André De Shields is an African-American actor, singer, director, dancer, novelist, choreographer, lyricist, composer, and professor. His recent musical theatre credits include Hadestown.
In a career spanning forty-seven years, André De Shields has distinguished himself as an unparalleled actor, director, choreographer and educator. Mr. De Shields is an esteemed alumnus of both the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2004 Doctor of Fine Arts honoris causa) and New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. His numerous accolades include a second honorary Doctor of Fine Arts (SUNY-Buffalo State College), the 2007 Village Voice OBIE Award for Sustained Excellence of Performance, the 2009 National Black Theatre Festival’s Living Legend Award, a 2012 Fox Foundation Fellowship in Distinguished Achievement, Florida Atlantic University’s 2014 Making Waves Award, the Theatre School at DePaul University 2015 Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Riant Theatre’s 2016 Pioneer of the Arts Award, the Black Theatre Network's 2016 Winona Lee Fletcher Award, three Chicago Joseph Jefferson Awards and nine AUDELCO Awards. His body of work includes Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional Theatre, Feature Films, Television, Distinguished Visiting Professorships and Motivational Speaking. A multiple Tony Award nominee, Mr. De Shields is best known for his show stopping performances in six legendary Broadway productions: Impressionism (costarring with Jeremy Irons and Joan Allen); the world premiere of Mark Medoff’s Prymate (Drama Desk nomination); The Full Monty, for which he received Tony, Drama Desk and Astaire Award nominations, in addition to both the Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Awards; Play On! (Tony nomination); Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Drama Desk nomination) and The Wiz (title role).
Video by Lia Chang
Photos and Video: Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner André De Shields Performs at Central Scholarship Bureau's Centennial Gala https://wp.me/pXK8r-6LR
Central Scholarship Bureau celebrated a century of supporting educational excellence at their Centennial Gala held at LIVE! Casino & Hotel Maryland on November 6, 2024.
Morgan State University Choir, under the direction of Dr. Eric Conway, performed several numbers. Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winning Baltimore native André De Shields, who received a Central Scholarship Bureau scholarship in 1964, performed I Got Life from Hair and Believe in Yourself from The Wiz, accompanied by Music Director Drew Wutke and the David Bach Band.
Since 1924, when Moses Rothschild founded Central Scholarship Bureau, the organization has unwaveringly supported students through higher education and career training. Central Scholarship is dedicated to the belief that education is a right, not a privilege. As a beacon of hope in the community, it provides financial support for undergraduate, graduate, professional, and career training studies, regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, or financial circumstances.
In 1964 André De Shields was a newly minted graduate of Baltimore City College, proudly known as the Castle on the Hill.
At the age of 18 years André harbored an inextinguishable Promethean fire in is heart--a human-size version of the Big Fire in the Cosmos, which kindles the imagination. André imagined that one day he would wake up and be somebody, someone whom Baltimore would gladly claim as its Native Son. The universe conspired and brought André to the attention of the Society of Friends, which administered what was then known as the Central Scholarship Bureau. He was awarded a Work/Study Scholarship to attend Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio. After two years on the pristine campus and a third, junior year, at the International College in Copenhagen, André matriculated to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a Batchelor of Arts in English. During the same month that he earned his BA, André achieved his first professional employment, as a member of the Pottawatomie Tribe in the 1969 production of Hair at the now defunct Shubert Theatre. Fifty-five years hence and at age 78, Mr. De Shields has distinguished himself as a Legendary Actor/Activist, Iconic Philanthropist and Broadway Deity. He was the triple-crown winner of the 2019 awards season, having won the Outer Critics, Drama Desk, Grammy and Tony Awards as Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his unanimously critically acclaimed performance as Hermes, Messenger to the Gods, in Hadestown.
As Actor Mr. De Shields’ mission is to fill intimate spaces with enormous beauty. He defines intimate spaces as the hearts of humanity. As Activist he endeavors to restore majesty, elegance and literacy to the Black Thespian toolbox, advocate for People with HIV/AIDS, and the Elderly (old people who are still kickin' butt).
Perennially known for his show-stopping performances in five Broadway productions: The Wiz (title character), Ain't Misbehavin' (Emmy), Play On! (Tony nom.), The Fully Monty (Tony nom.) and Hadestown. Mr. De Shields received the key to Baltimore City from His Honor Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young in 2019.
In 2023, the Honorable Mayor Brandon Scott re-named the 1800 block of Division Street--where André had spent the formative years of his life--ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS WAY. And, now, Mr. De Shields returns to Maryland to celebrate fifty years of Central Scholarship trail blazing. UBUNTU! www.andredeshields.com
Photos and Video by Lia Chang/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
Additional float video by Martha Tobias
On October 31st, Tony, Grammy and Emmy winning Broadway legend André De Shields served as Grand Marshal of New York City's 51st annual Village Halloween Parade with Meow as the theme of the night.
According to Jeanne Fleming, Artistic and Producing Director of New York’s Village Halloween Parade, one million people enjoying Spring like temperatures in the 70’s lined the sidewalks of Sixth Avenue starting at Canal Street to watch over 73,000 participants who marched or were featured on floats in the Halloween Parade procession to 15th Street. NY1’s live broadcast reached another four million.
André invited us to ease on down the road as he got ready for the big night. We got a sneak peek at The Wiz themed float designed by Richard W. Prouse upon arriving at The Dominick.
André won the Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Grammy Awards for his universally acclaimed role as Hermes, messenger to the gods, in Hadestown. He is known for his show-stopping performances in four legendary Broadway productions—The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Emmy Award), Play On! and The Full Monty. For the parade, André wore his original Wiz costume. His custom wig design was built and styled by Caitlin Molloy, and cut and applied by Daniel Scott Mortensen.
This summer, André starred as Old Deuteronomy in the critically acclaimed PAC NYC produced CATS: The Jellicle Ball, a radical reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical inspired by the Ballroom culture that has thrived in New York City and beyond.
André recently received an AUDELCO nomination for Featured Actor in a Musical, and the show garnered 11 nominations. CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL cast members joining André on the float included fellow Featured Actor in a Musical nominees Robert Silk Mason serving it up as Glenda, Sydney James Harcourt as a sizzling Flying Monkey, Featured Actress in a Musical nominee Tempress Chasity Moore as a voluptuous Dorothy, and Jonathan Burke as The Scarecrow.
Lia Chang was dolled up as Glinda, and other characters included Lori Tan Chinn as the Tin Woman, John J. Concado as The Lion, Emily Johnson as The Poppy, Drew Wutke as The Wicked Witch of the West, and Kenneth D. Ard as Puss in Boots. Haus of Silk members also on our float included Sheba Jade, Matt Hannan and Angel.
It was a raucous dance party on Andre’s float which traveled up Sixth Ave from Spring Street to 17th Street, and André sang “So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard” for the NY1 broadcast. A grand time was had by all.
Special thanks to Peter Criswell for taking such good care of us, Jeanne Fleming, Artistic and Producing Director of New York's Village Halloween Parade, Martha Tobias, New York's Village Halloween Parade Float Producer, and Float Designer Richard W. Prouse.
#nyc
#halloween
#nycvillagehalloweenparade
#andredeshields
#thewizardsfreestyle
#newyorkcityvillagehalloweenparade
André De Shields, Ephraim Sykes and Darrin Scott sing "I Got Life" at 2024 BTU Gala at Ziegfeld Ballroom on September 30, 2024.
Arrangement by Sean Mayes
Video by Lia Chang/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
For more information, visit www.BlackTheatreUnited.com.
