Vanessa Simmons to star in The Actor’s Rap!, a new play by J Kyle Manzay; play examines the phenomenon of rappers turned actors actor’s rap
New York, NY - Actress, entrepreneur and daughter of Reverend Run, Vanessa Simmons is to star in The Actor’s Rap!, a new play written, produced, and directed by Obie- Award winner J Kyle Manzay. Michael Shawn of Hot 97 fame also stars in the play. The hip-hop infused comedy, where pop culture meets satire, examines the downward spiral of an African-American actor who begins to lose roles - and a girlfriend - to a famous rapper-turned-actor. Fed up, the play’s protagonist takes matters into his own hands hatching a plan to kidnap his rival (the rapper) by calling upon his classically trained actor buddies to help him pull off the caper. What ensues next is a hilarious sequence of events sure to leave audiences in stitches.
The phenomenon of rappers turned actors has been prevalent since Run DMC starred in Fat Boys, or when Krush Groove was cast. “This has been happening for a while now. At first no one said anything because (the rappers) were playing themselves or roles that were very close to themselves,” explains the play’s star J Kyle Manzay, most recently known for his appearance in the film, American Gangster. “But now rappers are getting meaty rolls and that’s why it’s becoming a bigger issue.”
“I think that it’s good that people are giving rappers the opportunity to be film stars, but at the same time I feel that because of a name, real hard working actors miss out on great parts where they know they can deliver,” says Vanessa Simmons, who had a reoccurring role on the legendary soap opera The Guiding Light.
As the eldest daughter of hip-hop pioneer, Reverend Run, Vanessa will star alongside the play’s writer, director and producer J Kyle as Lil’ Tease.
Workshop productions of The Actor’s Rap! at the Washington D.C. Hip-Hop Theater Festival, the New York City Hip-Hop Theater Festival, and New York Summer Stage in the Parks received such a tremendous response that the comedy will also be staged in Los Angeles this spring and there is talk of bringing it abroad.
J Kyle Manzay had this to say about his upcoming directorial debut, “I’m really excited to be a part of the evolution of the theatrical experience. I gurantee that everyone will enjoy it on some level. Either they’ll love the actor’s frustration or the rappers domination. Whatever the case, they’ll love it because it’s relevant and revolutionary.”
“It’s one of the greatest ways of telling the story of rappers turned actors.”
– Common (Rapper/Actor)
“The Actor’s Rap!,” was genius on many levels.”
– Malik Yoba (Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?)
“The funniest play I’ve seen in years. I couldn’t stop laughing.”
– Wendell Pierce (HBO’s The Wire)
View the trailer: www.theactorsrap.com/trailer.html
The Actor’s Rap! Play opens Friday, February 8th for a limited engagement
ENGELMAN RECITAL HALL, BARUCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
All shows Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m.
Saturdays at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.
