Prez


Chromolume Theatre
February 5 - February 28, 2016
By Willard Manus
Fri, Sat. 8pm
Sun. 2pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

****WORLD PREMIERE****


A World Premiere Play by award-winning playwright Willard Manus, Prez is an intimate portrait of Lester Young, a unique jazzman whose deceptively simple style–laid back, low key, relaxed yet earthy and swinging–-brought him fame, first with the Count Basie Orchestra, then with the likes of Nat 'King' Cole, Oscar Peterson, Teddy Wilson, and his best friend and alter ego, Billie Holiday. Born in the Jim Crow south to a showbiz family, Young was a non-conformist who fought against racism and intolerance all his life, climaxed by his battle against the segregated army in WW II, an experience that affected his attitude toward life but not his playing, which never lost its creative spirit–-the very spirit of jazz.

 


CAST/CREW BIOS

 

 

Reviews

James Metropole of Beverly Hills Courier raves "Jones is not just a wonderful actor, he is, above all, a riveting and unapologetic storyteller."

Lovell Estell III of StageRaw says "Jones does a good job of channelling Young."

Lyle Zimskind of LAist.com says "Jones' performance is affecting and engaging."

MORE REVIEWS

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AUDITIONS

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FAQ

Where are you located?
We currently are a company without a home. You can reach us at P.O. Box 61964, Los Angeles, CA 90064.

What time should I arrive at the theatre?
Generally speaking, it is best to arrive at the theatre roughly 15-30 minutes before your performance.

Does the theatre have wheelchair access?
Yes.

Can my child/baby attend the theatre?/Is the show appropriate for children?
It is Chromolume Theatre's policy that no babies in arms may be allowed to attend. Further, we do not permit children under the age of four (4) to attend. This is to ensure that all customers enjoy the show. Young children are admitted but are not encouraged to attend unless the parent is confident the child will not distract other members of the audience. Everyone must have a valid ticket and occupy a seat. Accompanying adults will be asked to remove any noisy children. Generally, Chromolume Theatre produced productions are appropriate for school age children, while visiting productions can vary in appropriateness. Regardless, you should probably check with the Box Office when you order your tickets whether the production you are attending is appropriate for your child.

Are your actors professional?
In most cases, yes. Most, if not all, of the actors who perform in our shows are members of Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild and/or American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Do your musicals have live musicians or taped accompaniment?
All of Chromolume Theatre's produced musicals include a single piano, or a small orchestra, usually five pieces. We do not use taped accompaniment at any of our performances. Any visiting production may use taped accompaniment.

Whom do I contact to usher for one of your performances?
If you wish to usher for one of our performances, contact our House Manager.

How can I purchase tickets for one of your productions?
There are three ways to purchase tickets for Chromolume Theatre produced performances (please note that visiting productions' methods may vary):

  • Purchase them online through our secure server
  • Purchase them in person at the Box Office
  • Purchase them over the telephone by calling (323) 510-1651 x202

Where do I pick up my tickets?
You can pick them up at the Box Office on the date of your performance.

Where is the Box Office located?
The Box Office is located immediately as you enter the theatre, to your right. The Box Office is open one hour prior to performance.

When are auditions for your performances?
Audition dates and times vary depending on the production. You can browse our Audition Page to check out when an upcoming audition is occurring and what to prepare for said audition.

Do you do only do musicals?
Chromolume Theatre's production productions are not only musicals. Occasionally, we will produce a play or a play with music. Visiting productions can vary anywhere between performance art to fully staged musicals.

Where can I find rental information?
To rent our theatre or to find out more information, you can check our Rental Page or call us at (323) 510-1651.

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AUDITIONS

Chromolume Theatre does not currently have any auditions scheduled.

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AUDITIONS

Chromolume Theatre does not currently have any auditions scheduled.

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Cast/Crew Bios

Leslie A. Jones, Lester Young
Prez

Leslie A. Jones hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is an actor and musician. Leslie started his acting studies here in Los Angeles at The Wilshire Theater of Arts, and continued studies at The Crossroad Academy, Expressions Unlimited and later at the Howard Fine Conservatory. Leslie has been a recipient of such awards as The Los Angeles Weekly Award and the Drama Logue Award for Best Original Music for composing and performing the music for the play Indigo Blues, penned by the late Judi Ann Mason. Also Jones was presented with the N.A.A.C.P. Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Randall, in Matthew Witten's original play Washington Square Moves. Leslie has recurred on Spellings' original, Beverly Hills, 90210 and has appeared as guest star on numerous sitcoms. Leslie made his film debut in 2002 starring as Kenny Curtis, a smooth jazz saxophonist, opposite Antonio Fargas and Nia Peeples in the movie The Riff that won the Black International Film Festival Award. He has also starred opposite of Clifford Powell and Tatyana Ali in a faith based film titled, The 23rd Psalm Redemption. Leslie has starred in numerous independent films. Also a musician, playing saxophone, flute, percussion, and vocals. His band, Right Hand Rule, has music on iTunes.com, Amazon.com, cdbaby.com and at other on line music stores. Leslie's goal as an artist is to continue creating art, be it music or characters for all to enjoy.


