Cover Girl: Kerry Washington Covers The Hollywood Reporter
May 30th, 2013 by NigelFresh from a Elle Magazine cover and her T.V. father trying to murder her the beautiful Kerry Washington covers The Hollywood Reporter. Sharing the front page with Connie Britton, Anna Gun, Kata Mara, Elisabeth Moss, and Monica Potter, the ladies pose for the cover in black and white. The ABC Scandal star was outfitted in a black tank crop top that has a slight peplum like flare and a lose pair of pants that were fitted at the ankles and pointy toe pumps.
Along with the amazing cover Kerry participates in a group interview where she talks about not landing roles because she’s “ethic”, being politically active, and Scandal’s popularity on Twitter. Check out a piece from the interview below courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter :
THR: Last year, January Jones told THR a story about her audition for Coyote Uglyduring which Jerry Bruckheimer told her she was a terrible dancer. What’s your worst audition?
Washington: It’s a little bit different for me because I’ll audition for something and they’ll just decide that they’re not going “ethnic” with a character, which I hear a lot.
THR: Casting directors still use the word “ethnic”?
Washington: If not “black,” then yeah. People have artistic license … that’s what casting is: fitting the right look to the right character. Whereas you could maybe lose some weight, there’s not really anything I can do, nor would I want to, about being black.
Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter, The YBF
Let us know if your loving Kerry Washington on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter and make sure you check out the entire group interview here.
Brandy Wears Camilla & Marc To Niecy Nash’s Book Launch Party
May 16th, 2013 by NigelFrom Jill Scott and Cedric The Entertainer to Basketball Wives Gloria Govan Barnes and Brooke Bailey A list, and some B list celebrities headed out to Beverly Hills to support and celebrate T.V. Host Niecy Nash “It’s Hard To Fight Naked” book launch. One Diva who really caught our eye was R&B Singer Brandy.
The very stylish Grammy Award Winning artist made an appearance at the book’s launch party which was hosted by none other that Ms. Niecy Nash in Camilla and Marc Juniper Printed Silk Cotton Dress.
The multi-colored peplum frock from the brother sister design team is fully lined with a front zipper closure. A waist peplum is also featured on the cotton silk mix garment that is sure to highlight your curves or give you some in all the right places.
Brandy paired her mid thigh length Camilla and Marc dress with a metallic clutch, a big fro and some pick pumps.If you want to steal Brandy’s peplum look head over to Revolve Clothing and grab your Juniper Print dress for $580 dollars.
Image Courtesy: The YBF
Divas could you see yourself stealing Brandy’s look. How would you accessorize this dress to add your personality to it. Sound off below!
Who’s That Girl? Rapper Eve Back on the Scene!
May 1st, 2013 by SimoneEve is back on the scene! She premiered her new music video directed by Peter Hamblin on BET’s 106 & Park this Monday. The track entitled E.V.E. is from her upcoming album Lip Lock to be released on the record label From the Rib.
Before we get into the video, let’s talk about the name of the record label she’s signed to for a second, and how this may be a match made in heaven! We all know the biblical story about how Eve was created to be the first woman on earth. Well, the rapper who shares her name may not have been the first woman in hip hop but she definitely made her mark as the first lady of the RUFF Riders crew when she debuted on the scene. Let’s be real, Adam’s life didn’t get interesting until his lady appeared. With this new release Eve is metaphorically stepping out of the rib that is the male dominated rap industry, announcing that she never left as she chants on the chorus, “Ain’t no guessing it’s E.V.E / I’m the champ they wish they be… Stay on top, no touching me.”
The beat on this song “goes hard” as the young say. It has an edgy sound that is accompanied by the necessary authoritative lyrics to make a hit. She opens it up by reintroducing herself just in case you forgot and then takes a moment to pay tribute to her long-term fans in the second verse. At the beginning of the video Eve is wearing a military inspired look probably to reinforce her standing as one of the matriarchs in the game. She spends the rest of the video walking through the streets and cruising in the back seat of a car wearing a gray tank, high-waist jeans, a simple necklace and an assortment of gold bracelets. Her makeup is flawless and her long tresses frame her face partly covered by a slouchy hat. A very classy-gangsta look we could expect from the first lady of rap.