On Monday, September 30th, 2024, the Founders of Black Theatre United celebrated their second annual gala event at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom. This year’s theme Generations of Excellence was the backdrop for a legendary star-studded evening honoring the indelible mark that Black culture has had on Broadway and across multiple industries. Proceeds from the gala play a vital role in supporting Black Theatre United’s empowering programs, including The BTU Rise Marketing Internship, Business of Show discussion series, Community town hall events, their upcoming educational program launching in this fall, and The New Deal for Broadway.
The gala honored renowned conductor, composer, and music director Linda Twine with the 2024 Accountability Award; Chief Diversity Officer of Meta, Maxine Williams with the 2024 Advocacy Award; and 16-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Alicia Keys with the 2024 Aspire Award.
Directed by Jerry Dixon
Music Direction by Joseph Joubert
Featuring Performances by Broadway legends André de Shields, Leslie Uggams, and Stephanie Mills with Ephraim Sykes, Nichelle Lewis, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and newcomers Sydney Terry, Gabrielle Rice and Darrin Scott as well as a featured performance by Matthew Whitaker and the next generation of musical theatre performers from the Class of 2024: Owen Scales, Aidan Jones, Kianna Kelly Futch, Logan Durrah Broadnax, Jalen Bunch, Aria Evans, Ahmeer Bethea, Harry Cornelio, Kal Rutledge, Jenna Rose Young, Talib Thompson, Joshua Lewis, Kennedy Jackson, Amirah Joy Lomax, Caleb Mayers, and Savannah Lee Henry.
The Gala featured special presentations by Shoshana Bean, Kristin Chenoweth, Danny Burstein, Mia Neal, Peggy Eisenhauer, Juliana Canfield, Raúl Esparza, Jeanine Tesori, Kara Young, Elain Graham, Mario Cantone and more, as well as BTU Founders Norm Lewis, Vanessa Williams, LaChanze, Michael McElroy, Tamara Tunie, Allyson Tucker Mitchell, Darius de Haas, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Schele Williams, Capathia Jenkins, Natasha Yvette Williams, Wendell Pierce and Lillias White.
The 2024 Honorary Co-Chairs include Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner Whoopi Goldberg; Oscar winner Ariana Debose; Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award nominee Josh Groban; Tony and Grammy Award winner Marc Shaiman; Tony and Grammy Award winner Patti LuPone; Richard Jay-Alexander; Oscar winner Spike Lee; and Oscar and Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Stephen Schwartz.
The 2024 Gala Co-Chairs include Dr. Indira Etawroo (Harlem Stage), Kevin Brown (Ernst & Young) and Jana Fleischman (Roc Nation).
BTU announced their newest initiative: The BTU Marva Hicks Musical Theatre Scholarship. This scholarship will provide $10,000 to a student who is training in the field of musical theatre every year for four years. The scholarship, created in memory of Marva and her lasting contribution to the musical theatre field, will be given to a student based on financial need and merit.
For more information, visit www.BlackTheatreUnited.com.
On the heels of a watershed moment in American society, Black Theatre United was formed in 2020 by a passionate group of theater professionals committed to ensuring advances in their beloved theater community. BTU’s mission is to provide access for up-and-coming Black artists, pathways for art makers, and opportunities for industry professionals historically marginalized within the theater world and beyond.
As members of the Black theatre community, we stand together to help protect Black people, Black theatre, and Black lives of all shapes and orientations in communities across the country. Our voices are united to educate, empower, and inspire through excellence and activism in the pursuit of justice and equality. We will tell our stories, preserve our history, and ensure the legacy of Black theatre as American culture.
The full company includes Jonathan Burke (Mungojerrie), Baby Byrne (Victoria), Tara Lashan Clinkscales (Ensemble), Rodrick Covington (Macavity), André De Shields (Old Deuteronomy), Jovan E’Sean (Understudy), Bryce Farris (Understudy), Sydney James Harcourt (Rum Tum Tugger), Dava Huesca (Rumpleteazer), Dudney Joseph Jr. (Munkustrap), Capital Kaos (DJ), Junior LaBeija (Gus), Robert "Silk" Mason (Mistoffelees), Jenny Mollet (Jellylorum), “Tempress” Chasity Moore (Grizabella), Ivy Mugler (Understudy), Zachary A. Myers (Understudy), Primo (Tumblebrutus), Xavier Reyes (Jennyanydots), Nora Schell (Bustopher Jones), Bebe Nicole Simpson (Demeter), Emma Sofia (Skimbleshanks), Phumzile Sojola (Ensemble), Kendall Grayson Stroud (Understudy), Kai B. White (Understudy), Garnet Williams (Bombalurina) and Teddy Wilson Jr. (Sillabub).
Directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, Choreographers Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles, Rachel Hauck (Scenic Design), Qween Jean (Costume Design), Adam Honoré (Lighting Design), Kai Harada (Sound Design), Brittany Bland (Projection Design), Nikiya Mathis (Hair/Wig Design), Rania Zohny (Make up design), Josephine Kearns (Dramaturg & Gender Consultant), William Waldrop (Music Supervision and Music Direction), David Lai (Music Coordinator), Trevor Holder (Beats Arrangement), Capital Kaos (Ballroom Consultant), Skylar Fox (Magic and Illusions), Hannah "Rock" Roccisano (Fight Director), Ann James (Intimacy Coordinator), X Casting/ Victor Vazquez CSA, and Sujotta R. Pace CSA (Casting).
On Monday, September 23, tune in to the premiere of NBC's new medical drama, Brilliant Minds, led by Star Trek and Heroes actor Zachary Quinto.
Brilliant Minds is based on the life of neurologist Oliver Sacks and his advancements in the medical field. It specifically is based on two of Sacks’ books, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and An Anthropologist on Mars.
Inspired by Oliver Sacks’ extraordinary life and work, the series follows revolutionary, larger-than-life neurologist Oliver Wolf (Quinto) and his team of interns as they explore the last great frontier – the human mind – while also grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
Starring alongside Quinto are Tamberla Perry (They Cloned Tyrone), Ashleigh LaThrop (The Handmaid’s Tale), Alexander MacNicoll (13 Reasons Why), Aury Krebs (Triple Threat), Spence Moore II (Superman & Lois), Teddy Sears (The Flash), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Steve Howey (Shameless) and André De Shields (The Instigators).
De Shields plays “an Alzheimer’s patient in an end-of-life care facility,” who Dr. Wolf helps to reconnect with his family.
Brilliant Minds is created by Michael Grassi, who is serving as writer and executive producer, with Lee Toland Krieger directing and also executive producing. Greg Berlanti also serves as an executive producer.
The series is set to premiere September 23rd on NBC and be available to stream on Peacock the following day.
In a career spanning fifty-five years, André De Shields, at age 78, has distinguished himself as a legendary actor/activist, iconic philanthropist and Broadway deity. Mr. De Shields was the triple-crown winner of the 2019 awards season, having won the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Grammy and Tony Awards as Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his unanimously critically acclaimed performance as Hermes, Messenger to the Gods, in HADESTOWN. Prior to his Tony Award, Mr. De Shields was best known for his show stopping performances in four legendary Broadway productions: THE WIZ (title role), AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (Emmy Award), PLAY ON! (Tony nom.), and THE FULL MONTY (Tony nom). Among his many other accolades are three honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degrees, the OBIE Award for Sustained Excellence, three JEFF Awards, nine AUDELCO Awards and the 2023 89th Annual Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater.The ninth of eleven children reared in Baltimore, Maryland Mr. De Shields is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA and SDC. www.andredeshields.com. Ubuntu!
Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner André De Shields is featured in a glorious 8 page spread of the Fall Edition of Baltimore Magazine, now on newsstands. https://wp.me/p8ilTC-aEo
André has spent the summer starring as Old Deuteronomy in the NY Times Critic's pick CATS: “THE JELLICLE BALL at Perelman Performing Arts Center. You can catch him and the fabulous company during the third extension from August 22 - September 8. Click here for tickets and more information.
This PAC NYC production (Bill Rauch, Artisic Director, Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director) is a radical reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical Cats based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot. Inspired by the Ballroom culture that roared out of New York City over 50 years ago and still rages on runways around the world, it is staged as a spectacularly immersive competition with all-new Ballroom and club beats, runway-ready choreography, and an edgy eleganza makeover. Come one, come all, and celebrate the joyous transformation of self at the heart of Cats and Ballroom culture itself. Check out the new cast members below.
The full company includes Jonathan Burke (Mungojerrie), Baby Byrne (Victoria), Tara Lashan Clinkscales (Ensemble), Rodrick Covington (Macavity), André De Shields (Old Deuteronomy), Jovan E’Sean (Understudy), Bryce Farris (Understudy), Sydney James Harcourt (Rum Tum Tugger), Dava Huesca (Rumpleteazer), Dudney Joseph Jr. (Munkustrap), Capital Kaos (DJ), Junior LaBeija (Gus), Robert "Silk" Mason (Mistoffelees), Jenny Mollet (Jellylorum), “Tempress” Chasity Moore (Grizabella), Ivy Mugler (Understudy), Zachary A. Myers (Understudy), Primo (Tumblebrutus), Xavier Reyes (Jennyanydots), Nora Schell (Bustopher Jones), Bebe Nicole Simpson (Demeter), Emma Sofia (Skimbleshanks), Phumzile Sojola (Ensemble), Kendall Grayson Stroud (Understudy), Kai B. White (Understudy), Garnet Williams (Bombalurina) and Teddy Wilson Jr. (Sillabub).
Directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, Choreographers Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles, Rachel Hauck (Scenic Design), Qween Jean (Costume Design), Adam Honoré (Lighting Design), Kai Harada (Sound Design), Brittany Bland (Projection Design), Nikiya Mathis (Hair/Wig Design), Rania Zohny (Make up design), Josephine Kearns (Dramaturg & Gender Consultant), William Waldrop (Music Supervision and Music Direction), David Lai (Music Coordinator), Trevor Holder (Beats Arrangement), Capital Kaos (Ballroom Consultant), Skylar Fox (Magic and Illusions), Hannah "Rock" Roccisano (Fight Director), Ann James (Intimacy Coordinator), X Casting/ Victor Vazquez CSA, and Sujotta R. Pace CSA (Casting).
On Monday, September 23, tune in to the premiere of NBC's new medical drama, Brilliant Minds, led by Star Trek and Heroes actor Zachary Quinto.
Brilliant Minds is based on the life of neurologist Oliver Sacks and his advancements in the medical field. It specifically is based on two of Sacks’ books, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and An Anthropologist on Mars.
Inspired by Oliver Sacks’ extraordinary life and work, the series follows revolutionary, larger-than-life neurologist Oliver Wolf (Quinto) and his team of interns as they explore the last great frontier – the human mind – while also grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
Starring alongside Quinto are Tamberla Perry (They Cloned Tyrone), Ashleigh LaThrop (The Handmaid’s Tale), Alexander MacNicoll (13 Reasons Why), Aury Krebs (Triple Threat), Spence Moore II (Superman & Lois), Teddy Sears (The Flash), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Steve Howey (Shameless) and André De Shields (The Instigators).
De Shields plays “an Alzheimer’s patient in an end-of-life care facility,” who Dr. Wolf helps to reconnect with his family.
Brilliant Minds is created by Michael Grassi, who is serving as writer and executive producer, with Lee Toland Krieger directing and also executive producing. Greg Berlanti also serves as an executive producer.
The series is set to premiere September 23rd on NBC and be available to stream on Peacock the following day.
André De Shields Talks to Cindy Hsu about CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL on CBS 2 New York
The NYT Critic's Pick has been extended twice with performances through August 11, 2024 at the Perelman Performing Arts Center at 251 Fulton Street in New York. Tickets:
The full company features Baby (Victoria), Jonathan Burke (Mungojerrie), Tara Lashan Clinkscales (Ensemble), André De Shields (Old Deuteronomy), Shelby Griswold (Understudy), Sydney James Harcourt (Rum Tum Tugger), Antwayn Hopper (Macavity) Dava Huesca (Rumpleteazer), Dudney Joseph Jr. (Munkustrap), Capital Kaos (DJ), Junior LaBeija (Gus), Dominique Lee (Understudy); Robert "Silk" Mason (Mistoffelees), “Tempress” Chasity Moore (Grizabella), Shereen Pimentel (Jellylorum), Primo (Tumblebrutus), Xavier Reyes (Jennyanydots), Nora Schell (Bustopher Jones), Bebe Nicole Simpson (Demeter), Emma Sofia (Skimbleshanks), Phumzile Sojola (Ensemble), Kendall Grayson Stroud (Ensemble), Frank Viveros (Ensemble), Garnet Williams (Bombalurina) and Teddy Wilson Jr. (Sillabub).
The creative team features directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, Choreographers Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles, Rachel Hauck (Scenic Design), Qween Jean (Costume Design), Adam Honoré (Lighting Design), Kai Harada (Sound Design), Brittany Bland (Projection Design), Nikiya Mathis (Hair/Wig Design), Rania Zohny (Make up design), Josephine Kearns (Dramaturg & Gender Consultant), William Waldrop (Music Supervision and Music Direction), David Lai (Music Coordinator), Trevor Holder (Beats Arrangement), Capital Kaos (Ballroom Consultant), Skylar Fox (Magic and Illusions), Hannah "Rock" Roccisano (Fight Director), Ann James (Intimacy Coordinator), X Casting/ Victor Vazquez CSA, and Sujotta R. Pace CSA (Casting).
This PAC NYC production (Bill Rauch, Artisic Director, Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director) is a radical reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic dance musical Cats based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot. Inspired by the Ballroom culture that roared out of New York City over 50 years ago and still rages on runways around the world, it will be staged as a spectacularly immersive competition with all new Ballroom and club beats, runway ready choreography, and an edgy eleganza makeover. Come one, come all, and celebrate the joyous transformation of self at the heart of Cats and Ballroom culture itself.
The Moth held their annual fundraising gala, Making Waves: The 2024 Moth Ball at The Lighthouse at Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Kimberly Grigsby presented The Moth's 2024 Storyteller of the Year Award to André De Shields.
Photos and Video: André De Shields Receives The Moth's 2024 Storyteller of the Year Award https://wp.me/pXK8r-4vA
The Moth Ball is more than a standard fundraiser; it's also a celebration of storytelling at its finest.
Sarah Haberman, Executive Director of The Moth, expressed her excitement about this year's theme and honorees, emphasizing the profound impact of storytelling in navigating life's highs and lows. She remarked, "We're delighted to pay tribute to the venerable André De Shields, whose illustrious legacy and trailblazing career of bringing stories to life through music, television, film and dance has inspired so many.
André De Shields joins an impressive list of past Moth “Storyteller of the Year” award-winners including David Byrne, Regina King, Kemp Powers, Padma Lakshmi, Roxane Gay, Martin Scorsese, Zadie Smith, Roz Chast, Calvin Trillin, Salman Rushdie, Carrie Brownstein, and Anna Deavere Smith.
