Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center

2011 - 2012 GENERAL AUDITIONS

2011-04-18T12:27:00.001-04:00

Theatre Alliance of Buffalo presents its TAB GENERAL AUDITIONS! Over 25 directors will be casting shows in the upcoming theatres’ 2011- 2012 Seasons. Buffalo, NY - Theatre Alliance of Buffalo (TAB) is pleased to announce its annual STUDENT GENERAL AUDITIONS and GENERAL AUDITIONS, representing virtually most theatre companies in Buffalo. General auditions are set up to obviate the need for individual actors to take separate auditions at a whole range of theatre companies, and for providing out-of-town actors an opportunity to be seen by more than 25 professional theatre directors at a single audition. Both Student and General Auditions will be held at: ROAD LESS TRAVELED THEATRE in the Market Arcade Film and Arts Center, downtown, 639 Main Street. STUDENT GENERAL AUDITIONS May 2nd 5pm – 10pm GENERAL AUDITIONS (non-student adult actors) May 16th 5pm – 10pm TAB artistic directors and theatre directors will be casting for the following theatre companies: Buffalo United Artists; Irish Classical Theatre Company; Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York; Lancaster Opera House; The Kavinoky Theatre; MusicalFare Theatre; New Alt Performance Group; New Phoenix Theatre; O’Connell & Company; Paul Robeson Theatre; Playhouse of the American Classics; Road Less Traveled Productions; Shakespeare in Delaware Park; Subversive Collective; Theatre of Youth; Torn Space Theater. New This Year TAB has expanded this program to include General Auditions for non-student adult actors, and are expecting to attract significant interest and new performing talent from other cities, such as Rochester, Cleveland and New York, thereby strengthening and diversifying the talent pool in our vibrant theatre community in Western New York. Also new this year, TAB has opened the program to commercial, film, and for profit theatres’ casting directors outside of TAB membership for a nominal fee ($20). VISIT WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS www.theatreallianceofbuffalo.com

Friday Night Jook Joint

2011-04-05T09:51:00.002-04:00

The Kenny Woo Band Featuring Chauncey Northington Performed at the African American Cultural Center's Friday Night Jook Joint in March. Next Jook Joint on Friday, May 27th 9p until midnight - Adult crowd only!! I hope to see you there!!! All proceeds to benefit the Annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion held in Martin Luther King Jr. Park. This years Jazz concert dates: Sunday, August 7th and 14th.

Jar The Floor

2011-04-05T08:10:00.003-04:00

PAUL ROBESON THEATRE AT ACC CLOSES 2010-11 SEASON WITH CHERYL L. WEST’S JAR THE FLOOR DIRECTED BY PAULETTE D. HARRIS (Buffalo, NY) The Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center closes out its 2010-2011 season with Jar the Floor by Cheryl L. West, premiering at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 350 Masten Avenue. Jar the Floor is a combustible comedy-drama about four generations of women gathered for the 90th birthday celebration of the family matriarch. Between toxic mother-daughter (and granddaughter) snide asides and direct hits, conversation topics range from breast cancer to lesbianism to cosmetic surgery to single parenting – and West balances hilarity and reality deftly in a story that is familiar, funny, unnerving and thoroughly entertaining. The play runs through May 22, 2011. The 15th annual PRT Mother’s Day Soul Food Dinner Theater is on Sunday, May 8 at 4 p.m. “This show is a perfect close to our season and for the much anticipated Mother’s Day Dinner Theater! The dialogue touches on important, controversial and timely subject matter, in a script that’s part sunshine and part rain,” said PRT Artistic Director Paulette D. Harris, who is also directing the production. The cast features Betty Stone as MaDear the matriarch; Debbi Davis, who appeared in the last PRT production, Crumbs from the Table of Joy, as Maydee; Daigi-Ann Thompson and Kaitlynd Brzostowicz in the roles of Vennie and Raisa, respectively; and PRT favorite June L. Saunders Duell as Lola. Opening night admission with “Meet the Cast” reception following the show is $30. General admission is $25; $19.50 for seniors and students with I.D., and $15 for children ages four through 12. Group rates are available. Admission for the 15th Annual Mother’s Day Soul Food Dinner Theater is $45 per person, $25 for children 4 – 12. All tickets are on sale now at the PRT Box Office, 350 Masten Avenue. For reservations and more information call the PRT box office at (716) 884-2013 or visit www.africancultural.org. The Paul Robeson Theatre began in 1968 as a component of the African American Cultural Center, which was founded in 1958. Other components of the not for profit multicultural arts organization are: African American Cultural Center Dance & Drum Performance Company, Jumpin’ Jambalaya Summer Program, AACC Cultural Enrichment Program / After School and Pine Grill Jazz Reunion. The African American Cultural Center is a not for profit 501 (c) 3 organization supported through public funds from the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, City of Buffalo Community Development Block Grant, the County of Erie, NYS Council on the Arts (a State Agency), NYS Office of Children and Family Services and the State of New York – and through the generosity of community, corporate and private friends and supporters.

