Episode 54
Hiram & Nettie - “ Lashin’ ”
Show dates: June 27-29, 2019 · Uploaded: May 28, 2021
Michael LeMelle’s perfomance as the titular lead in Terrance Afer-Anderson’s Hiram & Nettie was unmatched. Enjoy this powerful poetic monologue from the show, titled Lashin’. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 53
Hiram & Nettie - “Lovin’ Him”
Show dates: June 27-29, 2019 · Uploaded: May 21, 2021
In June 2019, we celebrated the historical quadricentennial of the first Africans who stepped foot on American soil through the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Terrance Afer-Anderson's "Hiram & Nettie" presented the love story set in these formative years, notably one of the most divisive times in our nation's history. Enjoy this clip of "Lovin' Him" performed during this incredible show. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 52
Jennifer Holliday - “And I Am Telling You”
Show date: April 27, 2021 • Uploaded: May 14, 2021
In light of the Avery*Sunshine concert being postponed to our anniversary weekend in 2021, we're taking a look back at the last anniversary concert that we had on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage! An evening with Jean Carne and the Unifics was surely one to remember. Enjoy this performance of "I'm Back For More", as performed by the late Unifics member Al Johnson and Jean Carne. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 51
Jean Carne & The Unifics - “I’m Back For More”
Show date: October 19, 2019 • Uploaded: April 30, 2021
In light of the Avery*Sunshine concert being postponed to our anniversary weekend in 2021, we're taking a look back at the last anniversary concert that we had on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage! An evening with Jean Carne and the Unifics was surely one to remember. Enjoy this performance of "I'm Back For More", as performed by the late Unifics member Al Johnson and Jean Carne. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 50
For Brothers Sing - "Dig A Little Deeper in God’s Love"
Show date: December 9, 2015 • Uploaded: April 16, 2021
Flashback Friday is back! Today's video looks back on 'For Brother Sing', an evening of music presented by The LeMelle Group, LLC. Joe, Alston, Howard, and Michael came together to perform various classics for this special concert event. Enjoy the video of their beautiful barbershop quartet harmonies as they perform "Dig A Little Deeper in God's Love" by the Fairfield Four. Video courtesy of @tetaunmediaworks and Michael LeMelle.
Episode 49
Jane Monheit - "Where or When"
Show date: April 20, 2018 • Uploaded: March 5, 2021
In celebration of the milestone 20th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival, Grammy-nominated Jazz vocalist, Jane Monheit performed on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage. Her 2016 tribute album reintroduced the world to the music of Ella Fitzgerald through a modern lens. Enjoy this clip of "Where or When", performed by this incredible artist. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 48
Hiram & Nettie - "Cotton Patch Blues"
Show dates: June 27-29, 2019 • Uploaded: February 25, 2021
Terrance Afer-Anderson's powerful play returned to the Ella Fitzgerald Theater in June of 2019. At its core, this is the story of the power of love and human connection in one of the most divisive times in American history. Directed by and starring Michael LeMelle, this emotional performance was brought to life in recognition of 400 years since the arrival of Africans as slaves to the United States through Old Point Comfort in 1619. Join us in recognizing the last Friday of Black History Month with an emotional clip from this show. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 47
Jane Monheit - "The Nearness Of You"
Show date: April 20, 2018 • Uploaded: February 19, 2021
In celebration of the milestone 20th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival, Grammy-nominated Jazz vocalist, Jane Monheit performed on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage. Her 2016 tribute album reintroduced the world to the music of Ella Fitzgerald through a modern lens. Enjoy this clip of "The Nearness Of You", performed by this incredible artist. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 46
Lizz Wright - "Freedom"
Show date: April 21, 2017 • Uploaded: February 12, 2021
Lizz Wright has such a pure voice and we are so grateful to have had her perform for the 2017 Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival. We hope that your Friday is as vibrant as this clip of her performing "Freedom" from her 2015 project, Freedom & Surrender. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 45
Sister Act - “Sunday Morning Fever”
