UPTOWNflavor

Last night, the stars were shining brightly from the highest point on Sugar Hill. The Harlem Stage premiered their 2006-2007 season with a performance by Roger Guenveur Smith titled “Who Killed Bob Marley?” The hour long piece is probably the most personal work to date produced by Smith. “I have been rewarded with an intensely personal experience which has demonstrated the power of water in unexpected ways.”

The one man show is a multimedia piece that combines music (Marc Anthony Thompson), video (Arthur Jafa) and spoken word. Smith is able to engage the audience in his very personal journey that meanders through memories of his father, Bob Marley, a woman who plays the role of Janet and the power of water. The energy of the piece is subdued, yet Smith keeps the audience transfixed with his intensity.

“Who Killed Bob Marley” is not a conspiratory theory about the death of the legendary reggae singer. It actually takes its title from a film by the same name that is currently in production. Smith, an actor in the film, became inspired to create this piece while in Jamaica filming the movie.

Executive director of the Harlem Stage, Patricia Cruz, opened the program with an overview of the history, mission and upcoming programs. She then introduced legendary actress Ruby Dee who shared her excitement about being part of the inauguration of the new space. She also spoke about her connection and relationship with Smith. The audience settled in to enjoy the show then walked across Convent Avenue to Aaron Davis Hall for a cocktail reception.

Other celebrities in attendance included Angela Bassett and her husband Courtney B. Vance, who took a break from their adorable twins for the evenings fesitivies. Cinamatographer Jafa (Daughter’s of the Dust, Crooklyn) was also in attendance along with a host of local talent.

“Who Killed Bob Marley” will be playing through October November 28th at the Harlem Stage. Show time is 7:30 p.m. For more information visit their website www.harlemstage.org

Harlem Stage

150 Convent Avenue @ 135th Street

212-650-6900

T. Conrad contributed to this article.

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