MEDIA ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         CONTACT: Deirdre Love

757 503-1608 / 757 747-2679

Norfolk (April 19th, 2022) – Broadway In The Hood (BITH), Tony & Emmy Award-nominated arts and educational theatre company brings the critically acclaimed touring production of the Broadway play, American Son to Norfolk. American Son, the riveting Broadway play adapted into a Netflix television special, is an explosive drama that takes place in real-time in the waiting room of a police station over the course of one evening, where an estranged couple collides as they confront an unexpected crisis involving their son, the police, and an abandoned car. This powerful play examines the complexities facing our law enforcement officers, their families, and the harsh reality facing the youth of our country today. “American Son is not just a play – it’s A MOVEMENT!  

Teens With a Purpose – The Youth Movement is honored to be the first stop on the tour for a production that brings imperative conversation, creatively, to the stage and to people lining up perfectly with their mission to create a platform to empower young people to use their voice, creativity, reflection, and action to transform lives and impact communities through the arts.

Bringing this production to our region is Hampton Roads’ own American Son, Torrey Russel.  Raised in Norfolk’s Youngs Terrace Community this acclaimed actor, producer, humanitarian, and founder of Broadway In The Hood (BITH) is coming home and giving back. 

The production will premier at ground zero, at Teens With a Purpose’s headquarters central to Youngs Terrace, Calvert Garden, Tidewater Gardens, and Huntersville, public housing community known as St. Paul’s Quadrant.

“That Torrey has decided to begin the tour here speaks volumes about his goal to make arts & opportunities accessible, ensure important stories are told, critical conversations happen, and show young people from under-resourced communities like the one he grew up in, that their ‘possible future selves’  can be successful and have fulfilling careers just as he has done.” Says Deirdre Love, Founder & Executive Director for Teens With a Purpose.

  • Who: Broadway In The Hood
  • What: The Broadway Play “American Son”
  • When: Wednesday, April 27th, 7pm Curtain
  • Where:  VCM Teen Center, 700 E. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23504
  • Press Coverage:  Confirm Attendance – Present Press Credential upon arrival
  • Launch event details:  Limited seating,  will be attended by Government & Community Leaders and youth and families from the surrounding community – by invitation only.

Reserve Tickets to the Public Event on April 30th, 12pm

About Broadway in the H.O.O.D

Broadway In The HOOD offers educational and cultural opportunities to a multitude of America’s future leaders and has gained the attention and support of city, state, and government officials, notable celebrities, the NAACP, and the American Theatre Wing. Broadway in the H.O.O.D is committed to Helping Others Open Doors! Since its inception in 2010, Broadway In The H.O.O.D has produced major original productions dealing with social issues as well as some of the biggest Tony Award®-winning, Broadway blockbuster hits such as “The Wiz,” “Dreamgirls,”  “ANNIE,” and “The Color Purple”  Broadway In The HOOD For more information about Broadway in the H.O.O.D, please visit www.broadwayinthehood.org/

About Teens With a Purpose

Hampton Roads non-profit Creative Youth Development organization located in Norfolk Virginia celebrating over 26 years of experience in providing peer leadership training and development that creates a platform to empower young people to use their voice, creativity, reflection, and action to transform lives and impact communities through the arts and peer-led programs and events.  Committed to supporting young people’s stories, ideas, & dreams through creative expression & honoring their lived experiences.  Teens Creatively Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders visit https://www.twp-themovement.org/

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Media Contact: 

Deirdre Love / Michelle Sims

757 503-1608 / 757 747-2679

twpdirect@gmailm.com

twpMichelle@gmail.com