Features

The Ru Report #171

Dream Come True
So people are starting to buzz about “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino joining the cast of the filmed adaptation of “Dreamgirls.”

Well is it true?

Well, kinda sort of.

According to a spokesperson for the 21-year High Point, NC native, she did audition for a role in the forthcoming Bill Condon-directed musical, based on the legendary six-time Tony Award-winning Broadway show. But nothing has been made official as of yet.

According to inside sources, two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington has been lobbying for the multi-platinum-selling J Records chanteuse to be a part of the production, which starts shooting in January and already features a cast of top-notch talent from the music and movie worlds. Grammy Award winner Beyonce Knowles has been cast in the lead role as Deena Jones (a Diana Ross-like front-woman of the fictionalized 1960’s trio The Dreams), while Eddie Murphy and recent Oscar darling Jamie Foxx has signed on to round out the lead male cast-members.

At press time, Usher has not signed on for the movie, according to his publicist.

So what is the Denzel connection?

Apparently, he directed Ms. Barrino in her screen tests and may show up in a cameo in the movie, as a part of a packaged deal.

Fantasia is supposedly strongly considered for the role of the vocal powerhouse Effie Melody White, which was originated onstage by Tony and Grammy Award winning diva Jennifer Holliday. There’s even talk that she may play the role of Lorrell Robinson, which Loretta Devine portrayed in the original production. Either way, her audition process has been received well by some of the big decision makers on the movie.

Other names being bandied about for various roles in the hottest production to hit Black Hollywood — since Steven Spielberg’s career-defining adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel “The Color Purple”– are DeLeon Richards-Sheffield, Free (formerly of BET’s “106th & Park”), Kerry Washington, Kelly Price, Jill Scott, “American Idol” stars Frenchie Davis and Tamyra Gray, and Vivian Green.

Ultimately, all casting decisions has to be signed off by entertainment powerhouse David Geffen, who has kept all-things-”Dreamgirls” close to his chest over the past two decades since getting in on the ground floor of the original Henry Krieger-Tom Eyen musical in 1982. “Dreamgirls,” the story of three talented singers from the mid-west and their rise from anonymity to mainstream superstardom, is expected for release by Christmas 2006, and distributed via Dreamworks/Warner Bros. Pictures.

In the meantime, Fantasia has two tracks, being worked simultaneously, at radio (”Ain’t Gonna Beg” and “It’s All Good”) and a memoir being released via the Viacom-owned Fireside imprint, titled “Life Is Not A Fairy Tale” due on October 13. She’s doing a string of spot dates, and a new tour package may be solidified within the coming months

Food For Thought
The Black Culinarian Alliance will continue its mission of enhancing the experience for culinary and hospitality professionals by teaming up with The Chelsea Market for a fundraising event entitled “The Global Food & Wine Experience”: Bridging Cultures, Wines & Cuisine, on September 15. According to an organizer, the event will be the largest culinary event ever to hit the Chelsea Market. Over one hundred students from five culinary schools will join wine and food enthusiasts, merchants, bakers and restaurateurs as they unveil the newest and hottest trends in cuisine and wine.

Chelsea Market merchants and restaurateurs will join culinary students from Culinary Institute of America (CIA), The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Art Institute (AI), Monroe College, and others in the preparation of delicious cuisine and incredible baked goods for the Global Food & Wine Experience.

“Guests will enjoy sampling every celebrated dish that we have to offer from [restaurants] Ixta, Maroon’s, Harlem’s Make My Cake, Mo Bay and many more,” said Alex Askew, who is the President of Black Culinarian Alliance (BCA). “There will also be opportunities to learn more about your favorite wine, cooking school, restaurant or dish from the participating merchants, restaurateurs and food experts. Proceeds from this event will go towards the BCA’s Mentoring & Protégé Program.”

The BCA has garnered the distinction of being the destination of information for thousands of diverse Culinary and Hospitality professionals of color. Founded in 1993, this nationwide nonprofit 501(c)(3), educational and networking organization provides a host of professional opportunities.

