She always does a great job in whatever
acting job she appears in.I know she will give a superb performance in Sister Act as well.Let us not forget that this lady is not only a beautiful black woman,but she can really sing.I wish her well in whatever she chooses to do.
All the best to her.EdnaM.
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