Essence of a nation reduced to a huddled mass Nov 17, 2009
"Ragtime" gives us three quintessentially American groups: the WASP Father and Mother (Ron Bohmer and Christiane Noll), a Jewish immigrant named Tateh (Robert Petkoff), and African-American couple Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Quentin Earl Darrington, grimly intense) and Sarah (Stephanie Umoh, a bit of a letdown in a part created by Audra McDonald) ... "Ragtime" gives us three quintessentially American groups: the WASP Father and Mother (Ron Bohmer and Christiane Noll), a Jewish immigrant named Tateh... (New York Post -- Entertainment)
'Ragtime' revival puts renewed emphasis on people Nov 16, 2009
What made the original so enticing was not so much the lavishness of its setting but the impeccable casting that anchored the show and which made stars out of such performers as Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Marin Mazzie. In this revival, the actors are not quite as accomplished in creating credible portraits even though Dodge has given them more breathing space in which to come alive. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
With a big voice, and bigger heart,her Broadway dream comes true Nov 1, 2009
The part that made Audra McDonald, her idol, famous in the original 1998 Broadway production and earned her a Tony Award ... Soon, she hopes to see Audra McDonald, who has congratulated her and promised to see the show. (Boston Globe)
USA Network puts faith in 'White Collar' crime Oct 22, 2009
Audra McDonald talks about life, TV s Practice ... Audra McDonald was all smiles as she talked at the set of her ABC series Private Practice. (Fresno Bee)
Living's easy on the Vineyard Aug 28, 2009
Umoh, a 2008 graduate of the Conservatory, is no stranger to the part: She played Sarah - a role made famous by Audra McDonald - in a New Repertory Theatre production in 2006. I mean, it s like unreal, Umoh (below as Sarah) said yesterday from New York. (Boston Globe)
NBA Star, Doug Christie, Announced as Presenter at the 19th Annual NAACP Theatre Awards Aug 27, 2009
The 19th Annual NAACP Theatre Awards is celebrating the organization's 100th Year Anniversary and will honor a full slate of honorees including Audra McDonald (Tony Award-Winner/Grammy Award-Winner) for Trailblazer Award, Tichina Arnold (CW's "Everybody Hates Chris") for the Spirit Award, Ruben Santiago-Hudson (ABC's "Castle") for Lifetime Achievement, and Sheldon Epps (Director of UPN's "Girlfriends") for the Community Service Award. This year's award show will also include musical performances... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Portraits frame Fresno's intimate side Aug 15, 2009
In October, the Fresno Arts Council and Fresno Grand Opera teamed up to bring another RSA grad, Audra McDonald, to perform in Fresno. Audra spent the afternoon talking with our theater arts students about her career. (Fresno Bee)
Audra McDonald talks about life, TVs Practice Aug 6, 2009
Audra McDonald talks about life, TVs Practice - Rick Bentley - fresnobee ... Audra McDonald talks about life, TVs Practice ... Audra McDonald was all smiles as she talked at the set of her ABC series Private Practice. (Fresno Bee)
Human Rights Campaign Announces Speakers at 25th Annual Bay Area Gala Jul 24, 2009
Congressman Mike Honda and Congressman Jerry Nadler to Deliver Keynote Political Addresses, Actress Audra McDonald to Receive Ally for Equality Award ... A vocal supporter of gay civil rights and gay marriage across the country, actress Audra McDonald, acclaimed singer and actress, earning an unprecedented three Tony Awards before the age of 30 (Carousel, Master Class, and Ragtime),a fourth in 2004 (A Raisin in the Sun), and who can currently be seen as Dr. Naomi Bennett in the third season of... (PR Newswire)
Diva's zeal keeps Fresno on opera map Jul 21, 2009
"When did I fall in love?" sang Audra McDonald in her sparkling red, floral print dress. "What night? What day? When did I first begin to feel this way?". (Fresno Bee)
This day in history Jul 3, 2009
Actress-singer Audra McDonald is 39. Actor Patrick Wilson is 36. (Boston Globe)
Band Of The Bard Jul 2, 2009
But now the 39-year-old is performing with stellar cast members such as Anne Hathaway, Ral Esparza and Audra McDonald in "Twelfth Night," the Shakespeare in the Park production at the Delacorte Theatre. Granted, he doesn't have any spoken words or even a name -- but he plays guitar, sings and "hops around.". (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Stars head to the park for a 'Night' of Shakespeare Jun 30, 2009
She performed alongside stage and screen veterans Raul Esparza, Audra McDonald and Julie White. Before their performance, they hit the red carpet with colleagues Steve Martin, Martin Short, Liev Schreiber, Patricia Clarkson, Hope Davis, Candice Bergen, Amanda Peet, Jane Krakowski, Rosie Perez, Sandra Bernhard, Bobby Cannavale, Christine Baranski, Judith Light and Joel Grey. (USA Today -- Life)
Public Hopes For High Tea Total Jun 23, 2009
What about a private singing lesson with Audra McDonald -- or a cameo (clothed) in "Hair". They're yours, for the right price, as the Public Theater launches another online auction fund-raiser. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Driving force in Clovis dance Mehas retires Jun 19, 2009
Clovis Academy of Gymnastics and Dance founder Demi Mehas, left, and Audra McDonald share a moment ... Though the academy has produced some famous alumni -- Broadway star Audra McDonald took classes for a while, and Taryn Francis competed on "Star Search" -- Mehas has focused her career not so much on elite instruction as offering broad dance opportunities for the community. (Fresno Bee)
