Inside the 2019 National Black Theatre Festival Gala with André De Shields

2019 Tony Award Winner André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

2019 Tony winner Andre De Shields has been attending The National Black Theatre Festival® (NBTF) in Winston-Salem, N. C. since 1995. Dubbed the “Black Theatre Holy Ground,” NBTF is the international outreach program of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, founded by the late Larry Leon Hamlin in 1979. The Festival, also founded by Hamlin, has been held biennially since 1989. The NCBRC celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, while the NBTF celebrated its 30th. Below is a photo diary of his night at the gala.

WINSTON-SALEM MARRIOTT 4:45 P.M.

Elizabeth Van Dyke, André De Shields, Art Evans and Woodie King, Jr. Photo by Lia Chang

Ted Lange and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Kim Sullivan, André De Shields and Keith David. Photo by Lia Chang

Lawrence Evans and Herman LeVern Thompson-Jones. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang and 2019 Tony Award Winner André De Shields. Photo by Rome Neal

André De Shields, Makita Bond and her husband, Petri Hawkins Byrd. Photo by Lia Chang

André De Shields and cast members from JELLY’s LAST JAM. Photo by Lia Chang

Kamilah Forbes and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Mr. De Shields presented the 2019 NBTF Sidney Poitier Lifelong Achievement Award to his dear friend and colleague, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress Leslie Uggams during the opening night gala at the Benton Convention Center on July 29.

2019 Tony Award Winner André De Shields presents the 2019 NBTF Sidney Poitier Lifelong Achievement Award to Leslie Uggams. Photo by Lia Chang

Scroll down for complete coverage of the evening’s festivities.

5:15 P.M.

Carver High School’s marching band and dancers performed in front of the Benton Convention Center. Photo by Lia Chang

Carver High School’s marching band and dancers performed in front of the Benton Convention Center. Photo by Lia Chang

Carver High School’s marching band and dancers performed in front of the Benton Convention Center.

Brian McLaughlin and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Art Evans, André De Shields, Michael Colyar and Keith David. Photo by Lia Chang

Chester Gregory, Art Evans, André De Shields, Michael Colyar and Keith David. Photo by Lia Chang

Margaret Avery and Chester Gregory served as celebrity co-chairs for the evening.

Celebrity co-chairs Margaret Avery and Chester Gregory. Photo by Lia Chang

Celebrity guests also included Brian Stokes Mitchell, Tonya Pinkins, Lamman Rucker, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Keith David, Ledisi, Geoffrey Owens, Woodie King, Jr., Bern Nadete Stanis, Hal Williams, Lisa Arrindell, Taurean Blacque, Mychal Bella Bowman, Petri Hawkins Byrd, Colby Christina, Bill Cobbs, Savion Glover, Fay Hauser- Price and Louis Price, Tommy Redmond Hicks, Maria Howell, Ebony Jo-Ann, Aku Kadogo, Ted Lange, Khalil Middleton, Qaasim Middleton, Barbara Montgomery, Gabriela Norwood, Tonea Stewart, Darnell Williams, Hattie Winston Wheeler and many more who posed for an iconic group portrait prior to the awards ceremony.

DINNER 5:45 P.M.

Dr. Elwanda Ingram and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Colby Christina, Qaasim Middleton, André De Shields, Toni Seawright, Khalil Middleton. Photo by Lia Chang

Bonita Brisker, André De Shields and Michele Shay. Photo by Lia Chang

Producer Stephen C. Bird and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Producer Ron Simons, André De Shields and a guest. Photo by Lia Chang

André De Shields and Darnell Williams. Photo by Lia Chang

André De Shields, Allyson Tucker-Mitchell and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Photo by Lia Chang

Tonya Pinkins and Stephen C. Bird. Photo by Lia Chang

Stephen C. Bird, Kimberley LaMarque Orman, Roscoe Orman and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Roscoe Orman and Kimberley LaMarque Orman. Photo by Lia Chang

