In the Works
*sample*
'In Dahomey' (musical)
An original, vaudevillian, resurrection of the first "negro musical comedy" to appear on Broadway.
In 1903 Boston, 2 downtrodden dreamers get roped into the plot of an African-American Colonization Society planning a journey "back to Africa" with grand ideas of liberation, enterprise, and even royalty. [cast: 13]
Book&Lyrics: breon arzell; Music: Dahlak Brathwaite, Co-creator: Monty Cole
*Click for further info. Actively seeking development/workshop opportunities.
'O, The HELL nO' (play)
We all knew Othello was the last of his family, little did we know that they weren't actually dead, just "dead to him". Drama and judgement unfold as Othello brings "that woman" home to meet his family and announce his surprise engagement. However, he wasn't the only one with a surprise. [cast: 8]
'HIS{tory}' (musical)
The education system is under attack, and history as we know it is being erased. In an attempt to re-rewrite history, 'HIS' is a queer-telling of actual factual royal relationships that gives a voice to forgotten lovers of the past, and the monarchs that dared to love them out loud. [cast: 8]
Book&Lyrics: breon arzell, Music: Christian Magby
'NO HOMO: for queer black boiz in search of a rainbow' (play)
Exploring the intersectionality of it all, how do we cope and find our joy in a world that constantly reminds us of who they want us to be instead of allowing us to be just who we are. Poetry, Monologue, Song, Movement, whatever the hell it takes to get it out and talk about it. [cast: 4 - 6]
'A Wife of Nzinga' (one-man show)
The Woman King, with a masterful mind and the will of a people, puts an end to the African slave trade in her kingdom. But there's much more to the story of this non-binary military savant with a skill for negotiation, told by one of their 50 male "wives".
'Dad + Dad = Love' (sitcom)
There’s never a dull moment in the Love household. Dads Jackson and Tony attempt to balance marriage, career, dwindling social lives, and raising their 3 dynamic, and very different, children; a raging introvert, a sassy adoptee navigating her identity, and a fabulous wizkid.
Ideaz on Deck
*collaborators welcomed
'Love, Me. Alwayz' (play)
Not every relationship is meant to last, but sometimes the things left behind can stick with you forever. After finding some love letters from his ex, Jay is reminded of his love lost with Quinton. They take one final walk to get the closure they desperately need, to move on.
'A.P.E.' (musical)
A hip-hop musical adaptation of 'The Hairy Ape', a 1922 American expressionist play by Eugene O'Neill, inspired by Director Monty Cole's award-winning 2016 production.
Yank, a city laborer, has worked hard all his life in the pursuit of happiness as a black man in America. After a belittling encounter, he searches for a sense of belonging in a world controlled by the privileged.
Book&Lyrics: breon arzell & Michael Turrentine
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'OH BROTHER, MY BRUTHA' (one-man show)
Comprised of monologues from myself and various published works. The show is a display and deconstruction of the many stereotypes and archetypes of black men in America. All stereotypes are based in a bit of truth. The key is to recognize and address it's origin, and not allow it to become an exaggeration.
'Noire' (musical)
New Year's Eve, New Orleans. Detective Noire has a new mystery to solve, the murder of a prominent figure in the french quarter. But this one is a little too close to home, and he doesn't know who to trust. Love, sex, jazz, and fireworks; Noire's 1943 starts off with a bang.
'MOVEd' (film)
A journey through music and words, using original dance and poetry. Set against a city landscape, this film explores movement in uncommon places and spaces. Watch as storytelling and physical expression intertwine.
'#thirtyfine' (film)
BJ, a gay black man living in the city, is having one of the most identifying years of his life. But everything's "fine". Beginning with an epic 35th birthday, we follow BJ, and his fabulous group of friends, as they navigate life, love (or lack there-of) and career.
*If you are interested in producing, workshopping, or assisting with developing any of these projects, feel free to contact me.*