Critic's Corner Weekend Jun 5, 2009
Neil Patrick Harris hosts, with performances from the nominated musicals and appearances by such stars as Angela Lansbury, James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Will Ferrell, Susan Sarandon, Chandra Wilson, Kristin Chenoweth, Audra McDonald and David Hyde Pierce. Posted. (USA Today -- Life)
Cynthia Nixon announces engagement May 18, 2009
Actors Kristin Davis, David Hyde Pierce and Audra McDonald were also scheduled to appear at the event, which was organized by the theater community to support New York Governor David Patersons proposed bill granting legal equality to same-sex unions, Access has learned. advertisement. (MSNBC -- News)
CUNNINGHAM'S DREAMLIKE BIRTHDAY PARTY Apr 18, 2009
Audra McDonald sang a birthday song by Dr. Seuss, and then the whole audience, 2,000 strong, sang the familiar birthday song. There was a cake, of course. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Allen strikes back at company Apr 17, 2009
Audra McDonald and Raul Esparza will join Anne Hathaway in Central Park this summer. The three will star in the cast of the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park production of "Twelfth Night," which will run June 10-July 12 at the outdoor Delacorte Theater. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Two Former 'Friends' Stars Now Playing Second Fiddle to 'High School Musical' Actors Apr 2, 2009
There were lots of stars Rosie O Donnell and Kelli O Donnell, Audra McDonald, Blythe Danner, Tim Robbins, Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kodb, Diane von Furstenberg, Harvey Fierstein, Phoebe Snow, Martha Plimpton, Linda Eder, Melba Moore, Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel. Not bad for a Tuesday night. (Fox News)
Hilton Als: Karen Olivo in “West Side Story.” Mar 30, 2009
And she s the first woman of color to become a Broadway star on par with Audra McDonald. ILLUSTRATION: ROBERT PIERSANTI Share. (New Yorker)
'A Raisin in the Sun' as timely as ever Mar 11, 2009
Which is why "A Raisin in the Sun" endures, on Broadway - where it was recently revived with Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald and Sean Combs - and throughout the country (Contra Costa College staged it last week). The issues it explores remain as timely as they were in 1959, no less so after the election of the first African American president. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Obama Praises Lincoln's Legacy at Ford's Theatre Feb 12, 2009
Also offering tributes to Lincoln on Wednesday are actress Audra McDonald from TV's "Private Practice," actors Ben Vereen and Jeffrey Wright, and opera singer Jessye Norman. The theater will reopen to the public on Thursday for Lincoln's birthday and then on Monday for President's Day. (Newsmax)
Ford's Theatre packs in stars, and Obamas, for reopening Feb 12, 2009
CBS News anchor Katie Couric and actors Kelsey Grammer, James Earl Jones, Ben Vereen, Jeffrey Wright and Audra McDonald gave a presentation of Birth and Rebirth, a tribute to Lincoln. David Selby (Falcon Crest's Richard Channing) portrayed Lincoln. (USA Today -- Life)
Trinity's 'Raisin' draws strength from ensemble cast Feb 11, 2009
Trinity's production does not, of course, have the star power of the 2004 Broadway revival (and subsequent TV adaptation) in which Sean Combs put himself onstage with Phylicia Rashad and Audra McDonald - to say nothing of the original stars, including Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee. But it does feature two fine members of its repertory company, Barbara Meek and Joe Wilson Jr. (and a third, Mauro Hantman, in a small but pivotal role), along with local favorite Johnny Lee Davenport, four strong... (Boston Globe)
Triumphs, tears at Grammy Awards Feb 9, 2009
Zomba Gospel; Publishers: Universal Music-Z Songs/Kerrion Publishing) Rock or Rap Gospel Album: Alive and Transported, TobyMac (ForeFront Records EMI CMG) Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album: Thy Kingdom Come, CeCe Winans (PureSprings Gospel/EMI Gospel) Southern, Country, Bluegrass Gospel: Lovin Life, Gaither Vocal Band (Gaither Music Group) Traditional Gospel Album: Down in New Orleans, The Blind Boys of Alabama (Time Life) Contemporary Rel Album: The Fight of My Life, Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo... (Florida Today)
Full List of Grammy Winners Feb 8, 2009
Classical Album: "Weill: Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny," James Conlon, conductor; Anthony Dean Griffey, Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald; Fred Vogler, producer (Donnie Ray Albert, John Easterlin, Steven Humes, Mel Ulrich and Robert Worle; Los Angeles Opera Chorus; Los Angeles Opera Orchestra) (EuroArts) ... Opera Recording: "Weill: Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny," James Conlon, conductor; Anthony Dean Griffey, Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald; Fred Vogler, producer (Donnie Ray... (Fox News)
List of early winners of Grammy Awards Feb 8, 2009
Bill Harley Live," Bill Harley Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Story Telling): "An Inconvenient Truth (Al Gore)," Beau Bridges, Cynthia Nixon & Blair Underwood Best Comedy Album: "It's Bad For Ya," George Carlin Best Musical Show Album: "In The Heights," Kurt Deutsch, Alex Lacamoire, Andres Levin, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Joel Moss & Bill Sherman, producers; Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer/lyricist (Original Broadway Cast With Lin-Manuel Miranda And Others) Best Compilation... (Xinhuanet, China)
