Amas Benefit Concert
Celebrating our 46th Anniversary
COCKTAIL AND AUCTION VIEWING
WELCOME and INTRODUCTIONS
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
PETER FILICHIA
THE ROSETTA LeNOIRE MUSICAL THEATRE ACADEMY
Selections from FAME
Title Song "Fame" by Dean Pitchford & Michael Gore
CASSIE BARCKETT PAUL BYRD CELIA GOODING JULIEN FERET
WAYNE HAMPTON AUDREY LANG BENJAMIN MILLER
SHEIKA MURRAY LOUISE PALMER ANDREW ODNORALOV
KATHERINE OQUENDO ALANI GABRIELLE RAMIREZ
MICHELLE RICHARDS ISABELLA RIVERA
QUINCY RODRIGUEZ AMY TOLENTINO
Directed by CHRISTOPHER SCOTT
Music Director ROBIN GIESBRECHT
Academy Director LILLIAN COLLAZO
- LIVE AUCTION with ROB KEEFE -
“An Evening with Vivian Reed”
with
BERTILLA BAKER CHAPMAN ROBERTS RAUN RUFFIN
Special Guest JANINAH BURNETT
Synth RAY NACCARI Bass GARY FOOTE
Sax HENRY YOUNG Drums DAMON DUEWHITE
Music Director WIILLIAM FOSTER McDANIEL
PRESENTATION OF THE ROSIE AWARD
DANNY HOLGATE
NORM LEWIS
PRESENTATION OF
THE ROSETTA LeNOIRE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
SHEIKA MURRAY
AFTERPARTY
BEVERAGES, HORS D’OEUVRES AND DESSERT
SILENT AUCTION
HONORARY BENEFIT CHAIR
ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS Honorary Committee
JOEL AND RHELA ARAGONA
BOB AVIAN and PETER PELESKI
JOE BOLDUC and JEFFERY LARSEN
DONNA LYNNE BURNS
ROBERT G. BECKER and TIMOTHY BUTLER
WILLETTE KLAUSNER
DAN MANJOVI
JENNIFER MANOCHERIAN
JOE MORTON
STEPHANIE ROSENBERG
PAUL and LINDA SACCONE
ERIC H. WEINBERGER
CHARLI YANDOLINO
AMAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARVIN KAHAN, Chair
KAREN L. PICKERILL, Vice Chair
KERMITT BROOKS, ESQ., President
MICHAEL RUBENSTEIN, Treasurer
JOAN LIMAN, MD, Secretary
MARC L. BAILIN, ESQ.
SHARLEEN COOPER COHEN
MONICA W. DUKE
BEN GADON
DARRYL REUBEN HALL
MARVIN KAHAN
JEFFREY KENT
ERIC KREBS
DANIEL F. LEVIN
MARION E.D. PENG
NEAL RUBENSTEIN
KENNETH TEATON
ALEXANDRA TRINKOFF, ESQ.
OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO TONIGHT’S SPONSORS
SHARLEEN COOPER COHEN MARK DALTON TERRY SCHNUCK
AND OUR PLATINUM SUPPORTERS
JOEL AND RHELA ARAGONA
42nd STREET DEVELOPMENT CORP/THE 42ND STREET FUND
KATHLEEN JENKINS
MARVIN KAHAN
BRUCE LEVINE
NOBUKO KOBI NARITA
MARION E.D. PENG
KAREN PICKERILL
BARBARA ROSS
CATHERINE SCHREIBER and MILES N. RUTHBERG
WILLETTE KLAUSNER
ERIC WEINBERGER
REGINALD VAN LEE
THE ROSIE AWARD
T
his recognition, commemorating the life work of Rosetta
LeNoire, is bestowed on those individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary accomplishment and dedication in bringing our
world more closely together through the theatrical arts; in the
elimination of ignorance and prejudice, the creation of opportunity for the disadvantaged, and the celebration of human diversity in all its myriad forms.
In Rosie's own words, "In all our wonderful differences, in each
of our unique colors, our special beauties, we are, each of us, one
of God's flowers. What a glorious bouquet!"
2003 OSSIE DAVIS and RUBY DEE
2004 GEOFFREY HOLDER, CARMEN deLAVALLADE
and ERNST & YOUNG
2005 LESLIE UGGAMS, BRIAN CASHMAN and
JPMORGANCHASE FOUNDATION
2006 MAURICE HINES and VERIZON
2008 PHYLICIA RASHAD and
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS
2009 DIONNE WARWICK and WOODIE KING
2011 GEORGE C. WOLFE
2012 B. SMITH
2013 ERIC KREBS
2014 HINTON BATTLE and SCOTT McLUCAS
THE ROSETTA LENOIRE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
A
mas established the Rosetta LeNoire Scholarship Award
in memory of Amas’ founder. Rosetta loved children above all
and believed that bringing young people together to study and
work in musical theatre would promote awareness, tolerance
and racial harmony.
The Scholarship Award recognizes those students of the Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy who have demonstrated
leadership, professional discipline, talent and potential. This
Award supports their quest for higher education.
2014 HONOREE AND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
HINTON BATTLE and PAUL BYRD
ROSETTA LENOIRE
Founder of
Amas Musical Theatre
Because of her pioneering work at Amas Musical
Theatre, Rosetta was awarded the 1999 National
Medal of Arts for “outstanding contributions to
the excellence, growth, support and availability of
the arts in the United States.”
Ms. LeNoire’s career as a performer on the
Broadway stage, in film and on television,
1911-2002
spanned over 70 years. Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was her godfather and Eubie Blake was her mentor. Her Broadway debut was in 1939 in Mike Todd’s Hot Mikado. She appeared on Broadway in
The Royal Family, Blues for Mr. Charlie, Lost in the Stars, The Sunshine
Boys, Sophie, and You Can’t Take It with You. Rosetta portrayed Stella in
Anna Lucasta for two years on Broadway, as well as in the film version,
with Sammy Davis Jr. and Eartha Kitt.
