PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY LEONARD PARKER, VETERAN ACTOR OF STAGE, SCREEN & TELEVISION, THIS OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION IS A REFLECTION OF THE JOYS AND SORROWS EXPERIENCED BY SLAVES AS THEY MADE THEIR JOURNEY THROUGH A TIMELINE BEGINNING IN THE 1850's THROUGH THE 1940's. THE ACTORS PORTRAY VARYING ROLES IN SKETCHES TAKEN FROM THE WRITINGS OF CLASSIC POETS AS WELL AS A CHORALE BACKGROUND OF SPIRITUALS THAT GUIDES THE JOURNEY FROM BEGINNING TO END.




UNIQUE HISTORY SHOW AT COLUMBIA

. . . . A must see during Black History Month is the Leonard Parker produced Reflections of Time which is an educational and historical experience through the works of noted Black poets, being held on February 21st – 22nd at 7:30 PM at the Alfred Lerner Hall at Columbia University.



Reflections of Time, a rich and unique educational and historical experience of Black life will be unveiled through the works of 10 noted and famed African-American poets as part of the 18th Annual Black History 2006, produced by Leonard Parker, held at the Alfred Lerner Hall of Columbia University . . . Considered to be one of Black America's leading actors on stage, screen and television, Leonard Parker is an accomplished baritone singer as well as an accomplished playwright over the past four decades. – NEW YORK BEACON






LEONARD PARKER – producer/director, brought his own expertise to the theatre as a successful Broadway actor having appeared in many prestigious plays such as: “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” starring Kirk Douglas; “Fly Blackbird” starring Robert Guillaume and Avon Long; “Porgy and Bess” in which he performed the role of Crown; “The Physicist” starring Hume Cronin and Jessica Tandy. He also appeared on television shows: “The Naked City,” “The Doctors and Nurses”, and “The Defenders; soap opera: “As The World Turns”; and films: “Rosemary’s Baby”, “Nothing But A Man”, “Stiletto”, and “It won’t Rub Off Baby”, with Dick Gregory.
He was a member of the Off-Broadway group, The Living Theatre and performed in such plays as, “The Connection”, “The Apple”, and Berthold Brecht’s “Jungle of The City”. Other well-known actors who came out of the Living Theatre are Martin Sheen, James Earl Jones, Roscoe Lee Browne and Barbra Streisand.
Mr. Parker received his academic and theatrical training at Western Reserve University School of Drama in Cleveland, Ohio from which he graduated. He served his theatrical apprenticeship at the well-known Karamu Theatre also in Cleveland, Ohio which is his home.
Multi-talented, he is also a noted baritone and established playwright having written and produced “Second Chance” and “O My Mother Passed Away”. which was perfomed at The Henry Street Playhouse.
During the Korean conflict, Mr. Parker served in the Armed Forces and was stationed in Europe where he sang with the Special Services Orchestra.



THE CAST
PHIL ANTHONY is having a lot of fun returning to the stage after a 7 year hiatus. He says, “I spent the past 7 years living life in order to have something to imitate in the art.” Most recently he played David in TSI’s production of “Spoils of War”, by Summer Hill Seven. He also played a part in the off-off Broadway production “Feminine Fire”, and his first role returning to the stage as as the lead, Andrew Rally, in “I Hate Hamlet”. Phil is the father of 3 boys, and a 3-year-old daughter, who is already showing signs of being a triple threat. Look for him in an upcoming feature written and directed by Stephen McMillian as well as the Indie film titled “Welcome Ms. DeFarr”.

CAROLINE CARTER, a poet and writer who lives in the Bronx, has four children and is currently working on a book of essays.

EMPRESS DYKES is an 11-year old 6th grader at P.S. 19. She loves to dance, model and act. She has participated in 8 plays.

DAVID KING is a senior studying theatre at the City College of New York. He has originated roles in such Off Broadway productions as “Testiculations” at the New Media Repertory, “Come Back to Me” at the Cherry Lane Theater and “Minus One” at Theater for the New City. He recently played the title role in Anthony and Cleopatra and performed in “Soul Gone Home” for the Langston Hughes both at Aaron Davis Hall. David would like to thank Mr. Parker for the opportunity to contribute to such work of historical dignity and significance. This experience will personally enrich his character for as long as he lives and he hopes the audience will recognize the weight of literary greatness that has been attained. It can be surpassed by our future generations only if this generation works hard to afford them the opportunity.

LEE JOHNSON graduated from the American Musical Dramatic Academy in May 2005 with a concentration in Musical Theatre. Originally from Baltimore, Lee most recently played the character, Jasper Culver, in “The Andersonville Trial”, by Saul Levitt, with the T.E.S.T. Theatre Inc., which was his New York debut. He was also a featured extra on The Sopranos,

BRUCE MARTIN is a Philadelphia native with over 30 years vested as a New Yorker. He is a graduate of New Mexico Highlands University and was cast there for a USO tour of the Far East in Neil Simon’s “Little Me”. He trained with the Negro Ensemble Actor’s Workshop and worked off-off Broadway in productions of “A Day of Absence, Never Too Late” and a recreation of Leonard Parker’s original role of Sam in “The Connection”. Bruce has also appeared in various print ads and as an extra in several films and soaps. He is currently involved in the Drama Ministry at his local church. this is this first public appearance in quite some time and he hopes that this might be a resurrection!

