Photo Courtesy of The New York Times

Recently, I saw another Broadway play, this time it was “Come Back Little Sheba,” starring S. Epatha Merkerson. Known for her role on NBC’s Law and Order, Merkerson plays a faded beauty queen named Lola in this dramatic revival first made popular back in 1950.

Set in a fictional Midwestern town over half a century ago, the show revolves around the character, Lola, who is a frumpy, middle-aged, yet childlike wife of a recovering alcoholic. The play explores the depths of her insecurity, regret and loneliness. Lola is a needy and sometimes annoying woman who desperately yearns to feel loved and wanted by her husband.

Merkerson’s strength as a theater actor is truly exemplified in this role. Her expressions and spellbinding intensity successfully conveys to the audience her sorrow and dismay as if it were their own. Her co-star and veteran Broadway actor, Kevin Anderson’s portrayal of Lola’s alcoholic husband is also quite riveting. He sets the tone for this emotional rollercoaster with his subtle, yet perfectly executed gestures and speech that are akin to real alcoholics and substance abusers. The supporting cast also gives commendable performances and provides humorous spurts throughout the otherwise very serious show.

Even though this domestic drama boasts outstanding performances by seasoned actors, the overall plot couldn’t hold my attention throughout the 2-hour show. If “Little Sheba” comes back to Broadway years from now, I’m not so sure I’d come back to see it.

“Come Back Little Sheba” is currently showing at the Biltmore Theater, 261 W. 47th Street in New York City. For ticket information call Telecharge at (212) 239-6200.

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Earlier this week I had the opportunity to see a performance of the “Little Mermaid” on Broadway. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about seeing the show, which officially opens tonight, but since it was free and one of my friends who is a bonafide Broadway lover convinced me to go; I obliged. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed it!

Today I found out that the powerhouse R&B singer, Chaka Khan will be picking up where Fantasia left off in the Broadway version of the “Color Purple,” along with gospel singer Bebe Winans starting tonight.

There seems to be a crop of talented BGs and guys performing in upcoming live stage shows. It was also recently announced that Oscar-nominated Terrence Howard and Dreamgirls diva Anika Noni Rose would be acting in the popular play, “A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” in March.

Hypocrisy, greed and secret passions threaten to tear apart a wealthy but dysfunctional Mississippi family in Tennessee Williams’ stunning American masterpiece. CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF searingly portrays the larger-than-life characters of Maggie “the Cat,” her alcoholic husband, Brick, and the dominating family patriarch, Big Daddy.

“Passing Strange,” is another Broadway show where the cast is predominately African-American.

From Los Angeles to Amsterdam to Berlin and Back, Passing Strange is the story of a young black bohemian, who abandons his bourgeois roots to journey to Europe searching for ‘the real’. Discovering a world of sex, drugs, rock and roll and art revolutionaries, our rebel-hero explores love, identity and the meaning of home.

I haven’t always been a Broadway fan (I’ve only seen “A Raisin in the Sun” and the “Color Purple”), but I just might check out some of these upcoming shows. If they’re as entertaining as the “Little Mermaid,” I’ll definitely be back for more!

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All the blogs and magazines that represent and cater to the African-American demographic owe all of their success to one publication – Ebony magazine. This trailblazing magazine paved the way for all of our voices to be heard. Founded by the late, self-made entrepreneur John H. Johnson back in 1945, the magazine has successfully documented all aspects of African-American life from the civil rights movement to the latest fashions. Ebony has informed and enlightened us whether we read at the beauty shop, at our grandparent’s house or at the doctor’s office. Throughout the years it has consistently been there reporting our news and entertainment.

Creative Director, Harriette Cole.

Over 60 years since it’s debut, Ebony is still thriving and even better than ever. Under the creative direction of media-savvy, Harriette Cole (who was appointed Creative Director in early 2007), the magazine has made major improvements artistically. The new look and feel of Ebony is sleek, current and cutting-edge, but still packed with all the photos and stories that BGs (and guys) like me have always enjoyed about the magazine. Ebony has always had a strong presence on newsstands, but now it’s even more eye-catching and I’ve definitely taken notice.

Be sure to check out the latest issue (also a Collector’s Edition) featuring the living musical legend himself – Michael Jackson. Say what you will about Mike, but there’s no denying that he helped pioneer the music that we hear today.

Ebony magazine and Michael Jackson, two powerhouses; you just can’t get any bigger than that!

Visit www.ebonyjet.com for behind-the-scenes at the MJ photo shoot.

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