"Hidden Figures": Women of Color Behind The Space Program

"Hidden Figures: The Women of Color Behind The Space Program, is a gem of a film.Several stunning films with compelling female characters are being released this winter, just in time for the holidays comes New York Times Bestseller and Fox Searchlight’s soulful film, “Hidden Figures”. Hitting the screens on January 6th, highlighting the true plight of black female mathematicians working at NASA as accountants. Dorothy Vaughan, the original brains behind the science of trajectory space launch and landings, numerically calculated the math for re-entry on chalk boards before the leading group of white elite engineers, dealing with segregation as egos the size of a black hole, back in the 1960’s during the start of the Space Program.

Becoming feminists as well as civil rights leaders by developing calculations to help fuel America into space, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and singer Janelle Monae (making a stunning screen debut) lead the team of black accountants and secretary pool assistants from temporary workers into pioneers of the program. Dramatically through the frustrations of their lives and segregated bathrooms to outright discrimination, Kirsten Dunst, supervises the women, seeming indifferent while realizing there is little she can do to help elevate their positions into permanent once the program is complete. Jim Parsons, and Kevin Costner,  are play the cool elite mathematicians who finally give Katherine Johnson and colleagues, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, the chance to go from working in the segregated West Area Computers division of Langley Research Center to programming the first IBM computer system for NASA. Using the women’s calculations, John Glenn became the first American astronaut to complete a full orbit of the Earth. The director of St. Vincent, Theodore Melfi, did a lovey job of pacing the rise and fall of the various struggles the women encounter – from segregated coffee pots, under paid wages for jobs done as supervisors but no title, to the ultimate showdown over the bathroom situation for the women, becoming the highlight of the movie. Sure to warm the hearts of even the coldest Republican white male, it makes a compelling story of how IBM enters into the Space program, as the success and failure lie in the hands of the segregated community afraid to let the black women who know how to run it. “Hidden Figures” has stunning performances by the ensemble cast, and I’m sure a few Golden Globes will be headed this way for Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer, as well as our favorite Space Freak Geek from the Big Bang Theroy’s, Jim Parson, transformed into a serious Sheldon Cooper, who doesn’t equate equality with race. A stunning tribute to the women behind the successful men who not only support them but achieve their own milestone, the best moments are over sharing a cup of coffee - the true meaning of working together as equals. Bravo to “Hidden Treasures” for a film truly worth seeing.
12.2.2016 Toni Pezone Crey

"When Jazz Had The Blues"

When Jazz Had The Blues takes uptown on the A Train to Harlem, into the era of the Zoot Suit and Big Bands, highlighting the nightlife of little-known brilliant composer, Billy Strayhorn and his intimate relationship with Lena Horne while working under Duke Ellington. Set against a time of racism, homophobia, the excellent six-piece Jazz orchestra, dance ensemble and outstanding actors bring the musical to life, crossing black keys and white in the struggle for equality against the backdrop of a Post-Depression and World War Two.

Woven in and out of the piece, as lines becomes crossed in segregation as well as Gay rights, is our hero, played by the very talented singer, (Frank Lawson) and his best-friendship with rising star, Lena Horne, (magically incarnated by Michole Briana White), who knows his heart belongs to another man. Yet while background singer Lena encourages Billy’s efforts to get credit for composing “Take The A Train” and many others which have been copyrighted by their boss, the commanding Duke Ellington (Boise Homes in an amazing performance), the story weaves through time and Billy’s relationship with lover, talented jazz pianist, Aron Bridges (Gilbert Glenn Brown). Wearing thin through hardships and eventually falling short of expectations as they continue to live under Duke’s reign through the Depression and World War Two, Lena and Billy continue to bond as her success rises, while he still stands under the shadow of Duke. A true musical homage to the time of the elegant band leader and an era gone by, When Jazz Had The Blues music is so excellent that it carries the narrative along as the smoking six-piece band does the ultimate justice to the classics, "In a Sentimental Mood" and "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me”. Billy and Lena duet in a clever gay double entendre on "The Man I Love." Michola Briana White kills it, belting out her best on “Stormy Weather”. Katherine Washington is stunning in her solo "Drop Me Off in Harlem," with back-up dancers Chris Smith and Darian Archie, cleverly choreographed by Cassie Crump, highlighting the dance style evolution over the years, from the Lindy to the American Bandstand modern moves and is a delight to watch. Playwright Carole Eglash-Kosoff and Director John Henry Davis bring out the best of this small production with a Broadway feel, to entertain and enlighten our hearts. “When Jazz Had The Blues” playing at the Matrix Theatre Thru - Dec 18, 2016
Reservations @ www.plays411.com/jazzblues Price: $20-$34
Box Office: 323-852-1445
www.matrixtheatre.com