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| Griffin Matthews and Cast Members "Invisible Thread" Second Stage Through December 27th |
A musical that began life at the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) with the title "Witness Uganda" is now delighting New York audiences at Second Stage as "Invisible Thread." Director Diane Paulus has pulled out all the stops to help the creative team further refine the telling of this compelling real life story. I have written extensively about the original Cambridge production, so I will try not to repeat myself here. I strongly suggest that you take a few moments to read my original and follow-up reviews of "Witness Uganda." In this review, I will concentrate on changes that have been made to this powerful musical.
White Rhino Report Original Review of "Witness Uganda" at A.R.T.
White Rhino Report Follow-Up "Review of Witness Uganda"
The first change that hit me was that the character of Griffin Matthew's female friend has been replaced by his boyfriend, Ryan. This change makes perfect sense, for it brings the fictionalized telling of Griffin's pilgrimage closer to the actual facts of his real life. In this iteration of the story, Ryan is a stand-in for composer Matt Gould. The actor who plays Ryan, Broadway veteran Corey Mach, has studied Matt's mannerisms and looks remarkably like the composer. He is a wonderful addition to an already strong cast. Returning Matt Gould's presence to this narrative allows us to properly see the elephant that has been there the whole time.
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Adeola Role as Joy
Griffin Matthews as himself
"Invisible Thread"
Second Stage
Through December 27th
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The set is beautifully rendered. The stylized hill from Cambridge has now been replaced with reddish dirt that covers the stage and forms an earthen mound that represents the hill that the Ugandan kids claim as their own with a panoramic view of Kampala and Lake Victoria. Elements of the set fly in from above and from the sides to recreate the mission compound and the marketplace, as well as the abandoned library that Griffin uses as a makeshift schoolroom. Ryan's apartment back in NYC sits at a higher elevation downstage right. The remarkable projections have been upgraded and supplemented with images that evoke New York City, Kampala, rural Uganda and the journeys between the two worlds.
The orchestra has been expanded and sits on several levels upstage left and right. The sound combines the pulsating Africans rhythms with several pop and Gospel styles.
I have had the opportunity to see two of the NYC performances to date. New York audiences are responding as enthusiastically as did those in Cambridge. On a recent Sunday evening many members of the casts of "Hamilton" and "The Color Purple" stopped by to take in the show. They led the way in showing their profound appreciation for the rollicking Gospel number "Be The Light" (Bela Musana) with the soaring solo by Melody Betts. This song remains one of the emotional high points of "Invisible Thread." Another musical highlight is the haunting song "Beautiful," in which Griffin and his students compare the different beauties of NYC and Africa.
Please take the time to read the bios of the gifted cast members. They have done yeoman's work in learning Ugandan accents, dance moves and locomotion. The time that the team spent in Uganda this past summer is in evidence for they have brought some of the ethos of that land with them back to Manhattan. Adeola Role as Joy is memorable in showing the vast difference between her everyday voice and the false and affected warmth she shows to visitors to the compound.
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Nicolette Robinson as Eden
Jamar Williams as Ibrahim Tyrone Davis, Jr. as Ronnie Kristolyn Lloyd as Grace "Invisible Thread"
Second Stage
Through December 27th
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Nicolette Robinson as Eden
Kristolyn Lloyd as Grace Jamar Williams as Ibrahim Tyrone Davis, Jr. as Ronnie "Invisible Thread"
Second Stage
Through December 27th
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Second Stage Website
Enjoy!
Al
CO-CHOREOGRAPHED BY DARRELL GRAND MOULTRIE
CHOREOGRAPHED BY SERGIO TRUJILLO
CAST
MELODY BETTS (Ensemble, u/s Joy) is so ecstatic to join this immensely talented cast in Invisible Thread. Regional Credits include Hairspray, A Christmas Carol, The Color Purple, Ragtime,Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Boys from Syracuse, Seussical the Musical, Once on this Island, Nunsense, Cinderella (TYA), All Shook Up, The Drowsy Chaperone, Short Shakes! Comedy of Errors, Pinocchio, Motherhood the Musical, The Nativity, Smokey Joe’s Café. TV credits include “Chicago Code” (FOX) and “Chicago PD” (NBC). MFA (WIU), AEA, SAG-AFTRA, BMI. Twitter:@melodyabetts. Instagram: @THEEMelodyB. Let's be kinder to one another, daily and randomly. 1 John 3:18.
