Dallas Fav Rhianna Mack on "Passing Strange"

by J. Sanders-Nelson

“Passing Strange” is bursting at the seams with melodic songs, and it features a handful of theatrical performances to treasure.” (New York Times, 2008)

Always supportive of my artist family, I took a moment to learn more about the play “Passing Strange” via a posting on Facebook by longtime friend Rhianna Mack. I have to say, this sounds like my kind of show, innovative music and an exploration of finding one’s self as an artist. I had to know more. I took a moment to contact Rhianna and chat a bit about this daring musical.

Ok Rhi, Passing Strange sounds like my kind of story, full of thrilling experiences and good groovin’ music. Tell me a little bit about the production from your perspective.

First of, Thank YOU for this opportunity of being able to share info about the AWESOME-NESS of Passing Strange on your blog!!!

It's like what you mentioned- The music in this show (written by the super-talented Stew & Heidi Rodewald) is deeply poetic, thought provoking and moving on a variety of levels. It is not cheesy show tunes by any means. This artistically unorthodox production delves into issues of identity, love, family, faith, passion, forgiveness, stereotypes, sex, drugs and rock-n-roll! "It's a nonstop journey to the Real." -which is essentially what the main character is in search of. We've got an Outstanding Cast & Band that do an excellent job of bringing such a unique, yet relatable story to light.

What is your role in the play? What have you infused in your character to make it real?

I play a variety of characters in this show. In particular- Edwina, the "fast" Baptist church girl; Marianna- a Dutch "Red-light district worker"; and Sudabey- a tough German filmmaker. I always like to infuse a sense of authenticity to each character regardless of how comical or dramatic they tend to be. My personal opinion is it makes the character more likable and/or believable.

Every experience should be a learning moment, so what have you learned from this production about theater, a musicians life, random events?

One thing I've learned is that some things really ARE possible, even when you think they might not be. Example: This production was originally not supposed to be re-produced outside of the original that was performed on Broadway. Since it is Stew's (the writer) autobiography, it was pre-determined He would be the only one who could pull such a show off. However, Artistic Director of the Pollard Theater- W. Jerome Stevenson, had the guts to ask for rights to produce it here in Guthrie, OK. It was approved (thankfully!) And here we are today-a taste of Broadway for the folks down south! : )

Are you having fun?

 I am Most Definitely having fun!! This is what I love to do and I am in love with this show.

What do you love about the cast and the crew including the director?

The cast has been outstanding since Day 1 of rehearsal. It's one of those situations where it obvious everyone is on the same page and bringing their A-game to the table and nothing less. We all have been in love with the story of Passing Strange and are very grateful to be a part of such a cast/band. The Director, Timothy Stewart, did his homework beforehand and it shows!! He's been a pleasure to work with.

How is Guthrie OK? How is it different from Big D?

Guthrie- Historic, small country-town feel, lots of trees. The people are nice and they don't mind speaking to you. It's got that "everybody knows everybody" kinda feel to it. But it's best to have a car to get where you're going. Dallas- is more citified in comparison and people usually seem more cautious about talking to strangers. Public transportation is easier to access.

Are you a Mavs fan? IF so what is the atmosphere up there? If you are not a fan, are the Okies giving you a hard time anyway?

I'm not an avid sports watcher, but I have missed being around such exciting Mavs energy due to the Pro-Mavs FB posts!! Nope, no hard time from the Okies either. They support the Thunder, but I haven't heard anything bad about the Mavs. Guess I just don't hang around those kinda people, lol!

Ok, your time for shout outs and plugs. Gimme what you got.

Shout-outs: First, to you-for allowing me to share info about Passing Strange. Also Shout out to the entire cast/band of Passing Strange, my friends Cedric Neal, Oscar Contreras, Laterras R. Whitfield, and all other friends and fam who support me!

Passing Strange runs June 10-26 at the Pollard Theatre (www.pollard.org) 

120 W. Harrison Ave, Guthrie, OK 73044

DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!! IT'S WORTH A ROAD TRIP! : )

DaVerse does it one more time...

Friday, May 6th was the last of DaVerse Lounge until this fall. Before the summer break young poets from schools all over DFW, graced the microphone and provided uplifting lyrical poetry, poured straight from their hearts. This experience is not round after round of unrequited love poetry or egocentric utterances. No, these beginning bards bare their souls, they deliver eye opening accounts of what it is really like to be young, talented and gifted. Perfect world aside, real world imagery takes over and makes sense in a world they sometimes perceive as "gone mad."

As always there was interactive art fun and soothing tones provided by Melody Memories. The family friendly environment blends well into the moment and  is inspiring and encouraging to students teachers and parents alike. One cannot help but anticipate next year’s newborn words of wisdom from the mouths of babes!

                                                         

 For more info on DaVerse Lounge click here

Sweet Memory...

by J. Sanders-Nelson

DALLAS - O' Riley's, on a cool Friday night, kind of diggin’ the sound of the EffiNays as I wait patiently for Melody Memory to bless the crowd with music, lyrics, poetry flowingly into rap and rhythms. I am not kept waiting for long or in vain. My ears are anxious to hear, my pen poised to scribble my thoughts and I am blinded by the brilliance of A.P. Alejandro Perez with his welcoming smile and chi giving presence of the entire band. The incense provides a positive fragrance to the serious vibe the band is just beginning to fill around the room…it would seem to capacity.

The wah-wah pedal gives the crowd a comfortable old school feel which they slip nicely into as the opening rapture of vocals and rap mix characterize the bands flavor, which they regard as “meta-lyrical fusion of Reggae, Hip-Hop and Funky Soul”. Lead vocalist Alejandro is hypnotic, he grabs you; his tenor rap trills reach out and individualize each enraptured listener. Improvisational, sensationally led the band communicates, invigorates and stimulates the people. Their ears, their hearts and most of all their minds. Blown.

What makes this band so good? Is it because they don’t have to be pleasingly commercial? That they are actually feeling and enjoying the output of astounding sound? What must their rehearsals sound like? As I ponder these thoughts “B.U.I.L.D.I.N.G.” brings me back the Her Earth, as it sweeps through the gathering of admirers like a cosmic broom, dusting us away on irie air. “C.R.E.A.M.” (Creativity Rules Everything Around Me) is a blessing of a song that praises what we have been gifted with. It encompasses is and becomes all we are. Messaging that we are surrounded by creativity every day.
Glancing around the modest space and seeing the audience mouth the words, shows love and support among the community of artist and appreciators and reveals the very soul of the music and melody that is being shared. The song “Beautiful” ethereal as ever, flows like hot thick chocolate love. This is number is demurely sexy in its repetitive nature; it feels almost too intimate to be listening to in a crowd of people.

Only my hands are able to produce appreciative sound as I am left amazed, speechless, and a few dollars short purchasing a CD (thank you A.P.) In total awe of what I have seen and heard I cannot wait to share my new found musical joy. I can see the richness in this golden sound and count down the moments until I am once again blessed with the authentic audacious amplifications of Melody Memory.

Melody Memory is Alejandro Perez, Jr., lead vocals, mistress of melody on the flute and vocals, Aisha Marshall, Bobby Ramirez, bustin’ big sounds on bass, “Captain” Ron Davison percussion, Valenti Thomas, caringly caressing the keys on keyboard, Reggie Webster leading the way on guitar and Menkiti “Grüv" Rice ‘dem drums and vocals.