{"id":4746,"date":"2023-04-24T08:05:08","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T15:05:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chiccompass.com\/?p=4746"},"modified":"2026-08-30T21:20:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T04:20:06","slug":"broadway-in-the-hood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chiccompass.com\/wordpress\/broadway-in-the-hood\/","title":{"rendered":"Broadway in the Hood"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This article was printed in<\/em>
\nChic Compass Magazine - Issue 14<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"The<\/span><\/div><\/div>

The Lion King<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Broadway in the Hood<\/h1>\n

BY KENDALL HARDIN<\/p>\n

Photography courtesy of Broadway in the Hood<\/p>\n<\/div>

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The curtain has gone up on the 10th Anniversary of Broadway in the Hood, one of the town\u2019s most inventive and ambitious theatre companies [\u201cBITH\u201d].<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cBroadway in the Hood is comprised of everyday Americans just like you and me,\u201d contends Torrey A. Russell, BITH Founder and Director of A Source of Joy Theatricals, \u201cwho have dreams and goals to better themselves while side-stepping the cycle of violence, abuse, and poverty.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Cast<\/span><\/div><\/div>

Cast of The Wiz performed in 2016<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

The organization offers educational and cultural opportunities to scores of America\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t Misbehavin\u2019, Dreamgirls, The Lion King, and The Color Purple<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The company\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cR&B Divas LA,\u201d came to Las Vegas for its production of Dreamgirls.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe company was absolutely elated when Dr. Maya Angelou invited our cast to perform with her in Phoenix,\u201d recalled Russell. \u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Director of Global Outreach.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Cast of The Wiz performed in 2016<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

BITH\u2019s 10th Anniversary Super Season<\/h2>\n

The company has already debuted two of its performances in the 2023 season lineup: Bring in the Light: All Rise!<\/em> in January and American Son: The Tour in February.<\/p>\n

Bring in the Light: All Rise!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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 \u201cemotional, riveting and raw,\u201d this spirited production highlighted today\u2019s youth in their own words, from their own lives.<\/p>\n

American Son: <\/strong><\/em>the Tour<\/strong><\/p>\n

The company\u2019s acclaimed production of Christopher Demos-Brown\u2019s 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\u2019s a movement!<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Cast<\/span><\/div><\/div>

Cast of Ain\u2019t Misbehavin\u2019 performed in 2017<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

Jesus Christ Superstar<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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<\/em> 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 \u201cI Don\u2019t Know How to Love Him,\u201d \u201cGethsemane,\u201d \u201cWhat\u2019s the Buzz,\u201d and \u201cSuperstar.\u201d 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\u2019s blockbuster production promises to dazzle younger generations with iconic melodies, powerful lyrics, and novel staging.<\/p>\n

End of the Rainbow:<\/em> The Movie<\/strong><\/p>\n

Broadway in the Hood also includes End of the Rainbow<\/em> in its spring showcase in partnership with the Las Vegas Chapter of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Like the company\u2019s first short movie, The French Defense<\/em>, this film will be written by BITH students and produced by the company. The poignant drama about a young man\u2019s journey of discovering his identity and sexuality will feature BITH family members, with all filming and editing completed in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Broadway<\/span><\/div><\/div>

Broadway in the Hood wows audiences in the Troesch Theatre<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

Once on This Island<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Once on This Island<\/em> 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\u2019s unlimited possibilities.<\/p>\n

The Prom<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The company lights up the summer stage in June with The Prom<\/em>, the joyous 2018 Broadway hit New York Magazine<\/em> called \u201csmart and big-hearted,\u201d and The New York Times<\/em> declared a Critic\u2019s 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<\/em>, and Elf<\/em> comes a show that The New York Times<\/em> says \u201cmakes you believe in musical comedy again.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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BITH performers and Wayne Newton at The Smith Center\u2019s 5th Anniversary Celebration<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

Little Shop of Horrors<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/em>. 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.<\/p>\n

2023 Free Musical Theatre Summer Intensive<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The company\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s curriculum challenges students to see themselves as agents of change and inspiration.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"BITH<\/span><\/div><\/div>

BITH Founder Torrey A. Russell<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

Back to School Broadway Bash and Urban Theatre Series<\/strong><\/p>\n

October marks the company\u2019s second annual \u201cBack to School Broadway Bash,\u201d with a huge family-friendly production that appeals to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The show features BITH\u2019s summer camp students performing alongside guest artists and Broadway in the Hood alums. The company\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Producing a Celebration to Inspire the Next Decade<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cLooking ahead, we\u2019re thrilled to play an integral part in the revitalization of the City\u2019s Historic Westside,\u201d notes an excited Russell. \u201cWe\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cCreating 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\u2019re ready and anxious to move forward!<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the meantime, the 2023 season is shaping up to be one of our best yet,\u201d boasts Russell, \u201cwith 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cBroadway in the Hood\u2019s \u2018Big, Bussin\u2019, Blockbuster Broadway Season\u2019 has something for everyone!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Broadway in the HOOD \u201cHelping Others Open Doors\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n