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Black Angels Over Tuskegee is a story told in narrative of six men embarking upon a journey to become pilots in the United States Army Air Forces. The play explores their collective struggle with Jim Crow; challenging their intelligence, patriotism, brotherhood, and dreams of an inclusive and fair society. The play goes beyond the headlines of popular stories and reveals the heart and soul of the Tuskegee Airmen who exhibited the courage to excel, in spite of all the overwhelming odds against them.
Winner of the 2009 NAACP Award for Best Ensemble and 2009 Hollywood Artistic Director Achievement Award for Best Play, the production has received rave reviews from top critics including The New York Times who describe the performance as "Uplifting and Inspirational" and "Tough to Resist!".
Audiences around the country have been moved to joy and tears after experiencing the enriching display of relevant theatre. It is a perfect vehicle to educate, entertain, inspire and add perspective to a rarely heard chapter in American history.
The play has been selected as a mainstage production for the The National Tuskegee Airmen Convention (Las Vegas), NAACP Theater Festival (LA), National Urban League Centennial Conference (DC), Exclusive New York Jets Team/Coaching Staff Performance (NYC), National Black Theatre Festival (Winston Salem, NC), Los Angeles African-American Museum, The Tom Joyner Foundation Cruise (Canada), and much more.
Layon continues to make his mark in traditional African-American theatre with Black Angels Over Tuskegee. Born and raised in Louisiana, he has quickly risen as one of Los Angeles premiere playwrights winning Artistic Director Achievement Awards for Best Director, Best Play, and Best Author , 2 MADDY AWARDS for Best Playwright, and Best Director., and several NAACP awards
In 2007 he was named MATCH-LIFE ARTIST OF THE YEAR for theatre. In 2008 he formed THE LAYON GRAY EXPERIENCE which is the umbrella company for DOROTHY SPELLMAN FILMS, and the new LOS ANGELES AFRICAN AMERICAN REPERTORY COMPANY.
He is currently directing two Off-Broadway shows in New York City, "Black Angels over Tuskegee" and the "All American Girls". His new play "FEED THE BEAST" will have it's New York premiere in March .
For more information on Layon, log on to www.layongray.com or e-mail: layongray_gmail.com.
The Black Gents of Hollywood are an all-male ensemble driven to resurrect, redefine, and restore positive images of African -American men. Founded in 2007 by Layon Gray, the assembly of Actors, Writers, and Directors aspire to change the paradigm and empower a generation through relevant storytelling and excellence in community service.
"Good things come to those who wait... but only the things left by those who hustle." I dedicate this play to her and him. Thank you for giving me the freedom to express my soul. [www.layongray.com]
LAMMAN RUCKER
The handsome star of Tyler Perry’'s “"WHY DID I GET MARRIED?" film franchise and hit sitcom "MEET THE BROWNS" was born in Pittsburgh, PA and grew up in Washington, DC where he graduated from the illustrious Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Mr. Rucker may also be recognized as Mona’'s boyfriend 'Chase' on UPN’'s "“HALF & HALF"” as well as his bad-boy characters in legendary daytime dramas "“AS THE WORLD TURNS”" and "“ALL MY CHILDREN".” He has also been a memorable guest star on "LAW & ORDER", "ALL OF US" and the popular Emmy Award winning television mini-series, "“THE TEMPTATIONS”" as 'Jimmy Ruffin'. On stage, Lamman received a 2002 Audelco nomination for his portrayal of 'Jason' in Euripidies'’ classical Greek tragedy, "MEDEA", and is on the Executive Board and a Founding Member of 'The Black Gents of Hollywood'. Mr. Rucker considers it an honor to highlight a legacy in "BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE" that contributes to restoring and uplifting the positive identity of the Black male. For more information about Lamman, visit "www.lammanrucker.net", follow him on twitter "twitter.com/lammanrucker" and Support his new all-natural bath & body line, "Forplai", at www.forplai.com.
