It's official.
Debbie Allen is coming back to Broadway.
It's not as an actress (like with 'Street Charity') or a dancer ('West Side Story') though; it's as director of an ambitious African-American spin on Tennessee Williams' classic 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.'
The BV Newswire has learned that the 'Fame' star will helm the much-buzzed about production, set to star performances the week of Feb. 11, 2008 at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre.
"I am thrilled to stand at the helm of this unique production as we navigate our way through Tennessee Williams' riveting and explosive American classic," Allen said. "Cat, said to be his favorite of his many plays, achieves a timeless coherence with its characters as they wrestle with the universal struggles of life, love, money, sex and death."The play, revolving around a wealthy and dysfunctional Missippi family, will be presented by Tin Cat Productions and produced yb Stephen Byrd, who said he has been on a 12-year journey to bring the show to Broadway. "It will truly be a historic presentation of a classic piece of theatre."
According to production spokesperson Joe Trentacosta, cast will be announced soon.
Allen, an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Drama Desk Award winner, is an internationally recognized director/choreographer/producer and actress. She made her Broadway debut in the chorus of 'Purlie' and created the role of Beneatha in the Tony Award winning musical 'Raisin.' For her star tune in the 1979 revival of 'West Side Story,' she received the prestigious Drama Desk Award, as well as her first Tony Award nomination.The 57-year-old Houston native, who produced Steven Spielberg's epic slavery drama 'Amistad,' holds the distinction of having choreographed the Academy Awards a record ten times, six in consecutive years.
The last Broadway production if 'Tin Roof' opened March 2004 at the Music Box Theatre. Directed by Anthony Page, the show starred Ned Beaty, Ashley Judd and Jason Patric.
The original filmed production of the play starred Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor in 1958.
VIDEO: Debbie Allen Does Dreamgirls
Comments: (18)
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By: Faith Monah on 2/09/2008 10:09PM
Howard University ROCKS! Go Debbie Allen!
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By: JC on 11/08/2007 9:34PM
From A Debbie Allen Fan, "Welcome Back Debbie"! Under Your Direction, This Should Be A Big Success Just Like Your Acting And Dancing!
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By: Debbie on 11/08/2007 10:57PM
Love DA ever since Fame...I used to watch as a little girl and totally wanted to be her,,, it is nice to see her go back to her roots...
Debbie
www.DebbieDonovanTravel.com
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By: Tsicar Ton M'i on 11/09/2007 12:18AM
A very talented woman! It's always good to see talent make a rebound.
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By: G.Grier on 11/09/2007 10:06AM
Debbie,If this is anything like your "Soul Possessed" that I played bass for in ATL,I know its gonna be Great...!!! Aye Terrence/Transcripts?....still would love to write some stuff with ya...Alliance has my contact info...currently in DC/Arena Stage...YOU GO GIRL..!!!...Chow..!!!
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By: cindy on 11/10/2007 8:21AM
I saw a blog of Joe Trentacosta on interracialsingleonline.com. where many users are discussing seriouly about her. it must be very interesting...u can go to check some more details there...
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By: Carlishia on 11/11/2007 2:51PM
BRAVO DEBBIE...IF ANYONE CAN DO THIS FILM ON BROADWAY I KNOW IT IS YOU! THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE NOSTALGIA FILMS! AS A YOUNG CHILD, I REMEMBER MY MOM AND AUNT GOING TO THE THEATRE TO SEE THIS FILM .
PEACE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU DEBBIE ALLEN!!
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By: Mike on 11/11/2007 4:27PM
GO AHEAD DEBBIE ALLEN!! I will never forget as a child seeing you on the sitcom, "Good Times", when you played JJ's girlfriend, and boy, you had major talent then. I've followed your career thoughout the years and you make us(African Americans) proud of your talents and acomplishments. Continue Ms. Allen to DO YOU, like you have in the past, cause you, GOT IT GOING ON!! PS. Good luck the Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, the movie version is one of my favorites.
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By: SCV on 11/11/2007 6:16PM
i am surprise there has not been a black verson of "streetcar named desire" i read that marlon brando got his famous smouldering, dangerous swagger from watching young black men when he was in new york.
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By: Rocket on 11/11/2007 7:56PM
I Commend Debbie Allen as the consumate Artist: Actress, dancer, Choreorgrapher,director, & producer. Thanks for making opprotunities for others, especially the for ones, who are not as renown as you.
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