Lip Lock will be Eve’s first album since 2002. From the sound of this song and her presence in the music video it looks like Eve is coming to stomp the competition …in heels! Lip Lock, is set to be released on May 14, 2013.
See a clip of the video here:
White House Correspondents Dinner: When The Cool Kids Takeover The Nerd Prom…
April 29th, 2013 by Christencelebrity White House Correspondents Dinner celebrity White House Correspondents Dinner celebrity White House Correspondents Dinner
Can’t the nerds have anything?
The year’s annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner took place over the weekend with a vast variety of celebrity faces in the place. Deemed the Nerd Prom, the dinner is where journalists, correspondents, politicians and more dine with A-list celebrities for dinner in the nation’s capital. President Barack Obama & First Lady Michelle Obama joined celebrities, politicians and media figures Saturday night for the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Comedian Conan O’Brien hosts this year’s event, filled with cool kids, drama kids, class clowns and jocks . This year’s dinner took place at the Washington Hilton hotel and features such celebrities as John Legend, Amy Poelher, Gerard Butler, Sophia Vergara… and more pictured below…
celebrity White House Correspondents Dinner celebrity White House Correspondents Dinner celebrity White House Correspondents Dinner
It wouldn’t be an official political event without Olivia Pope present… Actress Kerry Washington attends the White House Correspondents’ Dinner wearing a Wes Gordon gown, Christian Louboutin shoes and Vhernier jewelry.
Of course “President Fitz” actor Tony Goldwyn was in the building looking dapper as well…
SCANDAL writer and producer Shonda Rhimes attended the dinner also, (could she be scoping out new material for Scandal’s third season on ABC?)
Comedians & Saturday Night LIVE alum Amy Poehler and Tracy Morgan attended the event…
Tracy Morgan and fiancé Megan Wollover.
Olympic gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas posed with actress Rebel Wilson.
NY Giants’ Victor Cruz posed with fiancé Elaina Watley.
Singer Katy Perry attends the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner wearing a green gown with gold detailing from Giambattista Valli’s fall 2013 haute couture collection.
Gayle King attends the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner wearing this green gown…
Singer & producer John Legend arrives to the dinner with his gorgeous fiance, model Chrissy Teigen.
“Homeland” Actress Claire Danes attends the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner wearing this sleeveless gown with jewel embellishment by Prada.
Meanwhile the “Modern Family” star Sofia Vergara covered up her ample assets with a royal blue Karen Caldwell cut-out gown.
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With plenty of A-list celebs in attendance from athletes to actresses, which celebrity looks stood out most to you?
Jill Scott Covers Ebony Magazine: Talks Single Motherhood, Raising A Son And More
April 1st, 2013 by Lifestyle Staff
In her very first cover feature with 3-year old son Jett, Jill Scott uncovers the triumphs and challenges of raising her son as a single celebrity mom and artist who also needs to maintain a personal life!
Inside, Jill is very honest as she talks about the struggles of being a single mother, all while revealing that no matter what she does, she can not teach her son how to be a man. Only a man can do that.
Peep a few of the excerpts from the interview below:
On Raising a Boy:
“It’s challenging being a single mom … No matter what I do, I’ll never be a man. Ever. I can show Jett how to be a thinker, how to enjoy music or how to feel, and to conquer. But I cannot show him how to be a man.”
On Being Sexy:
“The way I see things, I think that’s sexy. The way I think and the way I pray, I believe, are very sexy. I’ve never been the girl with too few clothes on. My mother told me, ‘It’s what you don’t do that makes you sexy more so than what you do.’”
Jill on Motherhood:
“Motherhood is getting your hands and your feet in the soil … When Jett puts my face in his hands and tells me, “Mommy you’re so pretty” or smells me, it’s so wonderful.”
Jill on Being a Single Mom:
“That I-can-do-it-by-myself mentality is a lie. I’m sorry if I hurt anybody’s feelings, but you cannot do it all by yourself. You need a village: some aunties, grandmoms, friends. I couldn’t do this by myself and would be a fool to think I could.”
