PREZ World Premiere to Play Chromolume
By: Tyler Peterson Jan. 15, 2016
A World Premiere Play by award-winning playwright Willard Manus. PREZ is an intimate portrait of Lester Young, a unique jazzman whose deceptively simple style-laid back, low key, relaxed yet earthy and swinging--brought him fame, first with the Count Basie Orchestra, then with the likes of Nat 'King' Cole, Oscar Peterson, Teddy Wilson, and his best friend and alter ego, Billie Holiday. Born in the Jim Crow south to a showbiz family, Young was a non-conformist who fought against racism and intolerance all his life, climaxed by his battle against the segregated army in WW II, an experience that affected his attitude toward life but not his playing, which never lost its creative spirit--the very spirit of jazz.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE SHOW
Directed by Daniel Keough
Written by Willard Manus
Produced by Chromolume Theatre
Lighting Design by Lauren J. Peters
Scenic and Sound Design by James Esposito
FEATURING
LESLIE A. JONES
Leslie A. Jones hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is an actor and musician. Leslie started his acting studies here in Los Angeles at The Wilshire Theater of Arts, and continued studies at The Crossroad Academy, Expressions Unlimited and later at the Howard Fine Conservatory. Leslie has been a recipient of such awards as The Los Angeles Weekly Award and the Drama Logue Award for Best Original Music for composing and performing the music for the play Indigo Blues, penned by the late Judi Ann Mason. Also Jones was presented with the N.A.A.C.P. Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Randall, in Matthew Witten's original play Washington Square Moves. Leslie has recurred on Spellings' original, Beverly Hills, 90210 and has appeared as guest star on numerous sitcoms. Leslie made his film debut in 2002 starring as Kenny Curtis, a smooth jazz saxophonist, opposite Antonio Fargas and Nia Peeples in the movie The Riff that won the Black International Film Festival Award. He has also starred opposite of Clifford Powell and Tatyana Ali in a faith based film titled, The 23rd Psalm Redemption. Leslie has starred in numerous independent films. Also a musician playing saxophone, flute, percussion, and vocals. His band, Right Hand Rule, has music on iTunes.com, Amazon.com, cdbaby.com and at other on line music stores. Leslie's goal as an artist is to continue creating art, be it music or characters for all to enjoy.
LESLIE A. JONES stars in PREZ, a solo play by Willard Manus about the legendary jazz musician, Lester Young. Runs February 5 through 28, 2016 (Black History Month) at Chromolume Theatre at the Attic, 5429 W. Washington Blvd, L.A. 90016. Performances: Fri and Sat nights @ 8 pm, Sun @ 2pm. Tickets and information: 323-510-2688 or crtheatre.com
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NOTE TO MEDIA: Press are invited to attend Opening Night Feb. 5th - 8:00PM
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