‘The United States vs Billie Holiday’ Review: Lee Daniels’ History Lesson Mixes Anger and Gloss
It’s another look at J. Edgar Hoover’s war on Black America, told with old-movie sheen and a definite lack of subtletyAlonso Duralde | February 26, 2021 @ 12:05 PM Last Updated: February 26, 2021 @ 12:06 PM
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Arriving on Hulu in the wake of “MLK/FBI” and “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” provides yet another angle on J. Edgar Hoover’s war against Black America. And while director Lee Daniels packs in as much righteous anger as those other films, he does so with his trademark love of melodrama and disdain for subtlety.
The Last Shift is an American story about two men struggling in the same town, while worlds apart. Stanley (Richard Jenkins), an aging fast-food worker, plans to call it quits after 38 years on the graveyard shift at Oscar’s Chicken and Fish. His last weekend takes a turn while training his replacement, Jevon (Shane Paul McGhie), a talented but stalled young writer whose provocative politics keep landing him in trouble. These two who share little in common are brought together through circumstance. Stanley, a high school dropout who has watched life pass by his drive-through window, proudly details the nuances of the job. While Jevon, a columnist who’s too smart to be flipping patties, contends their labor is being exploited. A flicker of camaraderie sparks during the long overnight hours in a quiet kitchen.
School Girls in 2017, followed by a return engagement in 2018.
âWeâre so thrilled to be bringing this play back for what can now be considered the third and virtual time! Weâve been immensely lucky to have such powerhouse casts and this one is no different,â said Bernie Telsey, co-artistic director, in a recent statement. âThis remount will have us bringing together yet another cast of phenomenal womenâthis time straight to your home. We couldnât be more excited about the limitless nature the digital realm is allowing us to have for this production.â
A talkback with the cast will follow the performance for select ticket holders.
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Les Miserables: School Edition - In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean s adopted daughter. Done in concert style. click here