In the issue, Scott also dishes on Hollywood life and her upcoming projects as well as finding her happy.
The May issue of EBONY Magazine hits newsstands April 16th.
Jill Scott and Her Son for Ebony Magazine April 2013.
You can catch more of Jill’s interview in Ebony Magazine when it hits newsstands later this month.
Jill Scott Covers Ebony Magazine
Jill Scott Covers Ebony Magazine
Women’s History Month: Celebrating Black Designers in Fashion
March 22nd, 2013 by TiffanyLong before fashion was a “thing” in the African American community slaves were making garments for their owners. As many obtained their freedom, metropolises became the place to obtain cutting-edge designs from talented African American clothing designers. Many may not know it, but New Orleans was actually the fashion mecca for Black businesses to design, make and sell their clothing long before New York was an option. In honor of National Women’s History Month we honor the Black women of the fashion world from both then and now that have broken molds and opened doors for the designers and trends of today.
THEN…
black designers fashion
black designers fashion
Elizabeth Keckly
Supporting herself and her family through her dressmaking and design skills, Keckly bought her freedom and moved to Washington D.C. She was famous for the inaugural gown she designed for Mary Todd Lincoln, wife to then president Abraham Lincoln. This dress can be viewed today at the Smithsonian Institute in D.C. The wives of Robert E. Lee, Stephen Douglas, and Jefferson Davis were also clients of Elizabeth Keckly. A respected independent business woman, she also worked towards the abolition of slavery through her well-connected white clients.
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Zelda Wynn Valdes
Zelda Wynn Valdes opened her own shop on Broadway in New York in 1948. She was known for her sexy hip-hugging styles and numbered among her clientele many of the notable black women of that era including Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker, Marian Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald and Gladys Knight. Little known to many, her work even caught the eye of Hugh Hefner, who commissioned her to design the original and most popularly known costumes for the Playboy bunnies. She also helped found the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers, an organization of black designers.
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Ann Lowe
Born in Alabama in 1899, Ann Lowe was privileged to move to New York at the age of 16. She attended design school and eventually opened a shop on Madison Avenue. Her clients included members of the Vanderbilt, Roosevelt, and Rockefeller families. She made more than 1,000 dresses per year for clients and sold her designs in Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and I. Magnin. In 1953, Lowe designed the dresses for the mother of the bride and the bridal dress for the wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy, one of the most photographed events in history. It was unfortunate, however, that Lowe did not receive the credit she deserved for these famous gowns.
The infamous gown worn by Miss Kennedy.
AND NOW…
Tracy Reese
Tracy Reese designs are noted for their femininity and retro-influenced style; the textiles themselves make use of bright colors, elaborate graphic patterns, and a playful use of bohemian touches. With a namesake label and variety—ranging from home and shoes to nail polish and hosiery—the brand has captured great commercial success and recognition across many categories. Clothing and home fashions by Tracy Reese’s design lines are carried by retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie, Modcloth, and Nordstrom. Thanks to First Lady Michelle Obama her designs have received national attention recently.
Monif Clarke
Awarded “Best Plus Size Fashion Designer” by Full Figure Fashion Week, “Best Plus Size Clothing Store” by City Search, “Best Store For Plus Size Evening Wear” by Time Out New York and featured in the October issue of Essence Magazine’s “Leaders Of The New School”, Monif C was conceived in 2005 by mother/daughter team Elaine and Monif Clarke to reaffirm every woman’s desire for an inspired life filled with luxury and unadulterated sexy appeal. A love of color, prints, and vintage details sprung from summers spent in Barbados visiting her family.
Today as a plus size woman, Monif understands the need for a new perspective in the plus size market. Monif C. has been featured on Fox Business, NBC’s Today Show, ABC News, Barbara Walters’ the View, The Washington Post, Latina, Crain’s New York Business, Essence, Glamour, TLC’s What Not to Wear, Seventeen Magazine, Ebony, Jet and many more. The Monif C. collection is quintessentially the wardrobe for the young, contemporary, sexy plus size woman.