Rosetta went on to perform on such television hits as “Benny’s Place” with
Louis Gossett, Jr., “Search for Tomorrow,” “The Guiding Light,” “A World
Apart,” “Amen” and played Nell Carter’s mother in “Gimme a Break.” For
eight years, Rosetta portrayed Mother Winslow on “Family Matters.”
In 1968, Rosie decided to share her talent by opening a multi-ethnic theatre,
which would provide a nurturing atmosphere for actors, but also serve as a
performing arts center for children, adults and senior citizens. She named
her theatre Amas, Latin for “you love.” The theatre is dedicated to bringing
all people together through theatre arts.
In 1989, Actors’ Equity Association acknowledged Rosetta’s and Amas’
contribution to the American theatre
by bestowing a yearly award in her
honor, making her the first recipient.
Producers and theatre companies
who exemplify Rosetta’s commitment to multicultural production and
casting in the theatre are annually
given the treasured Rosetta LeNoire
Award.
NORM LEWIS
2015 AMAS “ROSIE AWARD” HONOREE
In May 2014, Norm made history as the
first African American Phantom in The
Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.
His most recent television appearances
can be seen on NBC's "The Blacklist,"
CBS' "Blue Bloods," as well as his recurring role, Senator Edison Davis, on ABC's
hit drama "Scandal."
Norm received Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle
Award nominations for his performance as Porgy in the Broadway production
of The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess. Norm also had a very successful year-long
run in London as Javert in the West End’s Les Miserables, and was honored to
perform the same role for the “Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert” (broadcast by PBS from London’s O2 Arena).
Other Broadway credits include: Sondheim on Sondheim, with Vanessa Williams and Barbara Cook, The Little Mermaid (King Triton), Les Miserables
(Javert), Drama League Nomination, Chicago (Billy Flynn), A mour (Painter),
The Wild Party (Eddie), Side Show (Jake), Miss Saigon (John), and The Who’s
Tommy (The Specialist).
Off-Broadway, Norm has performed in Dessa Rose (Drama Desk nomination,
AUDELCO Award), Shakespeare in the Park’s The Tempest, Two Gentleman of
Verona (Drama League nomination), Captains Courageous, and A New
Brain. Regionally, Norm has been seen in The Gershwins’ Porgy and
Bess (A.R.T.), Ragtime, Dreamgirls (with Jennifer Holiday), First Y ou
Dream, Sweeney Todd, and The Fantasticks.
]
His film credits include “Winter’s Tale,” “Sex and the City 2,”
“Confidences,” and “Preaching to the Choir.” Television credits include the
New York Philharmonic’s “New Year’s Eve: A Gershwin Celebration, the upcoming Live From Lincoln Center’s production of his American Songbook Series concert, NY Philharmonic’s production of Showboat, “Amercian Voices,”
“Black List,” "Blue Bloods," "Scandal,” “Mystery Women,” “All My Children,” “As the World Turns,” “Cosby,” and “Strong Medicine.”
Norm was recently one of the producers of the recent “Black Stars of the Great
White Way Reunion Concert” at Carnegie Hall, celebrating 100 years of the
contribution, influence and legacy of African American men on Broadway.
Norm's solo debut album "This is The Life" can be found on amazon.com as
well as cdbaby.com. Visit his website at www.normlewis.com.
DANNY HOLGATE
2015 AMAS “ROSIE AWARD” HONOREE
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Danny
attended the Berklee School of Music, had a tour of
duty with the U.S. Army Band, attended Manhattan
School of Music as a piano major with studies in
composition and theory, and later studied advanced
orchestration with Nicholas Flagello.
For many years he taught piano and theory at the
Third Street Music School while appearing in the
New York area and touring in South America with
his Holgate, Perkins & Shaw Jazz Trio. For three years he was also at City
College of New York teaching Contemporary Vocal Pop Styles.
Mr. Holgate’s credits include: musical director and arranger for Mikki
Grant’s Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope and Bubbling Brown Sugar, musical
supervision and arrangements for Guys and Dolls (revival), EUBIE, Rainbow Jones, dance arranger for Odyssey, starring Yul Brynner, and coproducer and musical arranger for It’s Nice to Be Civilized at Amas Musical
Theatre. He also performed the role of Jimmy Powers with Lonnette McKee
and also with S. Epatha Merkerson in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
in New York and was the musical supervisor and arranger for the show. He
also toured the show with Gail Nelson performing the role of Billie Holiday.
His pre-Broadway shows include: Daddy Goodness, Two Faces of Africa,
Golden Boy (revival), Stringbean with Leslie Uggams, Sweet and Hot (an
evening of Harold Arlen), A retha, Queen of Soul, Blackbirds of Broadway
(musical revue of the 20’s and 30’s), Cookin’ at the Cookery (the life and
music of blues singer Alberta Hunter), a revival of Storyville (New Orleans
1930’s) and Ella (the life and music of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. In addition, Mr. Holgate collaborated with Rosetta LeNoire at Amas Musical
Theatre over the years on various shows, including Mikki Grant’s It’s So
Nice to Be Civilized and Step into My World, Helen, and Bubbling Brown
Sugar, which went on to Broadway.
He is the producer and arranger for the musical revues: Puttin’ on the Ritz
and This Joint Is Jumping, which have often been performed on cruise ships
as well as for concerts and Symphony “Pops” Orchestras across the United
States.
He has been a popular vocal coach putting together club acts and arrangements for numerous performers, including legends: Lena Horne, Carol Channing, Alexis Smith and Timmy Rodgers. For many years, he was also the conductor and arranger for the legendary Cab Calloway and for the annual jazz
festivals with the Hi-Di-Ho Orchestra.