On Stage Next

2011-03-30T09:09:00.002-04:00

Back By Popular Demand "Jar The Floor" written by Cheryl L. West and Directed by Paulette D. Harris Jar The Floor is set in a household thats run on negative energy, a place where survival depends on getting in one's full quota of daily dig's. Cheryl L. West's combustible comedy-drama assembles four generations of Black women for a 90th -birthday party for the family matriarch, which is less an occasion for cake and candles than snipes and snides aside. Ask about our 15th Annual Mother's Day Dinner Theatre package and our Saturday Night Special discount coupons. April 29 - May 22, 2011

Kenny Berry in Concert

2011-03-06T22:24:00.001-05:00

PARTIAL PROCEEDS FROM AACC KENNY BERRY CONCERT
THIS WEEKEND TO BENEFIT “GIVE FOR GREATNESS” CAMPAIGN

( Buffalo , NY ) The Paul Robeson at the African American Cultural Center is hosting a concert starring singer Kenny Berry on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 4 p.m. at 350 Masten Avenue .

“This will be an exciting evening for adults to mingle and hear some of the great old school music. We are also pleased that a portion of the proceeds from this event will support the ‘Give for Greatness’ campaign,” AACC Paul Robeson Theatre Artistic Director Paulette D. Harris said.

Organized by Artvoice with support from M&T Bank, Fund for the Arts and other partners, the “Give for Greatness” Campaign aims to raise $1 million in two months to support 47 cultural arts organizations cut from Erie County budget.

At the AACC this weekend, Berry ’s musical offerings will include hits from legendary artists including Nat King Cole, Maze, Luther Vandross, Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder, as well as his own original compositions.

Berry’s band features Robert Garrett on drums; Vita Parker on guitar; Maggie Roston on saxophone; Phil Leszak on bass, and Gregory Treadwell on keyboard. Joyce Wilson Nixon and Samuel La’vee Walker will be the guest vocalists.

Kenny Berry was born in Birmingham, AL and moved to Buffalo, NY with his family at the age of three. He began playing the piano and singing as a child. His professional singing has landed him performances with stars such as Stevie Wonder, Phyllis Hyman, Jennifer Holliday and Peabo Bryson, among others.

Tickets for the concert are $22 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets are available at the AACC box office at 350 Masten Avenue. Proceeds from the concert will support AACC programs and the “Give for Greatness” campaign.
The African American Cultural Center is a not for profit 501 (c) 3 organization supported through public funds from the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, City of Buffalo Community Development Block Grant, the County of Erie, NYS Council on the Arts (a State Agency), NYS Office of Children and Family Services and the State of New York – and through the generosity of community, corporate and private friends and supporters.
For additional information contact the African American Cultural Center at 716-884-2013. Visit the AACC online at www.africancultural.org

Give For Greatness

2011-03-06T22:22:00.003-05:00

Organized by Artvoice with support from M&T Bank, Fund for the Arts and other partners, the “Give for Greatness” Campaign aims to raise $1 million in two months to support 47 cultural arts organizations cut from Erie County budget.