Show dates: February 9-25, 2017 • Uploaded: February 5, 2021
The 2017 production of Sister Act was so much fun. We really miss being able to have the incredible talent of the community perform on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage. Enjoy this clip of "Sunday Morning Fever" to put a little pep in your step on this overcast Friday. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle. This production was licensed through Music Theater International. All authorized performance materials were also provided by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Episode 44
I AM Movement - "Tea Party"
Show date: Circa 2013 • Uploaded: January 29, 2021
Welcome to the Tea Party! Enjoy this clip of the talented young dancers under the tutelage of Iris Goode. We definitely miss having recitals in the Ella Fitzgerald Theater and look forward to reopening at full capacity for more wonderful events like this one. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 43
Jane Monheit - "Something’s Gotta Give"
Show date: April 20, 2018 • Uploaded: January 22, 2021
In celebration of the milestone 20th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival, Grammy-nominated Jazz vocalist, Jane Monheit performed on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage. Her 2016 tribute album reintroduced the world to the music of Ella Fitzgerald through a modern lens. Enjoy this clip of "Somethings Gotta Give", performed by this incredible artist. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 42
Middleton Academy of Dance - "Mad World"
Show date: Unknown• Uploaded: January 15, 2021
Today's flashback is an emotional performance from Iris Goode's MAD performers (Middleton Academy of Dance). Elegantly executing the choreography to a cover of Mad World, these talented young dancers show their promise in the world of Contemporary Dance. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 41
The Stage that Launched an Icon - "Mack The Knife"
Show date: November 18, 2016 • Uploaded: January 8, 2021
You don’t want to miss another incredible display of talent by Christie Dashiell (@christiedashiell) in The Stage That Launched an Icon. On the evening of November 21st, 1934, a young dancer headed to Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. Finding herself onstage as a result of pure chance, the aspiring dancer decided to sing instead. This show was the story of Ella Fitzgerald. Enjoy this modernized jazzy and soulful clip of "It’s All Right With Me". Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 40
The Wiz - "I Was Born On The Day Before Yesterday”
Show date: February 18-27, 2016 & May 19-21, 2016 • Uploaded: January 1, 2021
Happy New Year! This Friday, we're taking a look back on one of the most successful shows in the history of Downing-Gross. The Wiz was so popular that we had to reprise the show. We hope that you have an equally prosperous and joyful year. Enjoy this clip of "I Was Born On The Day Before Yesterday" from the 2016 show. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 39
Eric Roberson - "Lyrics of Pleasure”
Show date: October 7, 2017 • Uploaded: December 25, 2020
Our 9th Anniversary Concert was definitely an evening to remember. The young blind piano prodigy, Matthew Whitaker, opened the show with an incredible display of talent. Headlining for the evening and returning to the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage was the incomparable Eric Roberson. With music that emanates truth and light, Eric's show warmed the hearts of old fans and warmly welcomed the hearts of new ones. Enjoy this clip of the showman himself, Eric Roberson, performing "Lyrics of Pleasure". Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 38
Nina Brewton as Pearl Bailey - "Summertime”
Show date: March 29, 2018 • Uploaded: December 18, 2020
To celebrate the 100th birthday of the Newport News native and icon of American history Pearl Bailey, we partnered with the city of Newport News for the unveiling of the Pearl Bailey art piece on display at the neighboring library. Following the reveal of the piece by Asa Jackson, patrons were welcomed into the Ella Fitzgerald Theater for a free concert with Pearl herself. Nina Brewton's portrayal of the singer, actress, and activist was spot-on! Enjoy this clip of "Summertime" from the day's celebration. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 37
Masego - "Send Yo’ Rita" / “Girls That Dance”
Show date: January 13, 2018 • Uploaded: December 11, 2020
Enjoy a little Friday vibe with a clip from the 2018 Masego concert. It was surely a night to remember. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle. This concert was brought to you in part by 3Sixty Management and Consulting.
