Entertainment

Reel-ality TV Talk

Published

10 years ago

March 16, 2015

Oakland Post

By Marquesa LaDawn
NNPA Columnist

Gossip in the Air

This week in Atlanta it was all about friendships, complicated love and lots of gossip…RHOA’s Kandi just wants a happy marriage, not an unreasonable goal for a newlywed. The challenge for the Buress marriage, however, is they are not “handling” their issues. Why is it that smart businesswomen are not so smart in love? Todd, admitted during the counseling session that he’s not excited about the marriage, which is now showing up in the bedroom. He loves Kandi – or so he says – but between Mama Joyce’s insults and lack of accountability along with the pre-nuptial agreement wedding ultimatum, he’s not happy. He actually said being out of Atlanta and working feels better. Ouch! You could see the embarrassment and shock on Kandi’s face as she heard this. But Kandi, at least he’s talking and wants to work things out.

On another front, Kandi, you need to talk to your friends, let them know you are focused on your married life right now and need space. This secretive nature is biting you in the butt! Phaedra, Porsha and Nene are feeling like you do not have Phaedra’s back as you normally do. On top of that, you are not being honest. I get not repeating Apollo’s accusations regarding infidelity as his wife. But, to say you didn’t know anything about that or hadn’t heard anything at the same time your husband confirms that you heard it, looks bad. But, I will compliment you on not talking to Mama Joyce about anything personal. This may be the biggest lesson for her yet!

Speaking of the ladies talking, Cynthia reached out to Phaedra to clear things up. I knew this was not a good idea; it’s too soon. You can’t out the rumor in one dinner and apologize for outing it in another. Anyway, Phaedra showed up looking for an apology, which was unrealistic. I agree with Cynthia that the rumor was not started by her so she should not own it. But, I do think her not taking responsibility for sharing it, and expecting Phaedra to understand was crazy. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I love the new Cynthia. Yes, she’s being messy, but outspoken. She has a right to her opinion and she’s sharing it. Why is it that folks have self-induced amnesia? Phaedra has always been outspoken and shared her opinion without “fact checking.” Do I think some of Cynthia’s behavior comes from her anger toward the demise of her friendship with Nene? Yes. But, I also think she was tired of the criticism of not having an opinion and changing her limited views on a dime. I will say this, Cynthia is not going anywhere – she’s solidified her housewives spot by constantly surprising us!

The episode ended with the ladies agreeing to a session with Dr. Jeff.

In RHBH land, Yolanda realizes even her dear home of Amsterdam cannot calm the housewives. Only problem, Lisa R, who claimed she would never engage Kim again (even post-apology) decides to go shopping with Kim and Brandi. Really

Next scene, the boat became “the love boat.” The ladies start off in an awkward way, just sitting and looking, not sure what to say. Then, Kyle and Yolanda head over to the bar and are joined by Lisa V. and begin talking about the awkwardness. Left at the table are Kim, Brandi, Eileen & Yolanda, being step ford like, for a bit a least.

Then, Brandi opens her mouth and the awkward flag is lifted! Irked, Eileen defends herself against comments by Brandi, very well I should say. Eileen speaks the truth, Kim and Brandi speak well – they speak something. Eileen says Brandi is mean and I was shocked to see that Brandi accepted it.

Then the other housewives return … Brandi’s familiar behavior returns and Kim jumps in with her “defensive” comments. Eileen says to Kim, “Kim sue me for giving a damn” was priceless.

The shocker was Brandi revealing a past transgression of Eileen’s – an affair. Kim is loving it! Then, the fight is on! Yolanda leaves and goes to the other table and decides to eat. Yolanda, I love you, but, if you do not like drama – get off of reality TV Then Lisa V. joins her while the other ladies are still going at it!

Kyle reminds Brandi, get out of sisters’ business, but her words fall on deaf ears and everyone leaves the table except Brandi, Kyle and Kim. The new very vocal Kyle, tells Brandi, I do not want to be your friend and she leaves. Brandi wants to jump in the water and Kim starts crying a river! This is a moment! Peacemaker Yolanda, invites Brandi and Kim to eat and they begin to eat! Then, it turns into the ‘love boat,” a bunch of insincere compliments, with a few real ones thrown in.