Acting on stages in DC, LA and Off Broadway NYC is only one of David Wendell Boykin’s creative pursuits. His gifts span writing, producing and directing many short films, commercials and plays. His latest short film Concrete River recently premiered at the 2010 San Diego Black Film Festival. In 2003 his first play APPLAUSE for Miss E. was selected for the National Black Theatre Festival’s Readers Series. In 2004, David directed APPLAUSE for Miss E. at the El Portal Theatre, receiving 2004 A.D.A. Awards: Best Ensemble Cast-Comedy and Author of an Original Play as well as three nod from the NAACP Theatre Awards Committee. Currently, he is developing a touring production and enjoying his role in Black Angels Over Tuskegee. [www.davidwendellboykins.com]
Thom Scott II’s goal is to fulfill God's purpose for his life by using his acting talent to affect change, stimulate learning, and entertain. Notable credits include: TV- CSI: MIAMI, Crossing Jordan, The Parkers, ANGEL, Good Eats; Film- Honeybee, Truth Hall; Theatre- WEBEIME* (award winning performance), The Boys Next Door* (award winning performance), Wait Until Dark, California Suite. Thom thanks Jesus for His sacrifice, his wife who gives him life, his mother who gave him life, and his family/friends for their love and support. Thom dedicates his performances to his father Col. Lionel L. Stephens; RIP. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! [www.thomscott2.com]
Demetrius Gross is a graduate of prestigious Carnegie Mellon Drama School & has also trained at Howard University. After studying and performing internationally at Oxford University and UCT in South Africa, he pursued film and television. Guest starring as a leading man on CSI Miami, he's shown comedic chops on FOX's BONES and HBO's pilot, UNSUCCESSFUL THUG opposite comedian Mike Epps. Demetrius has also a menacing villain in NBC's HEROES as well as a compassionate rookie cop in the final season of ER. Along with his NAACP award-winning run of Black Angels Over Tuskegee, Demetrius stars in the highly anticipated LA NOIRE for Rockstar Games due to release this fall. [www.demetriusgrosse.com]
ANANIAS DIXON
Annasis is excited to be on stage in a powerful historical piece. He thanks his family and friends for the their love and support.
Over the past decade, Derek Shaun has emerged as an acclaimed Lead Actor on both stage and screen. His screen credits span productions such as TV Soap "The Young and The Restless" to award-winning film "Forgive Us Our Transgressions". His most recent stage performances include "Following Faith: A Nat Turner Story" and "Jungle King"s directed by legendary Actor Bill Duke. The sky is the limit for Shaun and there is so much more to come. He thanks his family and friends for their love and support, and God for his gifts and extremely blessed life. "There is no me...without You and with You, there is nothing that I fear." [poetjazz_aol.com]
Thaddeus Daniels is a native of Wilmington, NC. Born into a military family, he grew up traveling abroad, eventually attending college at UNC - Chapel Hill. A New Yorker now, Thaddeus has performed in many theater productions there and nationally. Cherished productions in addition to Black Angels Over Tuskegee include, God, the Crackhouse and the Devil with Circle Rep at La Mama, Same Train at St. Marks Theatre, Before It Hits Home at the National Black Theatre Festival and the national tour of Presidents with comedian/impersonator Rich Little. Some TV/film credits: Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Homicide, Third Watch, Miracle's Boy's and Half Nelson. Thaddeus is honored to be a part of the Black Gent's production of Black Angels Over Tuskegee.
Steve Brustien has graced several stages including: Franz Liebkind in The Producers, Christopher Belling in Curtains, and Ernst Ludwig in Cabaret. He can be seen on film in The Guardian, Remember Me, The Bounty Hunter and SALT. On television, Steve will appear in How To Make It In America, and HBO's original film, You Don't Know Jack. In addition to several short films, he's been featured in commercials for Old Spice & Luvs Baby Diapers. Steve wants to thank his wife, for sticking around all these years. And, a special kiss for newborn, granddaughter, Jordan.
