The Lion King

Broadway in the Hood

BY KENDALL HARDIN

Photography courtesy of Broadway in the Hood

The curtain has gone up on the 10th Anniversary of Broadway in the Hood, one of the town’s most inventive and ambitious theatre companies [“BITH”].

As a national theatre program with its home office based in Las Vegas, the company is dedicated to making a positive impact in communities across the United States, focusing on disadvantaged youth between the ages of 10 to 20 living in neighborhoods often plagued with violence, gangs, drugs, and other atrocities hard to imagine and overcome.

“Broadway in the Hood is comprised of everyday Americans just like you and me,” contends Torrey A. Russell, BITH Founder and Director of A Source of Joy Theatricals, “who have dreams and goals to better themselves while side-stepping the cycle of violence, abuse, and poverty.”

The organization offers educational and cultural opportunities to scores of America’s future potential leaders. BITH has captured the attention and support of city, state, and federal officials, notable celebrities, the American Theatre Wing, and national organizations like the NAACP.

Since its inception, BITH has produced major original productions dealing with subjects ranging from teen pregnancy, interracial dating, childhood obesity, homelessness, homosexuality, bullying, and slavery. In addition, the company has presented some of the biggest Tony Award-winning Broadway blockbuster hits like The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Dreamgirls, The Lion King, and The Color Purple.

The company’s emphasis on the community and its focus on social awareness has garnered attention from a range of donors and supporters who share its mission. In just ten years, BITH has been invited to perform at major festivals, concerts, television programs, and theatrical events nationwide.

In the spring of 2013, Broadway in the Hood was surprised when Grammy Award-winner and R&B Diva Kelly Price, with the cast and crew of the TVOne Hit “R&B Divas LA,” came to Las Vegas for its production of Dreamgirls.

“The company was absolutely elated when Dr. Maya Angelou invited our cast to perform with her in Phoenix,” recalled Russell. “In return, she invited all of us to an evening where she shared her life as a child and how she was able to turn her life around.”

Over a dozen BITH Celebrity Ambassadors include luminaries such as Whoopi Goldberg, Gladys Knight, and Deniece Williams, and local performers Clint Holmes and Earl Turner. The sensational Ben Vereen serves as the company’s Director of Global Outreach.

Broadway in the Hood also provides an array of free theatre classes covering dramatic acting, dance, vocal training, audio design, lighting, stage management, costume design, and technical stagecraft.

Performances are low-cost and free at times to the communities BITH serves with the goal of providing opportunities for audiences of all socio-economic and culturally diverse backgrounds to experience the magic of live theatre… while transforming lives forever!

BITH’s 10th Anniversary Super Season

The company has already debuted two of its performances in the 2023 season lineup: Bring in the Light: All Rise! in January and American Son: The Tour in February.

Bring in the Light: All Rise!

BITH delivered an original musical created, designed, and built by Broadway in the Hood students – featuring an array of music, monologues, sets, and costumes. Described as “emotional, riveting and raw,” this spirited production highlighted today’s youth in their own words, from their own lives.

American Son: the Tour

The company’s acclaimed production of Christopher Demos-Brown’s American Son made its triumphant homecoming in the West Las Vegas Library Theatre in February in partnership with the NAACP. This nail-biting drama takes place in the waiting room of a police station in the middle of the night, where parents of a teenager anxiously await news of their son, who the police may have picked up. The play probes the racial divide in American culture and helps audiences understand the importance of valuing each other, respecting authority, and making wise decisions when choosing friends. Traveling to dozens of city venues in the US and Canada, American Son is more than a play – it’s a movement!

Jesus Christ Superstar

Audiences can celebrate the Easter holiday with one of the most powerful musicals in Broadway history, Jesus Christ Superstar! Appealing to both theatergoers and concert music fans, this production will pay tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern world stage that is fresh and inspiring. Featuring award-winning music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of extraordinary events during the final weeks of the life of Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane,” “What’s the Buzz,” and “Superstar.” Television, film, and Broadway legend Ben Vereen will direct the concert production of this musical for which he received his first Tony Award nomination over 50 years ago. BITH’s blockbuster production promises to dazzle younger generations with iconic melodies, powerful lyrics, and novel staging.

End of the Rainbow: The Movie

Broadway in the Hood also includes End of the Rainbow in its spring showcase in partnership with the Las Vegas Chapter of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Like the company’s first short movie, The French Defense, this film will be written by BITH students and produced by the company. The poignant drama about a young man’s journey of discovering his identity and sexuality will feature BITH family members, with all filming and editing completed in Las Vegas.

Once on This Island

Once on This Island is presented in April and May in partnership with the Rainbow Theatre Company at West Charleston Heights. This coming-of-age one-act creation – with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens – deals with issues of race, colorism, and class. The beauty and power of a myth drawn from the culture of the Caribbean are brought to life in this lush Tony Award-winning musical. Storytelling, African rhythms, and native instruments weave the tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place in the world and ready to risk it all for love. Guided by mighty island gods, she sets out on a remarkable journey to reunite with the man who has captured her heart – all in a timeless testament to theater’s unlimited possibilities.

