Despite much fanfare, a thriving box-office and a stellar cast of characters, the new version of Tennessee Williams' 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' isn't up to snuff.
Well, at least – according to the Drama Desk Awards committee.
Of the near 30 categories, the Debbie Allen-directed all-African American version of the play – starring Tony Award winners James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad and Anika Noni Rose, along with Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard – didn't pull in one nomination.The Drama Desk is an organization of theater critics, writers and editors that honors excellence in all areas of New York theater: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway and not-for-profit.
Well when it came to the Stephen Byrd-produced phenomenon, excellence was not recognized.
Nominations for the 53rd annual awards ceremony were announced earlier this week. 'A Catered Affair,' about a Bronx wedding in the 1950s, garnered the most nods with 12.
Considered somewhat of a consolation; theater vet Jones will be honored with a "special award" during the awards, which will be presented on May 18 at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Comments: (19)
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By: Nicole on 5/02/2008 10:37AM
While this 'Cat' production was certainly entertaining and had it's good moments...I can see why it was ignored by the Drama Desk committee.
Stephen Byrd and Debbie Allen applied the "Tyler Perry" treatment to this play and turned a classic drama into a comedy.
I have nothing against Tyler Perry but Tyler Perry and Tennessee Williams are TWO different people and their works are on different levels.
It's a shame that Debbie and Stephen didn't trust the material and the honed skills of her cast to do the work.
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By: NICHOLE on 5/03/2008 9:25PM
WELL THAT'S OK, JUST BECAUSE SOMEHTING WASN'T NOMINATED DOES'T MEAN IT WASNT'T GOOD. THE TROPHY JUST SITS ON A MANTEL & GETS DUSTY ANYWAY.
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By: Resheedah on 5/06/2008 8:21PM
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, was a great play and I enjoyed watching the cast and story unfold. Even though I didn't see Terrence Howard, Boris Kudjoe did well in his place. The play may have not received an nomination but if the sold out theatre and great fan fare is any constellation, they have already won an award. To see so many talented people was a wonderful memory for me.
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By: robert on 5/04/2008 7:20PM
I went and saw this production. I enjoyed it, even though it was nearly 3 hrs long. Boris was not impressive to me. I wish I could have seen Terrance Howard in the role of "Brick."
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By: cfortier on 5/06/2008 2:51AM
This is so typical of the Drama Desk committee. Granted, Tennessee Williams subject matter in 'CAT',
is heavy in and of itself, particularly Brick's relationship with Big Daddy, and his need for his approval and of course Maggie's need to be loved physically( his injury prevented that). Nevertheless, the cast in this production are top notch. Although I have personal issues with Debbie Allen, I am glad that she was able, with the help of her sister, and James Earl Jones, to bring this piece to the Broadway stage. That is an accomplishment in and of itself. The Drama Desk committee are systemic racists, and always pass up quality Black productions and always hold those productions to intense scrutiny. They are never fair, and oftentimes if they have a bias against anyone associated with ANY production, they kick it to the curb. Even the white ones. They are a Broadway political hub. Hard to get into, as they close ranks. I wonder how many Blacks, if any are a part of that committee?
We must keep on making good stage, film, television, and all media productions. Telling our stories, making waves, celebrating our lives, strengths, joys, pain and victories!! The Drama Desk Award is not the pentacle of success. Only a pebble on the pathway toward it! KEEP THE FAITH, YA'LL!!!
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By: Uriah Jordan on 5/16/2008 2:35PM
I still remember when 'A Soldier's Story' was ignored by the Academy Awards, which incidentally was the last time I watched the Oscar ceremonies. Adolph Ceaser was fantastic and the subject matter still applies today. There are some things that are still 'Off-Limits' to us but those things will either open up or fade from existence.
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By: Soldier Girl on 5/07/2008 11:17AM
I haven't seen the play yet but, What do you expect from Racist People?? in the film industry we as Black People are intelligent, smart and can do anything we set our minds to do give us some Credits for our accomplishment.God is going to Bless us anyway that is all that matters Keep your heads up to Debbie Allen and all the cast I love you all. you are in my Prayers and I justdays away from seeing the play I was hoping to see my Cousin Terrence in the Drama. Nothing is going to take away our Happiness...Keep your heads up......... SOLDIER GIRL 125NYC
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By: Vixen on 5/07/2008 12:19PM
Who is Tennessee Williams???????????
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By: Paris on 5/07/2008 3:04PM
I haven't seen this play yet but I already know that there is some racism in place. A play with all those greats has to deserve something. Cat on a hot tin roof is an amazing play in itself. I bet if it started Tom hanks, Meryl Streep, and Keira Knightley it would have been nominated for something.
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By: Jowanda on 5/07/2008 5:19PM
#8 - the fact that you don't know who Tennesee Williams is speaks volumes of just how little education goes on in America.
Do you know who Toni Morris is? Maya Angelou?
ITS IS NOT UNAFRICAN AMERICAN TO KNOW EVERYTHING THE GREEK CLASSICS TO THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CLASSICS...
Educate yourself before you get on-line and become an embarassment.
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