MELVIN HUFFNAGLE
A native of Buffalo, NY, Melvin is a product of the University of Florida's MFA program. Mr. Huffnagle has portrayed a wide range of characters. His credits include 'Harold Loomis' in August Wilson's "Joe Turners Come And Gone", 'Walter 'in Loraine Hansberry's "A Sign In Sidney Bernstein's Window", 'The Duke of Buckingham' in Shakespeare's "Richard III", 'Delmus' in Eugene Lee's "East Texas Hot Links" directed by Steppenwolf Director Ron OJ Parsons. In the Summer of 2006, Melvin was awarded 'Best Actor' at New York's annual Strawberry One Act Festival. T.V. and film credits include "Law and Order-SVU", "Law and Order-Crimnal Intent", and "Strip Search" directed by Sidney Lumet. Melvin's directing credits are Laurence Fishburne's "Riff Raff", David Lindsay-Abaire's "Fuddy Mirrors", and Tennessee Williams' "Camino Real". Melvin would like to thank God for giving him the opportunity to share his talent to teach and inspire. Also, he would like to thank his wife and son for their inspiration, love and support.
LAWRENCE SAINT-VICTOR
Hailing from Spring Valley N.Y, where he got his first taste of acting at S.U.N.Y Rockland Community College. He furthered his training at the Conservatory of Theatre Arts and Film at S.U.N.Y Purchase, where acted in such plays as Winter's Tale, Six degrees of Separation, and Night of the Iguana. Upon graduation Lawrence landed the role of Remy Boudreau on the longest running television series The Guiding Light. Lawrence has also been on prime time shows, such as Ugly Betty and Law and Order SVU. Other than his television credits he has received and Audelco award for best ensemble in the play Black Man Rising. His vision is to change the world through entertainment.
TOBIAS TRUVILLION
Most recently Tobias worked with the mega-talented cast of “Brooklyn’s Finest” For his role in David D. Wright and Tunde Samuel’s musical “Oya” at The National Black Theater, Tobias humbly accepted The AUDELCO AWARD. He was honored by the nomination of the NAACP IMAGE AWARD for “Best Lead Male” in a Daytime Series, for his role as “Vincent Jones” on ABC’s “One Life to Live”, and as expected, Tobias is eager and honored to return to his theater roots. In addition, he would like to thank the Black Gents of Hollywood, Penwah the mother of the late, great, actress Michelle Thomas, his brothers and his family. In addition, he dedicates his performance to his Grandparents: True, Gwen, Saint, Emily and Pop. “I’m in the game and still playing”. God Bless!
DAVID ROBERTS Also a poet, David thanks his family and friends for their support as he continues to pursue his dream on stage and screen. Enjoy the performance.
STEPHON PETTYWAY ( Quentin Alternate) Is excited to be a apart of an incredible ensemble and play. He thanks his family, and friends for their love and support.
8-time Emmy Award-winning newsman-turned-actor Rich Skidmore is a recurring principal actor and voiceover artist on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, h Rich has co-starred on The Chocolate News, Criminal Minds, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and The Practice. On the big screen, he's played everything from FBI Agent to Brothel-Owner in over a dozen films, including The Ugly Truth, Miss Congeniality 2, and The Governor. He's also appeared in over 40 national commercials, He is a proud native of Pittsburgh, PA, the City of Champions.
DELANO BARBOSA
Delano is a nationally recognized featured actor in MARSHA AMBROSIUS hit Song FAR AWAY. Featured in the GAME PLAN movie with DWAYNE The Rock JOHNSON. For more information please log on to...
www.iamdelano.com
Antonio D. Charity is from Surry, VA. This graduate of Howard University’s theatre department has performed in Off Broadway & regional productions at The Florida Studio Theatre, Theatre For The New City, The Negro Ensemble Co., The Workshop Theatre Co. and more. He last appeared on the NY stage in Playwrights Horizons’ 2004 production of Lynne Nottage’s “Fabulation”. Some of his TV & film credits include “True Blood”, “Charmed”, “House”, “The Shield”, “Nip/Tuck”, “The Prosecutors”, “The Salon”, “Homicide”, “Law & Order” (also SVU & Trial By Jury), “All My Children”, “As The World Turns”, “Something The Lord Made”, “Cry Wolf”, “Numb3rs”, “Over Her Dead Body”, “Life” and recurring roles on HBO’s “The Wire” & “The Corner” and on Comedy Central’s “Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn”.
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