The Prom

The company lights up the summer stage in June with The Prom, the joyous 2018 Broadway hit New York Magazine called “smart and big-hearted,” and The New York Times declared a Critic’s Choice. Winner of the 2019 Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, the comedy spotlights four Broadway actors lamenting their days of fame and searching desperately to re-establish their lives in the entertainment world. They stumble upon a fascinating opportunity to help a lesbian student make it to the prom with her girlfriend in conservative Edgewater, Indiana. From the creative team that turned out The Book of Mormon, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Elf comes a show that The New York Times says “makes you believe in musical comedy again.” A film adaptation followed on Netflix in 2020. The Prom is proud to partner with The Center of Southern Nevada on this whacky comedy with a serious message.

Little Shop of Horrors

To highlight Domestic Violence Month, Broadway in the Hood partners with Safe Nest, The Center of Southern Nevada, Shade Tree, and Women Who Care to present the charming, kooky, and hilarious Broadway classic Little Shop of Horrors. Based on a campy cult horror film, this light-hearted production features florist shop assistant Seymour, girl-of-his-dreams Audrey, and his exotic plant that dines on human blood and flesh. With music in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop, and early Motown by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, the musical premiered Off-Off-Broadway in 1982 and later was made into a film of the same name in 1986. Running from May to August, the final show in the star-studded 2023 season features a cast of Broadway veterans.

2023 Free Musical Theatre Summer Intensive

The company’s ten-week intensive musical theatre camp educates young cast members (ages 10-17) in drama, music, and dance. Broadway in the Hood is committed to cultivating the wealth of potential in today’s youth, inspiring them to become leaders who enthusiastically and confidently share what they have learned in the arts with their surrounding community. Participants learn the discipline of what it takes to sustain the arts. BITH classes are taught by professionals and practicing artists who are highly qualified in their areas of expertise. As mentors, they embrace new and innovative ways of teaching. As a result, the company’s curriculum challenges students to see themselves as agents of change and inspiration.

Back to School Broadway Bash and Urban Theatre Series

October marks the company’s second annual “Back to School Broadway Bash,” with a huge family-friendly production that appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The show features BITH’s summer camp students performing alongside guest artists and Broadway in the Hood alums. The company’s Urban Theatre Series follows with pop-up performances from major Broadway productions and original shows written by people of color. These vibrant productions engage over 100 local youth across the Las Vegas Valley.

Producing a Celebration to Inspire the Next Decade

“Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to play an integral part in the revitalization of the City’s Historic Westside,” notes an excited Russell. “We’re celebrating the future by planning our own home with a theatre and educational complex as part of the local renaissance celebrating Black history and culture.

“Creating our own state-of-the-art home base in Las Vegas will allow the company to expand throughout Southern Nevada and the country – and we’re ready and anxious to move forward!

“In the meantime, the 2023 season is shaping up to be one of our best yet,” boasts Russell, “with a stellar lineup of productions that will appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. From Broadway favorites to new and original works, the company will showcase the talents of professional actors, local artists, and community members.

“Broadway in the Hood’s ‘Big, Bussin’, Blockbuster Broadway Season’ has something for everyone!”

Broadway in the HOOD “Helping Others Open Doors”

• 2015 Emmy Award Nominee for Best Documentary
• Three-Time Tony Award Nominee for Excellence in Theatre Education.
• Nine-time 2022 Broadway World Winner as Las Vegas Regional Winner including “Favorite Local Theatre.”

Contact broadwayinthehood.org for details on all productions, classes, auditions, and tickets.

We’re on a Mission

Broadway in the Hood believes that it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a child to change the future. Working with homeless shelters, community centers, schools, nonprofit groups, and civic organizations supporting at-risk youth, BITH grows more resilient and successful every day.

The company strives to become the first national nonprofit youth theatre company committed to partnerships and collaborations that create programs, enhance in-school performances, provide training, and expand resources that are both affordable and accessible to the next generation of community leaders throughout the world. Our core values include…

• A fierce commitment to excellence, which drives every aspect of our work – whether on stage, in the boardroom, classroom, community shelter, rehearsal room, office, or shop.
• The effective and efficient use of all resources for optimal operational support.
• Collaboration and accountability in all our activities. Collaboration is vital to our collective success, and accountability ensures that our work is done in the most efficient manner possible.
• Thoughtful risk-taking is a critical factor in the company’s continued success since risk-taking ventures are inherent to any creative process.
• Organizational health produces a healthy, positive experience – where the opinions and concerns of all participants are valued and respected.
• Commitment to education and community is paramount. We believe live theatre offers a unique learning experience for both adults and children. And we aim to be good neighbors throughout the country and be an integral part of the cultural life in all the communities we serve.
• The company enthusiastically supports partnerships between artists and local institutions and organizations to engage youth and young adults as performers, writers, directors, technicians, audience members, students, and teachers in the development of our works.
• Above all, everyone at Broadway in the Hood agrees to put the needs of the whole above those of any individual. Exceptional effort is the norm – with the pursuit of excellence at all times based on the knowledge that we all succeed together!