THE BEVERLY HILLS/HOLLYWOOD NAACP "THIRTEENTH ANNUAL THEATRE AWARDS" JANUARY 27, 2003 AT BEVERLY HILLS HILTON HOTEL

"Past, Present, and Future" Thespians and Arts Advocates Recognized and Honored...

    (PRWEB) December 4, 2002 -- The Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP will host it's Thirteenth Annual Theatre Awards at the Merv Griffith Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel located at 9876 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California on January 27, 2003 at 6:30 p.m.

The Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP will salute L.A.'s finest playwrights, actors, producers, directors, technicians, choreographers, costume designers, and production companies by honoring them for being significant forces in Black Theatre. In addition, the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP will honor individuals with awards for laying the foundation and who continue to recreate and invigorate theatre. These awards are presented to individuals in the theatre community at large who have excelled in the Black Theatre genre.
   Gregory Hines (Lifetime Achievement), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Trailblazer), Hilton Corporation (Presidents), Bernard Kinsey (Community Service), and Art Evans (Spirit) will be honored for their significant contributions in Theatre. A special award has been created in recognition of the late Lil' Cumber for her outstanding service in representing African Americans in Hollywood.

   Director, Iona Morris, cherishes the pure art of theatre and the wealth of talent we have in Los Angeles. In her presentation for the Award Show, Iona will honor the past performers who inspired us; present the present artists who excite us; and feature youth (the future) who continue rejuvenate our hope in theatre.
Dawnn Lewis (Black Women's Blues, Fat Girl) serves as hostess this year. Dawnn's theatrical experience coupled with her spontaneity and beautiful singing voice will add much to the entire production.

   After twelve years of success, the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP takes its Award Festival to a new level, and furthers their mission to acknowledge and recognize the talents and skills of many thespians and production companies.

   The Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP branch President Ronald Hasson says, "The Award Festival honors the artistic contributions of black theatre. Black Theatre houses are diminishing all around the country. The NAACP seeks to preserve and acknowledge African American Thespians who are maintaining the culture and history of theatre. Many celebrities have a background in theatre and the NAACP is enthusiastic in honoring them."

   The Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP will announce its nominees for this year's 13th Annual Theatre Award at its Press Conference on December 16, 2002. The theme of the 2002 NAACP Theatre Awards to be held January 27, 2003 at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel is "Past, Present, and Future." Ticket prices are $50, $100 and $150 and are available through the NAACP office by calling 323.464.7616.

   This years spectacular event is co-sponsored by Hilton Hotels, American Airlines, Savoy Magazine, Health Net, American Film Entertainment, Sempra Energy, and the William Grant Still Arts Center.

   For additional information and tickets, please contact the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP at 323~464~7616.

                         # # #