Video by Lia Chang/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
5/2/24 Good Morning Texas - WFAA Channel 8 (ABC Affiliate / Lifestyle Morning Show)
André De Shields talks with Erin Hunter about his upcoming performance at Dallas Theater Center's Gala on May 4, 2024.
On Saturday, May 4, 2024 Dallas Theater Center’s annual fundraising event, CENTERSTAGE 40: A BRAND NEW DAY, will take place at Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.) in the Dallas Arts District.
The highly anticipated fête will mark the 40th year for the annual Centerstage gala, as well as the 65th anniversary for the Dallas Theater Center organization. The cabaret-jazz-inspired evening of multimedia and fine dining will include a cocktail reception highlighting many of the Public Works education and community engagement programs and featuring the Diane & Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, followed by a seated dinner and program, vibrant live auction & paddle raise, and ending with a musical performance by a celebrated Broadway Deity, legendary activist and iconic philanthropist André De Shields.
The evening will also celebrate the 65 years of producing incredible work on and off stage and the community that makes it possible. And it is with great pride that on the night, the 2024 Linda and Bill Custard Award will be given to Donna M. Wilhelm, Life Trustee of Dallas Theater Center, recognizing her steadfast, thoughtful and tailored support to the DTC.
For tickets: https://dallastheatercenter.org/gala/
Opening Night of The WIZ w/ André De Shields, Stephanie Mills, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ken Page & More
Video by Lia Chang/@BackstagePasswithLiaChang
Photos and Video: Inside Opening Night of the Broadway Revival of THE WIZ w/ André De Shields, Stephanie Mills, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ken Page, George Faison, and More https://wp.me/pXK8r-4lQ
The revival of The Wiz—the beloved, Black retelling of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz—opened at the Marquis Theatre on April 17. Helmed by Schele Williams, The Wiz stars Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em/Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow and Wayne Brady as The Wiz.
Members of the original Broadway company including André De Shields (The Wiz), Stephanie Mills (Dorothy), Dee Dee Bridgewater (Glinda), and Tony Award winning choreographer George Faison had a grand reunion pre-show and during intermission at The Marquis. After the curtain call, the entourage visited and took pictures with the cast backstage.
Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture presented an Evening of Black History and the Arts featuring a conversation with André De Shields (Baltimorean, Broadway Deity, Legend, Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award Winner), Bishme Cromartie (Baltimorean, Fashion Designer, Project Runway Winner), Stevie Walker-Webb (Director, Writer, Activist, Artistic Director, Baltimore Center Stage) on February 27. https://wp.me/pXK8r-5hg
Mayor Brandon M. Scott's presentation of the City of Baltimore Mayoral salutes for the trio preceded the fireside chat, moderated by Dana P. Moore, Esquire, Baltimore's first Chief Equity Officer and Tonya R. Miller Hall, Senior Advisor of Arts and Culture in the Baltimore Mayor’s Office.
A special shoutout to Roland R. Selby, Jr. Chief Operating Officer of the Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights, who facilitated our travel arrangements on the Amtrak Acela and our stay at The Hotel Revival Baltimore.
In an illustrious career that has spanned more than half a century, André De Shields has distinguished himself as an actor, director, and educator. His notable theatrical appearances include roles in the original Broadway productions of The Full Monty (Tony Award® nomination), Play On! (Tony Award® nomination), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Emmy Award) and the title role in The Wiz. De Shields was the triple-crown winner of the 2019 award season, garnering Tony, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk Awards for his universally praised role as the messenger to the gods, Hermes, in Hadestown. In 2020, he received the 2020 Grammy Award for Musical Theater Album for Hadestown, an Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, the 2020 AUDELCO for Lifetime Achievement and the 2020 Red Bull Theater Matador Award for Excellence in Classical Theater. 2019 honors include The Actors’ Equity Foundation Richard Seff Award, which honors veteran stage actors’ best supporting performances of the year, the Project1Voice Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2019 SAGE Joyce Warshow Lifetime Achievement Award, and The York Theatre Company’s 2019 Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre, among others. He was also inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. Among his other accolades are the 2009 National Black Theatre Festival’s Living Legend Award and the 2007 Village Voice Obie Award for Sustained Excellence of Performance.
For more on André De Shields, visit www.andredeshields.com.
André De Shields and Marc Shaiman sing 'OLD FRIENDS' in HAARLEM NOCTURNE at 54 Below; Performances through Feb. 24
54 Below is presenting a once-in-a-lifetime evening with Tony Award® winner André De Shields as he celebrates the 40th Anniversary of a very special Broadway musical known as Haarlem Nocturne, in honor of Black History Month from February 20-24, 2024. 54 Below is located at 254 W. 54th St. in New York.
Doors open at 5:30pm, showtime is at 7pm. Use code: ANDRE5 for $5 off Main Dining Room and Bar Rail Cover Charge. Cover Charge stars at $75 plus a $25 food/beverage minimum. www.54below.org.
He will be joined by Original Musical Director and Cast Member Marc Shaiman (Hairspray, Some Like it Hot, South Park), who appeared in Neil Patrick Harris's "Uncoupled" with Mr. De Shields; Freida Williams, a member of the original 1984 production of Haarlem Nocturne, who can be seen in the Annie Lennox video, WOULD I LIE TO YOU? and last appeared with Mr. De Shields in his 54 Below debut of Black By Popular Demand: A Musical Meditation On How Not To Be Eaten By The Sphinx; Kimberly Marable, an original cast member of Hadestown, who performed the role of Persephone in the Hadestown National Tour and recently starred as Velma in Chicago on Broadway; and Crystal Monee Hall, who recently starred as Crystal in the Broadway Bound Hell’s Kitchen at The Public Theater. She is the composer of 3 Summers of Lincoln, which will debut at La Jolla in 2025. Drew Wutke is the Associate Music Director, Samuel-Moses Jones is the Stage Manager, and Christina Cocchiara is the Costume Designer.
In 1984, André De Shields’ Haarlem Nocturne opened on Broadway at the Latin Quarter.
About the show, The New York Amsterdam News reported, “It’s a sensational musical… the cast is knocking them out of their socks with their sizzling performances. And it’s very contemporary, although it does pay homage to the best of Black music’s past, present, and with its original songs, future.” Now, 78-year-old showstopper De Shields is back with a celebration of his eponymous Broadway musical from four decades ago. Expect roof-raising recreations of the beloved music from the show, never-before-heard stories, and even a reunion or two, as well as the wit, elegance and charm that the master entertainer has become known for. After decades filled with taking risks and opening doors, De Shields reflects on a peak career moment with this very special anniversary concert.
In an illustrious career that has spanned more than half a century, André De Shields has distinguished himself as an actor, director, and educator. His notable theatrical appearances include roles in the original Broadway productions of The Full Monty (Tony Award® nomination), Play On! (Tony Award® nomination), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Emmy Award) and the title role in The Wiz. De Shields was the triple-crown winner of the 2019 award season, garnering Tony, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk Awards for his universally praised role as the messenger to the gods, Hermes, in Hadestown. In 2020, he received the 2020 Grammy Award for Musical Theater Album for Hadestown, an Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, the 2020 AUDELCO for Lifetime Achievement and the 2020 Red Bull Theater Matador Award for Excellence in Classical Theater. 2019 honors include The Actors’ Equity Foundation Richard Seff Award, which honors veteran stage actors’ best supporting performances of the year, the Project1Voice Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2019 SAGE Joyce Warshow Lifetime Achievement Award, and The York Theatre Company’s 2019 Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre, among others. He was also inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. Among his other accolades are the 2009 National Black Theatre Festival’s Living Legend Award and the 2007 Village Voice Obie Award for Sustained Excellence of Performance.
