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.
Book&Lyrics: breon arzell; Music: Dahlak Brathwaite, Co-creator: Monty Cole
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*Actively seeking development opportunities and funding to complete the music // Pitch packet available upon request.
'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.
'CourtBoyz' (musical)
The education system is under attack, and history as we know it is being erased. In an attempt to re-rewrite history, 'CourtBoyz, A fabulous fiction based on actual factual lovers in HIStory' gives a voice to queer relationships of the past, and the monarchs that dared to love them out loud.
Book&Lyrics: breon arzell, Music: Christian Magby
'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.
'A.P.E.' (musical)
A hip-hop musical adaptation of 'The Hairy Ape', a 1922 expressionist play by American playwright Eugene O'Neill, inspired by 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
Ideaz on Deck
*collaborators welcomed
'for QUEER BLACK BOYZ in search of a rainbow' (one-man show)
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.
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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.
'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' (webseries/sitcom)
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.
'STOP REQUESTED' (musical)
We are told that first impressions are everything...but then we are also told never judge a book by it's cover. Is it one or the other? Is it both? Take a look at this group of people and how their lives intertwine. Bus 83 may not be the only thing they have in common. The moral of the story?...you never know the life that someone is leading. A contemporary musical underscored by a mixture of jazz and hiphop.
*If you are interested in producing, workshopping, or assisting with developing any of these projects, feel free to contact me.*