RODRICK COVINGTON (Ensemble, u/s Jacob) appeared in the world premiere of Witness Uganda at A.R.T. Regional Credits:Miss Saigon (nominated for Best Supporting Actor), Central Avenue Breakdown (Signature Theatre Company; Best Actor and Best Musical), The Brothers/Sister Plays (Steppenwolf Theatre Company; Best Actor Nomination, Best Ensemble Award), Venice(Kirk Douglas Theatre), Pippin (Mark Taper Forum), Jelly's Last Jam (Best Actor Nomination), In the Red and Brown Water(Premiere, Alliance Theatre, Best Ensemble Nomination). International tour include South Africa at The Baxter and Market Theatre. Broadway: The Lion King. National Tour: Fosse. TV: "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and "Chappelle's Show." Film:Mask of the Ninja, Three Verses and Memory Running. Founder and CEO of CORE RHYTHM FITNESS where he teaches hundreds of Artists how to unlock the Core combining Body/Mind/Spirit Work. Love Conquers All Romans 8:29-39.corerhythmfitness.net
KEVIN CURTIS (Ensemble, u/s Ibrahim, Ronny). National Tour: A Chorus Line. NYC: Street Lights, Twilight in Manchego, NYMF; Daniella Uses Dirty Words, Abingdon Theatre Company. Regional: Witness Uganda, ART; A Chorus Line, TUTS Houston; A Chorus Line, Hairspray, The Student Prince, Pittsburgh CLO; Hairspray, High School Musical, North Shore Music Theatre. TV/Film: Take Care, Newlyweeds, “Live from Lincoln Center: Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch.” Proud graduate of AMDA NY and The Baltimore School for the Arts. Special thanks to Matt & Griff, Diane Paulus, TKO and uplifting supportive family. Twitter: @KevinTCurtis.
TYRONE DAVIS, JR. (Ronny). National Tours: Shrek: The Musical (1st Nat’l), The Mystery of King Tut. Off Broadway/NY: Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe, Coriolanus, The Rape of the Lock, The Loves of Mr. Lincoln, The Drunken City, Life on the Mississippi. Regional: A.R.T.: Witness Uganda (dir. Diane Paulus); Baltimore Center Stage: A Civil War Christmas; Goodspeed: Amazing Grace; Dallas Theater Center: Stagger Lee; Vinyard Playhouse: Pure Confidence; Crossroads Theatre Co: Ain’t Misbehavin’ (dir. André DeShields); Classical Theatre of Harlem: King Lear. NY Workshops/Labs: Shuffle Along, Witness Uganda, Amazing Grace, Before Midnight. Education- New World School of the Arts/Univ. of Florida, B.F.A. @tyronedavisjr
NKRUMAH GATLING (Male Swing, u/s Jacob, Ibrahim, Ronny) is excited to making his 2ST debut and overjoyed to be a part of this amazing cast! He was most recently seen in Theatre by the Sea's Little Mermaid as Sebastian, as well as the workshop of August Rush this past fall. Broadway: Hair. National Tours: Hair, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, Miss.Saigon. Regional: Dreamgirls, Miss Saigon, Wonderful Life (TUTS). Much love and many thanks to my Mom, family, and everyone at BRS/Gage. Instagram:nkrumah_g
LATRISA HARPER (Ensemble, Dance Captain). Broadway: The Color Purple, The Lion King. 1st National Tours: The Color Purple, and Motown. A.R.T.: Witness Uganda. Ailey II. "Dance is the hidden language of the soul". -M. Graham. Proud AEA member.
JASON HERBERT (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of Invisible Thread! Credits include: National & Concert Tour of the TONY Award Winning Musical FELA! directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones and Artistic Director Maija Garcia. Concert dance companies such as Philadanco!, Forces of Nature Dance Theater, and Kymera Dance. Appearances in Feature Films: Bolden(upcoming) and Freedom. Independent Films: Lifted and Under the Harlem Moon. This is his first Off-Broadway Production, and he would like to thank the entire Invisible Thread team for trusting in him with the opportunity to change and impact lives with Live Art at the fore front.
AISHA JACKSON Ensemble, u/s Eden, Grace) is overjoyed to be a part of this amazing cast! Broadway: Beautiful-The Carole King Musical. Regional: Memphis (Felicia), Once on This Island(TiMoune), and Witness Uganda (American Repertory Theatre). Thanks to God, my family and friends, and BBR for all the love and support! To the House of Uganda, you guys are my heart. Nkwagala nyo Simon. For Vaughn and Amy. Luke 1:37.
KRISTOLYN LLOYD (Grace). Two time NAACP Image Award Nominee for her role as Dayzee Leigh Forrester on the CBS daytime show The Bold and the Beautiful. Her on stage credits include: Paradise Blue (Williamstown), The Liquid Plain (Signature Theatre), Heathers The Musical (New World Stages), Witness Uganda(A.R.T.), Heathers The Musical (The Hudson), Hairspray, Rent (Hollywood Bowl), Once on this Island (Reprise Theatre). TV includes “ER” and “Lie To Me.”