Please let your dollars show your support give to the Give For Greatness Campaign.

Crumbs Special Offer

2011-02-08T11:02:00.004-05:00

Come and see the Paul Robeson Theatre production of Crumbs From The Table of Joy Friday night specials 2 for $40.00. Bring a friend, Bring a date we hope to see you there!!!! Show closes Sunday, February 27th.

Opening Night Guest

2011-02-06T16:34:00.003-05:00

Debbi Davis who plays the character Lily Ann Green, Willie Judson and Jane E. Cudmore who plays the character Gerte Schultz hang out at the opening night reception.

Crumbs From The Table of Joy

2011-01-31T03:08:00.003-05:00

Conversation with the Cast of Crumbs From The Table of Joy.

Crumbs From The Table of Joy

2011-01-30T20:21:00.003-05:00

Lady Debbi Davis, Germaine Robinson, Jane E. Cudmore and John Ceasar during Paul Robeson Theatres rehearsal Crumbs From The Table of Joy written by Lynn Nottage and Directed by Mr. Ibn Shabazz opens Friday, Feb. 4 - Sun. Feb. 27, 2011. We hope to see you there!

On Stage Next

2011-01-29T12:00:00.004-05:00

Crumbs From The Table of Joy written by Lynn Nottage and Directed by Mr. Ibn Shabazz opens Friday, Feb. 4th and runs Through Sun. Feb. 27th. Performance times are as follows: Fridays and Saturdays 8pm and Sundays 4pm matinee. Don't miss the special coupon offer on Fridays 2 for $40.00 (Opening night not included).

Crumbs From The Table of Joy is an unusual and uplifting story set in 1950's Brooklyn where newly widowed Godfrey has brought his two daughters Ernestine and Ermina from "down South" in search of Father Divine - and find a new world of religion, politics and interracial love.

Auditions

2011-01-17T11:49:00.001-05:00

Auditions for Paul Robeson Theatre's next Production Jar The Floor will be held on Wednesday, February 16th at 6pm. Please call for an Appointment

See You at the Next Friday Night Jook Joint...

2010-12-14T08:15:00.003-05:00

We hope you come out and support the next Friday Night Jook Joint -- Two Live bands, great food and a good time...all happening at the African American Cultural Center..Adults only crowd..9pm until midnight!! Performing 4th Generation and Evolution...

Proposed 2011 Erie County Budget - Public Hearing

2010-11-08T17:47:00.001-05:00

Let your voice be heard at this important public hearing about the future of Erie County government - Concerning the Proposed 2011 Erie County Budget - Wednesday, November 10th - 5pm at the Erie County Legislature 92 Franklin Street, 4th Floor....Come out and support the Arts Community!!!

Auditions

2010-11-03T09:34:00.001-04:00

Auditions will be held on Friday, November 5th 6-8p and Saturday, November 6th 1-3p for PRT production of "Crumbs From The Table of Joy" by Lynn Nottage Directed by Mr. Ibn Shabazz. Please call the Theatre for more information 716-884-2013.

Friday Night Jook Joint

2010-10-25T10:54:00.004-04:00

Friday Night Jook Joint Oct. 29th 9p-12mid Adult only crowd....Groups: Shorty Long and The Lunch, The Kenny Woo Band featuring Chauncey Northington..come for a good time...See you there!!!!

Auditions

2010-10-25T10:54:00.002-04:00

Auditions: Crumbs from the Table of Joy by Lynn Nottage are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 5th 6-8p and Saturday, Nov. 6th 1-3p. please prepare a comedic monologue. Spread the word. Please call the center to schedule a time....see you there!!