Mr. Holgate’s musical flexibility has taken him from the recording studios
and to radio and television commercials and has actively arranged music for
Symphony Orchestras such as: Chicago, Buffalo, Oklahoma, Detroit, Portland, San Francisco, Hartford, Indianapolis and New Jersey. With the Palm
Beach POPS he orchestrated for full orchestra and band, A Salute to Louis
Armstrong, which continues to be part of their annual season.
He is married to singer Gail Nelson, and they reside in New York City. His
daughter Denyce Wilkins, a prominent New York lawyer, and husband Bill,
live in Brooklyn with their twin daughters Danah and Danielle and son, Jahquan.
PETER FILICHIA—MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Peter Filichia has spent most of the last 45 year s
writing about theater as a critic for a daily newspaper (The Star-Ledger in Newark, NJ), a magazine
(TheaterWeek) and as a weekly Internet columnist
(Playbill, Theatermania, Music Theatre International, Broadway Direct and Masterworks Broadway).
Peter is the author of Let’s Put on a Musical; The
Biggest Hit of the Season/The Biggest Flop of the
Season; Broadway Musicals’ Most Valuable Players; Strippers, Showgirls, and Sharks and The Great
Parade: The Remarkable 1963-64 Broadway Season, which will be published on April 7, 2015.
His play Games, about bullying, has seen high school productions in all 50
states and six foreign countries. His play, A dam’s Gifts: A New Christmas
Carol was a finalist for a Terrence McNally Award.
He has been president of the Drama Desk Awards and holds that post now
with the Theatre World Awards.
He has served as an assessor for the National Endowment for the Arts, and
for the past 20 years, has been both the musical theater judge for the
ASCAP Awards program and the critic-in-residence for the University of
Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music.
Congratulates
Amas Musical Theatre
and
Rosie Award Honorees
Danny Holgate and Norm Lewis
VIVIAN REED
Vivian Reed is a multi-award winner with two Tony
Award nominations, a Drama Desk Award, a Theatre
World Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, a Dance
Education of America Award, a NAACP Award and
several others. Vivian began formal voice training at
the age of eight at the Pittsburgh Musical Institute,
later continuing at New York's Juilliard School of Music followed by years of extensive dance training.
She became a polished performer under the guidance
of Honi Coles and Bobby Schiffman of the Apollo Theater. Vivian auditioned for the musical ‘Bubbling Brown Sugar,’ the first of several
popular revues based on music of the ‘20s and ‘30s. Although she was
hired immediately, she soon discovered there was no existing part for
her, so she created the role of ‘Young Irene.’ The show toured the country to rave reviews before it opened on Broadway; likewise a smash
success! Her show-stopping performance, included a dazzling song and
dance production of ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ and a unique vocal rendition of ‘God Bless the Child’ that won her critical acclaim.
After Broadway, Vivian went to Los Angeles to open another company
of ‘Bubbling Brown Sugar’ and then on to Europe with the show, touring such countries as England, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Italy
and France. While recognizing Vivian’s own unique talents, Paris proclaimed her ‘The New Josephine Baker.’ She captured the attention of
Pierre Cardin, who booked Vivian into his theater and held her over for
several weeks. Through Cardin, she went to Japan for the first time and
made her first European TV special. Later, she was invited by the
Prince and Princess of Monaco to perform in Monte Carlo.
Vivian has appeared on many TV variety and talk shows both nationally and internationally including “The Tonight Show,” “The Today
Show” and the ABC-TV daytime drama, “One Life to Live.” She has
shared the bill with notable performers as Bill Cosby, Pattie Labelle,
Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, Elaine Stritch, Alan King,
Sammy Davis Jr., Quincy Jones, Ashford and Simpson and Charles
Aznavour, just to name a few. Her film credits include Heading for
Broadway, L’Africaine with Catherine Deneuve and Le Rumba, in
which she portrayed Josephine Baker. Recently she produced and
starred in a short film W hat Goes A round written by Angela Gibbs.
Vivian has also brought her nightclub act to major gatherings of organization and dignitaries, including Mercedes Benz, IBM, Top Fashion
Designers Gala at the Theatre Champs Elysees and the American Film
Festival in Deauville. She appear at the Festival del Vina in Chile, along
with other top performers like Laura Branigan, Sting, Mister Mister and
Jon Secada. There she received the coveted ‘Torch Award,’ an honor
bestowed by the mayor and citizens of Vina for only the most exceptional and stirring performances.
Besides her international success as an actress and entertainer, she has
also been featured in the world’s most read and influential news and
fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Paris Match, People, Ebony, Jet
(cover) and Time Magazine. Her personal style and taste for designer
clothes have won her a place on Mr. Blackwell’s Best Dressed Women
List and she was selected selected by People magazine as one of the '25
Most Intriguing People of the Year.' Vivian has received critical acclaim in major productions of Sophisticated Ladies, The Roar of the
Greasepaint…, Blues in the Night, Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, High
Rollers, Show Boat in which she portrayed the role of 'Queenie' - and
Tintypes. Her recent plays include Blues for an Alabama Sky, Crumbs
from the Table of Joy, Pork Pie and Cookin' at the Cookery.
Vivian was featured in the highly anticipated Marie Christine at Lincoln
Center. She also portrayed Lena Horne in a new piece, More Than a
Song with the Pittsburgh Ballet Company at the Benedum Theater. Vivian contributed her talents to the Lena Horne Awards Show hosted by
Bill Cosby honoring Rosie O'Donnell and Quincy Jones at the Ford
Center for the Performing Arts in New York. She appeared in Three
Mo' Divas, the follow-up to Three Mo' Tenors at the San Diego Rep.
and Arena Stage in Washington, DC and as an actress received critical
acclaim for her portrayal as Gloria Franklin in The Second Tosca written by Tom Rowan.