KIMBERLEE MONROE attended Webster College Theatre Conservatory and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She has worked with the St. Louis Black Repertory, Hadley Players, David Brook Theatre Company, Shadow Box Theatre and the Harlem Children’s Theatre Company. Kimberlee and her acting partner, Janet Mitchell have performed their show “Telling Our Stories” all over New York City and has also performed at Marjorie Elliot’s Parlor Entertainment in Harlem. Ms. Monroe would like to thank God and her family for their support.

TONILA V. CHERRY-NNADI (aka Tonila Ware-Cherry) began acting with Love Song Productions & Inspirational Theater, under the leadership of Evangelist Mamie L. Perfit. Mamie and Tonila can still be seen occasionally on cable in “Rainbows & Cottonfields.” She joined UJAMAA THEATER, under the guide of Titus Walker where she appeared in all of his major productions and eventually rose to the rank of Associate Director. She taught beginning acting to Mr. Walker’s Children Theater Company. Mr. Walker’s Productions appeared at the Bway Carter Theater and Lincoln Square Theater. This is Tonila’s second production with Mr Leonard Parker as she appeared in his production, “God’s Trombone” appearing at Mariners Temple. Mr. Parker advised and directed Mamie and Tonila in the early days of Inspirational Theater. Tonila says, “It is a blessing to share his vast wisdom and knowledge again.”

ROBERT NEWTON, the current director of the Unique Musical Society of New York, was born in New York City. He received his basic education in the New York public schools, graduating from the High School of Music and Art in 1957. He entered the City College of New York with a major in music and a minor in education. He received his B.A. degree in 1962 and began his teaching career in that year. Mr. Newton also earned masters degrees in music education and educational administration. He was a music educator for thirty-three years and retired from the Board (now Department) of Education in 1995. Mr. Newton started his music studies at an early age. His first teacher was his mother, Ms. Hilda Murray. He also studied piano with Catherine Stout-Rollack, Hugo Borne, Stanley Campbell, and Hedda Ballon. Mr. Newton is an accomplished tenor. he has served as tenor soloist with several New York and New Jersey churches including: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, The Church of the Intercession and St. James Church in Mangattan, Grace Church in Queens and St. Palul’s Episcopal Church in Englewood, New Jersey. He was a member of the Newtone Choral, which was founded and directed by his father, the late Oscar Newton. Mr. Newton has been the director of the Unique Musical Society since 1986.



MAMIE PERFIT is originally from Anderson, South Carolina and came to New York in December of 1956. Since the 1970s, as an actress and writer, she was written plays and songs. She was called to preach the gospel in 1982.

SAM ROBERTS, Stage Manager.

DEVIN SULLIVAN was born in Bronx, NY. He attends MS 181 (Coop City, Bx) where he is a fifth grader. Devin is a born musician. He plays the drums and received his first set at the age of 2 (before this he played pots and pans) He is the drummer for the youth choir (the Annointed Angels of Trinity) at Blessed Trinity Baptist Church. He also plays the African drums, keyboard, piano and organ. In school he played the trumpet. Devin has performed in many church and school
performances. He is very active in sports. He plays baseball, basketball and football in the league of Coop City. Devin is the son of actress/actor Robin Taylor-Sullivan.

ROBIN-TAYLOR-SULLIVAN was born in Sussex County, Virginia. She was reared in a suburb of Sussex county, called Jarrett. Robin attended Central High School where she was a member of the drama club. After arrival in New York, Robin enrolled in the Kahali Modeling School, receiving instruction from the man who would later become her pastor, Reverend Philip M. Mann. Robin has appeared in “And I Heard a Voice!” originating the role of Vidella Drewberry. In “Tell it, Sing it, Shout it” as part of the guest choir. Robin has performed at Gospel Extravaganza, Revivals, Homegoing services and other events with her church choir. Her hobbies include needlework, crafts, reading, helping others and interacting with children. Robin loves serving the Lord. Her favorite scripture is Romans 12:21, “Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

KAMPABYA THUNDERBIRD is an actress from New York City. She has appeared in “Law & Order” and various off-Broadway productions. Kampabya is a published author and has produced a few television pilots. She is pleased to be working with The Arts & Culture Foundation in this 2006 presentation for African-American History month. Thank you Leonard Parker for this great opportunity!

CEDRIC JOSÉ WASHINGTON. If you tune into the “C” on Manhattan Cable TV. where the unblinking third eye visual zooms into focus to signature a custom made message as captured by the Georgia-born, Total Stageshow performer, singer, dancer, choreographer, Shakesperean actor, playwright, director, and conservationist all wrapped in a culturally centered expression called CEDWORKS. “Reflections Of Time” is a return to the actors stage after 30 years for Ced. It is a pleasure to introduce this spiritually conscience message from the repetiore of the Arts and Culture Foundation at such a turbulent stage of our history.

MR. & MRS. LEONARD PARKER TAKE A BOW AT THE FINALE.



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