Louis Price and Faith Hauser-Price. Photo by Lia Chang

André De Shields and Nana Malaya Rucker-Oparabea. Photo by Lia Chang

GATHERING FOR THE PORTRAIT

André De Shields and Winston-Salem’s Mayor Allen Joines. Photo by Lia Chang

Ted Lange and Darnell Williams. Photo by Lia Chang

André De Shields with Idella Johnson and Stanley Wayne Mathis, stars of “JELLY’s LAST JAM. Photo by Lia Chang

Vanessa Bell Calloway and Ebony Jo-Ann. Photo by Lia Chang

Brian Stokes Mitchell, Keith David, André De Shields, Stephen C. Bird. Photo by Lia Chang

Annie Hamlin Johnson, mother of NBTF founder Larry Leon Hamlin. Photo by Lia Chang

Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin, executive producer of the National Black Theatre Festival and Chester Gregory, celebrity co-chair of the Festival. Photo by Lia Chang

Nambi E. Kelley, Fay Hauser-Price, Maria Howell and Art Evans. Photo by Lia Chang

Leslie Uggams and Margaret Avery. Photo by Lia Chang

Bebe Drake. Photo by Lia Chang

The 2019 National Black Theatre Festival Official Portrait. Photo by Lia Chang

Kamilah Forbes, James V. Thomas, Jackie Alexander, Nigel D. Alston, Leslie Uggams, Winston-Salem’s Mayor Allen Joines and Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin. Photo by Lia Chang

Petri Hawkins-Byrd and Andre De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

THE PROCESSIONAL OF STARS 6:30 P.M.

A stilt walker, dancers and drummers from Otesha Creative Arts led the processional of stars down the center of the banquet hall.

A dancer on stilts performs during the National Black Theatre Festival’s opening night gala on Monday, July 29, 2019, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. Photo by Lia Chang

A dancer on stilts performs during the National Black Theatre Festival’s opening night gala on Monday, July 29, 2019, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. Photo by Lia Chang

Dancers at the National Black Theatre Festival’s opening night gala on Monday, July 29, 2019, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. Photo by Lia Chang

A dancer performs during the National Black Theatre Festival’s opening night gala on Monday, July 29, 2019, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. Photo by Lia Chang

Drummers perform during the National Black Theatre Festival’s opening night gala on Monday, July 29, 2019, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. Photo by Lia Chang

Larente Hamlin and Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin. Photo by Lia Chang

Sherrie Hamlin Robinson and Annie Hamlin Johnson, sister and mother of NBTF founder Larry Leon Hamlin. Photo by Lia Chang

Celebrity co-chairs Margaret Avery and Chester Gregory. Photo by Lia Chang

Celebrity co-chair Chester Gregory. Photo by Lia Chang

Jackie Alexander and Winston-Salem’s Mayor Allen Joines. Photo by Lia Chang

Leslie Uggams, 2019 NBTF Sidney Poitier Lifelong Achievement Award Winner. Photo by Lia Chang

James V. Thomas and Dr. Elwanda Ingram. Photo by Lia Chang

Rhodessa Jones. Photo by Lia Chang

Thembi Mtshali-Jones. Photo by Lia Chang

Art Evans. Photo by Lia Chang

Roscoe Orman. Photo by Lia Chang

2019 Tony Winner André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Producer Stephen C. Bird. Photo by Lia Chang

Starletta DuPois. Photo by Lia Chang

Ted Lange. Photo by Lia Chang

Stanley Wayne Matthis, Michael Colyar and Ledisi. Photo by Lia Chang

Tonya Pinkins. Photo by Lia Chang

Kelly Davis-Rucker and Lamman Rucker. Photo by Lia Chang

Mychal Bella. Photo by Lia Chang

Gabriela Norwood, 2019-20 National American Miss Georgia Jr. Teen. Photo by Lia Chang

Khalil Middleton and Qaasim Middleton. Photo by Lia Chang

Tommy Redmond Hicks. Photo by Lia Chang

Woodie King, Jr. and Hattie Winston Wheeler. Photo by Lia Chang

2019 Tony Award Winner Harold Wheeler. Photo by Lia Chang

Barbara Montgomery. Photo by Lia Chang

Bill Cobbs. Photo by Lia Chang

Ebony Jo-Ann and Geoffrey Owens. Photo by Lia Chang

Ebony Jo-Ann and Geoffrey Owens. Photo by Lia Chang

Geoffrey Owens. Photo by Lia Chang

Rome Neal. Photo by Lia Chang

Congratulations to all of the winners:

2019 NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE FESTIVAL® HONOREES

Sidney Poitier Lifelong Achievement Award

Leslie Uggams

Leslie Uggams, 2019 NBTF Sidney Poitier Lifelong Achievement Award Winner. Photo by Lia Chang

2019 Tony Award Winner André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

2019 Tony Award Winner André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

2019 Tony Award Winner André De Shields presents the 2019 NBTF Sidney Poitier Lifelong Achievement Award to Leslie Uggams. Photo by Lia Chang

Leslie Uggams, 2019 NBTF Sidney Poitier Lifelong Achievement Award Winner. Photo by Lia Chang

Leslie Uggams, 2019 NBTF Sidney Poitier Lifelong Achievement Award Winner. Photo by Lia Chang

Leslie Uggams with her husband, Graham Pratt. Photo by Lia Chang

 

Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award

Kamilah Forbes

Kamilah Forbes, Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award Winner. Photo by Lia Chang

Kamilah Forbes, Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award Winner. Photo by Lia Chang

August Wilson Playwright Award

Pearl Cleage

Lloyd Richards Director Award

Michele Shay

Michele Shay, 2019 NBTF Lloyd Richards Director Award Winner. Photo by Lia Chang

Michele Shay and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Living Legend Award

Art Evans ● Marjorie Moon

Thembi Mtshali-Jones ● Roscoe Orman

Ted Lange presented the 2019 NBTF Living Legend Award to Roscoe Orman. Photo by Lia Chang

Roscoe Orman receives the 2019 NBTF Living Legend Award. Photo by Lia Chang

Thembi Mtshali-Jones, 2019 NBTF Living Legend Award. Photo by Lia Chang

Art Evans, 2019 NBTF Living Legend Award Winner. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design

Frenchie La’Vern

Frenchie La’Vern, Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design Award Winner. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design

Xavier Pierce

Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design

 James V. Thomas

James V. Thomas received the 2019 NBTF Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design Award from Darnell Williams. Photo by Lia Chang

Outstanding Achievement in Stage Management

 Femi Sarah Heggie

Theatre Longevity Award

Black Spectrum Theatre Company

New York, NY

Carl Clay of Black Spectrum Theatre Company accepts the 2019 NBTF Theatre Longevity Award. Photo by Lia Chang

Special Recognition Award

Idris Ackamoor ● Herman LeVern Thompson-Jones

Rhodessa Jones

Idris Ackamoor and Rhodessa Jones, 2019 NBTF Special Recognition Award Recipients. Photo by Lia Chang

Rhodessa Jones and Idris Ackamoor, 2019 NBTF Special Recognition Award Recipients. Photo by Lia Chang

Herman LeVern-Thompson Jones, 2019 NBTF Special Recognition Award Recipient. Photo by Lia Chang

Marvtastic Philanthropy Award

Branch Banking & Trust Company (BB&T)

Sharon Jeffries Jones receives the Marvtastic Philanthropy Award for Branch Banking & Trust (BB & T). Photo by Lia Chang

Theatre Arts & Humanitarian Award

Dr. Elwanda Ingram

Dr. Elwanda Ingram receives the 2019 NBTF Theatre Arts and Humanitarian Award from Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin. Photo by Lia Chang

Dr. Elwanda Ingram, 2019 NBTF Theatre Arts and Humanitarian Award Recipient. Photo by Lia Chang

Dr. Elwanda Ingram, 2019 NBTF Theatre Arts and Humanitarian Award Recipient. Photo by Lia Chang

A new award, the inaugural Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling world Premier Award, was presented to Nambi E. Kelley by Tonya Pinkins.

Nambi E. Kelley receives the 2019 NBTF Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling world Premier Award from Tonya Pinkins. Photo by Lia Chang

Ms. Kelley is currently serving as playwright-in-residence at New Victory Theatre and The Dramatists Guild Foundation in New York City. Kelley was  commissioned by N.C. Black Repertory Company to write “Maya,” a stage production inspired by the life and legacy of the late Maya Angelou. The award, named after NCBRC board president and the widow of Larry Leon Hamlin, guarantees at least three regional productions of the play.

Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin, executive producer of the National Black Theatre Festival. Photo by Lia Chang

New Federal Theatre Producer Woodie King, Jr. Photo by Lia Chang

Bill Cobbs. Photo by Lia Chang

Harold Wheeler and Hattie Winston Wheeler. Photo by Lia Chang

Winston-Salem’s Mayor Allen Joines. Photo by Lia Chang

Winston-Salem’s Mayor Pro Tempore Vivian Burke. Photo by Lia Chang

Lamman Rucker and Kelly Davis-Rucker. Photo by Lia Chang

Nigel Alston, executive director of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company. Photo by Lia Chang

2019 Tony Winner Harold Wheeler. Photo by Lia Chang

Celebrity co-chair Margaret Avery. Photo by Lia Chang

Fay Hauser-Price. Photo by Lia Chang

Ted Lange. Photo by Lia Chang

Woodie King, Jr.. Photo by Lia Chang

Keith David. Photo by Lia Chang

Jazz singer Maria Howell. Photo by Lia Chang

Jazz singer Maria Howell. Photo by Lia Chang

Jazz singer Maria Howell. Photo by Lia Chang

Starletta DuPois. Photo by Lia Chang

Ebony Jo-Ann and Bill Cobbs. Photo by Lia Chang

Drummers perform during the National Black Theatre Festival’s opening night gala on Monday, July 29, 2019, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Rome Neal, Nana Malaya Rucker-Oparabea and drummers at the National Black Theatre Festival’s opening night gala on Monday, July 29, 2019, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. Photo by Lia Chang

Sylvia Sprinkle Hamlin and Chester Gregory. Photo by Lia Chang

Margaret Avery. Photo by Lia Chang

Roscoe Orman and Woodie King, Jr. Photo by Lia Chang

Vanessa Bell Calloway and Darnell Williams. Photo by Lia Chang

2019 Tony Winners André De Shields and Rosemary Harris. Photo by Lia Chang

Ledisi and Andre De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Mabel Robinson. Photo by Lia Chang

A tribute to the late Larry Leon Hamlin. Photo by Lia Chang

After the awards ceremony, attendees lined the streets of Winston-Salem on the way to the Stevens Center  for the opening night gala performance of Jelly’s Last Jam, presented by the NCBRC and helmed by Jackie Alexander. The production starred DeWitt Fleming Jr.,  Idella Johnson and Stanley Wayne Mathis. Mathis appeared in the original Broadway company, and original cast members Keith David, Tonya Pinkins and Savion Glover were in the house to cheer them on.

Drummers at the entrance to the Stevens Center. Photo by Lia Chang

André De Shields and Richarda Abrams. Photo by Lia Chang

Starletta DuPois. Photo by Lia Chang

Starletta DuPois and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Wendell Tabb, Starletta DuPois and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

From July 29  – August 3, the festival presented over one hundred productions performed by more thirty professional theatre companies, several universities, including a production from Cape Town, South Africa. NBTF was named one of the Top 100 events in North America by the American Business Association. For additional information click on www.nbtf.org.

André De Shields, KB Saine and Andre Harrington. Photo by Lia Chang

Lori Minor and André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Patrice Andrew Davidson and Fumiko Tanaka. Photo by Lia Chang

Allyson Tucker-Mitchell, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Bill Cobbs and Keith David. Photo by Lia Chang

Patrice Andrew Davidson, Fumiko Tanaka, Jeffrey Page, André De Shields, KB Saine, Andre Harrington and Thelma Pollard. Photo by Lia Chang

2019 Tony Award Winners André De Shields and Harold Wheeler Among the Celebrity Guests at National Black Theatre Festival® Gala in Winston-Salem on July 29

Ron Simons, Lia Chang and André De Shields

Fay Hauser-Price and Lia Chang

Lia Chang, Louis Price and Fay Hauser-Price.

 

Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia is also an internationally published and exhibited photographer, a multi-platform journalist, and a publicist. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2019 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com