Vivian has also given back her talent by teaching nearly three years at
Berklee College of Music in Boston where she created a performance
class teaching the many aspects of performing and also establishing a
yearly concert event called “Singer's Night.” She recently presented her
nightclub act to two sold out houses at 54 Below and concluded two
book musical workshops One for My Baby and Amas’ The Countess of
Storyville. In 2014, Vivian Reed received the 'Kingdom of Excellence
Award', an honor bestowed by Dr. Michelle Harris, CEO of V indicated
magazine, for her life time achievements and spirit of excellence. Besides her theatrical career she has made a total of six albums, done
voiceovers and TV commercials and she is a professional photographer
and scarf designer....vjr scarves. www.vivianreed.com
SPECIAL THANKS
54 Below and Deirdre Alby
Alex Trinkoff and Jeffrey Schor
Anejo and Jasmine Otero
Arizona Beverages, USA LLC
Barefoot Wine and Bubbly
Bistango at the Kimberly Hotel
Brent McCrerary
CarloMarco Studios
Charles Mirotznik
CitizenM Hotels & Noreen Chadha
Darryl Reuben Hall
Dr. Zhivago & Anita Waxman
Fairway
Fatwitch Bakery
Glass House Tavern
“Homeland” & Howard Gordon
Honeymoon in Vegas & Mandy Tate
Ibis at the Kimberly Hotel
It Shoulda Been You
& Daryl Roth
Jason Haft
Jeffrey Kent
Joan and Larry Liman
Joe Allen’s Restaurant
Kenny Fallin
La Palapa
La Pulperia and Eddy Fontana
Les Miserables and Laura Eichholz
Macy’s & Jerry Ospa
Marsha Lee Sheiness
Marvin Kahan
Jersey Boys & Micah Hollingworth
HBO & Monica Duke
On the Town & Howard Kagen
Phil Gautreau
Spoonfed NYC Catering &
Randy Witherspoon
Renaissance New York Hotel Times
Square & Bonnie Caravaglia
Rosie O’Grady’s Restaurant
Sharleen Cooper Cohen
Thalia Restaurant & Avi Camchi
The Benjamin Hotel & Albona Ipekli
The Capital Grille & Melissa Trumbull
The Heidi Chronicles &
Steven Strauss
The Kimberly Hotel
& Jennifer Manocherian
The Lambs Club & John Fanning &
Tracie Simon
The Phantom of the Opera
& Katherine M. James
Trader Joe’s
Triton Gallery
& Nick VanHoogenstraten
Two Little Red Hens
Vivian Reed
MORE SPECIAL THANKS
To the Baruch Performing Arts Center, to our invaluable Sponsors and
Auction Contributors for their irreplaceable support, to the Amas Board
and the Benefit Committee who believe in the mission of Amas, to the
dedicated staff at Amas - Jan, Chris, Lillian, Fanny, Veronica, and the
rest of the crew; thanks to our MC Peter Filichia, and to the incomparable Vivian Reed and her crew for sharing their talent with us all.
PRODUCTION STAFF
Benefit Producer DONNA TRINKOFF
Auction and Event Coordinator LILLIAN COLLAZO
Assistant Marketing Coordinator RACHEL SCHENK
Presentation Scripts JAN HACHA
Director CHRISTOPHER SCOTT
Production Manager KAREN PARLATO
Sound Design JOSH LIEBART
Assistant Stage Manager JONATHAN BACHMAN
Press Representative RICHARD HILLMAN PR
Photographer BEN HIDER
Videographer MICAH JOEL
AMAS MUSICAL THEATRE STAFF
Artistic Producer DONNA TRINKOFF
Managing Director JAN HACHA
Artistic Associate CHRISTOPHER SCOTT
Artistic Associates MICHAEL BUSH, PHILLIP GEORGE,
LYNNE TAYLOR-CORBETT
Academy Director LILLIAN COLLAZO
Administrative Assistant FANNY GONCALVES
Interns SOPHIE CASH, WAYNE HAMPTON,
VERONICA PAREDES,
CAROLINE ROTTKAMP
Dance Instructor/Choreographer MONICA JOHNSON
Academy Music Director TREVOR BACHMAN
Teaching Artists JANICE LOWE, LIZ PICCOLI
Webmaster and Graphics JEFF W. STACY
Amas Musical Theatre
257 West 52nd Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10019
(212) 563-2565 (212) 239-8332 fax
[email protected] www.amasmusical.org
TOTHEBRILLIANTLYTALENTEDAND
INCOMPARABLE
NORMLEWIS
Thank you for your
generous
support of Amas
TOTHEWONDERFUL
DANNYHOLGATE
We are honored that
you are part of
The Amas Family.
TOTHESTAFFANDBOARDOFAMAS
ESPECIALLYTO
DONNATRINKOFF
AND
JANHACHA
Our wonderful leaders
for your dedication
and excellence over
the years.
THANKYOU!
Love,
Sharleen Cooper Cohen
AMAS MUSICAL THEATRE CONTRIBUTORS
2014-2015
Amas gratefully acknowledges the many Foundations,
Corporations, and Government Agencies
for their support throughout the year
The National Endowment for the Arts
The New York State Council on the Arts,
with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo
and the New York State Legislature
The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs,
in partnership with the City Council
The New York City Council Funded Coalition
of Theatres of Color Initiative
Actors Equity Association Foundation
Arch and Bruce Brown Foundation
AXA Foundation
Barbara Bell Cumming Foundation
Eubie Blake Scholarship Fund
BMI Foundation
Burgdorff Foundation
The Bill and Jeanne Cantor Scholarship Fund
Alexander H. Gordon, M.D. Memorial Fund
Mary Hobbs Griffith Foundation
Frederick Loewe Foundation
Hyde and Watson Foundation
The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation
The Lucille Lortel Foundation
North Haven Arts and Enrichment
The Michael Tuch Foundation
Ampacet Corporation
HBO
Amas Musical Theatre is New Yor k’s pioneer ing champion for diver sity
and multiculturalism in the performing arts. Amas (Latin for "you love") is
devoted to the exploration of minority perspectives and the celebration of the
very differences that help reveal our common humanity, through the creation,
development and professional production of new American musicals, the
emergence of new artistic talent, and the training and encouragement of under
-served young people.