“Our focus and mission at the BCA is to raise the level of education, awareness, and exposure that currently does not exist for people color in the culinary and hospitality industry,” Mr. Askew added. “The almost 100 students –which I call “the seeds of tomorrow”– will be engaged with the wine merchants and go through real-time experience with the restaurants. They are the next generation. Cultural exposure at this level can only benefit future generations, which is a pillar of the BCA’s mission.”

The Chelsea Market is New York’s premier establishment for fine dining and gourmet foods, offering unsurpassed food, wines and spirits from around the globe. It has become the New York City home of Emeril Lagasse who tapes his popular Food Network show, “Emeril Live” out of the massive facility.

Black Culinarian Alliance: (646) 548 2949.

For The Love Of Luther
Happy to be the very first to report details about the forthcoming Luther Vandross tribute album. Titled, “To Luther, With Love: A Tribute To Luther Vandross,” J Records will release the Clive Davis-helmed project featuring some of today’s most talented and world-renown music superstars, from Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul Mary J. Blige and pop singer Celine Dion, to platinum-plated R&B superstar Usher and Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx. The set will be released on September 20.

Confirmed artists and songs to be featured on the album, thus far, include Mary J. Blige (”Never Too Much”), John Legend (”Love Won’t Let Me Wait”), Donna Summer (”Power of Love”), Usher (”Superstar”), Celine Dion (”Dance With My Father”), Fantasia (”Till My Baby Comes Home”), Patti LaBelle (”Here and Now”), Wyclef Jean (”Always and Forever”), Aretha Franklin (”A House Is Not A Home”), Jamie Foxx (”Creepin’”) and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds (”If Only For One Night”).

And don’t be surprised if tracks by Elton John, Alicia Keys, R. Kelly, and Beyonce round out the collection. According to an insider close to the production, requests are coming in daily to contribute to the album.

Since the 1981 platinum-selling release of “Never Too Much,” Mr. Vandross’ recording career spanned over two decades and resulted in a lifetime of chart topping hits. Through the 1980’s, the native New Yorker recorded a string of platinum albums, including “Forever, For Always, For Love,” “Busy Body” and “The Night I Fell In Love.”

His last studio album, 2003’s “Dance With My Father,” received four Grammy Awards (including Song of the Year for the title song) and has generated worldwide sales exceeding three million copies. Collectively, Mr. Vandross’ body of work has sold in excess of 30 millions records worldwide, winning eight Grammy Awards, numerous Soul Train, BET, NAACP Image Awards and American Music Awards.

He passed away on July 1, 2005, but his musical legacy continues to live on.

Pages
This October will see the release of “Hattie McDaniel: Black Ambition, White Hollywood” (Amistad/HarperCollins), a compelling biographical portrait of the very first African American to win the coveted Academy Award (1939’s “Gone With The Wind”). The book is written by Jill Watts, who is a professor in the history department at California State University. Her previous books are “God, Harlem U.S.A.: The Father Divine Story” and “Mae West: An Icon in Black and White.” The hardcover tome will tell the inside story of how racism entrenched in Hollywood and forced the pioneer into roles of servitude. And while she was famously quoted as saying “I’d rather play a maid than be one,” she was emotionally conflicted by career choices and turned against by her core audience. “My deepest gratitude to Jill Watts for making us aware of the life of the extraordinary Hattie McDaniel – a multitalented actress and performer who, though outspoken, never lost her humility,” entertainment legend Diahann Carroll offered about the book. “African American actresses today must acknowledge the dignity and capacity of this highly gifted actress.”

