Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to be Honored by Cast of DC's Blacks in Wax
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 13, 2012
DPR Contact: John Stokes, (202) 673-2195
RWLC Contact: Kelly Swanson & Lisa Milner, (202) 783-5500, [email protected]
Washington, DC - The Recreation Wish List Committee (RWLC) in partnership with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is invited to have the phenomenal young cast from Blacks in Wax perform in Charlotte, NC as part of the Black Classic Cinema Series. UnitedHealthcare and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture will celebrate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday with a special January 14th performance of the spectacular, awe inspiring Blacks in Wax troupe.
Blacks in Wax includes portrayals of over 70 influential figures from Black History, perfected and brought to life through preparation from youth, parents and staff. Famous African Americans portrayed include Madame CJ Walker, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Maya Angelou, the Supremes, Venus and Serena Williams and President Barack Obama. Background research is conducted in order to educate visitors young and old on the importance of Black History. For the performance in North Carolina members of Blacks in Wax will portray Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and a new character this year, Eartha Kitt
“The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center is proud to be asked by UnitedHealthcare and the Gantt Center to perform Blacks in Wax in Charlotte, NC,” said Cora Masters Barry, Founder and CEO of the RWLC. “Blacks in Wax has grown from a production held in a library to performances on some of nation’s greatest stages. You really have to see it to believe how the children and youth transform themselves into these great historical figures while at the same time transforming all who are fortunate enough to watch them. Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a fantastic way to begin our 2012 season.”
The performance will kick off the 6th season of the celebrated, must-see production. Blacks in Wax is executive produced this year by Reggie Van Lee, Chair of the Washington Performing Arts Society. It features youth from the SETLC transforming from a “wax replica” of iconic, historical characters to a live portrayal of these notable, ingenious entertainers, writers, athletes, and inspirational leaders.
Blacks in Wax will begin performances in DC starting Friday, February 24, 2012 at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Avenue, SE. They will also perform at the Kennedy Center on Saturday, March 3, 2012.
For more information on Blacks in Wax, visit www.rwlc.com