Features

The Ru Report #170

Heart & Soul
It’s high time for entertainment powerhouse Mona Scott.

The 30-something year old superwoman, who has overseen the careers of Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, Maxwell, Tweet, 50 Cent, Lil’ Mo and “America’s Next Top Model” winner Eva Pigford–just to name a few, shared marital bliss with her longtime lover Shawn Young at an extravagant wedding celebration that spanned four days last week.

“I chose New Orleans because I wanted a destination wedding but didn’t want to get hitched in “joisey,” Ms. Scott quipped about the sunny and humid Mardi Gras capitol. “Shawn loved the rich history and ambience that New Orleans could provide as a backdrop. Not to mention the all night partying and carousing to be found on Bourbon Street.”

“And since our planner Hiram “Smitty” Smith, of The Marquise Experience–pardon the plug–was from there, it made perfect sense.”

Ms. Scott, who became a household name earlier this year as the ringleader of UPN’s “Apprentice”-like reality show “Road To Stardom,” said the wedding was a true labor of her love. “We’ve been together for eight years,” she revealed. “He’s the father of our two children. We live together, play together and work together–on all of our non-entertainment ventures. He’s my best friend.”

She joked that after having a humorous discussion with their precocious tykes (Justin and Jordan), about the difference in their last name she decided the wait was over.

But the N’awlins nuptials aren’t the only thing that’s cause for celebrating for the former music video dancer turned music mogul.

Mona Scott’s most recent enterprise–a soul food eatery–is a smash hit.

J’s Southern Xpress, which is located on Chambers Street in the downtown section of New York City (just steps away from City Hall), features down home styled cuisine ranging from homemade soups to a dessert menu with twelve choices of cakes, pies and pudding. From hamburgers and Fried Chicken Leg sandwiches to full meals like Fried Porgies and Smothered Chicken, J’s brings some much needed soul to an area still recovering from the tragedies of September 11.

“It’s actually a crazy story,” Ms. Scott recollected. “My mother-in -law [Willie Dell Young] makes the sickest red velvet cake, I’m talking people actually would have her overnight them this cake across the country. So I started thinking that I needed to get this onto supermarket shelves because I’m sure Mrs. Fields was getting a similar reaction when she decided to package those damn chocolate chip cookies. I knew I needed to create a larger demand first and what better place to do that than in a restaurant.”

Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the take-out eatery has been doing astounding business. Foot traffic and word of mouth, alone, has been the cause of long lines out the door and wrapped around the block with customers nearly every single day. The restaurant is peculiarly situated on the same block as a 24-hour Dunkin Donuts and just steps away from other ethnic eateries (Cuban, Chinese and Indian).

The eatery has gained the distinction of being the only one of its kind within a radius covering a lot of terrain on the foot of the Big Apple–that explains the abundance of customers.

And you know Black folk aren’t the only ones buying that soul food eatery. On any given afternoon, you’ll see all hues strolling up in the fully-air conditioned joint ready to dine on the vittles.

“I literally thought I’d be dragging them in off the streets,” the award-winning executive deadpanned.”… at least in the beginning. But God is good, and the response has been amazing.”

While the hip-hop heavyweight wields power deals for her stable of talent at Violator Management & Marketing, three of her able-bodied partners are entrusted with making J’s Southern Express the instant success it has become. The tall, dark and dashing Noel ‘Chris’ Absolam operates as Chief Financial Officer of the establishment. The former Merrill Lynch investment banker and model has been in close company with Mona Scott for close to a decade. And then there’s Theresa “TJ” Jackson, who is not only partner in the enterprise but the head chef. Coincidentally, Ms. Jackson is the former proprietor of the former TJ’s Southern Cuisine, which was just two doors down from where Southern Express is located. Before the September 11 tragedy, TJ’s was the definitive location for soul food in the area. Lastly, the charming Yasser Shawareb, who is also married to Ms. Scott’s youngest sister, manages the joint.

Seems like the perfect recipe for success.

“I wanted a place where people could “get their grub on” without all the fanfare or expense, ” Ms. Scott added, explaining the philosophy. “Consistency and courtesy–that’s the mantra. Good service and good food–All The Time!”

Always hands-on, Ms. Scott gutted and designed the space for J’s Southern Xpress, and has plans to open additional locations around the city in the near future.

“I think the most disappointing experience is going to a restaurant, liking the food, then going back when you’re starving, with your stomach growling and your mouth watering only to find that the ‘food doesn’t taste the same anymore’ or the ’service sucks now.’ At J’s, our slogan is ‘This is your mama’s cookin’!’ and just like at mama’s house, you know there’s always a hot plate waiting!”

www.jsouthernxpress.com, 212-693-9090

A Fine Time
This fall, celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine will hit the road.