Laura Smalls
First lady Michelle Obama has made Laura Smalls somewhat of an overnight sensation. In spite of the overnight spike in her brand due to the national attention, Smalls is not new to the fashion industry. In 1976 she graduated from the Parsons School of Design, promptly sold a small spring collection to Bloomingdale’s and Henri Bendel — and then nothing. In the season that followed, Bloomingdale’s opted not to buy her subsequent collection, and a new buyer had replaced her contract at Bendel’s. “I couldn’t even get an appointment,” Smalls told the Huffington Post. Ironically enough, the year we celebrated our first Black president was the same year she began sketching again, and it didn’t take long for first lady Michelle Obama to discover her and add Smalls to the list of American designers she frequently wears.
The history of fashion industry is full of important contributions from creative, talented Black female clothing designers. Black women have certainly made a most worthy contribution to the growth of the fashion industry and to the elegance of women’s wardrobes dating back to slavery and further back to ancient Africa. Given the history of fashion design for Black women our presence in today’s fashion industry is considerably low. However, we can change this by ensuring that Black female and male fashion designers receive our support as did Zelda Wynn Valdes from black stars such as Josephine Baker, and like FLOTUS Michelle Obama does with Tracy Reese, Laura Smalls and others.
black designers fashion
black designers fashion
black designers fashion
9 Must-See, Eye Opening Documentaries
March 16th, 2013 by Lifestyle StaffSince Beyonce’s Life is But a Dream documentary hit the airwaves in February, I’ve been wondering what other celebrity documentaries would also give a better understanding. Documentaries give watchers a more realistic look into the lives of people, of thoughts behind ideas, and facts about topics viewers may not have come across otherwise. Below is a list of researched documentaries worth watching. Some are about celebrities, others about social issues and culture. All are available on Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, and/or iTunes. Get into it!
Brooklyn Boheme
During the 1980s and 90s, the Fort Greene area of Brooklyn was booming with talent. The black arts movement was underway with filmmaker Spike Lee, comedian Chris Rock, actress Rosie Perez, among other artists creating a community and paving their ways in the art world. Brooklyn Boheme tells the story of these creators.
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
The film chronicles the story of Black comedy, its roots, nature, and what social and political stances inform it. From minstrels and ‘Amos ‘n Andy’ to ‘In Living Color’ and the Original Kings of Comedy, it is all discussed. There is commentary from established comedians and clips from different periods of significance in comedy.
Harvest of Shame
The documentary was produced by CBS in 1960 as a part of a series by broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow. In Harvest of Shame, Murrow exposed the plight of America’s farm workers. It is interesting to see some of the issues of farm workers today mirroring that of those over 50 years ago. (Full Documentary)
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975
Through the lens of Swedish filmmakers, viewers get a look at the Black Power Movement. In clips Huey P. Newton, Angela Davis, and Stokely Carmichael talk about what the movement means. There is also commentary by Erykah Badu and Harry Belafonte, among others.
Being Elmo
Elmo is an icon, but not many people know who is behind the puppet and makes him come to life. Kevin Clash is that man. In Being Elmo, Clash’s story is told. Viewers will learn how he got to where he is now and created the persona of Elmo.
Jean-Michael Basquiat: The Radiant Child
At the age of 27, the artist Jean-Michael Basquiat left the earth. In this film, Tamra Davis brings an unreleased interview of the charismatic and controversial artist. The rise and fall of Basquiat is seen in the film, giving viewers a better understanding of the man behind the paintings.
A Man’s Story
Celebrated menswear designer Ozwald Boateng gives a look into is life as a designer, tailor to Hollywood’s A-list, superstar, and family man. A Man’s Story goes to the very heart of what Boateng has spent an entire career trying to distil: “what it is to be a man.”
Where I’m From: Jay-Z Barclays Center Documentary
The Barclays Center is Brooklyn’s baby, in a sense. It’s only right that the borough’s own, Jay-Z, performs there. In Where I’m From, Jay-Z takes viewers on a behind the scene journey of preparing for opening concerts at the arena. (Full Documentary)
Also recommended: Fade to Black
Tyson
A mixture of original interviews, archival footage, and photographs shed light on the life experiences of Mike Tyson. Looking at the film may allow viewers to gain a better understanding of the professional boxer.