Episode 36
El DeBarge - "Rhythm of the Night"
Show date: October 8, 2016 • Uploaded: November 27, 2020
We've had so many magical moments on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage and this is surely one of them! Back in 2016, we had the iconic El DeBarge perform for our 8th Anniversary Concert. It was a night to remember. May this video of the DeBarge classic start your Friday on a wonderful note! Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 35
Jean Carne - "Closer Than Close"
Show date: October 12, 2019 • Uploaded: November 27, 2020
Jean Carne is a living legend. Having her perform on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage for our 11th Anniversary was truly an honor. Enjoy some easy listening on this Friday with her performance of "Closer Than Close" from the 2019 concert. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 34
I AM Movement - "If I Die Young"
Show date: Unknown • Uploaded: November 20, 2020
As an advocate for the accessibility of the arts, we support the use of creativity as an emotional outlet. The talented young dancers, under the instruction of Iris Goode, presented this heartfelt performance on the Ella Fitzgerald Stage. The performance speaks for itself. Please enjoy this powerful choreography to "If I Die Young". Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 33
Tony Terry - "Forever Yours"
Show date: Unknown • Uploaded: November 13, 2020
We truly miss having in-person concerts! Over the past eleven years, we have had so many talented performers on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater Stage. Among them is the incomparable vocalist Tony Terry. His soothing vocals are great for this relaxing Friday. Kick back and enjoy this performance of the title track of his 1987 release, "Forever Yours". Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 32
The Stage that Launched an Icon - "It’s All Right With Me"
Show date: November 18, 2016 • Uploaded: November 6, 2020
You don’t want to miss this incredible display of talent by Christie Dashiell (@christiedashiell). On the evening of November 21st, 1934, a young dancer headed to Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. Finding herself onstage as a result of pure chance, the aspiring dancer decided to sing instead. This show was the story of Ella Fitzgerald. Enjoy this modernized jazzy and soulful clip of "It’s All Right With Me". Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 31
Video Not Available
Disney’s Frozen Jr. - “In Summer”
Show date: December 5-14, 2019 • Uploaded: October 30, 2020
Directed by Iris Goode, this enchanting modern classic from Disney was brought to life on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage. Until we are able to reunite for more theatrical productions, please enjoy this Flashback Friday clip of "In Summer" from the 2019 show. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 30
The Wiz - “So You Wanted To Meet The Wizard”
Show date: February 18-27, 2016 & May 19-21, 2016 • Uploaded: October 23, 2020
One of the most successful shows in Downing-Gross history, today we're looking back at The Wiz! Although our planned summer production of The Wiz was postponed in light of COVID-19, we look forward to recreating the magic in the future. In the meantime, enjoy this spirited clip of "So You Wanted To Meet The Wizard" performed by K'bana Blaq. Video courtesy @michaellemelle
Episode 29
For Brothers Sing - “Everything You Touch Is A Song”
Show date: December 19, 2015 • Uploaded: October 16, 2020
Today's video looks back on For Brother Sing, an evening of music presented by The LeMelle Group, LLC. Joe, Alston, Howard, and Michael came together to perform various classics for this special holiday event. Enjoy the video of their beautiful harmonies as they perform "Everything You Touch Is A Song" by The Winans. Video courtesy of @tetaunmediaworks and @michaellemelle
Episode 28
Sister Act - “Lady In The Long Black Dress”
Show dates: February 9-25, 2017 • Uploaded: October 8, 2020
We’re taking a look back to our 2017 DG Mainstage production of Sister Act. Enjoy this hilarious clip of Howard LeMelle II and Ned Harris III performing “Lady In The Long Black Dress”. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle. This production was licensed through Music Theater International. All authorized performance materials were also provided by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Episode 27
The Stage that Launched an Icon - "How High The Moon"
Show date: November 18, 2016 • Uploaded: October 2, 2020
On the evening of November 21st, 1934, a young dancer headed to Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. Finding herself onstage as a result of pure chance, the aspiring dancer decided to sing instead. This show was the story of Ella Fitzgerald. Enjoy this clip of "How High The Moon". Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 26
Dreams in Motion - “Strange Fruit”
Show date: Unknown • Uploaded: September 24, 2020
We're once again showcasing the incredibly talented young performers of Dreams In Motion Dance Studio. Witness this soul-stirring performance, choreographed to the classic, "Strange Fruit". Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 25
