Broadway Noire to Celebrate African American Culture in MAKE THEM HEAR YOU at Feinstein's/54 Below

Derrick Byars and the cast of Make Them Hear You will bring their celebration of African American culture in musical theatre to Feinstein's/54 Below! Broadway's Supper Club, presents Broadway Noire on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 9:30 p.m.

Directed and Produced by Byars, Make Them Hear You follows the musical journey from the 1920's through the present and shows how we have made them hear us!

This story of hope, peace, the fight for justice, love of one another, and love of self shows the progression of music and how African American Culture has influenced musical theater. Join us as we celebrate what already makes us great! Featuring songs from Ain't Misbehavin', Porgy and Bess, Big River, Purlie, The Wiz, Dream Girls, Once on this Island, Ragtime, Aida, Hairspray, and The Color Purple, It promises to be the one of the best shows of its kind.

Make Them Hear You is the inaugural show for Illumination Act. Illumination Act Is a new professional production group based in New York. We strive to produce new and challenging works that bring awareness and benefit important issues of today; bring new life to classics; and provide educational experiences that enrich children and adults. Our goal is provide the highest quality of productions at affordable prices. We believe that art should be experienced and enjoyed by all.

Make Them Hear You plays Feinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street) on Tuesday May 23, 2017 at 9:30. There is a $25-$35 cover charge and $25 food and beverage minimum. Tickets and information are available at www.54Below.com. Tickets on the day of performance after 4:00 are only available by calling (646) 476-3551.

Watch a promo for the show below!

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ABOUT THE PERFORMERS:

Special Guest: Treshelle Edmond - Treshelle made her Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed revival of Spring Awakening. Previously Treshelle, a deaf woman, was the American Sign Language ("ASL") performer at the Super Bowl this year where she performed "America, the Beautiful" with John Legend and the National Anthem with Idina Menzel. Her television credits include "House, M.D." and "Glee." We are honored to work with such beautiful soul on this project.

Manna KnJoi - American Prize prize winner for opera, embodies the quality and natural endowment to conquer a wide range of repertoire from Mozart to verismo and modern works. In the 2015/16 season Ms. KnJoi has appeared as guest artist in concert at the University of Arkansas and starred in the title role in Imoinda, a new opera by UK resident and Cuban-American composer, Odaline de lA Martinez, filmed for Opera America-affiliated companies. In musical theater venues, she has performed the role of Lady Beaconsfield in Jekyll and Hyde, and Dolly in Hello, Dolly! When Manna sang for Marilyn Horne, the legendary mezzo-soprano pronounced her voice, "An incredible instrument."

Vincent Hale - Vincent Hale is a Singer/Actor/Dancer who hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is currently the Enrichment Lead for the Partnership for Innercity Education, teaching music at two schools in Harlem. Vincent is a member of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and has been blessed to travel to Ghana, Bermuda and Nicaragua with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers. Mr. Hale has graced the stage as Jim in Big River, Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime, Tom Collins in RENT, and Tinman in The Wiz. He is quite excited to be performing with such a talented and beautiful cast. "A song is but a little thing, and yet what a joy it is to sing."

N'Jameh Camara - N'Jameh Camara is an actor and teaching artist. X: or Betty Shabazz vs. The Nation (World Premier, Off Broadway and National Tour), Julius Caesar (National Tour), Up Here (La Jolla Playhouse- Alex Timbers), OjO (La Jolla Playhouse W.O.W Festival), Marguerite to Maya: Solo Piece about young Maya Angelou, Dance of the Holy Ghost (Ubuntu Theater Project) Mr. Burns, La Bete, Burial at Thebes. MFA from UC San Diego. Proud member of AEA.

Barrington McQueen - Barrington is a recent New York Transplant. He graduating from Montevallo University in 2016 and headed to New York to peruse his career as a theater artist. Past Credits include: Young Frankenstein, Mary Poppins, Little Mermaid, Heathers, Mandela, Big Fish.

Lauren Shaye' - Lauren is an accomplished actress and singer in based in New York City. Past credits include: Say My Name, Mother Emmanuel, Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, Single Black Female, and Why Men Cheat. Her film TV and Film credits include: Accommodations, A Christmas Movie, and Love and Litigation. Lauren has also preformed on: Live from The Legendary Apollo, Live at Chase Center Ballroom, and Live at Majestic Ballroom.

Sheniqua Trotman - Sheniqua received the Connecticut Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Debut playing Effie in Dreamgirls in 2014. Past credits include: Aint Misbehavin, Smokey Joe's Café, The Life, Once on This Island, and Chicago. Sheniqua has also toured with Diana Ross and her daughter, Rhonda Ross as a background singer.

Jamarious Stewart - Jamarious "JAM" Stewart is always on the move, dazzling audiences throughout the country with his energy and smile. A native of Huntsville, Alabama, he began gymnastics and performing at a very young age. In pursuit of a new challenge he found the art of dance as a way to add style and finesse to his art. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he studied Dance and Psychology. He relocated to New York in 2013 and became an Action Hero with STREB: Extreme Action. When JAM isn't flying through the air he continues to focus and train in the areas of education, choreography, gymnastics and musical theater.

The Director and Creator: Derrick Byars - Derrick is a professional theater artist and founder of Illumination Act. He is well versed in all facets of theater. After graduating from Lee High School in 2014 he attended UAB. While in Birmingham he worked at Red Mountain Theater Company and Samford University as a sound and lighting designer. He has designed shows such as Mary Poppins, Oklahoma, Big Fish, Les Miserables, Cats, and many others. Derrick has directed many shows including Annie, Fame, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and On the Town. Derrick is also a very talented musician, conductor, and composer. He has also music directed shows such as Once on this Island, Into the Woods, Dreamgirls, Ain't Misbehavin', Elf! The musical, and many more. As a composer, lyricist and book writer, Derrick strives to tell interesting stories in new and old styles. Derrick wants his work to have a strong message. His work is a fresh take while still incorporating "old-school" themes and techniques. Go to derrickbyars.com to find more and get updates on upcoming projects!

Michael Feinstein, one of the world's great musical artists, and 54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, have united to give New York an unparalleled destination for entertainment and dining. Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, is the performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife. A few blocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54, Feinstein's/54 Below is a classically designed state-of-the art nightclub in the theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style. Feinstein's/54 Below presents iconic and rising stars from the worlds of Broadway and popular music. The venue provides a food and beverage menu from early evening through the wee hours of the morning that is worthy of the world-class entertainment on the stage. Located at 254 West 54th Street, Feinstein's/54 Below features up to three shows nightly with cover charges ranging from $5-$155.

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