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Feeling Happy
Hearing "Feelin' Good" by The Pussycat Dolls
Something "Solid" To Hit The Stage
By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Finally. Ashford & Simpson are making their way to Broadway.
The female half of the legendary music duo let the cat out of the bag during their sold-out set at Feinstein's At The Regency, last night, in New York City.
"Since this is a new thing," Valerie Simpson, 60, commented --about finally performing in the tony venue, after a five year wait-- "we are doing other new things."
While the hitmaking songwriters (of Motown classics "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" and "Your Precious Love") have been asked on numerous ocassions to bring their music stylings to the stage, it was the literary prose of best-selling author E. Lynn Harris that got their juices flowing.
"This is a story that needs to be brought to the masses, a very important one," she said.
The two, who have experienced their own chart-topping success with a string of singles (including the anthem "Solid"), have crafted new compositions inspired by the controversial 1992 novel, 'Invisible Life' (the very first of its kind to tackle what is now commonly referred to as the "downlow" phenomenon).
While Ashford, in all of his sequinned glory, didn't really get into the thick of things regarding the actual storyline, sang his face off -- nothing could've prepared me for what was in store.
"It's time to celebrate and to appreciate everything we give to the world," the lengthy locked crooner bellowed. "Don't put me down, and don't be mean."
And then, bringing it to a high-pitched crescendo, the South Carolina native sang: "Give me the crown-and call me a queen."
I didn't ever think I would live to see the day where I would hear Nickolas Ashford, 64, say those words in public.
With such conviction. And emotional dexterity.
It was a whole lot to take in (no pun intended). My mouth fell open.
In all seriousness, Ashford & Simpson performed three selections from the forthcoming George Fasion-helmed production: "I Don't Ride That Train," "God Has Love For Everyone" and "Born This Way" -- the latter is the dance music-inflected tune that features those aforementioned lyrics.
For those who don't know, Faison won a Tony Award in 1975 for choreographing 'The Wiz.'
And just to think; Ashford & Simpson bringing their treasure trove of music to the stage follows in a new tradition of pop music tunesmiths vying for a taste of the Great White Way.
Billy Joel, Elton John, Abba, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Earth, Wind & Fire, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Burt Bacharach are some of the music industry royalty that have hit the Broadway boards with their songbooks.
"When I heard Ashford and Simpson was even remotely interested in doing this, I was excited," Harris told The BV Newswire today. "Now that they're on board, I'm over the moon."
Harris, who released his 10th best-seller last spring, is currently finishing up his newest novel, titled 'The Masquerade' (due out next spring).
"I think the musical will not only attract Broadway snobs like myself," he added, "but also people who have never seen a Broadway show… this is giving me a chance to reach even more people with my words."
Five years ago, the Arkansas native appeared in the critically-acclaimed 20th Anniversary concert of 'Dreamgirls,' starring Audra McDonald, Heather Headley and Lillias White.
According to the musical's executive producer Proteus Spann, who is also co-writing the script, 'American Idol' star Trenyce (from Season Two) is on board to play the female lead, Nicole. Broadway powerhouse Billy Porter is in negotiations to star in the role of Kyle, the flamboyant friend -- the emotional center of the story.
"The door is open for black Hollywood actors to take on the leading role of Raymond," Spann confided. "Usher is my dream choice but unfortunately we still live in an era where entertainers of his stature are fearful of such a daring role. I only hope this will be a step towards changing that."
At press time, kinks were still being ironed out but Spann mandated that an early workshop run of the musical is slated for next spring, making stops in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Houston and Philadelphia.
Ashford & Simpson performs at Feinsteins throughout Sept. 23. For more info, click here.
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ASH AND SIMP,
I WANT TO SAY THAT I LOVE YOU BOTH AND SO DO GOD, I PRAY THAT YOU SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL THE WORLD. YOU BOTH ARE AN INSTRUMENT TO THIS NATION. LET YOUR LIGHTS SO SHINE THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY TE FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN. -
Another comment, best to you Ashford and Simpson. On a different subject, that E. Lynn Harris dude is a disgrace to all black men and the entire black race. God placed the man to be strong, loving, the protector of his wife and children. This dude is leading a movement that will damage the masculinity and mindset of our black men. His books about man on man sex is antichrist, ungodly, and disgusting. His endorsement of the downlow life style is destructive to the black family, and a betrayal to our black women and children. E. Lynn you are the Judas to our black race. I hope our people boycott this dude's pornographic, pedophile, sick and immoral literature. BURN E.LYNN'S BOOKS NOW. -
Ashford & Simpson, forever your fan!!!
My favorite song "Is It Still Good To Ya."
Although, I LOVE ALL YOUR MUSIC!!!
Saw you at the Roxie, Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA forgot the year. I think in the 70's and at the Strand, Redondo Beach, CA in the 80's, so we go way back together. You both always, forever look fabulous!!!
True entertainer's, I can always feel the magic, the LOVE, when your on stage.
Come to Los Angeles, I'll be waiting for you guys.
Forever your fan
Ms. JoLaCeRay, Los Angeles, California
joburnley@aol.com -
Wonderful. Having seen Denzel Washinghton on Broadway in Julius Ceaser and seeing the Color Purple twice. I look forward to another fantastic Broadway show, for it is indeed our time to shine. Let's all get ready to support this venture and tell a friend!!!
9/26/06 1:42 AM
I WANT TO SAY THAT I LOVE YOU BOTH AND SO DO GOD, I PRAY THAT YOU SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL THE WORLD. YOU BOTH ARE AN INSTRUMENT TO THIS NATION. LET YOUR LIGHTS SO SHINE THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY TE FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.