A Portrait of Ray makes its debut on November 13th at Newark Symphony Hall and November 14th at Symphony Space for one-night only performances.
At the center-stage throughout the show is Newark native, Dwayne Clark, also of the stellar Broadway production The Color Purple, starring as Ray Charles in this intimate musical that tells the very popular, heart-warming story of the legend in a unique compilation of song and narrative. Over the last twenty years Dwayne has graced nearly a dozen Broadway stages including Spiderman, In the Heights, Rent, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Tarzan, Cry Baby and Porgy and Bess.
The story told takes the audience to 1967 through the eyes of Ray Charles at the height of his career. Set during a homecoming concert in Greenville, Florida, the Rock and Soul pioneer freely shares personal anecdotes and raw commentary of love, life, trials and triumphs. A Portrait of Ray showcases Ray Charles’ voice and gives his raw perspective on his voice for social change. In addition to Clark, the cast features Ray’s jaw dropping Raelettes,” as well as a ten-piece mini-big band featuring Jazz saxophonist Don Braden as “Fat Head Newman.”
A Portrait of Ray includes many of Ray Charles’ charts topping favorites, led by Clark. The musical was conceived and written by both Dwayne Clark and wife Janeece Freeman Clark, who is also an accomplished playwright and producer.