Amas was founded in 1968 by visionary actress/producer Rosetta LeNoire
(1911-2002), who saw musical theatre as a collaborative art form uniquely
suited to the elevation of understanding within and across cultures … through
the impact of inspired story and song.
Under the leadership of Artistic Producer Donna Trinkoff, Amas has emerged
as a respected laboratory for the development of new musicals, and a valued
platform for their launch. Recent Amas Mainstage premieres include:
--Red Eye of Love-- "A romantic musical with stunning cast, beautifully realized
presentation
and
message
for
our
times," Edge
NY;
--The Other Josh Cohen– Six Drama Desk Nominations including Outstanding Musical; Lortel Award Nomination for Outstanding Musical; OffBroadway Alliance Nomination for Best New Musical. "Superb and sweetly
funny. Brisk and satisfying, a result of spandex-tight writing, crackling comic
delivery and clever direction," New Y ork Times;
--Triassic Parq—“One of the most entertaining youth-culture musicals in recent years—utterly frivolous, silly, vulgar, and very well performed. [And,]
quite moving,” The New Y orker.
Amas Labs and Workshops give librettists, lyricists and composers the opportunity and additional resources to develop their work with expanded creative
support, collaborative input, and rehearsal and public performance with top
New York talent. In the last ten years, Amas has assisted the development of
over sixty new musicals, engaging almost two thousand diverse theatre professionals and performing for over 75,000 audience members.
Amas Education Programming teaches musical theatre performance skills to
New York-area youth expanding career horizons, and promoting empathy,
self-awareness, and teamwork. The Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy is our flagship education pr ogr am, in continuous oper ation since the
mid-1970s, enrolling up to 35 diverse young people ages 14—20 in classes
and rehearsals on Saturdays and some Sundays from October through May.
AmasMusical
MusicalTheatre
Theatre
Amas
46
Years
of
Multicultural
MusicalTheatre
Theatre
45 Years of Multicultural Musical
2014 – 2015
Red Eye of Love
Book and Lyrics by
Arnold Weinstein
and John Wulp, music by
Sam Davis,
directed by Ted Sperling
*World Premiere
Amas Salon
Gotta Getta Girl
Book and lyrics by Peter
Charles Morris, music by
David Caldwell,
directed by Phillip George
Fame
Conceived and developed
by David deSilva, Book by
Jose Fernandez, lyrics by
Jacques Levy, music by
Steve Margoshes
Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
Vivian Reed in Concert
Benefit Concert
2013 – 2014
The Countess of
Storyville
Book by R.M. Cohen,
music by Martin Silvestri,
lyrics by Joel Higgins
Dir and choreo by
Lynne Taylor-Corbett
Workshop Production
9 to 5
Music and lyrics by
Dolly Parton, book by
Patricia Resnick
Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
2012 – 2013
Tea for Three
Written by Eric H. Weinberger and Elaine Bromka
Directed by Byam Stevens
Mainstage Production
The Other Josh CohenBook, music and lyrics by
David Rossmer and
Steve Rosen
Directed by Ted SperlingMainstage Production
Drama Desk Award Noms
Outstanding Musical,
Outstanding Book Musical, Outstanding Music
and Lyrics, Outstanding
Actor Outstanding Featured Actress, Lucille Lortel Nom Outstanding Musical; Off Broadway
Alliance Award Nom Best
New Musical
* World Premiere
Christine Andreas Live!
“Love Is Good” featuring
Martin Silvestri
Benefit Concert
Hello, Dolly!
Book by Michael Stewart,
music and lyrics by
Jerry Herman
Choreo
by Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
2011 – 2012
TRIASSIC PARQ!
The Musical
Written by Marshall Pailet,
Bryce Norbitz and
Steve Wargo
Dir by Marshall PailetMainstage Production
Lucille Lortel Nom
Outstanding Choreography
* World Premiere
Amas American Song
Salon—An Evening with
Klea Blackhurst
The Songs and Sass of
Ethel Merman
Dir by David Glenn
Armstrong
Salon Series
Lillias White
“The American Songbook
and Beyond” featuring the
music of Duke Ellington,
by Coleman and others
Benefit Concert
Marry Harry
Book by Jennifer Robbins,
music by Dan Martin,
lyrics by Michael Biello
Dir by Kent Nicholson
Workshop Production
Seussical: The MusicalBook and music by
Stephen Flaherty, book
and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens,
co-conceived by
Mr. Flaherty, Ms. Ahrens
and Eric Idle Choreo
by Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
2010 – 2011
Aesop and Company
Book and music by John
McMahon, lyrics by
Jay Jeffries
Choreo by Warren Carlyle
Dir by Jay Binder
Workshop Production
Me and Miss Monroe
Book and lyrics by
Charles Leipart, music by
William Goldstein Choreo
by Christopher Gattelli
Directed by John Rando
Amas Workshop
Amas American Song
Salon—An Evening with
Gerard Alessandrini
Directed by Philip George
Romance in Hard Times
Written by William Finn
Directed by Michael Bush
Benefit Concert
Damn Yankees
Book by George Abbott
and Richard Bissell, music
and lyrics by
Richard Adler and Jerry
Ross
Choreo by Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
2009 – 2010
Signs of Life: A Tale of
Terezin
Book by Peter Ullian,
music by Joel Derfner,
lyrics by Len Schiff
Dir by Jeremy DobrishMainstage Production
* World Premiere
The Magic of Salsa
Kingdom
Dir and choreo by
Maria Torres
Mainstage Production
An Evening with
Maurice Hines
featuring the Diva Orchestra
Benefit Concert
Pajama Game
Book by George Abbott
and Richard Bissell, music
and lyrics by Richard
Adler and Jerry Ross
Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
2008 – 2009
For Lovers Only
Dir and choreo
by Christopher Scott
Workshop Production
Signs of Life: A Tale of
Terezin
Book by Peter Ullian,
music by Joel Derfner,
lyrics by Len Schiff
Dir by Jeremy Dobrish
Workshop Production
40th Anniversary Gala
Concert
Selections from Amas
musicals
Directed by Maria TorresBenefit Concert
No, No Nanette
Book by Otto Harbach and
Frank Mandel, music by
Vincent Youmans, lyrics
by Irving Caesar and
Otto Harbach
Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
2007 - 2008
Wanda’s World
Book by Eric H.
