ELLA JOYCE'S A ROSE AMONG THORNS, A TRIBUTE TO ROSA PARKS
-- This sought after and beloved one-woman play has delivered over 70 performances around the country to various churches, schools, theatres, organizations, and special events. --
- RETURNS BY POPULAR REQUEST TO THE NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE FESTIVAL IN WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA IN AUGUST 2009
Ella Joyce
Ella Joyce as Rosa Parks in A Rose Among Thorns
Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) - TV and film actress Ella Joyce, best known for her co-starring role of Eleanor on FOX TV's Roc, continues to present her solo performances of Rosa Parks throughout the year. The play captures the famous moment in the life of Rosa Parks, affectionately called "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement", in her highly praised, one-woman tribute A Rose Among Thorns. After delivering over 70 performances around the country since the last bi-annual festival in 2007, this show was requested to return to the National Black Theatre Festival in August 2009.
This show's footprints and journeys have included Mrs. Parks' own native hometown of Montgomery, Alabama, presented by the Rosa Parks Museum. It's included several A.M.E., Metropolitan, and Baptist Churches in various cities and rural areas, Black Fraternities and social clubs, private companies and corporations from Neutrogena to Raytheon Aerospace Corporation. Middle schools, high schools, and colleges have all been steadily booked through elite word-of-mouth recommendations and representatives flying in to see the show whenever possible. It has played many private theatres and special artistic events including the 23rd Annual International Art Expo in Philadelphia.
One Black History Month celebration presented at the Government County Building in Fairfax, Virginia, was sponsored jointly by Cox Communications and TV One resulting in an exuberant standing ovation in its Board Room which was completely transformed into a one-day theatre. The show recently played the Wortham Center for Mother's Day to an audience of 1,100 people presented by the Houston Ensemble Theatre and culminated in a glowing review from the Houston Arts hailing Ms. Joyce's portrayal as "refreshingly intimate", and to say "...the writing deeply echoed the love for Rosa Parks and her contribution to American history". The Winston-Salem Journal called her performance "spellbinding". Jack Zink of South Florida Sun-Sentinel called it a "well-crafted play...classy...warm, engaging...". A past and present calendar of performances, press reviews, and booking information is available atwww.aRoseAmongThorns.com
A Rose Among Thorns, written and performed by Ella Joyce, directed by Dan Martin (The Bold & the Beautiful, Gridiron Gang), remains available for booking throughout the year. Ms. Joyce's other current acting projects include the anticipated Warner Bros. film Preacher's Kid to be released this Fall, and two hilarious independents Hollywont and Busted which she recently completed filming following a live performance of "The Pocketbook Monologues" in Atlanta for Bravo Channel featuring the Housewives of Atlanta.
A Rose Among Thorns, a Tribute to Rosa Parks takes audiences on a mesmerizing journey not only exploring the "famous incident", but also exploring the deeds of many other unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of Rosa Parks. This loving collection of historical information is quickly becoming an audience favorite. Three performances will be presented at this year's star-studded National Black Theatre Festival (Aug 4th & 5th) providing an attractive window of opportunity for those seeking to sponsor the show.
For more information, visit www.ellajoyce.com
