CLEVELAND,Ohio- Cleveland Urban News.Com, By Kathy Wray Coleman, editor-in-chief
CLEVELAND,Ohio-Cleveland Urban News.Com interviewed actor, comedian and director Clifton Powell on Tuesday, just days before the opening this week of the stage production "My Brother Marvin," a play on the celebrated life of soul singer Marvin Gaye that he directs and that debuted Thursday at the State Theatre in Cleveland and runs through Sunday, March 24.
"Everybody should come out and see "My Brother Marvin and I think people will enjoy it," said Powell, whose acting repertoire includes box office hits "Dead Presidents," 'Brothers," "Rush Hour,""Friday," "Next Friday," "Women Thou Art Loosed," and "Ray."
Ticket prices range from $28.00 to $44.50, plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased online at Playhouse Square, by calling 216-241-6000 or 866-546-1353, and at the Playhouse Square Ticket Office (Inside the State Theatre, Mon – Sun from 11 AM – 6 PM)
In Ray, he co-stars opposite Jamie Fox, who won an Oscar for his leading role in the movie as legendary singer and musician Ray Charles.
"Ray is probably my most memorable performance and Jamie Fox is by far a brilliant actor," said Powell
Powell, 57, also plays Marvin Gaye's father, Marvin Gay Sr., in the theatrical drama. It was written by play-write Angela Barrow Dunlap and features a star cast including Emmy Award Winner Lynn Whitfield, Keith Washington, Tony Grant, Lia Grant, and Tondy Gallant as Marvin Gaye's sister Geola Gaye, who tells a riveting story of her brother's life, and his death from a gun shot wound inflicted by their father in 1984.
Asked how he has overcome racial barriers to work continually while winning the hearts of his fans as a successful and respected Black actor, Powell said that actors struggle across racial and ethnic lines and that the venue is one where only a few survive.
"It is a struggling field," said Powell, adding that besides Cleveland "My Bother Marvin" has or will run in various cities nationwide including Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Houston, New York, Atlanta and Louisville.
Powell said that acting is a tough business and that "there is no such thing as Black theater, its just good theater."
He said that though the ending of the play is sad, it is inspirational, and educational.
The actor, comedian and director gave advice to young people seeking a career in entertainment and to aspiring Black actors that hope to become movie stars some day.
"Be persistent and work hard," said Powell.
Reach Cleveland Urban News.Com by email at editor@clevelandurbannews.com and by phone at 216-659-0473.
