Color Photography by Zsavita Banks, Styled by Ron Cooke
Sylvia Traymore Morrison
Portrays
~ Jackie "Moms" Mabley ~
at the
Howard Theater
in
Washington, DC
COMING SOON!!!
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Copa: At what time did you discover that you were chosen to portray Moms Mabley?
Sylvia: It was in 2019 that I got a call from Andy Evans, who I knew as a comedian and writer. He said he had just finished writing a one woman play about the life of Jackie Moms Mabley and wanted me to consider taking the role. I already knew that I would be honored to do this. So I accepted.
Sylvia: It was in 2019 that I got a call from Andy Evans, who I knew as a comedian and writer. He said he had just finished writing a one woman play about the life of Jackie Moms Mabley and wanted me to consider taking the role. I already knew that I would be honored to do this. So I accepted.
|
Copa: Will this be your first One Woman Show?
Sylvia: No. I did a one woman show about Diana Ross. I know the impact a one woman show can have. "The Return of Jackie Moms Mabley" is the first National one woman play of its kind that I'm in. I can't tell you how excited I am. Copa: Is there any discussion about video taping and trailers on the upcoming Show?
Sylvia: Absolutely. In fact, I understand that we will be going into video production shortly in the upcoming months. Copa: Who are the producers of this amazing Show?
Sylvia: The play is written and directed by Andy Evans and I am co-producing. |
Copa: What do you think about performing at the Howard Theater in Washington, DC?
Sylvia: First off, the Howard's history and Moms' history are tied together. Dick Gregory said Mom's did her greatest shows at the Howard Theater. With that said, I'm from DC and I use to go there all the time. Here I am about to hit the stage, by myself, portraying the real Queen of comedy. I'm ecstatic to be performing there. The fact that we chose the Howard Theater to perform the Return of Jackie Moms Mabley as its opening kickoff of what expect to be a long run says a lot about how I feel about the Howard Theater. |
|
|
|
|
Copa: What will be some of the great things we should expect to see at this marvelous show?
Sylvia; Yes! Wonderful question. There are three key things about this production that are unique. The play takes place from 1950 to 1975 when Moms was a chorus line dancer performing at the Apollo Theatre in New York City. This was a time when Moms decided to move up from a dancer/singer to a solo performer. During this time, Moms auditioned as a singer on the Monday Night amateur show at the world renowned Apollo Theater where many other stars were discovered. The play will bring to life Mom's talent as a singer where she will portray some of the great ladies which include Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday, Nancy Wilson, Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick and Diana Ross. This was the same time she created the lovable standup comedy character known as "Moms!" Many don't know but she introduced stand up comedy as an art form. Ooh, that lady was something! |
Copa: In your research in preparation of this SPECIAL role, have you discovered anything surprising about Moms?
Sylvia: Yes. For example, she was the first female or male comedian to be to be invited to the White House by two sitting Presidents. She received numerous awards from the DC Police Department for her contributions to the DC community. She owned a half dozen properties in DC , of which one was diagonally across the street from where I lived. Imagine my surprise when I learned that!
Sylvia: Yes. For example, she was the first female or male comedian to be to be invited to the White House by two sitting Presidents. She received numerous awards from the DC Police Department for her contributions to the DC community. She owned a half dozen properties in DC , of which one was diagonally across the street from where I lived. Imagine my surprise when I learned that!
|
Copa: What do you think the audience will walk away with after your performance?
Sylvia: I think the audience will walk away totally entertained. Nothing makes me more happy and excited than to know that my audience is leaving the theater in total awe of my performance. The history lessons the audience will take away from this performance will remind us of the great women that came before us and their contribution to the art community. Lastly, that they loved it so much that they can't wait to tell their friends how wonderful and awesome the play was so that they can come back and see it again! Copa: What will the future hold for Sylvia Traymore Morrison and her wonderful world of Comedy?
Sylvia: If the good Lord is willing and sees fit for me to share my gift with my audiences I'm hoping that the skills that I'm portraying will show people that I am a well rounded entertainer who tells jokes, do impressions, sing and dance. I'm really excited about this whole Moms Mabley production. |
Photography by Zsavita Banks, Styled by Ron Cooke
|
Photography by Zsavita Banks, Styled by Ron Cooke
Photography by Zsavita Banks, Styled by Ron Cooke
