(South Orange, NJ)- The Vanguard Theater Company, Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr. and Junius Williams will present its first community co-production: A Portrait of Ray, on January 16th at 7PM and 17th at 3PM at South Orange Middle School. In addition to the Vanguard Theater Company’s performance, Vanguard Visionary Awards will be presented to community leaders Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr., the late Reverend Ronald Christian and celebrated civil rights activist and attorney, Junius Williams.
In direct response to the National gun violence epidemic flooding our streets and suburban communities, Bishop Hilliard began the Stop The Funeral Movement. His inspiring book of the same title addressed the many sides of this multidimensional issue, and provided a manual for healing our communities and restoring our homes. In 2013 Dr. Hilliard’s theatrical adaptation of Stop the Funeral debuted at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJ to sold out audiences. The play continues to have a life across the nation and is successfully serving its mission of “changing the mindset of our often misguided, misunderstood and sometimes forgotten youth.”
Dr. Hilliard is the presiding bishop and founder of the Covenant Ecumenical Fellowship and Cathedral Assemblies Inc., serving as spiritual adviser and mentor for several pastors and churches in the United States and West Africa. Dr. Hilliard is a lifelong NAACP member, the author of 14 best selling books, and an expressionistic painter of over 70 original pieces.
As the youngest President of the National Bar Association, the oldest and largest organization of black attorneys in the US, Junius Williams spoke at the United Nations, advocating genuine democracy for the people of Zimbabwe, Southern Africa. (The NBA paper was adopted by the UN and publicized in seven different languages for international consumption.) He was listed as one of the “100 Most Influential Blacks in America” in Ebony Magazine, ran for Mayor of Newark, and now teaches leadership and community organization at Rutgers University Newark, based on lessons outlined in his new book, Unfinished Agenda, Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power.
In addition to his advocacy, Williams is an accomplished musician. He is co-founder, business manager and performer with the singing group, “Return to the Source.” As a writer and producer, he has created multi-media productions performed before local and national audiences.
The Vanguard Theater Company will also present the “Legacy Honor” to the late Reverend Dr. Ronald B. Christian. Reverend Dr. Ronald Bernard Christian, affectionately known as "Rev. Ron,". was called by a unanimous vote to pastor the Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington, New Jersey, where he served as the Senior Pastor until his recent passing. During his tenure he grew the membership to over 6000 members and broke records in community and public service.
“A Portrait of Ray” features the talent of South Orange resident Dwayne Clark (Broadway--The Color Purple [presently] Spiderman, Rent, Smokey Joe’s Cafe) who embodies Ray's soul and guides the Raelettes--his infamous background singers through a melange of melodies. The music is set to the backdrop of World Class Saxophonist, and South Orange resident Don Braden, as well as 10 other seasoned jazz musicians to round out Ray's impeccable orchestra. The show is being presented through a special community partnership with the MLK Clubs of South Orange/Maplewood Schools.
“Dr. King and Ray Charles made monumental strides toward civil rights and equality. On the weekend dedicated to his legacy, it seemed more than appropriate to bridge their work with the modern strides of today's community leaders and our work as an arts organization.” said Daryl L. Stewart, co-founding artistic director of Vanguard Theater Company. “Expect a spectacular, diverse event with incredible performances, inspiring tributes and a true celebration of equality.”
For more information or to purchase tickets please visit: vanguardtheater.org
About Vanguard Theater Company: Vanguard Theater Company is committed to producing transformational theater and is dedicated to diversity, community engagement and professional artistic mentorship. Through dynamic storytelling, Vanguard produces works that reflect the various complexions of the 21st century artist and audience. Vanguard Theater Company is a registered 501 (c) 3 not for profit arts organization created by co-founders, Janeece Freeman- Clark and Daryl L. Stewart.