The Unifics - “Court of Love”
Show date: October 19, 2019 • Uploaded: September 18, 2020
We are always so excited to have The Unifics perform on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage. This talented trio blend their smooth moves, beautiful harmonies, and sharp style to create a true experience. Enjoy the performance of their hit song, "Court of Love" at our 11th Anniversary Concert. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 24
Dreams In Motion - “Old Friends”
Show date: 2018 • Uploaded: September 11, 2020
Dreams In Motion Dance Team graced the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage for their recital. Led by Liza Infanzon-Smith and Janneice Haughton, this talented group of young dancers always give a beautiful performance. Enjoy this clip of "Old Friends", originally performed to the song by Jasmine Thompson. For copyright purposes, the audio to this performance has been changed. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 23
Matthew Whitaker - “My Favorite Things”
Show date: October 7, 2017 • Uploaded: September 4, 2020
Our 9th Anniversary Concert was definitely an evening to remember. The young blind piano prodigy, Matthew Whitaker, opened the show with an incredible display of talent. He has performed on some of the biggest stages in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and the Apollo Theater. We are so grateful to add the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage to that list. Enjoy his piano rendition of "My Favorite Things". Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 22
Eric Roberson - “Picture Perfect”
Show date: October 7, 2017 • Uploaded: August 27, 2020
Our 9th Anniversary Concert was definitely an evening to remember. The young blind piano prodigy, Matthew Whitaker, opened the show with an incredible display of talent. Headlining for the evening and returning to the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage was the incomparable Eric Roberson. With music that emanates truth and light, Eric's show warmed the hearts of old fans and warmly welcomed the hearts of new ones. Enjoy this clip of the showman himself, Eric Roberson, performing "Picture Perfect". Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 21
CC Sunchild - “Being With You”
Show date: April 20, 2017 · Uploaded: August 21, 2020
CC Sunchild graced the stage for a college night event titled Ella Was My Major. This amazing night of music was a part of the centennial celebration of Ella Fitzgerald during a very special iteration of the annual music festival. Enjoy this clip of the extremely talented CC Sunchild serenading you with her performance of "Being With You". Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 20
I Am Ella - “Memphis Blues”
Show date: September 10, 2016 · Uploaded: August 14, 2020
Today's flashback will take you back to 2016 for a jazzy performance honoring the first lady of song. I Am Ella was a journey through the life of Ms. Fitzgerald through song, with performances from Chantae Cann, Michon David, Ymoni Collins, Ahisa Henry, Paula Mayle, Athena Smith, Brenae Williams, Lisa Hernandez, and Titus Dudley. Enjoy this snazzy performance of "Memphis Blues". Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 19
Kindred the Family Soul - “Alright”
Show date: October 13, 2018 · Uploaded: August 6, 2020
For our landmark 10th anniversary concert, we celebrated with a concert starring the incomparable Kindred the Family Soul. This married duo returned to the Ella Fitzgerald Stage to share their light and positive energy with a sold-out crowd. Enjoy this rocking performance of "Alright". Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 18
The Fourth Annual Ladies in Red Concert And Award Show - “RESPECT”
Show date: March 3, 2018 · Uploaded: July 31, 2020
Myra Smith's annual Ladies in Red Concert and Award Show celebrates incredible women who are making a difference in the community with an evening of uplifting music. Enjoy this clip of "Respect" performed at the fourth annual event in 2018. These ladies left it all on the stage and you don't want to miss it. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 17
Dienamik Dance Force - "In The Mood"
Show date: May 17, 2019 • Uploaded: July 24, 2020
This week's Flashback Friday features a dance performance. The theme of our 2018-2019 season was Decades and Generations - a celebration of our 10th anniversary. Decades of Dance was a featured event throughout the season, where five choreographers were able to create a night of dance inspired by a different decade. Kim Kerns and Dienamik Dance Force did an amazing job bringing the 1940s to life on stage. Enjoy this clip of the number "In The Mood". Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 16
Lizz Wright - "Seems I’m Never Tired Lovin’ You"
Show date: April 21, 2017 • Uploaded: July 17, 2020
What an evening to remember! The vocals of the incomparable Lizz Wright are on full display in this week's Flashback Friday. "Seems I'm Never Tired Lovin' You" is originally a song by Nina Simone and was featured on Lizz Wright's 2017 jazz album titled, Grace. Enjoy this clip from the 2017 Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle.
