Entertainment
Reel-ality TV Talk
By Marquesa LaDawn
NNPA Columnist
It was wild and crazy week in Housewives Land. Let’s start with #RHOA, which had a big episode. They picked up on Apollo’s rant as he left home for the Big House. Or, should I say, Jailhouse? It’s sooo sad when I think of how defiant Phaedra was when it came to her marriage to Apollo. She was all in and not budging, in spite of the various red flags. But, as soon as he got arrested, she could not wash him out of her life fast enough. I get it, you love and then you leave. But, deep down, I don’t believe Phaedra 100 percent. Why? She’s a smart woman when it comes to business, too smart not to notice all the money that was being spent by her hubby. If I had a hubby with that background, I would be on him like white on rice. On second thought, I wouldn’t have a hubby like that. I think if Phaedra was more open with her emotions and less stoic, I would trust her more.
I have to say that I’m excited about the possibility of her seeing a Mr. Chocolate. Longtime housewives fan notice how the tide quickly shifts. You see, Phaedra was great at bad talking other housewives when they considered mysterious suitors. Now, she’s in the hot seat. I will stay tuned, as always. Perhaps the chocolate may just melt.
On to my other face in #RHOA land, Kenya Moore, who’s getting attacked from so many places, all at one time. Where should I start? Where does anyone start? First, let’s try the blogosphere, where play, movie, whatever is being exposed as a sham.
There was a claim made by “Fresh Prince of Bell-Air” actress Janet Hubert, one of the actors in this production. Supposedly, this was just a fake production that yielded fake pay. I guess we will see. I enjoy Kenya in the mix with others. The whole production thing is kind of a bore. It’s funny, because you can see Kenya wants a piece of Vivica A. Fox’s life, her nemesis on #CA, the movie star part. I bring up Vivica famous beef on #CelebrityApprentice
Bored or not, I am curious about Kenya confronting Phaedra over her mystery man. You see, Kenya is still irked about Phaedra calling her a whore and other unflattering names. She’s really hurt that after Apollo, her husband, admitted he lied on Kenya, she never got an apology or at least a sincere one from Phaedra. She has a major ax to grind, which should surprise no one. I will say that having fast talking Claudia as a buddy works to her advantage; even Cynthia is proving to be a great asset.
The Queen of RHOA, Nene, appeared on #WWHL with my girl, Tracie Ellis Ross and boy did she spill some tea. Nene’s pretty bold about reacting if she feels shamed or attacked and #bravo via #andycohen can do that in a charming way. Everybody’s talking about Nene’s poor hair choices and like any woman, she’s embarrassed. Don’t know if she’s more embarrassed about the hair or the talking. My guess is that she’ll get it right eventually. I just wish she’d figure out who she wants to be. I saw her interview with Meredith , and whoa! All of a sudden, I was introduced to Nene trying to be someone else. I will just say although she shared her back story in a big way, she at times lacked being authentic, trying to be a character of herself. You’ve gotta watch it. She’s a work in progress, like the rest of us.
In #RHOBH land, …last week built on the previous week of Kim being the center of discussion. In short, she’s in denial about her addiction and everyone around her is trying to figure out what to do. I’m getting bored. This was the storyline three years ago. If Brandi wasn’t acting up, I wouldn’t watch. I heard a rumor that Brandi is considering leaving the housewives, yeah right. That show makes her relevant. Right now, she’s feeling vulnerable from all the attacks from the other housewives and #celebrityapprentice; Just think about it, she may garner a lot of screen time, but she’s always the bad guy, and she’s playing herself. Gotta Love Brandi!
I’m in tears over #CelebrityApprentice ending… It was so good. The housewives created drama like true professionals and the second female celebrity apprentice winner emerged, Leeza Gibbons. She doesn’t know it yet, but Leeza would make a fabulous housewife although she has a bit of a Stepford Wives vibe. I loved how she told the story about being invited to Brandi’s housewarming not realizing it was being taping for the show.
She popped in and then out with her hubby in tow. When she was asked about being Brandi’s friend, she dodged that question with a silent no. It’s important from a career perspective that she’s not put into reality TV world too much. But, Leeza can I say, it was reality TV that made you hot again, so don’t kick it too much.
During the final episode, Kenya was asked one more time about #phonegate. Did you steal Vivica’s phone? Of course she said, no. Several cast members recommended a lie detector test. No matter what they say, Donald Trump, the housewives made your show relevant! Go girls!!
Marquesa LaDawn is a professional business woman 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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Arts and Culture
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.”
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.
“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.”
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
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Oakland Post: Week of December 11 – 17, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 11 – 17, 2024
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