Whenever a talented member of a marginalized group crosses over to the mainstream, the media tends to overlook other talents equally, if not more so deserving of exposure. It happened with Tyler Perry overshadowing many other black theatre producers. Now Emmy-nominated songwriter, Broadway veteran and “The Dr. Oz Show” dance fitness guru, Stepp Stewart, is hoping to change that with his family musical, Show-n-Tell, which runs Oct. 7–10 at the 14th Street Playhouse in Atlanta.“We love Tyler Perry, however, black audiences sometimes feel like that’s all they are able to go see. Now there are other black writers and authors who can bring you entertainment,” says Stewart.
Stewart created, co-produced and co-directed Show-n-Tell along with his nephew, Seth Stewart, who also co-choreographed the show. The musical follows Vivian, a poor girl who feels as if she has nothing to share during her school’s show and tell day until she discovers that her talent and voice are all she needs to shine. Stewart faced a similar journey of self-acceptance growing up.
“This character Vivian is really me in the female form. I came from humble beginnings and I was a boy who[m] they called a sissy who did not play sports. I wanted to entertain at halftime, and I did, and I was accepted that way because of my talent. Many kids today because of the music videos and television think that they need the newest sneakers or [an] iPad. But it’s about sharing your talent with the world and what God has given you,” he says.
Stewart ensured that the musical featured a range of numbers from blues to hip-hop that the entire family could enjoy. It’s an effort to bring appropriate music to young people that he believes is sorely needed now more than ever.
“Some of my favorite artists are Missy Elliott, Lil’ Kim and T.I., but you don’t get to hear anything family oriented about them until they get in trouble. … Parents should be allowed to introduce their kids to certain issues and I want to make sure we have something age appropriate for the kids,” he says.
With powerful universal themes such as self-acceptance and music that adults and children can stomp their feet to, Stewart is on his way to proving that there’s always room for more than one talented voice to find success in the mainstream. Now run, show and tell dat. –souleo
Tickets for Show-n-Tell will be available at the box office and online at www.showntellthemusical.com
Check out the trailer here:
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