To gamblers, Atlantic City means blackjack; to HBO viewers, it means Boardwalk Empire. Before there were casinos and cable TV, there were fabulous nightclubs — like the famed Club Harlem, located On Kentucky Avenue a tuneful, dance-fest that celebrates African-American singers, dancers, comics, and the “sepia sweethearts” (showgirls).
Talents include singers Ty Stephens, Cheryl Freeman and Andicka Hall (caught in a love triangle with Stephens, who plays Ivan, the club’s singing emcee) and guest star Jeree Wade, who co-created the show.
Lightening up the love-complications (which never interfere with non-stop singing and costume changes by Stephens and Pearl Williams), is comedian Lee Summers “Slappy Black” (a nod to the real-life Slappy White, who played the club).
Dancers include (alphabetically): Adam Bourque, Donna Clark, Brian Davis, Gergory J. Hanks, Mindy Haywood, Cassandra Palacio and Renee Ternier (Choreography by Ty Stephens) with the Freddie Baxter Orchestra and Frank Owens, Musical Director.
The revue, which has been in development for two and a half years (by Producers Robert R. Blume, Songbirds Unlimited, JR Knauf & Marshall Warner), is now making its debut at Stage 72/The Triad 158 W. 72nd Street, NYC. So shimmy off those winter blues “On Kentucky Avenue.”
Creative Living:
Enjoy Live Entertainment! Its easy to be a couch potato, but there’s nothing like the electricity of a live show!
Applaud & Appreciate:! It makes the performer feel good – and clapping and cheering release your own positive hormones! If you really love a performance (or the creativity of the writers, designers, etc.), share your compliments (and maybe your card for their mailing list). Put criticism and suggestions on hold – and only on request. Performing is exciting but vulnerable – so let artists bask in the glow of the show – they’ve earned it!
(Photography: Russ Weatherford)
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.