For more on André De Shields, visit www.andredeshields.com.
Inside André De Shields ' HAARLEM NOCTURNE Concert at 54 Below; Performances through Feb. 24
On this edition of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, three numbers from the concert are featured including LOVE IN THE MORNING, STREET CORNER SYMPHONY RAP, and HAARLEM NOCTURNE.
54 Below is presenting a once-in-a-lifetime evening with Tony Award® winner André De Shields as he celebrates the 40th Anniversary of a very special Broadway musical known as Haarlem Nocturne, in honor of Black History Month from February 20-24, 2024. 54 Below is located at 254 W. 54th St. in New York.
Doors open at 5:30pm, showtime is at 7pm. Use code: ANDRE5 for $5 off Main Dining Room and Bar Rail Cover Charge. Cover Charge stars at $75 plus a $25 food/beverage minimum. www.54below.org.
He will be joined by Original Musical Director and Cast Member Marc Shaiman (Hairspray, Some Like it Hot, South Park), who appeared in Neil Patrick Harris's "Uncoupled" with Mr. De Shields; Freida Williams, a member of the original 1984 production of Haarlem Nocturne, who can be seen in the Annie Lennox video, WOULD I LIE TO YOU? and last appeared with Mr. De Shields in his 54 Below debut of Black By Popular Demand: A Musical Meditation On How Not To Be Eaten By The Sphinx; Kimberly Marable, an original cast member of Hadestown, who performed the role of Persephone in the Hadestown National Tour and recently starred as Velma in Chicago on Broadway; and Crystal Monee Hall, who recently starred as Crystal in the Broadway Bound Hell’s Kitchen at The Public Theater. She is the composer of 3 Summers of Lincoln, which will debut at La Jolla in 2025. Drew Wutke is the Associate Music Director, Samuel-Moses Jones is the Stage Manager, and Christina Cocchiara is the Costume Designer.
In 1984, André De Shields’ Haarlem Nocturne opened on Broadway at the Latin Quarter.
About the show, The New York Amsterdam News reported, “It’s a sensational musical… the cast is knocking them out of their socks with their sizzling performances. And it’s very contemporary, although it does pay homage to the best of Black music’s past, present, and with its original songs, future.” Now, 78-year-old showstopper De Shields is back with a celebration of his eponymous Broadway musical from four decades ago. Expect roof-raising recreations of the beloved music from the show, never-before-heard stories, and even a reunion or two, as well as the wit, elegance and charm that the master entertainer has become known for. After decades filled with taking risks and opening doors, De Shields reflects on a peak career moment with this very special anniversary concert.
In an illustrious career that has spanned more than half a century, André De Shields has distinguished himself as an actor, director, and educator. His notable theatrical appearances include roles in the original Broadway productions of The Full Monty (Tony Award® nomination), Play On! (Tony Award® nomination), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Emmy Award) and the title role in The Wiz. De Shields was the triple-crown winner of the 2019 award season, garnering Tony, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk Awards for his universally praised role as the messenger to the gods, Hermes, in Hadestown. In 2020, he received the 2020 Grammy Award for Musical Theater Album for Hadestown, an Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, the 2020 AUDELCO for Lifetime Achievement and the 2020 Red Bull Theater Matador Award for Excellence in Classical Theater. 2019 honors include The Actors’ Equity Foundation Richard Seff Award, which honors veteran stage actors’ best supporting performances of the year, the Project1Voice Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2019 SAGE Joyce Warshow Lifetime Achievement Award, and The York Theatre Company’s 2019 Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre, among others. He was also inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. Among his other accolades are the 2009 National Black Theatre Festival’s Living Legend Award and the 2007 Village Voice Obie Award for Sustained Excellence of Performance.
For more on André De Shields, visit www.andredeshields.com.
André De Shields sings "None of Us Are Free" at the Music Has Power Awards at the Times Center in New York, accompanied by Sean Mayes/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
Video by Lori Tishfield and Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
André De Shields and Sean Mayes perform "The 59th Street Bridge Rhapsody" at the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function's Music Has Power Awards at the Times Center in New York on November 20, 2023."The 59th Street Bridge Rhapsody" (Feelin' Groovy)
Video by @LoriTishfield and @BackstagePasswithLiaChang
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott Renames Street in Honor of Broadway Deity and Baltimore Native André De Shields and Proclaims September 21, 2023 as André De Shields Day
In September, Tony, Grammy and Emmy award winner André De Shields headed home to Baltimore for a Ceremonial Street Dedication on the Southwest Corner of the1800 block of Division Street as part of Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the City of Baltimore's reaffirmation and commitment to Arts and Culture Ahead of Artscape.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott unveiled André De Shields Way, to honor the renowned artist for his legacy and the lasting impact he’s made in Baltimore’s cultural heritage and within the community.
In honor of the son of Baltimore, Mayor Scott proclaimed September 21 as André De Shields Day as the Baltimore City College Marching Knights ushered in the iconic and colorful artist and activist. André also received citations from Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, and state Sen. Antonio Hayes.
Baltimore Native Son, André De Shields is the ninth of eleven children born to John Edward De Shields and Mary Elizabeth De Shields née Gunther. The De Shields family lived at 1826 Division Street for 65 years, from 1950 to 2015. During that time André attended John Hurst Elementary School, Booker T. Washington Junior High School and Baltimore City College Preparatory High School.
In 1964, André left Baltimore to attend college, the first in his family to do so.
In 2015, the city of Baltimore evoked the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution and its provision of Eminent Domain to relocate the De Shields family to Owings Mills. In the ensuing 51 years, André has distinguished himself as a Broadway Deity, Legendary Activist and Iconic Philanthropist.
André is the triple-crown winner of the 2019 awards season, having won the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Grammy and Tony Awards as Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his unanimously critically acclaimed performance as Hermes, Messenger to the Gods, in HADESTOWN. Prior to his Tony Award, André was best known for his show-stopping performances in four legendary Broadway musicals: as the title role in THE WIZ, garnering an Emmy Award for AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, and Tony nominations for PLAY ON! and THE FULL MONTY. In 2022, he returned to Broadway with his paranormal portrayal of Ben Loman in the searing Broadway production of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,”
As a Baltimore City native, André De Shields has been a pillar of the local art scene for decades. His talent and dedication to his craft have earned him recognition and admiration far beyond Baltimore. He is celebrated not only for his exceptional artistic talents, but also for his enduring commitment to the Baltimore City community. He also received the Key to the City of Baltimore during the administration of Mayor Bernard C. (Jack) Young. In 2021, André performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
André De Shields sings "So You Wanted to Meet The Wizard"
BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang
https://wp.me/pXK8r-4DC
André De Shields 2023 Interview w/ Seth Rudetsky - Sirius XM radio (Broadway Channel 72) Seth Speaks
SiriusXM studios with Tony, Grammy and Emmy winning Broadway Legend Andre De Shields and Seth Rudetsky for the taping of Seth Speaks Broadway. On Feb 6, 2023 André received the GMHC 2023 Howard Ashman Award at Joe's Pub. In addition to chatting about the mission of the Gay Men's Health Crisis, Andre performed So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard from The Wiz. This interview can be streamed on demand on the @siriusxm app.
André De Shields & TUTS Education Students Perform Man in the Mirror, If It's True and Stand By Me at the TUTS Gala at The Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Houston on November 11, 2023.