Which documentaries will you be checking out? Have any recommendations?
Women’s History Month: Celebrating Black Women in Television
March 15th, 2013 by TiffanyBefore recent portrayals of powerful, talented Black women on television, entertainment was known to breed stereotypes. There were very few roles in the first few decades of television’s existence that didn’t marginalize Black women until the late 1960′s. Thus, African American women playing a leading non-stereotypical role was so rare they could be counted on one hand, until the late 1980′s and early 1990′s. These women have made their mark in television and have opened the doors for some of the best shows with a leading Black actress on television today. In honor of National Women’s History Month, we celebrate these women from then and now.
Then…
Diahann Carroll
In 1968, Diahann Carroll starred in the ground breaking series “Julia.” Heralded as being the first series to star a black woman in a non-stereotypical role, “Julia” produced 86 episodes and Carroll earned herself a golden globe. The first major breakthrough for African American women in television.
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Pam Grier
In the 70′s, Pam Grier played a character that also went against the typical African American female archetype. In 1974, Grier starred as the title character in Foxy Brown, a sexy yet independent Black woman who was capable of running down criminals and saving the day. Another ground breaking role for Black women in television.
Phylicia Rashad
The 1980′s and ’90′s saw the birth of the black upper-middle class in entertainment. In The Cosby Show, Phylicia Rashad played Claire Huxtable, the epitome of a strong, dignified, and highly intelligent black woman that rarely was seen on television before and was noticeably absent. Even after The Cosby Show it was several years before we saw another Black woman playing a lead role outside of the media-bred stereotypes, but Rashad definitely broke the mold for a new generation to come.
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And Now…
Jada Pinkett-Smith
Jada Pinkett-Smith has been one of the most popular Black actresses since the early ’90′s. She has appeared in more than 20 films in a variety of genres and in 2009 created her leading television role in the TNT medical drama Hawthorne, of which she was executive producer. Although it was canceled after three seasons, it was definitely the first show of its kind with a leading Black actress, opening doors for many more to come.
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Taraji P. Henson
Taraji Henson has proved her versatility in a variety of movies like Baby Boy, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, The Family That Preys, Four Brothers and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Many may not know, however, that she has also appeared on many television shows before landing a major leading role in 2011 on the CBS crime-suspense series Person of Interest. Henson was a cast member on Lifetime Television’s The Division and ABC‘s Boston Legal and guest-starred on several television shows, such as the WB Television Network‘s Smart Guy, the Fox series House, and CBS‘s CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She has proved that hard work and persistence do pay off!
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington has played almost every role imaginable from a struggling single mother in Save the Last Dance, a lesbian in Spike Lee‘s She Hates Me, a wife in Ray, a slave in Django, and finally to our favorite professional political fixer in Scandal. ABC’s Scandal was the first time in more than 30 years that a television show starring a black actress appeared on a major television network. Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, portrays a powerful woman who runs a crisis management firm that the political elite trust to solve their problems, including murders and extramarital affairs. Based on the real life fixer, Judy Smith, Washington brings an edge to television that has never before existed.
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Shonda Rhimes
We cannot celebrate the amazing Black women on-screen without recognizing the powerful Black women that work off-screen creating more opportunities for other women of color. Producer, screenwriter, and director Shonda Rhimes has taken over television, giving us some of the best shows networks have seen in decades including Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and Scandal. Rhimes is a Golden Globe winner and was also named Time Magazine’s “100 people who help shape the world”. She continues to shape the television world as we know it.
These women have broken through barriers, set new standards and proven that African American women, too, can be successful in the entertainment industry and any other field chosen. These breakthroughs have also allowed others like Tyler Perry to make his mark in television, by featuring Black women as his leading characters. These women have without a doubt changed the face of television, opened several doors, and changed many perceptions in the process!
Where do you think television would be without these women from then and now? Who else are some of your favorite Black women of television?
WEtv Hosts a Premiere Party for Braxton Family Values (Season 3)
March 14th, 2013 by SimonePremiere Party for Braxton Family Values
Braxton Family Values is back for a third season which will premiere tonight (March 14) on WEtv.
