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Amazing Grace Conservatory goodbye Birdie! - Musical
Rych McCain International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist
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The
Amazing Grace Conservatory’s Musical
“Goodbye Birdie!” Is A Smash Success!
The Amazing
Grace Conservatory presented their annual year end musical to conclude
their spring, summer and fall training sessions. This year’s musical titled “Goodbye
Birdie!” was a loving tribute to the music of the late artist Prince.
The production included songs, dance routines, a video tribute to Prince and superb
acting. The Musical was directed by Kimberly
Bailey with Andrae Alexander
serving as the musical director. Additional staff included Jahbrielle Henning, assistant director; Sha’Leah Stubblefied and Andrae
Alexander, additional vocal arrangements. The show was beautifully
choreographed by Andre Kinney, Chris
Smith, Cassie Crump and Alfred
Jackson. Stage lighting was handled by Moira
MacDonald and Leslie Chew created
the sound. Mylette Nora designed the
costumes and Sheila Dorn did the
make-up and hair design. Robertson
Productions were the videographers for the event. The show was very
professionally run and was a completely delightful experience for the sold out
audience which rewarded it with a rousting standing ovation.
 |
| JeVonne Davis recipient of The 2016 TLC Scholarship |
The
affair was held at the elegant Nate Holden Performing Arts Center in Los
Angeles. Some of the principal cast members included Selena Thurmond as (Rosie
Alvarez); Caleb McGee as (Conrad Birdie); Keanye Posey as (Kim MacAfee) and
Blacke Brewer as (Albert Peterson) and JeVonne Davis as (Mr. Harry MacAfee) who was also the night's recipient of The 2016 TLC Scholarship named after AGC's late co-founder Mr. Tracy Lamar Coley.
 |
| The many fine stage musicals produced by AGC |
The Amazing Grace Conservatory was founded in
1996 by the late Mr. Tracy Lamar Coley and Mrs. Wendy Raquel Robinson affectionately called Ms. Wendy. out of
love and concern for inner city youth and a desire to teach them the performing
arts in an environment that is nurturing for their personal, artistic and
professional growth. Some 500 students have come through the doors of AGC which
offers the TLC college scholarship named after the late co-founder. Past recipients
have attended Yale, Julliard, NYU-Tisch School of the Arts, Howard University,
DePaul, Harvard and Carnegie Mellon.
 |
| AGC Co-Founder Mrs. Wendy Raquel Robinson |
When
asked where do all of the students come from? Co-founder Robinson responds, “They
come from every walk of life. A lot of them are now alumni, their children,
word of mouth; we really don’t do a lot of advertising. But it’s a program that
pretty much sustains itself.” If a person wants to become part of this
magnificent program what are the requirements? Robinson explains, “Basically
having an open heart and an open mind and be ready to come and work and have a
wonderful work ethic. We do have an interview process but it’s not to
intimidate anybody but it’s just to make sure it’s something that the child
wants and not the parents.”
 |
| Ms. Wendy and the cast of Goodbye Birdie! |
What kind of children are they looking for?
Robinson says, “Just those that are dedicated to the craft. Like the young lady
said when she first came, she didn’t want to be at AGC but she was open to the
possibility and now she is one of the most phenomenal students that we have, they
just have to be open to the possibility.” Indeed Robinson has had many students
come through her and foresees many more to come.
 |
| Yummy Birdie cake that was devoured at the after receptton |
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2016 Rych McCain Media/Syndication TM
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