It ends with a love fest! I love the drama and at times, I love the peace.

Marquesa LaDawn is a professional businesswoman who escapes the pressures of living in New York City by retreating into the real world of reality TV. Visit her at www.Realitytvgirl.com.

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Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

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December 20, 2024

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Promise Marks Performs Songs of Etta James in One-Woman Show, “A Sunday Kind of Love” at the Black Repertory Theater in Berkeley

“The (show) is a fictional story about a character named Etta, aka Lady Peaches,” said Marks. “She falls in love with Johnny Rhythm, leader of the Rhythm Players Band and headliners of Madam G’s Glitta Lounge.” Marks channeled the essence of Etta James, singing favorites such as “Sugar on the Floor” and “At Last.”

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Photo Courtesy Of Promise Marks.

Special to the Post

It was “A Sunday Kind of Love” at the Black Repertory Group Theater in Berkeley on Saturday night, Dec. 7. The one-woman musical based on the music of Etta James featured the multi-talented singer Promise Marks

Marks, who wrote and directed the musical, also owns PM Productions.

Marks channeled the essence of Etta James, singing favorites such as “Sugar on the Floor” and “At Last.”

In between her soulful songs, Marks narrated impactful moments of the love story and journey of blues and forgiveness.

Marks sultry voice carried the audience back to an era that echoed with the power of Black music and a time of great change.

Marks said James shared love for the Black community by singing at gatherings during the Civil Rights Movement uplifting the people.

“She spoke to the movement, spoke to the people, and let her music speak for itself,” Marks said.

Backing the musical’s monologues, images and videos of Etta James are projected for the audience to view. While the production is fictional, Marks infused script with the unfairness and heartbreak James experienced while performing.

Marks performed gospel artist Donnie McClurkin’s “We Fall Down” as she narrated acts of reconciliation and forgiveness among the characters at Johnny Rhythm’s deathbed.

Marks, who regularly sings for the Miss America Pageant, was asked to perform as Etta James last year. “(At the event) a lady yelled out to me: ‘You’re Etta James!’ And then the audience went crazy. I said to myself, ‘I may have something here,’” she said.

Within 12 months, Marks created the musical production, which featured a dozen songs honoring “the great legacy of Etta James,” she said.

Marks says she was saddened to see how Etta James was often judged by the struggles in her life and wanted to offer attendees a more layered view.

“Etta’s life was so big. I want people to know that she was more than her drug addiction,” said Marks. “We can’t make that her legacy. Her catalog is too amazing. You can’t just be that and have the catalog that she (created). I don’t want the addiction to be the focus: I want her music, her element, her sassiness, and what she brought to be the focus – her woman-ness, that she was strong, and I wanted to honor that.”

Set Designer Nora Burnette says she created the set segments to mirror James’ life story. A set designer for BRG since 2016, she explained that her process of researching the scenario and the character serve as her inspiration for her design.

“I try to design a set as close to real life as possible so that the actress can deliver the performance sincerely,” said Burnette. “By creating the right setting, it helps the actors release the true essence of a character.”

The set brought the story to life and absolutely floored Marks. “Once Promise (Marks) saw the actual set, she understood my vision: ‘Wow, you get me. You get it,'” Marks told the designer.

Born Jamesetta Hawkins, Etta James, began her career in 1954 and gained fame with hits such “At Last” and “I’d Rather Go Blind.” She faced a number of personal problems, before making a musical comeback in the late 1980s with the album “Seven Year Itch.”

Co-producer and BRG Development Director, Sean Vaughn Scott, works with Overseer Production. According to producer Pamela Spikes, “Marks talent truly does Etta’s life story justice.”

Pam Jacobs of Hercules, a friend of Marks’ mom, Jackie Smith, said, Marks “was fabulous and sang all of those songs flawlessly.”

“I’m so proud of my daughter,” said Smith.

Marks, who has served as an instructor for BRG, will return on Feb. 21- 23 for an encore run of the musical.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the BRG (Black Repertory Group) family and continue our executive director Dr. Mona Vaughn Scott’s vision for the Black Repertory Group theater,” said Marks.

The Black Repertory Group Theatre is located at 3201 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703. For information, visit: BlackRepertoryGroup.com