To celebrate the launch of a new season the Braxton’s arrived on the red carpet at STK Meatpacking restaurant in New York then went off to party with a packed house of friends and fans. Divas and Dorks caught up with one of the most outspoken members of the family Tamar and her husband Vince. They were both glowing after revealing earlier in the day that they were expecting their first child.
Both Tamar and Vince seemed overjoyed as they made their way through the crowd posing for pictures and accepting congratulatory handshakes and well wishes.
What is Tamar looking forward to the most about being a mom? “I’m looking forward to family time with Vince.”
Everyone wanted to know which one of her sisters was already going into protective auntie mode. According to Tamar that would be, “Ms. Toni Braxton, she is on team too much,” she said. Then she added, “[Toni is already] talking about my shoes.”
When asked about the sex of the baby Vince said, “We don’t want to find out until it comes.”
Vince shared how happy he was while showering his wife with compliments. “She is everything. She is a beautiful woman, intelligent and smart and I’m so lucky to have her as my wife.” In regards to supporting his wife and her career he said, “We’re supposed to love each other and support each other. That’s what life is about.”
Famous friends Lil’ Kim and Angela Simmons also came out to show their support. Flat screen televisions were spread throughout the venue showing clips of the Braxton’s show. Party goers took turns making silly faces in a custom photo booth. The crowd danced to a mixture of R&B hits including some crowd favorites from Toni Braxton as they sipped on signature cocktails. There were even cake pops made with ingredients inspired by each of the sisters.
It’s going to be another crazy season filled with family battles, touching moments and more catch phrases from our favorite sisters. Get your life, as Tamar would say and don’t miss the first episode of the season three tonight.
Season three opens with Toni, Towanda, Traci and Trina on a trip to Italy sans Tamar who is back home touring for own her spin-off show “Tamar & Vince” which will also be on WEtv as well as promoting her single “Love & War”. Discussion of her absence is not without the side-eyes and comments from her sisters who feel like Tamar may be growing apart from the family due to her recent success.
Here’s a sneak peak of what’s coming up in season three:
Premiere Party for Braxton Family Values
Premiere Party for Braxton Family Values
Premiere Party for Braxton Family Values
And for more photos of the event check out the behind the scenes gallery below…
Vanessa Williams, Cicely Tyson on the Broadway Play The Trip to Bountiful
March 14th, 2013 by SimoneThe Trip to Bountiful, originally released in 1953 as a teleplay on NBC, has now been revived featuring an all Black cast. This April The Trip to Bountiful will be taking a trip to Broadway, starring Emmy winner Cicely Tyson, Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (“Jerry Maguire,” “Red Tails”), Emmy Award nominee Vanessa Williams (“Ugly Betty,” “Desperate Housewives”), and Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad (Lifetime’s “Steel Magnolias,” Broadway’s Stick Fly).
This amazing story is about Carrie (Cicely Tyson) who lives in a cramped apartment with her son and daughter-in-law and wants to make one last trip home to Bountiful, Texas. Carrie’s son (Cuba Gooding Jr.) doesn’t think his elderly mother is strong enough to make the trip and her daughter-in-law (Vanessa Williams) doesn’t care for her very much, often making her feel like an imposition. However, her motive for not supporting the trip is based on the issue that she is surviving off of Carrie’s pension check. When Carrie escapes to make the trip home it sets an adventure in motion that has its serious and comedic moments, leaving you with a different prospective of the concept “home”.
The cast of The Trip to Bountiful with Director Michael Wilson and Horton Foote’s Daughter Hallie Foote
All of the stars including director Michael Wilson and Hallie Foote, the daughter of the playwright as well as executor of his estate, gathered at Sardi’s Restaurant in New York City to talk to the press face to face about the production. We got some face time with the divas of the show including Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams and Condola Rashad as they shared their favorite moments and talked about their roles in the play!
Up first, the youngest member of the cast but not the least talented by far, Condola Rashad. In The Trip to Bountiful, Rashad plays the part of Thelma, better known as the “girl on the bus”. Rashad’s character meets Carrie as she is on her journey home- two women of contrasting ages going on two separate journeys. However, in the time that they sit next to each other on the bus they form a brief yet remarkable bond. That bond seems to continue even off stage when Rashad and Tyson are not in character.