A few Black fiction titles have been just released by Walk Worthy Press, a Christian imprint of Time Warner Books. Great reads centering on emotional and spiritual storylines by some of the genres most promising authors. Tiffany Warren, who is a technology manager hailing from suburban Cleveland, has crafted her first novel titled, “What A Sista Should Do” about three women who seem to have little in common but are bonded together by faith and prayer. Chicago native Xenia Ruiz has written the tender “Choose Me,” about a strong Afro-Latino 40-year old mother of two who has taken a vow of celibacy. She meets an African American juvenile probation officer who questions his faith after a serious illness. “Choose Me” is written in alternating chapters with the male and female voice, exploring cultural relationships and age-old sexual beliefs. First time author Montre Bible delivers “Heaven Sent,” a coming of age story about a young man dealing with typical small town teenager angst. When his mother dies of a mysterious illness, his typical life becomes anything but. In “Daughters of the King: Finding Victory In Your God- Given Personal Style,” Dr. Gail M. Hayes introduces an instrument that assists women to identify themselves as one of six image types, with each category having its own chapter that relates to strong, beautiful women in the Bible. And lastly, in “Plenty Good Room,” Cheri Parks Edwards explores the complexities of the Springfield, Illinois foster care system. These Walk Worthy titles are worthy of a gander for your literary pleasure.

Music Notes
Music stars Lionel Richie, Jill Scott, New Edition, Ashanti, Shirley Caesar, Hammer, Morris Day and The Time, Omarion, Marques Houston, Bow Wow, Pretty Ricky, Bobby Valentino, B5, Dr. Bobby Jones, Smokie Norful, Lil Rocc and C.O.C.O. Brown are scheduled to perform during this year’s presentation of The Tom Joyner Family Reunion, which will take place Sept. 1-4 Disney’s Central Florida vacation kingdom, Disneyworld.

Mr. Joyner, who is the host of the nation’s number one syndicated morning radio show, invites families from across the country to join him and his radio “family” for an unforgettable weekend filled with Disney theme park magic, exclusive live concerts, comedy shows, seminars, the Family Reunion Health Fair, the Southwest Airlines Sky Show and more.

“A trip to Walt Disney World Resort is always an unforgettable event,” said Xiomara Wiley, director of multicultural marketing for Walt Disney World Resort. “When you add the wonderful variety of entertainment and activity of The Tom Joyner Family Reunion with the exciting rides and shows in each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks, it’s a family experience that’s sure to create memories to last a lifetime.”

Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., is a world-class entertainment and recreation center featuring the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks, two water adventure parks, 32 resort hotels (22 owned and operated by Walt Disney World); 99 holes of golf on six courses; full-service spas; Disney’s Wedding Pavilion; Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex; and Downtown Disney, an entertainment-shopping-dining complex.

For more information call 407/W-DISNEY or log onto www.disneyworld.com.

Grammy Award winning Fugees front-man Wyclef Jean has been added to the main stage line up at AmsterJam, a day long music festival created by Heineken USA and set for August 20 on Randall’s Island in New York. He will join headliners The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snoop Dogg as well as other confirmed artists 311, Garbage and Fat Joe. All of the main stage talent will perform their own solo sets then pair up for the biggest Mash-Up concert ever. Funk legend Bootsy Collins is serving as the event’s curator and emcee. Those over 21 years old can purchase tickets at www.Heineken.com, Ticketmaster outlets or www.Ticketmaster.com. According to organizers, the event will be held rain or shine. Heineken was the first international brewer to put responsible use messaging on all its containers which include the call to action: Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

Hip-hop savvy Neo-Soul crooner Dwele will get a second shot at the spotlight when Virgin Records release his sophomore album, “Some Kinda,” on October 4. The set will feature collaborations with Mike City, Jay Dilla (Slum Village) and G-1 (R. Kelly, Raphael Saadiq). The first single from the Detroit native’s latest set is the mid-tempo burner “I Think I Love You,” produced by Mr. City who has crafted tracks for Usher, Carl Thomas and the Nappy Roots. “I’m really excited to finish the new album and, more importantly, get back in front of the people,” said the artist. “It will be great to finally share new material that I’ve been working on for several months. I think people will really see my growth as a songwriter and musician.” Dwele (born Andwele Gardner) enjoyed critical acclaim with his 2003 debut “Subject.” In addition to working on the new record, he has continued touring, and has garnered a sizeable following in Europe.

