Tuesday, June 26, 2012

"The Scottsboro Boys" at SF A.C.T.


The Scottsboro Boys
June 21–July 22, 2012

Bay Area Premiere

Music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb
Book by David Thompson
Associate director and choreographer Jeff Whiting
Direction and choreography by Susan Stroman

Experience the daring final musical from the creators of Chicago and Cabaret—staged by the legendary Susan Stroman (The Producers)

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

The Riot Within: Book Review - RIP, Rodney King




At the end of Rodney King’s (with Lawrence J. Spagnola) book The Riot Within he admits: “ I may slip again, but Rodney Glen King will never stop trying to be a better person…

"We all have a dream and mine is to take all God’s children down to the fishing hole, soak in the sun, and savor the beautiful colors in creation that he has given us, like a rainbow trout."


I could go on a dissertation to talk about the imagery and metaphors the passage evokes in light of Rodney King’s recent passing but I believe the truth is much clearer than that. Rodney did indeed perform a step in which he admitted to God, to himself and to us exact nature of his wrongs. The book could also be said to be a parting shot, without malice, of the wrongs done unto him, by not only the police officers but by the attorneys and handlers that were supposed to be the Champions of his cause.

It is often said that great moments come from benign events slamming into ordinary people. Rodney was living a life that would have gone unnoticed and generally uneventful until that fateful night when he says, “I don’t really know why I didn’t stop.” His story is like many of the personal shares in the Big Book of Alcoholic Anonymous, a life that had simply become unmanageable. But, from his innocuous existence and these AA shares, many come to identify and start on a road to recovery. So miracles will happen from someone reading this book by Rodney King. Although some do slip, and get to try another day, some don’t. Even if this was Rodney’s fate, I am sure that his life will result in many miracles. Rodney felt the water wash over him and God is now holding him and showing him all the beautiful colors of his creation in heaven. Amen.

(Reviewed by JRS)

Saturday, June 16, 2012

RIP, Yvette Wilson





Yvette Wilson (March 6, 1964 – June 14, 2012) was an American comedian and actress. She is best known for her role as Andell Wilkerson on the UPN sitcom Moesha and its spinoff The Parkers. She has appeared on many comedy films such as House Party 2, House Party 3, Friday, and on Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam. On June 14, 2012, she died from cervical cancer.

Another reminder to get regular check-ups, pap smears and breast exams.

Cancer sucks.

RIP, Ms. Wilson.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Who Can Use The "N" Word?


I'm sure you've heard the buzz about Gwyneth Paltrow's recent tweet.

Ms. Paltrow felt it appropriate to tweet "Ni**as in paris for real @mrteriusnash (the dream) tyty, beehigh," along with a picture of three people at a Kanye West and Jay-Z “Watch the Throne” performance.

Now, as for me, I'm offended. Others might say, what Gwyneth said in response to critics, "It's the title of a song!"

Sorry, but as far as I'm concerned, she still doesn't get to say it. I love popular culture, but this is where it gets a little "fuzzy."

Call me "old school" but the "N" word is always offensive when uttered by the "other folks."

What do you think?

Social media strikes again.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Brian Copeland's "The Waiting Period"


I got a chance to catch Brian Copeland's one-man show "The Waiting Period" at the Marsh Theater in San Francisco this weekend.

You have to admire a person who has the guts to stand up and pour out his soul to an audience of strangers.

And while his humor resonates throughout the show, there are parts, many parts, where you almost want to cry.

Depression is real. I've said it here before. And African Americans need to realize that it hits us too.

The show is thought-provoking, entertaining and very, very real. I'm still thinking about it two days later.


Brian Copeland's
THE WAITING PERIOD
Laughter in the Darkness
The Marsh San Francisco
Extended thru Sat, July 7

Friday at 8pm
Saturday at 5pm

No performances on
June 29, 30
July 6



Show Info
415-826-5750