Weinberger, music and
lyrics by Beth Falcone
Dir and choreo by
Lynne Taylor-Corbett
Mainstage Production
+ World Premiere
Calloway Award, Drama
Desk Nom Best book,
Lortel Nom Outstanding
Musical and Choreography
Mama, I Want to Sing
Book and lyrics by
Vy Higgensen and Ken
Wydro, additional music
by Rudolf V. Hawkins
Dir by Rajendra Ramoon
Maharaj
Benefit Concert
Street Dreams:
The Inner City Musical
Book by Eve Merrimam,
music and lyrics by
Helen Miller
Choreo by
Monica Johnson Dir by
Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
2006 - 2007
Magpie
Book by S.M. Jacobsen,
music by Gary William
Friedman, lyrics by
Edward Gallardo
Dir by Rajendra Ramoon
Maharaj
Workshop Production
Sprang Thang
Written by Goldee Greene
Choreo
by Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
2005 - 2006
DogMusic
Book and Lyrics by Mark
Masi, Music by Jess Platt
Dir by Alex Lippard
Workshop Production
On The Town
Music by Leonard
Bernstein, lyrics by Betty
Comden and Adolph
Green Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
2004 - 2005
Raisin
Based on Lorraine
Hansberry’s “A Raisin in
the Sun”. Book by Robert
Nemiroff, and Charlotte
Zaltzberg, music by Judd
Woldin, lyrics by
Robert Brittan
Choreo by Maria Torres,
Dir by Ricardo Khan
Benefit Concert
Lone Star Love
Conceived and adapted by
John Haber, music and
lyrics by Jack Herrick
Choreo by Randy Skinner
Dir by Michael Bogdanov
Mainstage Production
+ New York Premiere
+Off Broadway TransferLortel Noms Outstanding
Musical and Choreography, Outer Critics Circle
nom Outstanding Musical
Footloose
Book by Dean Pitchford
and Walter Bobbie, music
by Tom Snow, lyrics by
Dean Pitchford Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
2003 - 2004
Blackout
Book and lyrics by
Sharleen Cooper Cohen,
music by Debra Barsha
Directed by Phillip George
Workshop Production
Godspell
Written by
Stephen Schwartz,
John Michael-Tebela
Choreo by Monica
Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
Stormy Weather: The
Story of Lena Horne
Written by Sharleen
Cooper Cohen
Dir by Victoria Pero
Workshop Production
2002 - 2003
Zanna, Don’t!
Book, lyrics and music by
Tim Acito
Dir and choreo by
Devanand Janki
*New York Premiere
+Off-Broadway
Commercial Transfer:
John Houseman Theatre
Latin Heat
Conceived by Ovi Vargas,
Maria Torres,
Oscar Hernandez and
David Coffman
Dir and choreo
by Maria Torres
Workshop Production
The Robber BridegroomBook and lyrics by
Alfred Uhry; music by
Robert Waldman
Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
From My Hometown
Conceived by Lee
Summers, written by Lee
Summers, Ty Stephens and
Herbert Rawlings, Jr., cochoreo by Leslie Dockery,
Dir and co-choreo by
Kevin Ramsey
Mainstage Production
+Off Broadway
Commercial Transfer
9 Audelco nominations
2001 - 2002
Stormy Weather…
The Lena Horne Story
Written by Sharleen
Cooper Cohen
Directed by Billie Allen
Workshop Production
Little Ham
Book by Dan Owen, lyrics
by Richard Engquist and
Judd Woldin, music by
Judd Woldin
Choreo by Leslie Dockery
Dir by Eric Riley
*New York Premiere
+Off-Broadway Commercial Transfer:
Once on this Island
Book and lyrics by
Lynn Ahrens, music by
Stephen Flaherty
Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
2000-2001
Starmites
Music and lyrics by Barry
Keating, book by Stuart
Ross and Barry Keating
Dir by Barry Keating
Mainstage Production
The Me Nobody Knows
Adapted by Robert H.
Livingston and Herb
Schapiro, Lyrics by Will
Holt, music by Gary
William Friedman
Choreo by Monica
Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
1999-2000
A Virtual Woman
Conceived by
Donna Trinkoff,
book by Marsha Sheiness,
lyrics by Luis Santeiro,
June Seigel, and Greer
Woodward,
music by Rick Cummins
Directed by Nancy Rhodes
Workshop Production
Carefully Taught
A Musical Revue created
by the staff and students of
the Academy Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
Four Guys Named Jose…
and Una Mujer Named
Maria!
by Dolores Prida and
David Coffman
Choreo by María Torres,
Dir by Lisa Portes
*World Premiere
+Off-Broadway
Commercial Transfer
1998-1999
Reunion: A Musical Epic
in Miniature
Book by Jack Kyrieleison,
traditional music arranged
by Michael O'Flaherty
Choreo by
Karen Eisenberg
Dir by Ron Holgate
Mainstage Production
*New York Premiere
+Off-Broadway
Commercial Transfer
Delphi or Bust
Music by Gerald Jay
Markoe,
lyrics by Michael Colby
Dir and choreo by
Christopher Scott
Mainstage Production
*World Premiere
Rollin' on the T.O.B.A
Written by Ronald Stevens
and Jaye Stewart
Dir and choreo
by Ronald Stevens
*New York Premiere
Audelco Award
Best Actress
+Off-Broadway Commercial Transfer +Broadway
Commercial Transfer
Virtual Families
A Musical Review created
by the staff and students of
the Academy
Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott.
