The NAACP 16th Annual Theatre Awards held at
The Directors Guild – An Overview
– By Eugenia Wright, kleopatragirl writer
 From production to publicity, this year’s NAACP Theatre Awards presented by the Beverly Hills/Hollywood branch was a standout as they celebrated 16 years of producing award shows honoring African Americans in Black Theatre. It was truly exciting to see so many of our finest, appearing together and re-joicing in our achievements. There were both touching and funny moments as presenters and honorees took the stage in a two-part NAACP Theatre Awards spectacular. In the early afternoon a sumptuous luncheon buffet was prepared to precise chef’s specifications. Pates, quiche, fruits, vegetables and tasty meats were arrayed on draped linen tables and beautifully arranged on platters served by courteous hostesses, as a pre-cursor to the afternoon’s main event…The NAACP Theatre Technical Awards. The Mistress of Ceremonies was the incredibly talented actress, singer songwriter dubbed “The Black Chanteuse” by Vanity Fair, Ms. Minnie Fox. She handled her assignment as hostess with eloquence, dignity and was dazzling to behold. Her voice was breathy, alluring with assured clarity. Among the presenters at the techies, Michael A. Shepperd was notable standing at 6’7” reminiscent of a young Poitier. Shepperd took command of his presentation in the Best lighting Local and Equity and brought the audience to laughter with his candid humor.
This was the first part of a two part main event. Next course, the red carpet. Legendary actor, Billy Dee Williams was an early arrival getting the evening off to a great start as paparazzo’s readied their flashes to take photos of one of our film icons. Mr. Williams was on hand to receive the “ NAACP Lifetime Achievement” award. Next eyes turned to the gorgeous co-hosts of the evening Valarie Pettiford and CSI’s Hill Harper. There were so many beautiful stars, such as the lovely and impeccably attired Lisa Raye-McCoy (presenter) and Vivica A. Fox (presenter) suited in a pinky beige chiffon gown with diamond straps. It was a great contrast to her silky chocolate mousse colored complexion. She was dressed like Aphrodite. Other stellar standouts included Garcell Beauvais-Nilon and Gabrielle Union.
It was a wonderful delight to also see lovely actress MonicaCalhoun (presenter) who just recently survived a near fatal car accident. Next, the incomparable Lou Gossett made a spectacular entrance, causing quite a stir. Mr. Gossett was on hand to present the Life Time achievement Award of the evening to Billy DeeWilliams. Later in the evening Gossett was truly brilliant in his description of his colleague and friend. I have to say he “broke it down.”
Powerhouse attorney Tom Messereau joined Minnie Foxx on the red in the evening and the media could not get enough of this photo opp. Then the man of the hour and Hollywood’s newest luminary Tyler Perry made his grand entrance. Mr. Perry was there to receive the much-deserved Trailblazer Award.
Prior to the award ceremony, I spotted award-winning actor Richard Lawson
(presenter), RogerGuenveure Smith (presenter), MaDonna Grimes (Recipient of Best Choreography Award), Actress Cheryl Francis-Harrington, Hawthorne James, Producers Sharon and Chester Graine, Gabrielle Union, Producer Lorraine Calhoun, Dance Instructor Arlene Kennedy, Choreographer Chester Whitmore, Casting Director turned Producer Rueben Cannon, Niecy Nash, Kyle Massey, bubbly actress Ayana Cahrr (nominee), Choreographer Candy Brown (nominee) and many others. Late, late arrivals included Glynn Turman, Jo Marie Payton and James Avery. Good thing James decided to show up arriving just in time to land the coveted “Lead Male” award for his performance in “Othello.” He was totally surprised and amazed.
The audience was delighted to see Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Cookie Johnson who were there to receive the “Community Service Award” jointly. They tried to slip out unnoticed after their acceptance, but the papparazzos soon were on it and shed mega wattage on our hero and heroine as they departed.
Heavy D was in the house, representing hip-hop by picking up the “Spirit Award.” Heavy D shared his story about coming to America from Jamaica and the hard work it takes to make it. It was definitely heavy.
From the Corporate community, Mitsy Wilson received the “NAACP Theatre President’s Award” and she too shared a story of coming from another culture and the vision that her mother had for their family. Currently a Sr. Vice President, of Diversity Development at Fox Entertainment Group and News Corporation, her credits are an eye opener. Reading her biography in the program, it conveyed strongly the importance of education.
I spoke with prolific director/actress/producer Shirley Jo Finney who by the end of the evening was a big winner for her play “Yellow Man.” She delivered a thankful and tearful acceptance speech, which was very moving. Loretta Divine was a show stealer enlivening the audience with a little tale about her trek to the awards, as she received her award for “Lead Female.” However, the stunner for the evening that caused jaws to drop in awe, amazement and respect was the ever-youthful knockout beauty…Ms. Diahann Carroll. She shared the honor with Louis Gossett in presenting Billy Dee Williams with his award. What a charming and magnetic presence that woman possesses. Now, that’s a goddess.
The co-hosts of the main event, Valarie Pettiford and Hill Harper were charming and appeared well rehearsed. It was obvious that they are seasoned actors and handled their delivery without a flinch. They were beautiful to watch and held the audience captive. Ms. Pettiford’s enunciation was very on point to the syllable. She should have received an award for best speech.
Truly, this year, there were so many wonderful moments of congratulations and love and admiration that just being there one felt embraced by the industry.
At the end of the evening, the audience was treated to a couple of exciting musical performances, one, by the students of the Kennedy School of Dance, followed by surprise guest, singer Ollie Woodson, who closed out the night. The NAACP and all its members, production crew, publicity crew and volunteers should be commended for staging the best award show in years. It was a memorable night. Even the program was beautifully designed with American poet, novelist and playwright Paul Laurence Dunbar gracing the cover, making it a perfect keepsake. I know I will be holding on to mine for many years.
Lisa Sorenson of LSPR handled media
Oscar Hernandez of Oscia Production was Director of Production Tia Boyd, Executive Director of Show Ronald Hasson, Branch President .
Eugenia Wright is a former actress turned freelance writer/publicist. You may write to her at kleopatragirl117@hotmail.com
Photos: Vinni Ratcliff
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