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige will grace the cover of the September issue of “Essence” magazine, which hits newsstands next week. A proven draw for the best-selling Black women’s magazine, this is the seventh time the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter and trendsetter has appeared on the Susan Taylor-helmed periodical. In the cover story, titled “Mary, Full of Grace,” the Yonkers-bred former R&B bad girl gets up, close and personal with “Essence” about her upcoming album, titled “Breakthrough,” the things that bring her joy, and a painful secret from her childhood. “This isn’t something I have ever shared in the press, and it’s not something I want to talk about a lot,” Ms. Blige tells “Essence” contributor Jeannine Amber. “But I kept hearing about children being molested, and I felt God was tapping me on the shoulder saying, ‘You’re not the only one.’ I want other women to know that something like that can happen to you, and you can still grow to be happy; you can still break through to the other side.”

“American Idol” Season One finalist Tamyra Gray will be the new face of H&M. According to a spokesperson at 19 Entertainment, her management company, the singer-songwriter will appear in an international campaign shot by edgy fashion photog David LaChapelle. In addition to a massive print and electronic campaign, the former Miss Atlanta will also be the subject of a six-minute film that will show in multiplexes across the globe. And speaking of multiplexes, the former “Bombay Dreams” starlet will appear in the forthcoming feature film, “The Gospel” starring Idris Elba, Boris Kodjoe, Nona Gaye, Clifton Powell, Omar Gooding and Yolanda Adams.

Ruminations
Of all things to be found guilty of, the infamous O.J. Simpson has been convicted of stealing cable. Satellite cable at that.

Last week, a U.S. District Judge in the Southern District of Florida ordered the infamous football great to pay DIRECTV $25,000 in damages, plus attorneys’ fees and cost for stealing DIRECTV® programming.

Damn! Damn! Damn!

Robert Mercer, spokesperson for DIRECTV, said that Judge Joan A. Lenard awarded damages in the signal theft case after granting DIRECTV’s motion for summary judgment in a civil lawsuit filed by DIRECTV against Simpson following a raid on his Miami home and the seizure of two illegal devices, known as bootloaders, in December 2001. The devices were being used to intercept DIRECTV programming without the company’s authorization.

Mr. Simpson, who did not even have a legitimate DIRECTV account, admitted that the two devices were installed at his residence and that they were specifically designed to steal DIRECTV programming.

“The evidence was overwhelming since the devices seized in Simpson’s home were connected to his TV and in operation and receiving unauthorized signals at the time of the raid,” said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, Legal and Business Affairs, DIRECTV, Inc. “The judge has made the proper ruling based onthe evidence and the fact that Simpson did not dispute the evidence. This ruling serves as a reminder that there are consequences to signal theft, whether you’re O.J. Simpson or John Q. Public.”

DIRECTV sued Simpson for violations of the Federal Communications Act and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act that provide penalties for the unauthorized interception of electronic communications.

The devices seized in the Simpson case were typically used to restore signals to access cards that had been disabled by electronic countermeasures.

According to Mr. Mercer, DIRECTV has since developed new access cards that have not been compromised.

Video View
An exclusive compilation of highlights and episodes from the past two decades will be packaged into “The Oprah Winfrey Show: 20th Anniversary DVD Collection,” a multiple disc DVD set, which will be distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment and arrive just in time for the 2005 holiday season. The laughter and tears, the best surprises, the wildest dreams, the stars and all the unforgettable interviews with people who have touched America’s hearts for twenty years will be featured.

For the very first time ever, Oprah Winfrey will revisit the most moving and memorable moments, from her earliest days of broadcasting up until now, for this once-in-a-lifetime DVD Collection. She’ll share what she was thinking and how she felt at the time these magic moments happened. Plus, she’ll reveal bonus material that includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage at Harpo Studios.

