Last night at the Union Square Theatre in New York City was the theater opening of 'Through The Night,' in which Obie Award winner Daniel Beaty plays six characters in this one man performance.
Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, Beaty plays a host of characters, ranging from an curious boy, his father, his mentor and others where hope, faith, and love is found when trying to get 'through the night.'
Among the celebrities in attendance were Ruby Dee, Joel Grey, Pauletta Washington, Malik Yoba, Lynn Whitfield, Kwame Jackson, Brandon Victor Dixon, and former New York State Comptroller Carl H. McCall.
Ruby Dee and Malik Yoba, are among a number of celebrities, including Bill Cosby, Hill Harper, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Ben Vereen, who are acting as Artistic Ambassadors for the production.
Black Voices caught up with Beaty at the afterparty as he celebrated the opening of his latest show.
Daniel Beauty: I'm absolutely thrilled. The Union Square Theatre is a beautiful venue and I have so many people here who are very important in my life. It's really a dream come true.
How challenging was it to play so many roles?
DB: I don't look at it as a challenge. This is my passion and you get good when you train and practice. I've been working many years to hone my craft and so I feel very capable and very pleasant with my talent right now. I trained at the Yale University and at the American Conservatory Theater and this is my third solo show in New York City. Just like an athlete, basketball player shooting hoops, I practice with my body, and my emotions. When you master something, you're able to do something that people can't seem to understand.
How would you best describe the show?
DB: The show is a community of people who are all trying to make it through the night. It's an uplifting story. There's humor, music and poetry. Ultimately, it's a message of inspiration.
How was working with Charles (Randolph-Wright)?
DB: Charles is wonderful. Charles is my director of choice. I brought him in to work with me on my solo show 'Emergency' at the Geffen Theater in Los Angeles and this is our second project. In working with him on these projects, I feel safe. I know he won't add something to the show that I'm not comfortable with. He's one of the most brilliant directors working in American theater.
You also have the support from a number of well known individuals.
DB: Bill Cosby, Ruby Dee, Phylicia Rashad, Ben Vereen and many more. They have come out to support the show and it's important for me that not only the legends come see the show, but everyday people because that's the audience I'm writing for. I'm writing for the person who wants encouragement and inspiration so that their life could be better.