Episode 15
Melanie Faye - "Waste" (Cover)
Show date: January 13, 2018 • Uploaded: July 10, 2020
The talented guitarist, Melanie Faye, graced our stage back in January of 2018. In this video, she performed a soulful cover of "Waste" by Brockhampton. It was an unforgettable night. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle. This concert was brought to you in part by 3Sixty Management and Consulting.
Episode 14
Masego - "Tadow"
Show date: January 13, 2018 • Uploaded: July 3, 2020
In celebration of his recent performance on the 2020 BET Awards, today's Flashback Friday is a clip from the 2018 concert starring Masego! This talented young artist with origins in Hampton Roads is garnering so much popularity. We are proud to have had him on our stage and hope that he continues to soar. Enjoy his performance of "Tadow" on the Ella Fitzgerald Theater stage. Video courtesy of Michael Lemelle. This concert was brought to you in part by 3Sixty Management and Consulting.
Episode 13
Regina Belle - "Mr. Paganini"
Show dates: April 27, 2019 • Uploaded: June 26, 2020
The 2019 Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival featured two incredible events - the Ladies of Song Vocal Competition and an evening with the incomparable Regina Belle. She is a powerhouse performer who gave us an unforgettable night of music. Enjoy this video of her performance of Ella Fitzgerald's jazzy song, "Mr. Paganini".
Episode 12
Hiram & Nettie - "Mother Africa"
Show dates: June 27-29, 2019 • Uploaded: June 19, 2020
Today is Juneteenth and we are celebrating with this spirited clip from Hiram and Nettie. Terrance Afer-Anderson's powerful play returned to the Ella Fitzgerald Theater in June of 2019. At its core, this is the story of the power of love and human connection in one of the most divisive times in American history. Directed by and starring Michael LeMelle, this emotional performance was brought to life in recognition of 400 years since the arrival of Africans as slaves to the United States through Old Point Comfort in 1619. Join us in remembrance of the Quadricentennial and in celebration of Juneteenth during this Flashback Friday. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 11
The Stage that Launched an Icon - "A Night In Tunisia"
Show date: November 18, 2016 • Uploaded: June 12, 2020
On the evening of November 21st, 1934, a young dancer headed to Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. Finding herself onstage as a result of pure chance, the aspiring dancer decided to sing instead. This show was the story of Ella Fitzgerald. Enjoy this clip of "A Night In Tunisia". Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 10
Nina Brewton - "That's Good Enough For Me"
Show date: March 29, 2018 • Uploaded: June 5, 2020
In 1918, a legend was born in Newport News, Virginia. On her 100th birthday on March 29th of 2018, we celebrated her legacy with a free tribute event. Pearl 100 starred poet, author, and vocalist Nina Brewton, impersonating the legendary songstress while telling her life story. Enjoy this clip of the song "That's Good Enough For Me", performed by the talented Nina Brewton. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 9
Queen Esther Marrow - "Precious Lord"
Show date: September 7, 2018 • Uploaded: May 29, 2020
On August 16th, 2018, the world said farewell to an incredible icon in music, Aretha Franklin. On September 7th of that same year, we celebrated the life and legacy of the "Queen of Soul" with a tribute featuring live painting by acclaimed artist, Gerome Meminger, and incredible performances from Dreams in Motion Dance Studio, Queen Esther Marrow, and many more! Enjoy this clip of the song "Precious Lord", performed by the incomparable Queen Esther Marrow. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 8
Jon Bibbs - “The Story of Love”
Show date: April 20, 2018 • Uploaded: May 22, 2020
We're looking back at the 2018 Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival. This two-part event featured an evening with Jennifer Holliday on April 27th and an evening with Jane Monheit featuring Jon Bibbs on April 20th. Jon Bibbs is a talented singer and songwriter and native of Richmond. His soulful music is not only heard but experienced. Enjoy this clip of his song "The Story of Love" featured on his 2005 project, Unbreakable. Feel free to join in on the call and response. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 7
Wickham Ave. - “Ling, Ting, Tong”
Show dates: Unknown • Uploaded: May 15, 2020