The company includes Music Director and orchestrator Sean Mayes, vocalists Kimberly Marable, Lori Tishfield, Shannon Antalan, and musicians Ross Fields, Vernon Daniels, AJ Moyer.
Theatre Under The Stars 'Lights Up' Gala took place Saturday, November 11 at The Post Oak, drawing a crowd of Houston arts lovers and philanthropists to celebrate the deep impact of theater education on our community! The event raised over $720,000 supporting a breadth of programming at Theatre Under The Stars.
The evening showcased the incredible talents of TUTS Education students with performances throughout the night, including with the evening’s headlining entertainer, Broadway legend André De Shields. The festivities began with opening remarks by TUTS Executive Director Hillary Hart and TUTS Artistic Director Dan Knechtges, and continued with videos highlighting the artistry and community impact of Theatre Under The Stars.
Chaired by Zane and Brady Carruth, this year’s gala honored Amy and Rob Pierce, who have been steadfast leaders and supporters of TUTS for nearly two decades.
Tony-Award-winning Broadway legend André De Shields, put on a fabulous show for guests, serenading guests cabaret-style with a repertoire of melodies including “Let The Good Times Roll,” “Boogie Rap,” and “Baby Whatcha Want Me.”
As the final hurrah for the stellar performance, TUTS Education students joined De Shields for four numbers including a moving rendition of “Stand By Me/Lift Every Voice” and closing out with Believe in Yourself. The performance showcased students of all abilities which is a core value of TUTS, Event co-chair Zane Carruth reminded guests, “There's a space for everyone at TUTS. Everyone is available and everyone has something to share and to gain and to give from it.”
Photos and Video: André De Shields, Forest Whitaker, and More Celebrate the Opening Performance of Carlyle Brown's THE AFRICAN COMPANY PRESENTS RICHARD III at NYU's African Grove Theatre https://wp.me/pXK8r-51T
NYU's African Grove Theatre hosted its inaugural production, The African Company Presents Richard III, Carlyle Brown’s play about the country's first Black theater that performed on the same block where its namesake theater now stands. Scroll down for photos and video from the opening night party held on November 15, 2023.
NYU announced last year that strategic investor and philanthropist Ceci Chan donated $1 million to name the theater after the historic Black company that performed in Greenwich Village two centuries ago. William Alexander Brown, a former ship steward, founded the African Grove in 1816, hosting poetry readings, musical performances, and plays. The company opened a 300-seat theater in 1821, where it performed Shakespeare and other classics, including a play penned by Brown. The theater served as a place for Black creative expression for just two years before it was destroyed by a White mob.
Despite its short history, the company had an outsize influence on Black theater, especially in New York.
The African Company Presents Richard III featured Tisch School of the Arts students from Grad Acting and Design for Stage & Film directed by Carl Cofield, chair of grad acting and was performed in November in the new state-of-the-art theater on the fourth floor of the John A. Paulson Center.
Carlyle Brown's play tells the story of the African Grove Theatre, the ambitious Black theater troupe that performed Shakespeare and other classics in 19th Century New York City.
The cast includes Cole Taylor as James Hewlett, Jaylen D. Eashmond as Billy Brown, Marcus Fitzpatrick as Papa Shakespeare, Orlando Grant as the Constable-man, Regina Monique as Ann, Xavier Markey-Smith as Stephen Price and Victoria Villier as Sarah.
The set design is by Vinita Gatne, costume design by Roger Teng, lighting design by Adrienne Miikelle, and sound design by Ryan Marsh.
Carlyle Brown is a playwright/performer, curator and artistic director of Carlyle Brown & Company based in Minneapolis. His plays have been produced at theatres across the country and internationally. He is an alumnus of New Dramatists and a Life Time Core Writer at the Playwrights' Center. He has received numerous commissions, fellowships and awards including 2006 Black Theatre Network's Winona Lee Fletcher Award for outstanding achievement and artistic excellence, a 2009 Guggenheim Fellowship, a 2010 Otto Rene Castillo Award for Political Theatre, a 2010 United States Artist Fellowship a 2018 William Inge Award for Distinguished Achievement in the American Theater and a 2019 Hellen Merrill Award recipient. A scholar and historian, Brown has been an artist in residence or visiting professor at several colleges and universities, and has worked as a museum exhibit writer and story consultant. He is curator of the Cultural Diaspora Playwrights Residency at the Camargo Foundation in Cassis, France and The Afro-Atlantic Playwrights' Festival presented in partnership with The Playwrights' Center in July 2019. His solo shows include The Fula from America: An African Journey, Therapy and Resistance, The History of Religion and Acting Black: Demystifying Racism, created to inspire open and honest conversations about race and diversity. He is a trustee of The Camargo Foundation and is currently an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Playwright-in-Residence at Illusion Theater in Minneapolis.
Learn more at www.tisch.nyu.edu.
André De Shields, Eze Jackson and Matt "Mateyo" Lampart's KEEP CLIMBING
Executive Producer: goaTman
@andre_deshields
Director: Mateyo
@producedbymateyo
Cinematographer: Kirby Griffin
@4th.eye.diaries www.Kirbygriffindp.com
Additional Footage: Myles Michelin
Video Editor: Mateyo
Coloring: Kirby Griffin
Archival Photos & Video: Lia Chang
@liachangphotography
Synthesizer Solo: Troy Long
Rap Verse Written & Performed by Eze Jackson
@ezewriter
Additional Vocals by Rahma Haji, Lia Chang
Stylist/Wardrobe Supervisor: Christina Cocchiara
@stinacocch
Recorded at Moose House Studios/Baltimore
EPIC FAM @bmoreepicfam
Special thanks to Tonya Miller.
An Evening with André De Shields at UW-Madison Memorial Union
Hosted by Jonathan and Susan Lipp
November 7, 2023
Founded in recognition of the outstanding achievements of the indomitable UW—Madison alumnus and Broadway star, the André De Shields fund’s purpose is to offer an opportunity that André was not provided as a student: to bring a performance to center stage.
The fund will honor De Shields’s 50-plus-year career as a poet, activist, and actor by offering grants to historically underrepresented students with unique perspectives and extraordinary ideas. These grants will allow students to develop, design, produce, and perform artistic works alongside mentors, teachers, and professionals, with the opportunity to present their work as part of the annual performing arts season at the Wisconsin Union Theater.
"For More Information or to learn more about the Fund, contact Kelly DeHaven at: kelly.dehaven@supportuw.org”
https://supportuw.org/giveto/andredeshieldsfund
Theatre Under The Stars' Lights Up Gala will be held on Saturday, November 11, at The Post Oak at Uptown Houston. https://wp.me/p8ilTC-ev6
This year’s event is chaired by Zane and Brady Carruth and will honor Amy and Rob Pierce for their two decades of leadership and generosity.
“We are thrilled to be chairing this year’s Theatre Under The Stars Lights Up Gala at The Post Oak! TUTS means so much to the Houston community with the work they do on the stage, how the classes in both schools not only train the students in the art of musical theatre, but also teach them things like empathy and inclusivity,” said Carruth.
The event, themed “Do You Believe in the Magic of Theatre?,” will be an enchanted evening featuring a live auction chaired by Dana Barton and wonderous entertainment by Tony-Award-winning Broadway legend André De Shields, who will perform alongside students from the TUTS Education Pre-Professional and Performance Troupes. He will be accompanied by Music Director Sean Mayes and vocalists Shannon Antalan, Kimberly Marable and Lori Tishfield.