1997 – 1998
Barrio Babies
Music by Fernando Rivas,
lyrics and book
by Luis Santeiro
Dir by Susanna Tubert
1997 Richard Rodgers
Dev Award
Workshop Production
Out of the Night and Into
the Light: Three One-Act
Musicals/Operas
Miss Havisham’s Wedding Night – music by
Dominick Argento, libretto
by John Olon-Scrymgeour
Ocean Dream – Music by
Victor Kioulaphides,
Libretto by Nancy Rhodes
I Will Wait – music and
lyrics by Arif Mardin
Dirby Nancy Rhodes
Mainstage Production with
Encompass New Opera
Theatre
1996 – 1997
Bobos
Music by James McBride,
lyrics by Ed Shockley
Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Daniel Banks.
*1996 Richard Rodgers
Development Award
Workshop Production
The Princess and the
Black Eyed Pea
Book and lyrics by
Karole Foreman, music by
Andy Chuckerman
Dir by Daniel Banks
*1996 Richard Rodgers
Development Award
Workshop Production
Song by Song: The Music
of Michael Valenti
Written and directed by
Mark Waldrop
Mainstage Productionn
World Premiere
Good, God!
Book music and lyrics by
George O. Brome
RLMTA Production
1995 – 1996
After Hours
Dir. by Nancy RhodesMainstage Production
*World Premiere
Paul Robeson
A play with music by
Phillip Hayes Dean
Dir by Harold Scott
Associate Producer –
Longacre Theatre
Bring in the Morning
Lyrics by Herb Schapiro,
music by Gary William
Friedman
Choreo by
Monica Johnson
Dir by Christopher Scott
RLMTA Production
1994 – 1995
I Have a Name
Music and lyrics by Holly
B. Francis
Dir by James L. Moody
RLMTA Production
Time and the Wind
Lyrics by Norman Matlock
Music by Galt McDermot
Dir by Louis Johnson
*World Premiere
Bobos
Lyrics by Ed Shockley,
music by James McBride
Choreo by Monica
Johnson
Dir by Luther Fontaine
RLMTA Production
1993 – 1994
Legacy
Music and lyrics by Holly
Francis and Arden Altino
RLMTA Production
1992 – 1993
The River Flows
adapted from “Spoon
River Anthology” by
Edgar Lee Masters;
music and lyrics by Holly
Francis and Andrew
Orlando Edwards; Choreo
by Felicia Kennerly
Dir by James Moody
RLMTA Production
1991 – 1992
Gunmetal Blues
Book by Scott Wentworth,
music and lyrics by Craig
Bohmler and Marion Adler
Directed by Davis Hall
Mainstage Production
Junkyard
Book by Manuel Mandel
and Michael Sahl, lyrics by
Mr. Mandel, music by Mr
Sahl; musical co-staging
by Barry Finkel
Dir by Avi Ber Hoffman
Mainstage Production
1990 – 1991
Juba
Book and lyrics by Wendy
Lamb, music by Russel
Walden; Choreo by
Mercedes Ellington
Dir by Sheldon Epps
*Richard Rodgers
Production Award
1989 – 1990
Capitol Cakewalk
Book by Elmire Kline w/
Perry Arthur Koreger,
lyrics by Lou Carter, music
by Terry Waldo; choreo by
Welsey Fata
Dir by Tom O’Horgan
*NY Outer Critics Circle
Award
Step into My World
A music revue tracing the
career of Micki Grant
Choreo by Jeffrey Dobbs
Dir by Ronald G. Russo
1988 – 1989
Blackamoor
Based on “I, Juan de Pareja” by Elisabeth Borton de
Trevino, book by Joseph
George Caruso, lyrics by
Helen Kromer, music by
Ulpio Minucci
Dir by Kent Paul
Prizes
Book by Raffi Pehlivanian,
music and lyrics by
Charles DeForest and
Lee Minskoff
Choreo by Margo Sappington, Dir by Lee Minskoff
Paris ‘31
Book by John Fearnley,
music and lyrics by Cole
Porter
Choreo by
Robert Longbottom
Dir by John Fearnley
1987 – 1988
Robin’s Band
Book by Antony Abeson
and Jerry Eskow, music
and lyrics by Maija Kupris
Dir by Anthony Abeson
Struttin’
Book, music and lyrics by
Lee Chamberlain
Dir by Mr Chamberlain
*Audelco Award – Outstanding musical production of the year
Conrack
Based on “The Water is
Wide” by Pat Conroy
Book by Granville Burgess
with Anne Croswell and
Lee Pockriss, lyrics by Ms
Crosswell, music by
Mr Pockriss
Dir by Stuart Ross
1986 – 1987
Prime Time
Book by R.A. Shiomi,
music and lyrics by
Johnny Brandon
Dir by Marvin Gordon
Dazy
Book by Allen Knee, lyrics
and concept by
Norman Simon, music by
Lowell E. Mark
Dir by Phillip Rose
Hot Sake…with A Pinch
of Salt
Based on “A Majority of
One” by Leonard
Spiegelgass, book and lyrics by Carol Baker and
Lana Stein, music by
Jerome I. Goldstein
Choreo by Audrey Tischler
Dir by Bill Martin
1985 – 1986
Sh-Boom
Book and lyrics by Eric V.
Tait Jr., music by Willex
Brown, Jr. and Mr Tait,
choreo by Audrey Tischler
Dir by Stuart Warmflash
La Belle Helene
Book by John Fearnley,
adapted from A. Herbert’s
“Helen”, lyrics by David
Baker, music by Jacques
Offenbach, Choreo by J.