MICHAEL LUWOYE (Jacob) is very proud to be making his Second Stage debut and to continue this journey with this uplifting team of creatives. New York: Empty House (NY Fringe), Fable (NYMF). Regional: Marley (Center Stage): Witness Uganda (A.R.T.), Tick, tick ... BOOM! (American Theater Group), and The Three Musketeers, Once on This Island, Hairspray, Guys and Dolls at Flat Rock Playhouse. B.A. from The University of Alabama c/o 2013.|These shows are performed for my Family, my community of friends, my well-being, the students of Uganda Project, and The River. Peace.
COREY MACH (Ryan). Off-Broadway debut. Completely overjoyed to be a part of this vital, courageous piece of theatre. Broadway: Hands on a Hardbody, Godspell (Jesus/Judas standby). National Tours: Wicked, Flashdance: The Musical, Rent. Regional: Sara Bareilles’ Waitress at A.R.T., Pippin (Pippin), Violet (Monty), Harold & Maude (Harold), Lippa’s Wild Party (Burrs), I Love You Because (Austin). TV: “Codes of Conduct” (HBO; dir. Steve McQueen). Yale Institute for Music Theatre acting company. Proud grad of Baldwin-Wallace. Endless gratitude to Diane, Griff, Matt, Serge, Nicolette, Steve, and CGF. coreymach.com
TIFFANY MANN (Female Swing, u/s Eden, Grace, Joy) is a proud Texas native and is beyond delighted to be making her Off-Broadway debut. Some of her theatrical credits include: Sweeney Todd at the Lincoln Center, Claudio Quest at NYMF, Stagger Leeat Dallas Theater Center, One Night with Janis Joplin at ZACH Theater and San Jose Rep, The Color Purple(Celie), and Ragtime(Sarah's Friend). She has also performed with the Fort Worth Opera Chorus in numerous productions. She received her training as a vocal performance major at Oklahoma City University. Words alone cannot express Tiffany's gratitude, so she offers the gift of song as her thanks. Twitter: @iamtiffanymann
GRIFFIN MATTHEWS (Griffin, Co-Author) graduated from Carnegie Mellon University, in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. Griffin co-wrote Invisible Thread (Richard Rodgers Award, Harold Adamson Award, and Dean Kay Award). He is working on a commission for Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles to write a new docu-musical about the ever-changing face of the American family. He's directed several readings of the new musical Lempicka for Yale Rep and New Dramatists and has choreographed pieces at Vassar College, Lincoln Center (NYC), Warner Theater (DC), and in Tokyo. Acting credits include New York/Regional: Best of Both Worlds, 1776, Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope, Once On This Island. Television: “Law & Order: SVU” (recurring), “Happy Valley” (NBC Pilot), “The Carrie Diaries" (recurring),“The Mentalist,” “Suburgatory,” “Weeds,” “90210,” “Law and Order: LA,” “Cashmere Mafia,” “Numb3rs.” Starring in the upcoming Indie horror, "Screamers." Invisible Thread is based on his organization UgandaProject, which he founded in 2005. Twitter: @GriffinsThread
JEREMY POPE (Griffin). Drama League nominee for his lead role as "Pharus" in Choir Boy by Tarell Alvin McCraney(Manhattan Theatre Club). Pope reprised his role at the Alliance Theater and the Geffen Playhouse, all under the direction of Trip Cullman. National Tours include SkippyJon Jones (Theatreworks USA). He is a graduate of The American Musical & Dramatic Academy. Jeremy-Pope.com
JAMARD RICHARDSON (Ensemble) is beyond grateful to continue to share this story with the world. Broadway Credits:The Book of Mormon. Regional Favorites: Witness Uganda,Waitress (reading), The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, Joseph…, Hairspray, Ragtime, and Xanadu. Originally from Dayton, Ohio and is a proud alum of The University of Oklahoma. BOOMER!! Thanks to God, The Mine, Stephen Kopel, Matt & Griff, this phenomenal Cast & Crew, OU13, Mom, Dad & Morgynne! Much love to you all! Matthew 19:26. Follow me @jamardrich
NICOLETTE ROBINSON (Eden). Off-Broadway: Brooklynite (Vineyard Theatre). Regional: Witness Uganda (A.R.T.), A Little More Alive (Barrington Stage Company). TV: Plays Jane on Showtime’s Golden Globe Award winning series “The Affair,” also “Hart of Dixie,” “Unforgettable,” “Perfect Couples,” “Cold Case.” Princess Grace Award Winner for Theater and a graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, & Television. Twitter/Instagram: @NicoletteKloe.
ADEOLA ROLE (Joy) is thrilled to be making her Off-Broadway debut as "Joy" in Invisible Thread. Role originated the part of Joy in the world premiere, formerly known as Witness Uganda, at the American Repertory Theater. Role is also known for playing Susan Stewart in the American Repertory Theater's production of Taylor Mac's Liliy's Revenge. The Nigerian-born actress received her BA in Performance Theory with an emphasis on "Postmodern Blackness" from UC Berkeley, and an MFA in Acting from A.R.T/M.X.A.T at Harvard University. Role wishes to thank her beloved Mother and Sister for loving her, teaching her, and carrying her to this very moment.
