A Conversation with Smokey Stevens

The Drama Book Shop presents, in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications, A Conversation with Smokey Stevens - A Talkback, signing and live podcast recording.

About the Book

The First 60 Years: the History of Afro American Musical Theater and Entertainment by Ronald "Smokey" Stevens is a rare account of the contributions made by Black Americans to the American entertainment industry between 1865 and 1930. The book describes the types of traveling circuits that Black performers of that period worked on and the types of material they performed. It chronicles the history and beginnings of Black Vaudeville in America, the creation of the Blues, and the beginnings of Black theatrical entrepreneurship that emerged in America during some of its most racist times.

The book offers hard-to-find biographical info on Black Americans who discovered artistic freedom only 30 years after being emancipated from the inhumanity of slavery. It recounts how the racial climate of the period impacted black performers and how, against all odds, they managed to forge ahead and lay the foundation for American Entertainment today.

You will meet artists such as the first Black man to produce a show (Charles Hicks, in 1865), the first Back female entrepreneurs (Ma Rainey, The Whitman Sisters, The Black Patti ,Sissieretta Jones and their traveling road troupes), as well as the first Black theater owners, producers, impresarios of entertainment and creators of Black urban theater as we know it today.

About the Author

Ronald Smokey Stevens, recipient of The NAACP 11th Annual Theater Arts Award, a native of Washington D.C., began his professional training and career at The D.C. Black Repertory Co where he studied and performed in repertory for six years. After his studies he performed in “SHOWDOWN TIMES” on The National Black Touring Circuit. In New York he appeared on Broadway in “BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR”,”INACENT BLACK” “DREAMGIRLS” the touring companies of “ONE MO TIME” ,”AINT MISBEHAVIN”, and his own Broadway production “ROLLIN ON THE T.O.B.A” A Tribute to the last days of Black Vaudeville. In this production he co-conceived-wrote-directed-choreographed-and starred in. He also co-conceived the vaudeville musical, ”SHOOT ME WHILE I’M HAPPY”, which ran at Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago.

While in New York he co produced “THE SHO’NUFF VARIETY REVUE” at The Village Gate, and produced “THE RISING STARS CABERET, as well as The Childrens Theater of Harlem.

His film credits include “THE WIZ”, as one of The Crows performing with Micheal Jackson, “THE COTTON CLUB ENCORE ” Film, and “TIMES SQUARE”.

He has performed with many greats including legendary tap master CHARLES HONI COLES, LUCILLE BALL, CAB CALLOWAY, OSSIE DAVIS, RUBY DEE just to name a few.

He is the author of his first published book entitled, “ The First 60 Years “ The History of Afro American Musical Theater & Entertainment 1865—1930. He’s a graduate of The Community Film Workshop of Chicago, where he produced two 16mm short films. He also co-produced an expose’ on “THE ARC” A Beacon of Light in S.E. D.C.. for DCTV.

He Is the recipient of the 2011 Heritage Project Grant sponsored by The DC Humanities Council where he produced , wrote, and directed his first documentary entitled “PRESERVING LEDROIT PARK”,A Historic Community in Wash. DC”, as well as The 49th Annual Vivian Robinson AUDELCO AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN BLACK THEATER, and The 50th Annual Vivian Robinson AUDELCO AWARD FOR BEST SOLO PERFORMANCE.

He has recently completed 3 more documentaries entitled “AMERICA—AN IMMIGRATION NATION” “DANCING DESTINATIONS THE STORY OF DC HAND DANCE, and “ BLACK BROADWAY AT THE VILLAGE GATE”,

Currently he is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Capital City Readers Theatre in Wash. DC at Busboys and Poets

About the event

This Eventbrite ticket is your reservation for the event.

Please note that the purchase of The First 60 Years: the History of Afro American Musical Theater and Entertainment ($20.00) is required for entrance.

Upon arrival, our team will direct you to the register to obtain your copy and complete your admission.

The store will begin welcoming guests at 7:15 pm.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

In the event of the event being sold out. Please email Events@Dramabookshop to be added to the Waiting List.

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