Celebrity Takeover
John Legend To Produce “Turn Me Loose” Starring Scandal’s Joe Morton
Shondaland is letting us borrow one of our favorites in May. Joe Morton who plays Rowan Pope/ Command on ABC’s hit, Scandal, is coming back to the stage in Turn Me Loose.
Written by Gretchen Law, directed by John Gould Rubin, and produced by John Legend, “Turn Me Loose” will start previews May 3rd and is set to open May 19 at the Westside Theater.
Morton brings to life the story of Dick Gregory and explores his existence at the intersection of celebrity and activist.
On the timeliness and relevance of bringing the story of this legend to stage, Legend comments:
People like Dick Gregory, Paul Robeson, Harry Belafonte and Nina Simone show me what the definition of an artist is – it isn’t just to make art but to speak truth to what’s happening, speak beauty into the world, speak love into the world and also get involved.
And speak truth, Dick Gregory has. Gregory first hit the scene in the 60s and he’s always had a way of simultaneously reading people for filth and taking a political stance, that shows you he is a proud member of #WokeAsHell. He’s equal part comedian and civil rights activist, and at 83, he’s still politicking and educating the masses.
Legend promises audiences will “laugh, have a great time, be empowered, and turned loose.” If anything will be turned loose, it’s me when I hear the new song the Oscar winner wrote for the show. #WERK
Joe Morton may be best known for portraying Olivia Pope’s father on Scandal. But like I said, he’s been #BroadwayBlack. He was Tony nominated for his work in Raisin. Additional credits include: Art, Honky Tonk Nights, Oh, Brother!, Tricks, and Two Gentlemen of Verona.
To get your tickets click HERE.
Celebrity Takeover
Tituss Burgess Has New Music, A New Movie, & No Time For Mess + The Preacher’s Wife Musical Update
On Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Tituss Burgess gave us an update on his musical adaptation of the 1996 movie, The Preacher’s Wife – starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. On the late-night talk show, a viewer called in to ask if there had been any updates regarding the show and Burgess shared that:
“ We are very close to signing with a hot-shot producer in New York, which means that the show is closer to appearing in London or here. But there’s also a recent development which could delay it for the better. You’ll find out about it later”
So not only do we know that the musical is still on its way to bless us, but there is an announcement about the show on the way! If you ask me, this is incredibly exciting. Tituss Burgess’ career has gone from stage to screen, and his abilities as an actor and singer are undeniable. Knowing that we are closer to seeing his skills as a musical theatre composer is mad exciting. Watch a clip from the interview above.
While we wait for The Preacher’s Wife Musical, listen to Burgess’ newly released EP Saint Tituss. Burgess sings his face off as he skillfully talks about issues that are personal and political — all while wrapping things up with a joyous celebration of resilience as positivity. He also has two songs that feature Daniel J. Watts including the single 45
He also has a new movie on the way. “Dolemite Is My Name” starring Eddie Murphy along with Burgess, Mike Epps, Chris Rock, & more will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. A national release date has not been set as of yet but is sure to be on its way.
While discussing the new movie during the same interview, Cohen asked Burgess about his relationship with Murphy. The way Cohen presented the question insinuates there might have been a problem between the two because of a ‘problematic past with the gays’ on Murphy’s part. The response given by Burgess is swift and loaded with “you tried it, but you won’t get me”:
“He wasn’t problematic for Tituss. We had a wonderful time. We talked about Dreamgirls and he should have won the Oscasr, I believe. He was great. Any troubles he may have had with gay people I guess are gone because he loved me.”
and this is why we live.
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