In a career spanning fifty-five years, De Shields, at age 77, has distinguished himself as an unparalleled actor, activist, educator and philanthropist. He is the triple-crown winner of the 2019 awards season, having won the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Grammy and Tony Awards as Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his unanimously critically acclaimed performance as Hermes, Messenger to the Gods, in Hadestown. Prior to his Tony Award, Mr. De Shields was best known for his show-stopping performances in four legendary Broadway productions: The Wiz (title role), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Emmy Award), Play On! (Tony nom.), and The Full Monty (Tony nom). Among his many other accolades are three honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degrees, the OBIE Award for Sustained Excellence, three JEFF Awards, nine AUDELCO Awards and the 2023 89th Annual Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater. The ninth of eleven children reared in Baltimore, Maryland, De Shields is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA and SDC.
The evening will also include a fabulous After Party chaired by Brittany Clark and Cynthia Wolff and with entertainment by DJ ILL-SET. The after-party will feature food stations, a nitrogen ice cream bar, full bar and valet.
Tickets and tables are available https://www.tuts.com/support/lightsup or by contacting Melissa Jurik at melissa.jurik@tuts.com.
The Town Hall Foundation presents Friends of the Arts Awards at the Harmonie Club in New York to André De Shields, Chandrika Tandon and Russ Titelman on November 2, 2023. https://wp.me/pXK8r-5xH
On November 2, Tony, Grammy and Emmy winning Broadway “deity”, legendary activist and iconic philanthropist André De Shields; Business leader, Grammy-nominated artist and humanitarian Chandrika Tandon; and three-time Grammy Award-winning record producer and songwriter Russ Titelman received The Town Hall Friend of the Arts Awards at The Town Hall Friend of the Arts Gala at the Harmonie Club in New York.
ARKAI, an award-winning electroacoustic duo, fusing classical virtuosity with the electricity of a rock band, the spontaneity of a jazz combo, and the beauty of a string quartet, were the special guest artists, performing several numbers during the cocktail reception.
BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang: André De Shields visits SOME LIKE IT HOT; Marc Shaiman serenades André at GMHC Cabaret and Awards
"SOME LIKE IT HOT" was not only sizzlingly hot, but also exceedingly chill. Everything everywhere was gorgeous all the time. While visiting backstage, I bear hugged everyone, and did not want to let go of anyone. What a pleasure it is to be a member of Broadway audiences," shared De Shields.
Featured in this Sunday matinee: Tony Award winner Christian Borle as Joe, DeMarius Copes as Jerry, TyNia René Brandon as Sugar, Kevin Del Aguila as Osgood, NaTasha Yvette Williams as Sweet Sue, Adam Heller as Mulligan, Mark Lotito as Spats. The ensemble includes Tia Altinay, Ian Campayno, Casey Garvin, Devon Hadsell, Ashley Elizabeth Hale, Jenny Hill, K.J. Hippensteel, Abby Matsusaka, Jarvis B. Manning Jr., Brian Thomas Martin, Amber Owens, Kayla Pecchioni, Richard Riaz Yoder, Angie Schworer, Charles South, Brendon Stimson, Raena White, and Julius Williams.
In February, Marc Shaiman paid tribute to André at the GMHC Cabaret and Howard Ashman Award Ceremony at Joe's Pub.
Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner André De Shields performs "Who'd Do the Dirty?" in a concert presentation of Jim Steinman and Barry Keating's cult musical RHINEGOLD- a musical he first appeared in as Loki The Fire God, in 1973. He was joined by Bradley Dean as Odin, and Andrew Polec as Thor.
The cast also featured Iris Beaumier, Madge Dietrich, Jon Lonoff, Mariah Lyttle, Larry Purifory, Gregory Sullivan.
Drew Wutke served as Music Director with band members Hajime Yoshida, Nicole Patrick and Dave D'Aranjo.
Rhinegold is based on Richard Wagner's Das Rheingold opera, written in 1869. The musical played the Mercer Arts Center in 1973, followed by a run at Playwrights Horizons in 1975.
André De Shields has distinguished himself as an unparalleled actor, activist, educator, and philanthropist. His legendary career has resulted in a treasure trove of accolades, the most recent of which is the 89th Annual Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater. He was the triple crown winner of the 2019 awards season, garnering Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, and Grammy Awards for his acclaimed role as Hermes in Hadestown, followed by a paranormal portrayal as Ben Loman in the 2023 revival of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. Perennially known for his show-stopping performances in four legendary Broadway musicals—The Wiz, Ain't Misbehavin (Emmy Award), Play On!, and The Full Monty—Mr. De Shields has achieved the status of “Broadway Deity.”
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996 and streams on MNN2. Lia was recently profiled on Asian American Life. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. www.liachang.com www.liachangphotography.com
Video by Lia Chang/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
Manhattan Neighborhood Network
Video: André De Shields sings "Who'd Do the Dirty?" from Jim Steinman and Barry Keating's RHINEGOLD Concert at the Laurie Beechman Theatre https://wp.me/p8ilTC-ejR
Peter Erik Lopez's Portraits of Broadway Deity André De Shields, Drag Icons Amanda Lepore and Kevin Aviance on View in BEYOND GENDER Exhibition at the Ceres Gallery, 547 W. 27th St. #201, NYC through Jun. 24 for Pride Month https://wp.me/p8ilTC-ebZ
André De Shields Gives Keynote Address at NYU Gallatin Graduation Exercises for Class of 2023 at Beacon Theatre https://youtu.be/9uyiiWePcqs
Video by Lia Chang/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
André De Shields Gives Keynote Speech for GMHC's HIV and Aging Conference 2023 at New York Academy of Medicine on 6/7/23.
Video by Backstage Pass with Lia Chang/MNN.org
André De Shields Receives 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater
Photos and video by Lia Chang/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
MNN.org
André De Shields & Amber Gray perform a Medley of (What Did I Do to Be So) Black & Blue and The Tragic Mulatto at The Team's 18th Birthday Celebration at 26 Bridge in Brooklyn on March 27, 2023. www.theteamplays.org
Video by Lia Chang/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
Backstage Pass with Lia Chang: Inside the TEAM's 18th Anniversary Gala with André Robin De Shields, Amber Renae Gray, Rachel Chavkin, Vinie Burrows and More https://wp.me/pXK8r-4Oy
In a career spanning fifty-five years, André De Shields, at age 77, has distinguished himself as an unparalleled actor, activist, educator and philanthropist. As Actor Mr. De Shields’ mission is to fill intimate spaces with enormous beauty. He defines intimate spaces as the hearts of humanity. As Activist he endeavors to restore majesty, elegance and literacy to the Black Thespian toolbox. His legendary career has resulted in a treasure trove of accolades, among them Doctor of Fine Arts honoris causa from his Alma Mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he has founded THE ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS FUND. His other marks of esteem include having been the triple crown winner of the 2019 awards season, garnering Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Grammy Awards for his universally acclaimed role as Hermes, messenger to the gods, in Hadestown. Mr. De Shields transitioned from 2022 into 2023 with a paranormal portrayal as Ben Loman in the searing production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, starring Wendell “The Lion” Pierce. Perennially known for his idiosyncratic, show-stopping performances in four legendary Broadway productions—The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Emmy Award), Play On! and The Full Monty—Mr. De Shields has achieved the status of “Broadway Deity.” www.andredeshields.com.
Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner André De Shields (Hadestown) emcee dThe TEAM's 18th Anniversary Gala at 26 Bridge in Brooklyn on March 27, 2023.