We're looking back at an original play, written by Crystal Sessoms. Wickham Ave. is told from the heart of an ailing blues musician, Johnny Blue Waters. He takes a walk down memory lane using his "time-soul capsule" as he remembers great musicians he has met along his path. This production honors great musicians from the Hampton Roads area who have made a significant mark on the world as entertainers. Enjoy this clip of the number "Ling, Ting, Tong", paying homage to the Five Keys. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Episode 6
Video Not Available
Disney’s Frozen Jr. - “Let It Go”
Show dates: December 5-14, 2019 • Uploaded: May 8, 2020
Under the direction of Iris Goode, this talented cast of kids put together a wonderful rendition of Disney's Frozen Jr. Enjoy the iconic song, “Let It Go”. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez · Book by Jennifer Lee · Original Broadway Orchestrations by Dave Metzger · Original Broadway Music Supervision and Arrangements by Stephen Oremus · Additional Broadway Dance Arrangements by David Chase · Frozen JR. Music Adapted and Arranged by Madeline Smith · Frozen JR. Script Adapted by Sara Wadsworth. Frozen Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIshows.com
Episode 5
Hiram & Nettie - “Hiram’s Whipping”
Show dates: June 27-29, 2019 • Uploaded: May 1, 2020
Terrance Afer-Anderson's powerful play returned to the Ella Fitzgerald Theater in June of 2019. At its core, this is the story of the power of love and human connection in one of the most divisive times in American history. Director Michael LeMelle brought this emotional performance to life, in recognition of 400 years since the arrival of Africans as slaves to the United States through Old Point Comfort in 1619. Join us in remembrance of the Quadricentennial celebration during this Flashback Friday.
Episode 4
Little Shop of Horrors - “Ya Never Know”
Show dates: February 7-22, 2020 • Uploaded: April 24, 2020
We're looking back at our most recent DG Mainstage production. This horrifyingly hilarious show featured an unmatched energy from the cast and undeniable puppetry and set design. We had a lot of fun putting this one together. Enjoy “Ya Never Know”. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Book and Lyrics By Howard Ashman • Music By Alan Menken • Based on the Film by Roger Corman • Screenplay by Charles Griffith starring Cory Steiger & ArLynn Parker with Jacyn Gibbs as the Voice of Audrey II, Tawanda Prince, Michael Malbrough, Jack Lynk, Jazz Slaughter, Yazmine Holmes, Arieana Moffett, Erin Walden, Caty Hadley, Kenneth Sutton, Joye Thompkins, Jamaya Worrell, Rebekah Hill, Courtney Connor II, Isaiah Mann, and Danielle Valentine Directed by James Cooper. · Little Shop of Horrors is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS was originally directed by Howard Ashman with musical staging by Edie Cowan.
Episode 3
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka - “In This Room Here”
Show dates: February 8-24, 2018 • Uploaded: April 17, 2020
Episode three of Flashback Friday is a snippet from our 2018 DG Mainstage Production – Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka. This show was very special to us, as we boasted colorblind, gender-bending casting. Both Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket were portrayed by African-American actresses – Tia Rachelle and Yazmine Holmes respectively. Check out "In This Room Here" from our whimsical production. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle.
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Episode 2
Dreamgirls - “And I Am Telling You…”
Show dates: February 8-23, 2019 • Uploaded: April 10, 2020
Episode two features one of the most iconic songs in Broadway history from our 2019 DG Mainstage production of Dreamgirls. Enjoy “And I Am Telling You…” Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle. Dreamgirls was presented in arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK. www.tamswitmark.com.
Episode 1
Sister Act - “Take Me To Heaven”
Show dates: February 9-25, 2017 • Uploaded: April 3, 2020
Welcome to Flashback Fridays - a new series celebrating the past events and programs at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. First up is our 2017 DG Mainstage production of Sister Act. Video courtesy of Michael LeMelle. This production was licensed through Music Theater International. All authorized performance materials were also provided by MTI. www.MTIShows.com