Daniel Keough, Director and Scenic Design
Prez

Daniel began studying Theatre Arts at the Goodman Theatre School of Drama. Trained also in voice and dance, he acquired his first professional experience performing in musical theatre. After moving to Los Angeles and working in all aspects of the entertainment industry, he became a member of Theatre West. He directed two of its main stage productions, one of which he also wrote. In addition he directed numerous plays for its West-Works Festivals. Currently he is a member of the Playwrights/Directors Unit of the Actors Studio.


Lauren J. Peters, Lighting Design
Prez

Lauren J. Peters is enjoying the experience of working on such a special production. Originally a performer, Lauren started working in theater at the age of 3 and continues to work in various capacities both on stage and behind the scenes. Finding stage management her favorite place in the theater in high school, she has been working as a stage manager for 10 years around the Los Angeles area. She has worked on shows such as Forever Plaid and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in San Pedro at the Warner Grand Theatre for The RelevantStage Theater Company, at Stage52LA for Sustaining Sound Theatre Company's production of Little Women, the Musical, The El Portal for the Kelrik Production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and here at Chromolume Theatre for the recent productions of The Musical of Musicals, the Musical and Altar Boyz. She is currently the Assistant Technical Director at Chromolume Theatre, and will be working on the upcoming production of Putting It Together in November and will be working on the upcoming production of 9 to 5 at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center this Fall. Lauren feels very blessed to have the opportunity to be working in the field she is passionate about and feels she was born for. Thanks Mom & Ksells for all the support.


James Esposito, Sound design
Prez

James is currently the V.P. of Operations at Chromolume Theatre. Scenic design credits include all three incarnations of Do Lord Remember Me and Love Songs - A Musical for Chromolume Theatre. Sound design credits include Do Lord Remember Me, Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know, Merrily We Roll Along, Capsized Floatsam, Greek Tragedy, Musical of Musicals, the Musical, Altar Boyz, and Strip, the latter of which he also directed. On stage, his credits include Company (Bobby), City of Angels (Munoz), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Thurio), Forever Plaid (Sparky), Fiddler on the Roof (Twice!), Cinderella and Chess just to name a few.


Olivia Sedoryk, Stage Manager
Prez

A recent graduate of California State University Long Beach, Olivia is thrilled to join the production team of Prez. Raised in Monterey CA, home of one of the world's greatest annual jazz festivals, she has a strong passion for jazz music and performance. Her most recent works include makeup design and assistance for the California Repertory Company's productions of Caryl Churchill's Far Away and Jennifer Maisel's Out of Orbit, and the University Player's productions of Stephen Adly Guirgis' The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, and Sarah Ruhl's Eurydice. Her most recent works as a stage manager include the University Player's productions of George C. Wolfe's The Colored Museum, and Adam Rapp's Red Light Winter.


Willard Manus, Playwright
Prez

Willard Manus has had over 40 plays produced in L.A., regionally, and Europe. In 2014 his solo play about Charlie Parker, Bird Lives!, was produced by Chromolume Theatre. It was followed by Who Killed Comrade Rabbit (co-written with Ilia Volok) at the Blank Theatre. In March 2016 his latest play, Joe & Marily: A Love Story, will premiere at Write-Act Rep in Noho, followed a month later by Gold Rush Follies at the same venue (lyrics and music by Lou Briggs). Manus is also a novelist whose best known book, Mott the Hoople, became the name of the British rock band of the 70's. He is a member of the Actors Studio, playwrights/directors unit.

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Reviews

 

Jason Metropole of Beverly Hills Courier raves...

 

"Jones is not just a wonderful actor, he is, above all, a riveting and unapologetic storyteller."

 

"For an all too short 80 minutes, the audience sat in rapt attention as this rich history of Jazz Americana unfolded."

 

 

Lovell Estell III of StageRaw says...

 

"Settled into a stylish Parisian hotel room nicely done by director Daniel Edward Keough..."

 

"Jones does a good job of channeling Young"

 

 

Lyle Zimskind of LAist.com says...

 

"Jones' performance is affecting and engaging."

 

"Director Daniel Edward Keough maintains an upbeat tone that never lets the bitterness of some of Young's recollections linger in the play's emotional atmosphere for very long."

 

"Sound designers James Esposito delivers a rich listening experience that sent us back later to re-encounter the essential Prez legacy that never stops resonating."