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The Classical Theatre of Harlem

@classicaltheatreofharlem / classicaltheatreofharlem.tumblr.com

CTH combines original adaptations, music, and dance to present great classics of world literature as well as contemporary work. It is CTH’s vision to create the 21st century theatre company whose value to its community is inherent and essential, a company that is engaged in producing theatre that has the capacity to change lives, and truly reflects the diversity of ideas and racial tapestry that is America. CTH is purposeful in seeking to create comprehensive access for theatre artists of diverse backgrounds. This includes actors, directors, designers, playwrights, technicians, and arts administrators. Founded in 1999.
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I tell you this every summer, so here’s your reminder that you should travel up to the @classicaltheatreofharlem and catch their Shakespeare in the Park before it closes on the 31st. I’ve gone the last four summers and enjoyed every single production, which is a better track record for me than another Shakespeare in another Park in the city that I won’t name.

Roslyn Ruff is a Lady M who isn’t taking shit from anyone. Ty Jones is a self-important and easily manipulated Macbeth. And Jason Delane might be my favorite Macduff I’ve ever seen. Truth. 

And as always, their production design is killer (look at those witches!), and whoever takes their production photos does a great job capturing it.

Thank you!

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INTERNET KIDS GO OUTSIDE: A Theater Meetup of Sorts

Y’all know I love classicaltheatreofharlem. Their Summer Shakespeare is one of my favorite things. So I’m dragging mildlybitter, itsdlevy, comedyaintpretty, barbotrobot, tbbackus, and more to see The Tempest uptown. And you should come too.

Friday, July 3

The Tempest

8:15 PM (seating opens at 6:30 PM)

FREE

Marcus Garvey Park- W. 122nd St. and Mt. Morris Park West

BONUS TIP: Take the 4 or 6 uptown to 116th St. Get tacos at El Aguila. Then walk to the park. Trust me.

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M Pire Covers SummerStage: Classical Theatre of Harlem: The Tempest

M Pire Magazine is a digital magazine that promotes artists and industry professionals of all types. To know about artist promotion opportunities, how-to’s on artist development, and upcoming artist events, feel free to sign up to our newsletter by Clicking Here, and also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Written by Omega B

I’ve never been big on watching theatrical plays, and I’m even less interested in hearing the works of William Shakespeare. There’s too much work trying to figure out what’s really going on in between every other “thouest, not’est” phrase, but I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed watching The Tempest, which was presented by The Classical Theatre of Harlem in collaboration with the SummerStage series. The Tempest is a play written by William Shakespeare, supposedly originating being around 1610. Produced by Ty Jones and directed by Carl Cofield, The Classical Theatre of Harlem did a wonderful job on merging original with modern, which kept the audience engaged using the perfect combination of drama and comedy. Although I enjoyed all characters, my personal favorite was Trinculo (Anthony Vaughn Merchant). Trinculo is the King’s jester, and friend of the always-drunken butler, Stephano (Emmanuel Brown). The two team up with Caliban (Carl Hendrick Louis), the subhuman son of the malevolent witch, Sycorax, to plot against Prospero (Ron Cephas Jones), the overthrown Duke of Milan who had sought refuge in this remote island. I feel that Anthony Vaughn Merchant did a wonderful job in acting out the character of Trinculo, and the writers who modernized the script did an excellent job of incorporating it. Another personal favorite of mine was Ariel (Fedna Jacquet). Ariel is a spirit who is bound to serve Prospero after being rescued from the tree, within which she was imprisoned by Sycorax. I feel that Fedna Jacquet was a natural in this role and made it her own. Every scene she was in was breath taking, magical, and powerful to say the least. I really enjoyed her performance and hope to see more from her soon.

Honestly, I could rant and rave about all of the characters, as they each were exceptional. If you have not had the chance to check out The Tempest presented by The Classical Theatre of Harlem, I definitely suggest it as a family treat or the perfect night out. Check out some of the photos below, and check out the rest of the photos in the Facebook album named “M Pire Covers SummerStage: The Tempest”.

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Here’s a cool story: Ron Cephas Jones, who was playing Prospero in The Tempest at the Classical Theatre of Harlem, had a television obligation come up and had to miss a few shows shortly after opening. Coincidentally, Shakespeare in the Park’s The Tempest had just closed a couple days prior. After a few phone calls, Bernard White, Sam Waterson’s understudy for SiTP’s Tempest, jumped into a totally different Tempest, with a new concept and new cuts, and did the show with CTH. And that’s just badass.

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Anonymous asked:

Thanks for including the mention of The Tempest by Classical Theatre of Harlem. Unfortunately the dreamy Sheldon Best is not with us this production, but the equally dreamy Reynaldo Piniella IS with us. He plays Ferdinand!

Of course! I’m sorry we don’t be seeing dreamy Sheldon Best (sigh), but I have yet to be disappointed by a CTH show.

Want to come see Classical Theatre of Harlem’s The Tempest? Join our group on July 3- INTERNET KIDS GO OUTSIDE!

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INTERNET KIDS GO OUTSIDE: A Theater Meetup of Sorts

Y’all know I love classicaltheatreofharlem. Their Summer Shakespeare is one of my favorite things. So I’m dragging mildlybitter, itsdlevy, comedyaintpretty, barbotrobot, tbbackus, and more to see The Tempest uptown. And you should come too.

Friday, July 3

The Tempest

8:15 PM (seating opens at 6:30 PM)

FREE

Marcus Garvey Park- W. 122nd St. and Mt. Morris Park West

BONUS TIP: Take the 4 or 6 uptown to 116th St. Get tacos at El Aguila. Then walk to the park. Trust me.

July 3rd - July 26th 2015 Tuesday through Sundays @ 8:00pm Thank You

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