“Every show you’ll see here holds such profound meaning for me,” said Ms. Winfrey in a statement. “I appreciate every hour our viewers spent watching us grow forward and now, through this DVD Collection, I can give back to the world by using its proceeds and the next twenty seasons of my life for what I know is my true calling — to be of service to women, children and families in need around the world.”

According to a rep, Harpo’s proceeds from the sale of the DVD collection will benefit Oprah’s Angel Network, a public charity established in 1998 to encourage people around the world to make a difference in the lives of others. To date, Oprah’s Angel Network has raised more than $30 million, 100-percent of which goes to non-profit organizations that share the Angel Network mission.

Also coming to DVD:

On September 6, Lions Gate Home Entertainment will release “Crash,” one of the most critically acclaimed and talked about films of the year. Directed and written by Paul Haggis, producer and screenwriter of “Million Dollar Baby,” “Crash” focuses on the lives of a Brentwood housewife and her DA husband, a Persian storeowner, two police detectives who are also lovers, an African-American television director and his wife, a Mexican locksmith, two carjackers, a rookie cop and a middle-aged Korean couple who live in LA, and during the next 36 hours, their lives will all collide. The film stars Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, Brendan Fraser, Nona Gate, Terrence Dashon Howard, Thandie Newton, Ryan Phillippe, Larenz Tate, and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges. DVD Bonuses include: Introduction by Mr. Haggis; Commentary with the director and the cast Haggis; Behind-the-scenes featurettes; Music videos; Trailers and a soundtrack spot.

The Emmy Award nominated drama “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” based on the classic Zora Neale Hurston book and starring Halle Berry, Michael Ely, Terence Dashon Howard and Ruben Santiago Hudson will arrive on home video format on November 29.

Destiny’s Child farewell “Destiny Fulfilled & Lovin’ It” tour will also make its bow on DVD format with loads of features, in the near future. While no one at SONY, the Grammy Award-winning super-group’s record company, was available to confirm details, “The RU Report” has it on good word that the concert tour was recorded during the July 15 stop in Atlanta at the Phillips Arena. They blew into New York City’s Madison Square Garden, last weekend, with much fire and fury. The “Survivor” singers definitely proved that their showmanship was built to last with their best live tour performances to date. Many rabid audience members were left waiting with baited breath for more of Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle. And now, folks will be able to enjoy the girls in the comfort of their own home–over and over again.

And if you haven’t seen it, go out and get Tyler Perry’s big box-office debut “Diary Of A Mad Black Woman,” which recently became a hit on DVD format. And if the hysterically bittersweet romp starring Kimberly Elise, Shemar Moore, Steve Harris and Mr. Perry isn’t enough romantic dramady for you, a slew of other offerings by the “Master of Traveling Urban Theater” are also available. Four of Mr. Perry’s most popular plays are officially accessible for the first time ever on DVD.

In “Madea’s Class Reunion,” Mabel “Madea” Simmons has decided to “go on head an go” to her 50th Class Reunion. In “Madea’s Family Reunion,” Madea has a wedding, a funeral and a family reunion…and she did it all for only $75. If you thought Madea’s family was crazy, wait till you…”Meet the Browns.” And lastly, in “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” see what happens when a family is torn apart by one sister’s selfishness and another sister’s refusal to let go. All of it is a hoot!

Notable/Quotable
“That’s why my novel was late. He kept me distracted in hopes he could break me down. That was until the night I said, “Why don’t you tell the truth about something for a change?” And he said, “You couldn’t handle it.” And I said, “Try me.” And he said, “I’m confused about my sexuality.” And I said, “What!” And he said, “I think I might be gay. No, I am gay. I am gay.” I had a halogen lamp right near the chair where I read, and I said, “I would like to take this lamp and whop your face. But you know what, I’m not going to because you finally told the truth about something. And look what it turned out to be.”
–Best-selling Black Chit Lit author Terry McMillan, on soon-to-be-ex-husband Jonathan Plummer coming clean.

©2005 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

By Karu F. Daniels on 8/5/2005[read on] [5 comments]