Condola Rashad
“Cicely reinforces everything I have grown to know [about acting]. As long as you are honest and in the moment it will work,” says Rashad. When looking at the way that her character interacts with Tyson’s she doesn’t think she differs from her character in real life. “My character treated her as an adult. When I was a teenager and I would volunteer at nursing homes, I was respectful of people of a certain age not only just because of their age but in the way that allows them to have their freedom and decide what they want to do. My character doesn’t limit Carrie, she respects her journey.”
Cicely Tyson has not been on a Broadway stage since 1983 in her role for The Corn is Green, yet the iconic actress is the recipient of countless awards and is a living legend in her field. Sitting across from Tyson, her demeanor was calm and collected. You could feel the warmth of her spirit but there was also an air of regality that surrounded her.
When asked what she did to prepare for the role Tyson shared her approach to playing this character. “I went to Texas because I wanted to know what was it about this place that this woman needed to go back to. You cannot project anything about anybody unless you know their culture. You have to smell, feel, taste and breathe in order for you to honestly project that character. My method has always been to go where that person stems from.”
Tyson also speaks to the lesson about the way we treat and view our elders, which flows through the undercurrent of every interaction in this production. “One of the things that touches me about this character is that she is an elder and today there is such little respect for the elderly. They are tossed aside and put in a home and disregarded by family members and/ or close friends. I want the audience to leave with a greater appreciation of what we have to offer.” In essence, this is a role that Tyson always wanted to play. In an admiration for the movie adaption of the teleplay, Tyson told her agent immediately “to get me my Trip to Bountiful.” She was referring to one last great role which turned out to be none other than a role in this production. When talking about the kismet way in which she was led to this role Tyson jokingly says, “Be careful what you ask for, because you will get it.”
Vanessa Williams Cicely Tyson and Condola Rashad
Vanessa Williams‘ most recent stint was on the show 666 Park Avenue, which was unfortunately short lived. Not long after, however, she found out that she was not going to continue the run on the small screen after she’d gotten the call that she will be getting a chance to show off her skills yet again on the big stage. Her character Jessie Mae makes no effort to hide her annoyance with her mother-in-law Carrie, thus there is a constant conflict between them. As Williams puts it “Mother Watts relishes the past. Jessie May loves the city. She couldn’t care less about the past. The past is too painful. Jessie may is forward in terms of her process and her intention. Mother Watts is always going back. Jessie Mae thinks that acknowledging the past is morbid. Mother Watts thinks that not acknowledging the past is unfeeling. Who’s right who’s wrong?”
Vanessa Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Cicely Tyson
When asked about what it was like to work with Tyson, Williams referenced a time when she was just a child watching Tyson playing Jane Pittman on television “Now we get to share a stage,” she says. “I’m living my dream.” Of course it can be surreal to work with someone you look up to. Williams adds, “I kind of have an out of body experience when I’m arguing with Cicely Tyson while we’re character.” Because we are proud to be divas, I couldn’t help but ask Williams how she felt about the extravagant diva qualities of her character. Her reply was that in comparison to the other characters she has played including Wilhelmina on Ugly Betty, she sees Jessie Mae as more of a wannabe. “Wilhelmina was a Diva. Jessie Mae aspires to be a diva. She is always reading her movie magazines and trying to do the hairstyles she sees in them.” In response to being often cast as the in the roles of the headstrong diva, Williams says, “The characters may not always be likable but they are interesting.”
From talking one on one with each of these women, you could feel the strong connection each of them had to the overall meaning of the story in The Trip to Bountiful. From the passion they each had in the telling of the story it is clear that they will bring the same exuberance to each of their roles on the stage. This is a play that holds relevance to anyone regardless of background or age and is definitely a must-see!
Previews for The Trip to Bountiful begin on March 30 and will officially open April 23, running for a 14- week engagement at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, located at 124 W. 43rd St. Tickets range from $37 to $142 and are currently available on Telecharge.com.
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