The celebrated author of “Fine Beauty: Beauty Basics and Beyond for African American Women”–will turn his attention toward beauty education as he embarks on a 10-city tour, sponsored by Sephora and “Essence.” Named. The Fine Beauty Tour, the jaunt will hit cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis and Washington D.C. to offer educational seminars on beauty for women of color.

Mr. Fine, whose work has appeared on the covers and pages of “Cosmopolitan,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” “Essence,” “Vibe” and “Marie Claire,” is the leading authority in beauty for women of color and was chosen as the first African-American spokesperson for cosmetic giants, Revlon and Cover Girl. Having worked his makeup magic on such icons as Janet Jackson, Tyra Banks, Mary J. Blige, Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Iman, and Vanessa Williams, Mr. Fine looks forward to embarking on his first independent tour and providing an opportunity for professionals and consumers alike to learn the fundamentals of beauty.

According to organizers, each enlightening two-hour seminar begins with Mr. Fine answering questions and performing brief demonstrations on select attendees. This unique approach will provide a firsthand opportunity to witness the transformation that makeup offers. Following the demonstration, Mr. Fine will introduce top model and muse, Marie Powell and begin an hour and a half instructional, addressing all aspects of makeup.

Having the fine Mr. Fine in close proximity for $125 isn’t a bad deal at all. (www.samfine.com)

Stages
Some major big-budgeted fare may be opening and closing (within days in poor Suzanne Somers’s case) but there are still a few great shows to see on and off Broadway.

One of the best to see is “Drumstruck,” which is being billed as ” the world’s first interactive drum-theatre experience.” I don’t know how that will stand up in the history books, but the emotionally moving tour-de-force was a first for me. Direct from sold-out engagements in Johannesburg, South Africa and Sydney, Australia, the 90-minute show is currently playing its American debut at New York City’s Dodger Stages, which used to be an underground Cineplex Odeon movie theater.

Directed by David Warren, “Drumstruck” provides a 2-foot-tall drum on every single seat–so that the entire audience can join in on the fun and make music together. Featuring eleven South and West African percussionists, the show starts with a pulse-racing bang: song, dance and eye blurring drum performances. Then they lead the audience in an exhilarating experience of exuberant African drumming.

There’s something about the driving undercurrent of the music that will move your soul. Yours truly became a big ole bundle of nerves during one of the opening acts and literally cried tears of joy. The ongoing rhythmic experience conjured up the rawest emotion. I’ve never been this moved by such a public display. The glimpse of the world’s indigenous people and culture served up in this show is something that the entire family will enjoy.

“Drumstruck” is the brainchild of drum enthusiast Warren Lieberman, who started the phenomenon in 1997 by inviting strangers into his Lieberman Drum Cafe in Johannesburg to join him in beating a drum. The fascination took hold and soon he couldn’t contain the crowds. (www.drumstruckny.com)

Another good one is “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” the new Broadway musical that opened to critical acclaim, and garnered six 2005 Tony Award nominations. The James Lapine-directed romp centers around how six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. The show, which stars Derrick Baskin, Deborah S. Craig, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Dan Fogler, Lisa Howard, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Jose Llana, Jay Reiss, and Sarah Saltzberg, is currently thrilling sold out audiences at Broadway’s Circle In The Square theater.

It’s official. This week Second Stage Theatre Artistic Director Carole Rothman and Executive Director Timothy J. McClimon announced the cast for their upcoming revival of Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “A Soldier’s Play.” Directed by OBIE Award-winner Jo Bonney, the production will kick off Second Stage Theatre’s upcoming 2005-06 season, beginning performances on September 20 and officially opening on October 17 at Second Stage Theatre. The company will include Teagle F. Bougere as Private Tony Smalls, Joaquin Perez Campbell as Lieutenant Byrd, Mike Colter as Private C.J. Memphis, Taye Diggs as Captain Richard Davenport, Nelsan Ellis as Corporal Bernard Cobb, Joe Forbrich as Captain Wilcox, Michael Genet as Private James Wilkie, Royce Johnson as Corporal Ellis, James Mcdaniel as Tech/Sergeant Vernon C. Waters, Anthony Mackie as Private First Class Melvin Peterson, Dorian Missick as Private Louis Henson, and Steve Pasquale as Captain Charles Taylor. The new production marks the first major New York revival of the drama that takes us into the heart of a murder investigation on a Louisiana Army base during World War II. For more information, please visit www.SecondStageTheatre.com.

