The Harlem Repertory Theatre was founded in 2004 by Keith Lee Grant, who serves as the Artistic Director of the Company. It is a non-profit theatre group which explores diverse and challenging themes such as race, class, and politics. Most of the actors are people of color from the New York area. It was established to fulfill Langston Hughes’ 1938 vision for a professional theatre in Harlem. Its first season in Aaron Davis Hall at the City College campus were the Broadway musicals HAIR, THE WIZ, and a new musical piece called VODU. Subsequent seasons included an eclectic range of musicals, plays and a Shakespeare comedy.
"The Harlem Repertory Theatre is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) theater committed to producing artistically and intellectually challenging productions that explore the experiences of a diverse range of ethnic, social and cultural communities. Moreover, The HRT stages new works and established classic musicals and plays from bold and innovative perspectives that will challenge and/or reflect the Harlem community's cultural and social values. Critical themes of race, class and politics will often be addressed in our productions as we hope to inspire, entertain and educate our audiences through the diverse repertory of popular and obscure plays and musicals that we stage each season."
The HRT staff is committed to offering first-rate and affordable theatrical performances to the greater Tri State area; consequently when it is possible — the admission fees to our productions will range from a ten-dollar suggested donation to requesting that our patrons simply, "pay what you can".
In conclusion, The HRT is committed to fulfilling Langston Hughes’ 1938 vision for a professional theatre in Harlem:
"...On the opening night... a beaming Langston renew(ed) his promise of a Harlem repertory theatre: 'We want to build a theatre for you folks, a theatre for which you may write, in which you may act. This is your theatre.' "
Langston Hughes April 21, 1938'
The current 2017-2018 season consists of 6 shows, all which reflect the theater's mission statement to bring diverse perspectives to the stage.
HRT has produced 31 shows since its founding. They are as follows:
The Harlem Repertory Theater employs a Resident Acting Company, composed of thirteen actors of color from the Harlem, NY area. These actors portray the principal roles in the Harlem Repertory Theater's season. Because of the theater's commitment to creating theater for their community, most of the actors are native to the New York City area.
The 2016-2017 Resident Acting Company includes:
Overall, the company has received positive reviews, most notably towards its musical productions. Daniel M. Gold of the New York Times reviewed Flahooley, stating that "the Harlem Repertory Theater demonstrates how to entertain on a shoestring" and under Grant's direction, "has been trimmed to a 90-minute burst of energy and imagination." Linda Armstrong of the New York Amsterdam News called both Flahooley and Finian's Rainbow "marvelous theater performed in an intimate setting," urging other to attend the production as well. She praised Grant, admiring how he "allows the performers of the Harlem Repertory Theatre to display their versatility, as cast members play multiple roles in the productions. "
Since 2008, the Harlem Repertory Theatre has received five AUDELCO "Viv" Awards. Currently, its revival of In the Heights is nominated for "Best Revival."
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