"A comprehensive and engrossing documentary that adds dimension
to the life of the late singing star." - Philadelphia Inquirer
"Considerably superior to Bohemian Rhapsody." - Philadelphia Weekly
"Lichtenstein's terrific documentary reveals the so-incredible-it's-amazing-it's-not-a-Hollywood-movie story of 'the black Elvis'. - Metro
"Lichtenstein does a brilliant job of explaining what a vital figure Pendergrass was
for US black culture in the 1970s...The archive footage she presents is captivating and
beautifully emphasizes the utterly irresistible pull of the man." - Record Collector
If You Don't Know Me is the powerful and moving story of R&B star Teddy Pendergrass (Theodore DeReese Pendergrass), who was on the brink of global super-stardom when tragedy struck. A compelling tale with surprising twists and turns, the film is an intimate portrait of one of the greatest singers of his generation. It also tells how Teddy fought for the rights of African-American artists in a 1970s music industry prejudiced against black performers and reveals how, aged just 31, Pendergrass overcame terrible tragedy to get back on stage against all the odds.
The film's triumphant world premiere at the Philadelphia Film Festival (Teddy's home city), resulted in an Audience Award and a nomination for the Pinkenson Award. The film also had successful screenings at DOC NYC, Minneapolis Sound Unseen Film Festival and San Francisco Black Film Festival. Earlier this year, If You Don't Know Me was shown to sold-out cinemas in the UK, on Sky Arts and also aired on Showtime in the US.
Director and BAFTA award-winner, Olivia Lichtenstein conceived, researched and directed the film, which reveals Teddy's meteoric rise from his tough childhood in Philadelphia to become the lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. His was the voice of worldwide hits, "Don't Leave Me This Way" and "If You Don't Know Me by Now."
Olivia recalls: "I grew up listening to soul music and I'd just started listening to Teddy again when I saw a documentary about Shep Gordon, the legendary artist manager who worked with everyone from Blondie to Alice Cooper - and Teddy. It included a little bit about him working with Teddy Pendergrass and it made me realize that I didn't know what had happened to him. I had a really strong sense that I had to make a film to tell his story."
Olivia contacted Shep Gordon, who agreed to join the project as an executive producer, along with Michael and Katherina Saunders. A short trailer was enough to sell the idea to BBC Films, who stepped in to co-finance the production with Wasted Talent. The 106-minute documentary features revealing interviews with his family, including Teddy's ex-wife Karen, mother Ida - now 101-years-old, as well as friends and industry legends, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The film also boasts rarely seen archive footage and a super soulful soundtrack.
Lichtenstein added: "This is an extraordinary, human story that feels almost Shakespearian - it's much more than just a music biopic, it's an intimate portrait both of Teddy and of the extraordinary times in which he lived. We really get to know him because we hear from so many people who were close to him. It almost feels as if he comes back to life to let the world hear him sing again."
Producer Ian Flooks of Wasted Talent said: "We were committed to this film and extraordinary story from the start, especially given our roots and unique experience in the music industry before expanding into film, theater and digital media, so it was the perfect fit for us." Producer Piers Tempest of Tempo Productions adds: "Teddy's story is an important and ultimately inspiring one and we are delighted to help shine a light on the man and his music".
|
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
If You Don't Know Me
Monday, June 17, 2019
Monday Motivation
 |
| No Drama Big Little Lies |
"Monday mornin´, it was all I hoped it would be, Oh Monday mornin´, Monday mornin´ couldn´t guarantee" Monday, Monday - The Mamas and the Papas
Ahhhhhhhhhh "Yes" it's another Manic Monday but does that mean there has to be drama? Noooooooooo! Today's Monday Motivation, or MM as as we now defer to it is, just say no to drama.
Man I really don't go from one self induced crisis to another. Not my style or jam. I prefer to stay in my lane and know my role.
No drama, or minimal drama (because let's face it, life always has some static) is the way to achieve being your own personal best.
Thus I declare this Monday, and for that matter the rest of everyone's week, and for that matter again, life - a drama free zone! Honestly the only drama I want is when I watch Big Little Lies every week, mic drop? Hell "Yes!"
Ain't nobody got time for that sh!t for reals...
Big Little Lies on the WWW -
https://www.hbo.com/big-little-lies
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Father's Day
 |
| Daddy??? Michael Shinafelt |
To all you actual Fathers out there have fun with your spawn. To those about to rock I salute you.
A shout out to the stepfathers and chosen fathers. The ones who have adopted and the mentors.
Special mention to LGBTQ Parents out there, you deserve the right.
Of course let's not forget my breed, the Daddy.
Happy Father's Day Indeed!
Father's Day on Wikipedia -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father%27s_Day
Saturday, June 15, 2019
You Need To Calm Down
 |
| Partners In Crime l-r Justin Mikita, Taylor Swift & Jesse Tyler Ferguson |
In honor of Pride Month Ms. Swift gave a surprise mini concert at the Stonewall Inn honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. She was joined on stage by out actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson of Modern Family fame for her song Shake It Off.