Artistic Director in New York City

2010-10-05T15:10:00.005-04:00

Paulette attending the Backstage's Actorfest held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Every year, Back Stage takes the performing arts community to new levels and provides career opportunities with its 5-star event Actorfest that takes place annually in New York and Los Angeles. Now in its 18th year, Actorfest 2010 NY & LA will be the most spectacular and exciting event to date as Back Stage adds to the glamour and celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Attendees will be able to: Attend workshops hosted by casting directors, agents, managers, and instructors Visit the Exhibit Hall where performers can find the tools they need to advance and invest in their careers Participate in casting calls with big name networks and studios Take part in "Meet and Drop" sessions with popular casting directors Interact with peers in the networking cafe. If you missed the New York session check out the LA session on Nov. 6th.

Lady Day Closing Week

2010-10-05T14:56:00.003-04:00

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill...

Last opportunity to take advantage of special savings...Friday, October 9th - 2/$40.00

Hope to see you there!

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill

2010-09-19T16:49:00.003-04:00

Opening Weekend of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill Directed by Mary Craig -Starring Joyce Carolyn and Terry Wideman. Performances continue thru October 10th.

The Douglass Sons Say Farewell

2010-09-14T04:47:00.004-04:00

The Paul Robeson Theatre will represent The Collective Buffalo on Saturday, September 18th in the second annual Civil War Candlelight Tour at the Hull Family Home and Farmstead, 5976 Genesee Street in Lancaster, New York.

The Douglass Sons Say Farewell, a five minute vignette, is the last re-enactment stop on tours that run from 6:30 to 10pm. Pictured Frederick Douglass (Kinzy Brown), with sons Lewis (Jordan Blazer) and Charles (Shaun Robinson).

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill

2010-09-13T13:03:00.003-04:00

Opens at the Paul Robeson Theatre on Friday, Sept. 17 thru Sunday, October 10th. In a seedy Philadelphia bar, Billy Holiday is about to take the stage for one of her last performances. This musical production features Lady Day signature songs punctuated by a salty, sassy portrait of the life and timeless influence of Miss Eleanora Faga and her music.

It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues

2010-05-14T09:28:00.000-04:00

It's Ain't Nothin' But The Blues....Fridays Special Savings....2 for $35.00 Come out and support us....we look forward to seeing you at the Paul Robeson Theatre. The Savings are for May 14th, 21st and 28th.

It Ain't Nothin But The Blues

2010-04-13T16:54:00.003-04:00

It Ain't Nothin But The Blues
Directed by Mary Craig and Musical Director Frazier Tom Smith
Band Members
Richard "Flick" Williams
Frazier Tom Smith
Vidie Williams
Venzella Joy Williams
Shorty Long

It Ain't Nothin But The Blues

2010-04-13T16:48:00.003-04:00

Cast of It Ain't Nothin But The Blues...Directed by Stage Veteran Mary Craig Opens May 7 - May 30, 2010. Hope to see you there!!!!

General Student Auditions

2010-04-03T20:44:00.001-04:00

Theatre Alliance of Buffalo presents GENERAL STUDENT AUDITIONS
Over 20 directors will be casting shows in the upcoming theatres’
2010- 2011 Seasons.
Buffalo, NY - Theatre Alliance of Buffalo (TAB) is pleased to announce General StudentAuditions, representing virtually most theatre companies in Buffalo, thus obviating theneed for individual students to take separate auditions at a whole range of theatrecompanies, and providing students with an opportunity to be seen by more than 20professional theatre directors at a single audition.
Date and Time:
Sunday, April 25th 5pm – 10pm
Monday, April 26th 5pm – 10pm
Location:
ROAD LESS TRAVELED THEATRE in the Market Arcade Film and Arts Center, downtown, 639 Main Street.

Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye

2010-02-20T22:47:00.004-05:00

Ozzie Lumpkin stops by the Paul Robeson Theatre and speaks with the cast of Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. Welcome Home Ozzie!

