Students Spread The Message of Racial Unity and Anti-violence in “Phi’LA The Musical!”

PR Log (Press Release) – Sep 30, 2009 – Contact: Kelcey Newman                  
Tel. 805.822.9392
Email:  kelcey@attaindmc.com

“The Only Play for the Kids of LA,” High School Performing Art Students
Spread The Message of Racial Unity and Anti-violence in “Phi’LA The Musical!”

“This presentation is a testament of the power of the arts...the true genius of this show is the ability to transcend cultural divides...it profoundly impacts everyone in the audience and is a masterful violence-intervention piece that will benefit any community both state and countrywide.”
—Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

LOS ANGELES, CA. –With racial tensions and violence between African-Americans and Latinos greatly increasing among LA’s youth, The Speakes 4 Them Foundation in collaboration with Jesse Jackson/Rainbow PUSH-LA and local high school performing arts students have a powerful message of racial unity and anti-violence to share.

“Phi’LA (fee-la) The Musical!,” a stage play written and directed by Dorsey High School Drama Teacher, Jamal Speakes, Sr. M. Ed., addresses overwrought racial contention and its effect on friendships and family among a diverse group of teens in LA. Part “High School Musical”, part “Romeo & Juliet”, add the freshness of FOX TV new series “GLEE” and a big dose of Hip-Hop and Spanish melodies, “Phi’LA” takes the audience on a journey that will push the envelope, spark debate and ultimately evoke consciousness to create change in our communities.

“Gang violence and racial hate are epidemics that our children have learned to accept,” said Reverend Jackson, National Director of Rainbow PUSH.  “It has become a part of their everyday life.  With “Phi’LA,” we are intervening in an unconventional way and empowering youth through performing arts to be agents of change.”

“Phi’LA,” supporters include; Jesse Jackson, Rainbow PUSH, AEG, Mayor Villaraigosa, Marguerite P. LaMotte (LAUSD District 3 Board Member), Lisa Nichols (Author), Sheryl Lee-Ralph (Actress), A Place Called Home, West Adams Neighborhood Council, Congresswoman Diane Watson, Councilman Herb Wesson, Gang Alternative Program/Gang Free, The Reverence Project, UNITY ONE, Art Share LA, the DAX Foundation, ATTAIN Design & Marketing Communication, and URBIZ Magazine.

“Phi’LA” will open at Club Nokia at LA Live on October 12, with a free matinee performance for area high school students, who will be delivered to the theater on buses sponsored by corporate sponsors. The evening performance will feature a premiere red carpet event. Tickets for the evening show can be purchased online at www.clubnokia.com and at the Club Nokia box office ($10 students with ID, $25 general admission, and $35 for the VIP seating with reception). Proceeds will benefit the Speakes 4 Them Foundation and the “Phi’LA The Musical National Tour,” being planned for the Summer 2010.

Additional performances are scheduled at the newly renovated ICM Foundation Performing Arts Center at Dorsey High School, October 13-18, 2009. For show times, tickets, or sponsorship opportunities please contact kelcey@attaindmc.com and visit www.philathemusical.com.

A Community Youth Forum will be held following the production to discuss “Black and Brown issues that effect our youth” on Saturday October 24, 2009 at 1pm. Scheduled panelist include Phi’LA cast members, celebrities, politicians and grassroot organizations. For more information email maleenalaw@gmail.com.