CONOR RYAN(Ryan Standby) was last seen playing Jean-Michel in the Goodspeed Opera House’s production of La Cage Aux Folles. He starred opposite Kate Baldwin in the Off-Broadway revival of John and Jen and has also recently been seen on Broadway in Cinderella and in the Public Theatre's production of The Fortress Of Solitude. Training: BFA University of Michigan, Walnut Hill School for the Arts. Many thanks to all of his teachers throughout the years, his family and friends, 2nd Stage, Katie and Miguel, Becca and Laura, and CESD. Twitter: @conorrrryan, IG:chakaconor. Everything is for Mom.
JAMAR WILLIAMS (Ibrahim). Off-Broadway Debut. NY:Broken Window Theory dir. Michele Shay (Nuyorican). Regional: Witness Uganda (A.R.T); Hairspray, The Piano Lesson (Santa Rosa Rep). Tours: Theatre Works USA. TV: 40th Anniversary Oklahoma! (dir. Terrance Mann), Much Ado About Nothing (PBS). Workshops/Readings: Witness Uganda (A.R.T.), Kill Floor (LCT3), Choir Boy (Manhattan Theatre Club), West Village Swing (screen play by Vincent Mignatti). Graduate from The University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Special thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, My loving parents and sisters, Matt and Griff, Diane Paulus, Mickey Nelson, and Nicolosi & Co. This show is dedicated to the eternal memory of my Dad; thank you for guiding me, I will love you forever! Twitter: @mjamarwilliamsCREATIVE TEAM
MATT GOULD (Co-Author, Music Director, Orchestrations, Vocal Arrangements) is a recipient of the Richard Rodgers Award (2012 and 2014), The Jonathan Larson Award, and ASCAP’s Dean Kay and Harold Adamson Awards. His musical Invisible Thread(f/k/a Witness Uganda) had its world premiere at the American Repertory Theater under the direction of Tony Winner Diane Paulus. His upcoming original works include The Family Project for LA’s Center Theatre Group, and Lempicka (Yale Rep Commission). He wrote Twilight in Manchego (Directed by Tony Winner Billy Porter) for the NYMF, has written and arranged music for Playwrights Horizons and translated, adapted and directed Romeo and Juliet in Pulaar (Mauritania, West Africa.) Often collaborating with co-writer Griffin Matthews, Matt has performed around the world including Uganda, Mauritania, Japan, South Africa, and across the US including the NY Stock Exchange, Lincoln Center, Summit Series and Royce Hall. A graduate of Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, Matt is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at schools and Universities. He is the co-director of UgandaProject.
GRIFFIN MATTHEWS (Griffin, Co-Author) graduated from Carnegie Mellon University, in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. Griffin co-wrote Invisible Thread (Richard Rodgers Award, Harold Adamson Award, and Dean Kay Award). He is working on a commission for Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles to write a new docu-musical about the ever-changing face of the American family. He's directed several readings of the new musical Lempicka for Yale Rep and New Dramatists and has choreographed pieces at Vassar College, Lincoln Center (NYC), Warner Theater (DC), and in Tokyo. Acting credits include New York/Regional: Best of Both Worlds, 1776, Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope, Once On This Island. Television: “Law & Order: SVU” (recurring), “Happy Valley” (NBC Pilot), “The Carrie Diaries" (recurring),“The Mentalist,” “Suburgatory,” “Weeds,” “90210,” “Law and Order: LA,” “Cashmere Mafia,” “Numb3rs.” Starring in the upcoming Indie horror, "Screamers." Invisible Thread is based on his organization UgandaProject, which he founded in 2005. Twitter: @GriffinsThread
DIANE PAULUS (Director) is the Artistic Director of the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University. Broadway: A.R.T.’s productions of Pippin (Tony Award Best Direction, Best Revival), Finding Neverland, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess(Tony Award Best Revival); The Public Theater’s Hair (Tony Award Best Revival). Also at A.R.T.: Waitress (music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles), Crossing (a new opera by Matt Aucoin), Prometheus Bound (music by Serj Tankian, book and lyrics by Steven Sater), Tod Machover’s Death and the Powers: The Robots’ Opera, The Donkey Show, Best of Both Worlds, Johnny Baseball. Other: Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna currently on tour in Paris; The Magic Flute (Canadian Opera Company); Don Giovanni, Cosi Fan Tutte, Marriage of Figaro, Turn of the Screw, and the Monteverdi trilogy (Chicago Opera Theater and BAM). Diane is a Professor of the Practice in Theater in Harvard University’s English Department and was selected as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2014.
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