Performances include musical offerings from André De Shields, JJJJJerome Ellis ("The Clearing"), a story from Brenda Abbandalando (The Sign in Sydney Brustein's Window), and an exclusive first look at Reconstructing, co-directed by Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown; Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812) and Zhailon Levingston (Chicken & Biscuits) and featuring Eric Berryman ("The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"), Vinie Burrows (Light Shining in Buckinghamshire), Libby King (RoosevElvis), Jill Frutkin (Mission Drift), James Monaco (The Conversationalists) and Modesto Flako Jimenez (Taxilandia).
Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside), co-directed by Rachel Chavkin and Zhailon Levingston (Chicken & Biscuits), explores intimacy between Black- and white-identifying Americans in the historical and present-day context of a violently anti-Black USA. The work will operate on a meta-theatrical level, making the artistic process legible and holding up that process as a microcosm for "how we move through history together." (Artist Eric Berryman)
Reconstructing is collaboratively authored by Brenda Abbandondolo, Denée Benton (Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812), Jhanaë Bonnick (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street), Vinie Burrows, Rachel Chavkin, Eisa Davis (Bulrusher), André De Shields, JJJJJerome Ellis, Katherine Freer (Ride the Cyclone), Jill Frutkin, Amber Gray (Hadestown), Jeremy O. Harris (Slave Play), Matt Hubbs (RoosevElvis), Modesto "Flako" Jimenez, Marika Kent (Catch as Catch Can), Libby King, Ian Lassiter (King Lear), Zhailon Levingston, Jake Margolin (Mission Drift), James Monaco, Kristen Sieh (The Band's Visit), Nick Vaughan (The Royale), and Jillian Walker (SKiNFoLK: An American Show). Jillian Walker serves as Process Director. Milta Vega-Cardona serves as Process Chaplain. Rachel Chavkin and Zhailon Levingston are the Co-Directors.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Founded in 2004, The TEAM is an award-winning, internationally-celebrated theatre collective, dedicated to creating new work about the experience of living in America today. Led by Tony Award-winning Artistic Director Rachel Chavkin, and spirited by some of the most wild and deep artists making today, the TEAM has created 11 works-including Mission Drift, RoosevElvis, and Primer for a Failed Superpower-and presented them nationally at theaters like The Public Theater, PS122, A.R.T, and Walker Art Center, and internationally at London's National Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, Barbican, and Almeida Theatre, Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre, Lisbon's Culturgest, and the Hong Kong Arts Festival.
Current TEAM programming includes but is not limited to: the development of our newest "mainstage" work, Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside; The Petri Projects Program, an artist-driven new work development lab; and "Live From Mount Olympus," a podcast of Greek myths geared towards a contemporary, young audience and featuring an all-star cast of actors from the TEAM's network.
BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang: Photos and Video: Inside the GMHC's 10th Annual Cabaret and Howard Ashman Award Ceremony with Honoree André De Shields https://wp.me/pXK8r-4J8
Tony, Grammy and Emmy Winner André De Shields reprises his iconic role of The Wiz at Ode to Black Broadway with the Brooklyn Nets https://wp.me/pXK8r-4Hd
The twenty-fifth episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, executive produced and hosted by Lia, airs on March 12 at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2. If you miss the episode, it will be archived on my youtube channel.
BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang
André De Shields 2023 Interview w/ Seth Rudetsky - Sirius XM radio (Broadway Channel 72) Seth Speaks
I'm at the SiriusXM studios with Tony, Grammy and Emmy winning Broadway Legend Andre De Shields and Seth Rudetsky for the taping of Seth Speaks Broadway. On Feb 6, Andre will be receiving the GMHC 2023 Howard Ashman Award at Joe's Pub. In addition to chatting about the mission of the Gay Men's Health Crisis, Andre performed So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard from The Wiz and The Viper from Ain't Misbehavin' in the original keys. This interview can be streamed on demand on the @siriusxm app.
André De Shields Celebrates 77th Birthday at DEATH OF A SALESMAN
Video by Lia Chang/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
DEATH OF A SALESMAN castmates, led by Wendell Pierce, surprise André De Shields
on his 77th birthday on stage after the curtain call.
Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
Video by Lia Chang
Tony, Grammy and Emmy winning Death of A Salesman star André De Shields gives a Master Class at NYU Grad Acting, Tisch School of the Arts on November 11, 2022. In conversation with Laurence Maslon, Arts Professor, Associate Chair of the Graduate Acting Program, NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang
TONY WINNER AND HADESTOWN STAR LILLIAS WHITE PRESENTED THE 2022 BIV INSPIRATION AWARD TO TONY, GRAMMY AND EMMY WINNING DEATH OF A SALESMAN STAR ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS AT BROADWAY INSPIRATIONAL VOICES (BIV)'S BETTER DAYS: FUNDRAISING COCKTAIL PARTY AND AWARDS CEREMONY AT ROUNDABOUT THEATRE COMPANY'S AMERICAN AIRLINE THEATRE'S PENTHOUSE LOBBY IN NEW YORK ON OCTOBER 24, 2022
Artscape Is Back!!!
Check André De Shields out in this wonderful new video by BOPA called “What Is Art.” Watch it, like it, and share it!
The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) announces the return of Artscape on September 20-24, 2023!!
From hip-hop to craft cocktails to award-winning art, Baltimore is teaming up with creative talent like me.
Meet Me at Artscape 2023!!
@promoandarts
@andre_deshields
@hadestown
@salesmanonbroadway
#Artscape #BOPA #ArtscapeBaltimore #Artscape2023
LIVE FROM NYPL & PEN America: André De Shields Reads Passage from Toni Morrison's BELOVED before RESTRICTED ACCESS: AN AMERICAN HISTORY OF BOOK BANNING Panel
Multimedia: Wendell Pierce and Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award® Winner André De Shields Discuss DEATH OF A SALESMAN at BroadwayCon First Look; Previews Begin September 19
https://wp.me/pXK8r-40h
Death of a Salesman stars Wendell Pierce and Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award® winner André De Shields were part of BroadwayCon's First Look programming in the Grand Ballroom of The Manhattan Center in New York on July 8, 2022. The pair, who play brothers Willy and Ben Loman in the highly anticipated Broadway revival of Death of A Salesman, chatted with Master of Ceremonies Jared Grimes about the show.
Video by Lia Chang/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
André De Shields presents his DEATH OF A SALESMAN co-star Sharon D Clarke with the 2022 Theatre World Award for her Broadway Debut in CAROLINE OR CHANGE at the 76th Annual Theatre World Awards on June 6, 2022.
Video by Lia Chang/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
Standing Ovation for André De Shields during his entrance for his final turn as Hermes in HADESTOWN on May 29, 2022
Video by Lia Chang/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
André De Shields played his final performance as Hermes in HADESTOWN at the Walter Kerr Theatre on May 29, 2022. After the curtain call, Mayor Eric Adams presented André with a proclamation that May 29, 2022 is "André De Shields Day" in the City of New York. Then André sang "Believe in Yourself".
Video by Rob Laqui/Backstage Pass with Lia Chang
André De Shields Presents 2022 WP Theater Ceiling Breaker Award to Mara Isaacs, Special performance by Anais Mitchell
André De Shields presented the 2022 Ceiling Breaker Award to Mara Isaacs at the WP Theater Women of Achievement Awards Gala; Schele Williams and Vanessa Williams were also Honored with 2022 Trail Blazer Awards https://wp.me/pXK8r-3BF
Photos and video by Lia Chang
Hadestown
In the warmth of summertime, songwriter Orpheus and his muse Eurydice are living it up and falling in love. But as winter approaches, reality sets in: these young dreamers can’t survive on songs alone. Tempted by the promise of plenty, Eurydice is lured to the depths of industrial Hadestown. On a quest to save her, Orpheus journeys to th...
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