It is now confirmed that “The Color Purple” will arrive on Broadway this fall, beginning previews at The Broadway Theatre on October 25, 2005. It’s set to open on Thursday, December 1 and is being produced by Scott Sanders, Creative Battery, Roy Furman, Quincy Jones. From Alice Walker’s classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and the landmark film by Steven Spielberg, comes a soul-stirring new musical directed by Gary Griffin and featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning composer/lyricist Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman is the librettist. The choreography is by Donald Byrd. No official word on casting has been released but we hear it’s a sure bet that La Chanze, who most recently starred in “Dessa Rose,” will reprise the lead role of Celie.

Also, The Hinton Battle Theatre Laboratory (HBTL), will host its annual Gala Fundraiser on September 26 at New York City’s Tribeca Rooftop. Motown Records newest President Sylvia Rhone will serve as this year’s honorary chairperson, according to organizers. This year marks the first time that HBTL will present its Innovator Awards. The inaugural honorees include Tony Award winning actress Phylicia Rashad; Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz; and a special Pioneer Award to actor, writer, and filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles. The Innovator Corporate Achievement Award will go to broadcast executive Charles Warfield. Another highlight of the event will be the presentation of an award designed to recognize the special work of not-for-profit organizations. This year’s award will be presented to Eunice Salton of Plays for Living.

Hot, Live & Otherwise
A hip, young version of the legendary Ray Charles Orchestra is celebrating the late entertainer’s 75th birthday with a tour, which kicks off with a two-night engagement at New York City’s Blue Note jazz club. “Ray always loved his band and the quality of musicianship it represented,” says Joe Adams, who was Mr. Charles’ longtime manager and executor of his estate. “This group has many new members and young singers who add a fresh vibe and vitality. The wonderful thing about Ray’s music is that it’s timeless and since we have all the original arrangements we can properly recreate that Ray Charles sound that the world has come to know and love.” The company also has cast new Raelettes, the female, back up quartet that Charles began using back in the 1960s for his road tours. The late 21-time Grammy award winner’s birthday is officially September 23. The Blue Note shows are August 9 and August 10.

Philadelphia soul legend Barbara Mason is due to perform a rare and intimate club appearance at downtown hot-spot Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, on August 12. The special performance will be a celebration of the release of her latest CD on the StarPower Entertainment label. In a career spanning four decades, Ms. Mason’s first smash hit was the Curtis Mayfield-inspired, self-penned “Yes, I’m Ready”, an all-time classic ballad that spent over ten weeks on the Top 40 chart. Her vocal style, credited as the origin of the famed “Philly Sound,” has been a major influence on many of today’s leading female R&B artists, including Alicia Keys, Angie Stone and Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul Mary J. Blige. Ms. Mason’s music explores the joy and heartbreak of adult relationships and the depth and sweet sadness of Soul music

Tonight (July 28), Harlem Summer Stage 2005 presents an energetic and inspirational all Gospel showcase featuring the incomparable Hezekiah Walker and Marvin Sapp. The former lead singer of the legendary male vocal group Commissioned, is celebrating the release of his new project titled “Be Exalted” via Verity Records.

Hot Stuff
Well, since it’s summer … and we got the hook-ups: It’s sweepstakes time and some lucky reader will win a copy of the controversial best-selling memoir “Confessions Of A Video Vixen,” courtesy of Amistad/Harper Collins.

Written by Karrine Steffans a.k.a. “Superhead,” along with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and biographer Karen Hunter, “Confessions” has caused shockwaves in the entertainment world and is the talk of the town. The Caribbean born former hip-hop hoe is pouring the tea. And it’s hot. I’m talking McDonald’s Coffee Lawsuit Hot! The 265-page tome, is a scorcher.

Ice-T, Shaquille O’Neal, Ja Rule, Bobby Brown, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Jay Z, Ray J, Vin Diesel, Mystikal, Fred Durst, Dr. Dre, Bobby Brown, Xzibit, Irv Gotti, and Usher are just a few of the bold-faced names that get the Superhead treatment throughout her drug-induced and alcohol soaked haze. It’s an explosive bombshell that blows the bed sheets off of the hip-hop community.

Get this great giveaway while supplies! Only a few entrants, selected at random, will receive a copy of the “Confessions of A Video Vixen” hardcover. To enter, send your full name, full mailing address and daytime telephone number to: TheRUReport@aol.com. All eligible entries must be submitted by August 5, 2005. All data will be verified and all privacy will be protected. No replies will be made to any submissions. Winners will be contacted individually.

Notable/Quotable
“Some will defend it because of the remarkable performance by Terrence Howard, who portrays a low-level pimp with a dream of becoming a rap star. With that arrives a muddled conception of morality in which up is down and down is up. The condescension toward black people and women is astounding.”
–scholar, best-selling author and pop culture critic Stanley Crouch, regarding “Hustle & Flow.”