— U.S. Tour of Beloved Civil Rights Crusader and Prince of Harlem Kicks-Off in New York This February —
Writer and Star of “An Adam Experiment,” Michael Chenevert as Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.
Photo courtesy of L.A.I. Communications
New York, NY — In celebration of Black History Month, a new play on the life of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. called, “An Adam Experiment,” begins touring across the United States this February. Written by New York based actor, Michael Chenevert, “An Adam Experiment” is a one-man play, also starring Mr. Chenevert, which explores the day in the life of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., a pioneering crusader for justice and equality during the Civil Rights movement. The U.S. Tour of “An Adam Experiment” begins on February 10th in Westchester County, New York and includes stops at the Madame Walker Theater in Indianapolis, Indiana and the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center in New York City.
Produced by L.A.I. Communications, the U.S. Tour of “An Adam Experiment” is celebrating Black History Month with a ‘play for the people’ by presenting a comprehensive program for the communities where the play will be performed that not only entertains, but also educates and empowers audiences. On stage, “An Adam Experiment” educates audiences on Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., who was a Baptist Minister at the famed Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City and a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Harlem, New York, from 1945 to 1971.
By 1961, Mr. Powell was appointed to the powerful position of Chairman of the Education and Labor Committee and was one of the influential voices in the passing of significant social and civil rights legislation under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. “An Adam Experiment” takes this political backdrop and creatively delves into Mr. Powell’s life where he is dealing with an angry country due to integration as well as with personal challenges with his marriage. After each performance, audience members will have a chance to do a Q&A with Mr. Chenevert and discuss the play as well as its parallels with social justice issues facing our society today.
In each local community, from high schools and universities to other service-based organizations, the “An Adam Experiment” Producer-in-Residency program is complementing each performance. The Producer-in-Residency program presents a unique method of exposing young people to the “behind the scenes” and business of producing a play and teaching them how it also parallels with entrepreneurship and the skills that it takes to be an entrepreneur.
“We are thrilled and so honored to have ‘An Adam Experiment’ begin touring across the country in celebration of Black History Month. Giving reverence to the past with such an incredible play as well as empowering young people to embrace the “spirit of Adam” and pursue their passions in life is truly a gift,” states Tyrha M. Lindsey-Warren, Managing Director of L.A.I. Communications and Producer of the U.S. Tour of ‘An Adam Experiment.’ “At the end of the day, we hope audiences will learn something new as well as provoke thought about being the change that they seek in their own lives.”
Community Partners for the U.S. Tour of “An Adam Experiment” include Ossining High School, the Greater Hudson Valley (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and KiKi Vodka.
For more information on the performances of “An Adam Experiment,” visit www.laicommunications.com. Ticket prices range from $20.00 – $25.00. (Discount tickets are available for students and for groups of 10 or more.)
AN ADAM EXPERIMENT KEY PLAYERS:
Michael Chenevert
Originally, from Detroit, Michigan, Michael Chenevert is a well-trained and multifaceted actor who works on Stage, TV, and Film. He studied at the University of Detroit Mercy where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Over the course of his career, Mr. Chenevert has worked at the New Federal Theatre, The Billie Holiday Theatre, Take Wing and Soar, The National Black Theater, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, The Cincinnati Playhouse, and The Public Theater. His film credits include: Syrup, Soul Mates, The Tombs, Eugenia and John, Soil and the Breathing Room. Mr. Chenevert’s TV credits include: The Following, Boardwalk Empire, Ugly Betty, Guiding Light, One Life to Live, and Final Appeal.
Susan Batson
Actor, Writer, Director, Producer, Teacher, and Coach, Susan Batson, has been called an “alchemist” by The New Yorker magazine. In private consultation on film sets all over the world as well as in her New York City acting studio, Susan Batson has enjoyed the privilege of working with Nicole Kidman, Juliette Binoche, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Tom Cruise, Kerry Washington, Zac Efron, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, Sean Combs, Liv Tyler, Jennifer Connelly, Kirsten Dunst, Laverne Cox, Common, Janet Jackson, Rihanna and countless other actors searching for truthful connections between themselves and the characters they play.
Tyrha M. Lindsey-Warren
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Tyrha M. Lindsey-Warren is an experienced Producer and Marketing Executive who has worked for Quincy Jones*David Salzman Entertainment, NBC, Creative Artists Agency, Edmonds Entertainment, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and advertising agency, UniWorld Group. She has assisted in overseeing the production of such programs as MAD TV (FOX), In the House (UPN), Lost on Earth (USA) and VIBE (syndication). She is currently producing the motion picture, Tryin’ To Sleep in the Bed You Made, based on The New York Times bestselling novel of the same name. Ms. Lindsey-Warren is also on the producing team for the International Faith and Family Film Festival at MegaFest. As an entrepreneur, Ms. Lindsey-Warren heads her family’s award-winning marketing and public relations agency, L.A.I. Communications, which is “dedicated to delivering EMPOWERING communications.” The firm specializes in creating strategic marketing and communications solutions, with a focus on cross-cultural themes, for media companies, corporations, arts institutions, non-profits, and small businesses.
PRESS CONTACT:
Kathleen Delva
718-924-0420
Kathleen.Delva@laicommunications.com
Andrea Bent Fields
914-473-4570
Abent@laicommunications.com