Blair Underwood is a very busy man these days. He’s not only scheduled to return to the ABC drama, Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” but he is gearing up to portray a troubled jazz musician in an upcoming play and deliver the commencement speech for the American InterContinental University’s graduating class.
Paradise Blue, a play by Dominique Moresseau, is set in 1949 Detroit during an important period for jazz music. Underwood plays Blue, the owner of the jazz club Paradise Blue, which is located in the predominately Black area of Paradise Valley. Blue is also a trumpet player who is fighting a lot of demons and yearning for a new life.
“The character’s dealing with the questions, the opportunities and the consequences of not selling this Paradise club. He is very much tormented,” Underwood said in a phone interview with rolling out.
The main character’s life is further complicated when a mysterious woman, Silver — played by De’Adre Aziza — steps into Blue’s life and moves into one of the rooms he rents out on the top floor of the club. She mixes things up in ways no one would expect.
Moresseau’s goal is to not only convey the essence of her hometown, but to bring complexity and truth to the characters.
“What I’m after in all my writing is character and honesty, the truth behind the characters,” the Motor City native told The Berkshire Eagle.
Underwood, whose character is described by Moresseau as a cross between disturbed jazz musicians Miles Davis and Thelonius Monk, is amped to be involved in the world premiere of such a well-written piece. He says to expect a lot of comedy, tragedy and drama.
“One thing I’m looking forward to is bringing this play to fruition. This is the world premiere. It’s extraordinary,” the actor stated. “It’s exciting for me to create a character and bring it to life for the first time. It’s very exciting.”
Another event Underwood is excited to be a part of is the upcoming American InterContinental University graduation. The esteemed actor agreed to present a commencement speech on Aug. 8 to offer encouraging words to the 2015 graduating class they they will carry with them on their path to a successful career.
As someone who is well-established in his career, the Carnegie Mellon’s School of Drama alumnus plans to share with the graduates the basic elements of how to be successful. He said these elements include asking yourself and then answering these questions: “what are you good at, what do you aspire to do, and how do you find that path?”
“Everybody’s path and journey is different, but I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned,” Underwood said.
Unlike many other commencement addresses, he plans on keeping the energy high for the anxious grads.
“Sometimes commencement addresses can be boring and long,” he said. “I don’t do that.”
Paradise Blue is set to premiere Aug. 2 at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Click here for more information.
