Stars turn out for opening of Ebony Repertory Theatre
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The vibe was “Bright Lights, Big Mid-City” along Washington Boulevard on Friday when the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center hosted the opening of ‘Two Trains Running’ and the Ebony Repertory Theatre, a new theater company committed to bringing distinguished African American-themed productions to the inner city.
A red carpet greeted guests for the company’s inaguaral performance of August Wilson’s play, which starred Glynn Turman (“The Wire,” “In Treatment”) and Russell Hornsby (“Lincoln Heights”).
Before the performance, Wren T. Brown, above, the founder of the ERT, stood in the crowded lobby and greeted the star-studded crowd, which included Samuel L. Jackson (‘Lakeview Terrace’) and his wife, LaTanya Richardson, Chris Tucker (‘Rush Hour’), Obba Babatundé (“Introducing Dorothy Dandridge”), Eriq LaSalle (“E.R.”), Michael Beach (“Soul Food”), Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (“Caroline, Or Change”) and former City Councilman Holden. Also in attendance was actress Regina Taylor (“The Unit”), who will be one of the producers of ERT’s next offering, “Crowns,” about African-American women and the ornate hats they wear to church.
uchAfter the show, audience members noshed on pastries, cake and cookies at a reception that flowed from the not-yet-complete café area into the lobby. An exuberant Turman and Hornsby, who entered the reception wearing a cape, accepted congratulations and took pictures with friends and fans.
Russell Hornsby, left, LaTanya Richardson, Judy Pace and Samuel L. Jackson
Chris Tucker, left, and Art Evans
Jackson, Glynn Turman and Ted Lange
The cast of ‘Two Trains Running.’
-- Greg Braxton
Top photo of Wren T. Brown by Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times
All other photos by Ian Foxx