Peola, Pecola and Precious

2010-02-11T09:23:00.004-05:00

In recognition of BlackHistory Month 2010, The Paul Robeson theatre will host a free screening of the 1934 movie Imitation of Life with Claudette Colbert, Fredi Washington - whose theme is similar to both the novel The Bluest Eye and the movie Precious - on Wednesday, February 24 at 7pm at the African American Cultural Center.

Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye

2010-02-09T15:43:00.006-05:00

Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye adapted by Lydia R. Diamond, Directed by Mr. Ibn Shabazz and Co-Directed by Paulette D. Harris opens at the Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center on Friday, February 12, 2010. Photo: John Vines as Soaphead Church and Ebony Pace as Pecola. The Ensemble cast includes: Germaine Robinson (Claudia), Ciandre Taylor (Frieda), Debra Davis (Mama), Marcus Thompson (Cholly), Annette Christian (Mrs. Breedlove), Ashley Dolson (Maureen Peal) and Richard "Flick" Williams (saxophonist). hope to see you there!

The Bluest Eye Savings....

2010-01-25T17:07:00.002-05:00

Look for Special Savings on Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye during the week of Feb. 13 and Feb. 14 - 2/$40.00 on general admission and 2/$30.00 Sen. & Stu. Hope to see you at the PRT......

Ed Smith Comes' Home to PRT

2010-01-18T13:44:00.003-05:00

During his visit home Ed Smith took time out of his schedule to speak with the cast of Home For the Holidays. The Production Home For The Holidays was written by Ed Smith and made it's world premiere at the Paul Robeson Theatre in November 2009. The cast had a great time speaking with the playwright and sharing tall tales!

The PRT Vault

2010-01-14T20:39:00.005-05:00

Musical Director Richard "Flick" Williams, Charles "Pipi" Costner are having a little fun in between rehearsals of Nakai and the Red Shoes written by William Cooper and Directed by June L. Saunders Duell. (2007)

2010-01-14T20:27:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Ozzie Lumpkin on his appearance on Tyler Perry's Meet The Brown's keep up the good work - the PRT family and friends miss ya much!

Don't Miss Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye

2010-01-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

Opens Friday, Feb. 12 - Sunday, March 7, 2010

Hope to see you there!

On Stage Next...Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye

2010-01-08T09:26:00.000-05:00

Please join us for our production of Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye opening Friday, Feb.12 thru Sunday, March 7, 2010. Call now to reserve your seats!

Home For The Holidays final week

2009-12-08T19:57:00.002-05:00

Join the cast of Home For The Holiday in its final week. Gift certificates can be purchased for the holiday season and throughout the year. Also, available for birthdays! Hope to see you at the theatre...soon!

2 For $35.00

2009-12-01T09:13:00.001-05:00

Take the Family Home for the Holidays This Weekend; Complements of Our 2 for 1 Admission Coupon...this weekend only ..Dec. 4th, 5th and 6th

Home For The Holidays Opens

2009-11-17T11:24:00.000-05:00

Please join the Paul Robeson Theatre for "Home For The Holidays" opening Friday, November 20, 2009 at 8pm. Performances continue thru December 13th. Special discounted admissions are available please call 884-2013.

Revenge of A King

2009-10-02T14:01:00.001-04:00

Revenge of A King Closes this weekend...we hope to see you there!!

Revenge of A King

2009-09-26T16:47:00.000-04:00

Revenge of a King opened on Sept. 11th and will run through Oct. 4th. What a great Cast! We have had a wonderful time together - A Great big family! Our theatre patrons are the best in Western New York and the surrounding area. On Friday, Sept. 25th we had a group of students attend the performance from Rochester New York. They were visiting some of the best of Buffalo's Cultural gems. Following the performance the actors and theatre patrons remained for a talk back with the cast and visiting students. The night ended on a high note with a lot of networking. We llok forward to seeing you before the close of the performance.