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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: Belinda on 11/12/2007 3:14AM
it's great to see her back. She was great on fame. I haven't seen a picture of her in years. I'm reminded of how long ago that was when she was on fame. She has aged beautifully.
I can remember when Phelicia Rashad was the unknown one. I think now she's more well known that Debbie. Perhaps this production will change that.
http://www.freewebs.com/galleryshops/
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By: rex on 11/12/2007 5:32AM
A most accomplished woman and quite beautiful to go with it. Your show should be a really hot ticket on Broadway. Best of luck with it.
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By: Sherry Hearn on 11/15/2007 8:53AM
Bravo Debbie Allen. I love your work. I will love Cat. I enjoyed the movie starring E.Taylor and P. Newman. Watch it every time it is shown on television. I will see your production as well. Can't hardly wait!
Go Girl!
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By: Ronald Lewis on 11/15/2007 2:22PM
This is just another way to keep from doing plays written by and about black people. We have a whole canon of plays that deserve to be seen and done by us, but the pattern is now establishing itself by resurrecting white plays with black actors on Bway. It is a shame. And Debbie and Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington and Epatha Merkerson should ask themselves why they are doing it. It's a disgrace!
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By: jarvis smith on 11/15/2007 3:21PM
say ronald did you see RAISIN IN THE SUN ON BROADWAY WITH PUFFY? I GUESS NOT. Somebody else should have played that role. can we as black people support a play on BROADWAY long enough for it to make money. I DON'T THINK SO. WE ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT.
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By: Rocket on 11/17/2007 12:55PM
Friends "Cat on A Hot Ten Roof" was written about White Americans life in the South; not African Americans life in the South. The language in the play is not African American; every race on this earth has it's own uniqueness, and nothing can be done about that. When are black people going to stop begging for white people's 'LEFT OVERS.' The play is a classic without a doubt, but not about black life. However there are many great African American dramatist, who have written and had produced; many great works. Having said that, I doubt if you will ever see a white production of, "A Raisin In The Sun." Simply put it wouldn't make sense, as is with an African American production of, " Cat ON A Hot Ten Roof" I bet this play will not be a hit or prevail on Broadway. Come on friends, we have some of the most gifted people the world has ever known; so stop the waiting game and get creative.
THANK YOU!!
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By: Al Bostick on 11/21/2007 1:06PM
While I can never take away from Debbie Allen's imense talents. I can't help wonder why we must constantly do a "Black" version of what the American theater calls classics,I wish more Black playwrights would be given a voice by our Black directors. I live in a hinderland where there are many community theaters, and University Theaters, but none of these venues give credence to the works of Wolfe, August, Soyinka, etc.
Congrats Debbie, but please!!!!!!!Help us put Black theatre on the Great White way!
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By: Barbara FryeChenault on 1/06/2008 10:46AM
I have been a fan of you and your sister. I remember visiting on Howard's Campus and the 'young man' I was visiting took me to a show on campus - starring the Allen sisters perform. I was amazed @ the number of students who were 'rushing' to get inside. I have followed the Allen sisters ever since. God continue to bless you - and by blessing you he blesses us!
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