BWW Interviews: AMERICAN WOMAN - Musical By Charlotte Native LaVelle Harris

American Woman, The Musical Stage Play
Written by: LaVelle Harris

Actor, Director, Playwright, Producer, and Promoter...Lavelle Harris does it all. An original Charlotte-native, he started his theatrical journey sixteen years ago as an original cast member of the gospel stage play, A Good Man Is Hard To Find. Now, "Velle" is producing his "old school" musical, American Woman at Ovens Auditorium, this Saturday, March 28, at 8:00 pm. Based on his real life parents, who owned the "first" unisex salon in Charlotte in the 70s, American Woman depicts two business owners who are dealing with the daily challenges of running a business coupled with community hostility in the midst of civil rights and anti-war issues. It is back-dropped by popular R&B style music that I grew up on from the 70s like "Mr. Big Stuff" (Jean Knight) and "Shake Your Groove Thing" (Peaches and Herb).

I had the opportunity to sit in on the dress rehearsal this past weekend, and I must say that I was quite impressed with the level of talent, the musical accompaniments, fashionable costumes, the harmonious singing and the energetic dancers. "Velle" just took it all in stride...calm, cool, and collectively.

Velle, how long have you been writing stage plays?

Fifteen years now.

You wear many hats as mentioned above...why did you choose to do theater?

I've always loved theater. Its hard work, but I like interacting and entertaining other people.

As a Charlotte native, how do you see the Charlotte Theater Community?

I believe the theater society in Charlotte is on the rise and has the potential to become a mecca like some of the larger cities, i.e. New York, Washington, DC and Atlanta.

What is your opinion on the African American presence here in the Charlotte Theater Community?

I don't believe that we support each other as we should, collectively. Everyone has their own individual projects going on but there are no collaborative efforts. If we we put our heads together, we would be so much stronger.

What are some other places you have lived?

I lived in Seattle, New York and California. My dad was in the military so we traveled extensively.

How large is your cast?

I have approximately 15 people. Also, Antonio Massey is my musical director, Telly Jenkins is my stage manager, Kimberly McKenzie is my vocal coach, and Devian Blocker is my director/choreographer. I am surrounded by good people.

How much support from the Charlotte community have you received for American Woman?

I have received excellent community support...the radio promotions and community marketing has been good...we are in a good space. We also have great opportunities to market on some major television networks such as TVOne, BET, and OWN. We will also be taking American Woman on tour to selected cities throughout the US.

Valle, what do you hope to accomplish with your gift of play writing?

My goal is to use my gift to reach out to others and to give back to the community and others with the desire to use their gift as well.

NOTE FROM AUTHOR: Please purchase your tickets, and come out and support this awesome musical production from one of Charlotte's own, LaVelle Harris.

American Woman (The Musical), March 28, 8:00 pm, Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, NC. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.ticketmaster.com or at the Ovens Auditorium Box Office

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