New Freedom Theatre presents
Visions of Broadway on Broad Street: A History of Blacks on Broadway
Annual Celebration of Founder’s Day
John E. Allen, Jr. and Robert E. Leslie, Sr. with Melba Moore
Visions of Broadway on Broad Street 2016: A History of Blacks on Broadway
Founder’s Day is New Freedom’s homage to its co-founders John E. Allen, Jr. and Robert E. Leslie, Sr. This year’s musical theme is A History of Blacks on Broadway. The original musical, highlights the significant and exciting contributions of African Americans in the American musical tradition and in the entertainment industry as a whole. The history is presented from the artistic and cultural roots of Africa to artistic expressions developed in slavery. The history moves through the minstrel period, then to vaudeville, and finally to modern American musical theater.
For this original production of A History of Blacks on Broadway, students, staff, and alumni will present a show that highlights Broadway musical numbers. The performance is sure to delight audiences with its high-energy, entertaining, finger-popping, toe-tapping show numbers. A great production recommended for the entire family!
The original musical production is directed and choreographed by the Managing Director of the Performance Arts Training Program (PATP), Patricia Scott Hobbs. Joining her are the teaching staff of the PATP: the directorial/the choreographic team consists of Diane Leslie, Shawna Evans, and Khalil Munir; Musical director Latasha Morris, writer Shanna Mawavise, assisted by Gail Leslie. Also, in the role of support staff are alumni Anwar Marshall, music producer, and music coaches Holden Jones and Michael O’Bryan. All are teaching staff of New Freedom’s Performing Arts Training Program (PATP).