Randall Hugill
Dir by John Fearley
The Peanut Man
Book by Melvin Hasman,
musical arrangements by
William Greg Hunter
Choreo by Andy Torres
Dir by Reggie Life
Bingo
Based on “The Bingo
Long Traveling All-Stars
and Motor Kings” by
William Brashler, book by
Ossie Davis and Hy
Gilbert, lyrics by Mr
Gilbert, music by
George Fischoff
Choreo by Henry LeTang,
Dir by Ossie Davis
1984 – 1985
Manhattan Serenade
A Musical Revue based on
the music of Louis Alter,
book by Karen Kottrell
and Alfred Heller,
compiled and arranged by
Mr Heller, Dir and choreo
by Bob Rizzo
Northern Boulevard
Book by Kevin Brofsky,
music and lyrics
by Carleton Carpenter;
Choreo by
Dennis Dennehy
Dir by William Martin
Anonymous
Book, music lyrics and dir
by Vincenzo Stornaiuolo
1983 - 1984
Blackberries
Conceived and written by
Joseph George Caruso,
sketches by Billy K. Wells,
addt’l material by
Andre DeShields
Dir and choreo by Mr
DeShields
Sing Me Sunshine
Book by Robert E.
Richardson and Johnny
Brandon, music and lyrics
by Mr Brandon
Choreo by Henry Le Tang,
Dir by Jack Timmers
The Buck Stops Here
Book by Norman J.
Fedder, music and lyrics
Richard A. Lippman
Choreo by Tim Mellett
Dir by Reggie Life
Miss Waters to You
Book by Loften Mitchell,
based on a concept by
Rosetta LeNoire
Dir by Billie Allen
1981 – 1982
Opening Night
Book, music and lyrics by
Corliss Taylor-Dunn and
Sandra Reeves Phillips
Choreo by Mabel
Robinson Dir by William
Michael Maher
Five Points
Book by Laurence Holder,
music and lyrics by John
Braden, Dir by William
Michael Maher
Louisiana Summer
Book and lyrics by Robert
and Bradley Wexler, music
by Rocky Stone, Choreo
by Eiko Yamaguchi
Dir by Robert Stark
1980 – 1981
The Winds of Change
Book by Franklin
Tramutola, lyrics by Gary
Romero, music by Joseph
D’Agostino Choreo by
Robin Reseen, Dir by
William Michael Maher
The Crystal Tree
Book and lyrics by Doris
Julian, music by
Luther Henderson
Dir by Billie Allen
Langton Speaks
An original revue
based on the work of
Langston Hughes
Dir by Bob Brooker
A Local Dilemma
Book by Frederick
MacKinnon, lyrics by
Alan Baboff, music by
Fred Lederman
Mo’ Tea Miss Ann?
Book and Lyrics by
Bebe Coker, music by Leander Morris, Dir and choreo by Denny Shearer
Will They Ever Love Us
on Broadway?
Book, music and lyrics by
Osayande Baruti
Dir and choreo by
Mabel Robinson
1979 – 1980
And Still I Rise
Book and Lyrics by Maya
Angelou, music by Lalo
Schifrin
Dir by Ms Angelou
Before The Flood
Book by Rudy Gray, lyrics
by Paul Piteo, music by
David Blake
Choreo by Mabel
Robinson
Dir by Billie Allen
Dunbar
Adapted by Ayanna, lyrics
by Lonnie Hewitt and
Paul Lawrence Dunbar,
Music by Paul Tilman
Smith and Quitman Flood,
III, Dir by Ron Stacker
Thompson
Jam, A Jazz Odyssey
Book by John Gerstad
Choreo by Dennis J.
Shearer
Dir by William Mooney
Mama, I Want To Sing
Book and lyrics by
Vy Higginsen, lyrics and
add’l story by Key Wydro,
music by Richard Tee
Dir by Duane L. Jones
+ Off-Broadway Commercial Transfer
1978 – 1979
Sparrow in Flight, The
Story of Ethel Waters
Conceived by Rosetta
LeNoire, book by Charles
Fuller, Choreo by Bernard
Johnson
Dir by Dean Irby
Helen
Book by Lucia Victor,
music and lyrics by
Johnny Brandon
Dir by Lucia Victor
It’s So Nice to Be
Civilized
Book, music and lyrics by
Micki Grant
Choreo by Fred Benjamin,
Dir by Jeffrey Dunn
+Broadway Transfer
Suddenly the Music
Starts
A musical revue by Johnny
Brandon
Choreo by Henry Le Tang
Musical staging by Mr Lee
Tang and Lucia Victor
1977 – 1978
Beowulf
Book and lyrics by Betty
Jane Rylie, music by
Victor Davies
Dir and choreo by
Voigt Kempson
Adam, The Life of Adam
Clayton Powell, Jr.
Book by June Ahlert,
music and lyrics by
Richard Ahlert
Boston, Boston
Book by William M. Maher, music by Bill Brohn,
lyrics by Mr Brohn and Mr
Maher, Dir and choreo by .
Maher
1976 - 1977
Ragtime Blues
Book and lyrics by
Mitch Douglas, music by
Scott Joplin,
Choreo by Dennis Karr
Dir by Jay Binder
Bojangles!
Book by Norman Mitgang,
music from Bill Robinson
Choreo by Frank Hatchett
Dir by Ira Cirker
Save the Seeds, Darling
Book by Helen Powers,
music by Bill Brohn
Dir by Arthur Whitelaw
Come Laugh and Cry
with Langston Hughes
An original musical revue
choreographed by
Eugene Little
Dir by Rosetta LeNoire
1973 – 1976
(a partial listing)
Bubbling Brown Sugar
Conceived by Rosetta
LeNoire, book by
Loften Mitchell
Choreo by Fred Benjamin
Dir by Robert M. Cooper
+ Broadway Commercial
Transfer
Reminiscing With Sissie
and Blake
Conceived by Rosetta
LeNoire, Book by Louis
Johnson, music and lyrics
by Eubie Blake and Noble
Sissie, Dir and choreo by
Louis Johnson