Her latest single You Need To Calm Down pledges support to the LGBTQ community with it's upbeat lyrics, thus her celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall is a no brainer.
Pride Month continues to roll till the end of June. Keep on keeping...!!!
Taylor on IG -
https://www.instagram.com/taylorswift/?hl=en
Friday, June 14, 2019
One Night Only
Infinity Grove Entertainment and The Montalbán Present
Accidental Joy: A New Musical
A Dark Musical Comedy by Marcus Terrell Smith
And Composer Robbie McDonald
Saturday, June 29, 2019
The Montalbán is proud to partner with Infinity Grove Entertainment to present Los Angeles audiences with a special opportunity to experience an enhanced workshop production of Accidental Joy: A New Musical, coming to the theatre for one-night-only on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Book by Marcus Terrell Smith, music by Robbie McDonald, and lyrics by both, Accidental Joy is a dark comedy musical about one woman’s incredible journey to find the guru within, and the four or five hilarious murders that follow her along the way. Doors will open at 7:00pm and the performance will begin at 8:00pm on the Montalbán’s main stage (1615 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028). Tickets range from $37 to $52. For tickets and more on this production, please call the box office at 323-461-6999 or visithttps://www.themontalban.com/accidentaljoy.
Accidental Joy: A New Musical – Synopsis:
Joy Perkins, a 40-year old disgruntled underachiever, has resigned herself to a life of regret and unfulfilled potential. But when world famous guru, Niev Lapel, comes to town, Joy is determined to take one final stab at getting what she deserves and becomes a guru herself. Laden with adult language and situations, catchy original songs, and four or five murders,Accidental Joy: A New Musical, is a third-eye opening dark comedy that speaks to the central role we play in forging our own destinies.
“Accidental Joy was written as a singer’s musical,” explains writer and co-lyricist Smith, “where each song, though it propels the story forward, can stand alone. We really wanted to write something a musical theatre actor could really sink their teeth into and perform. We found an awe-inspiring array of amazing teammates to realize this such as actor Tyren Perry (Bustin’ Loose, Family Matters) and orchestrator/arranger Anthony Sabatino, along with a stellar band. Come one, come all, and be enlightened!”
Accidental Joy: A New Musical bloomed out of a fateful meeting between Smith and McDonald one night outside of an empty Los Angeles bar. Producer Linda Joe joined the dynamic team right after its sold-out “first look” event in April 2018. Since then, the trio has worked tirelessly to bring Accidental Joy’s message of self-confidence and a belief in one's self to life. This new musical is coming into its own with a glowing endorsement from the prestigious La Jolla Playhouse, it was an Official Selection at the 2018 New York Musical Festival and enjoyed a sold-out staged reading event at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles last October.
This year, The Montalbán, a theatre building a reputation as an early champion of new productions—helping to nurture shows for eventual tours and Broadway-bound engagements—became a fan and supportive friend. Together with the show's producers, Linda Joe and Marcus Terrell Smith, they are deviating from the standard theater development process. For one thing, presentations of new shows are usually done for small focus groups but Accidental Joy is changing the trend and inviting 1,000 theater goers to have direct involvement in the development of this unique show, which will employ minimal sets and costumes for this workshop production on the 29th.
As Joy Perkins likes to say, “You can’t go half-ass on fate. She needs both cheeks to sit on.”
LINKS:
• Accidental Joy Event Info & Tickets - https://www.themontalban.com/accidentaljoy
• Accidental Joy: A New Musical - www.AccidentalJoyMusical.com
• Accidental Joy Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AccidentalJoyMusical
• Accidental Joy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ACCIDENTALJOYMUSICAL
• The Montalbán - https://www.themontalban.com
• The Montalbán’s Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheMontalban
• The Montalbán’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/themontalban
• The Montalbán’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_montalban
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Michael's Musings
 |
| Twins? Michael Shinafelt |
Spied a Latin Man sweeping the sidewalk in front of a church the other day with a T-Shirt that said "Jesus" on it, wasn't sure if it was a religious reference or not
And now for some Fembot action!!!
Salsa Cleanse, discuss
One day someone will light your hair on fire over a Kit Kat bar
You flooze, you lose
Rumor has it Kathy Hilton, Kyle Richards sister may be joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to fill the Lisa Vanderpump void, yaaaaaaaawn!
I'm not in school anymore so stop testing me
Feel Good Headline of the Week: "House panel unanimously passes 9/11 victims fund bill after Jon Stewart shaming"
My Little Pony is introducing a Lesbian character, a horse of a different color
Just Because this image made me smile, Mariska Hargitay & her husband Peter Hermann
There's only one dick I can't handle: Donald Trump
Wine Wankers, I'll simply leave that one here
How come you never see countries with universal health care trying to repeal it? Guess it works or something, ya think?!
Elevate the F#cking conversation
Join me, won't you? -
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)