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Sidney Poitier’s Life Story Coming to Broadway
By Movieguide® Staff
Sir Sidney Poitier is one of the greatest actors of all time, breaking down racial barriers and delivering incredible performances in movies like IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT and GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER. Now, his legendary life story will be brought to Broadway.
In a new play written by Charles Randolph-Wright and directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Poitier’s life as an actor, director, and activist will be brought to the stage.
The play, called “Sidney,” will trace Poitier’s life from his youth in the Bahamas, to his rise to fame in Hollywood. It’s being made with the full cooperation of Poitier’s family, who helped choose Randolph-Wright and Santiago-Hudson as the writer and director. Poitier also has a hand in its creation; the play is based on his bestselling memoir, THE MEASURE OF A MAN.
In a statement about the production, Randoph-Wright said, “The first time I met Sidney Poitier was decades ago when he saw a show I co-wrote and directed in Los Angeles. We went to dinner and I literally could not speak. He said to me, ‘If in any way I have inspired you, you have more than paid me back with what I saw this evening.’ I have held onto those words my entire career. And now to place his astonishing life on stage is the ultimate challenge and the ultimate joy. To have the trust of Mr. Poitier and his family is one of the greatest gifts I have been given – what an honor to get to dramatize the true measure of this monumental man. I look forward to the world discovering the astounding person that is behind one of our most prodigious heroes, a man who continues to inspire.”
Santiago-Hudson added, “Sir Sidney Poitier is clearly one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema. His integrity and standard of excellence set the bar for generations to come. It is an honor to be a part of celebrating the incomparable Sidney Poitier’s monumental career in this play but also the man and his extraordinary life.”
In addition to his incredible acting ability, Poitier was a vocal Christian who stuck by his convictions, even if it cost him roles.
As Movieguide® previously reported:
After Poitier reached rock bottom, he received a call from a “big-time” agent, Marty Baum. Despite this opportunity, Poitier said that he did not like the script.
“I thought long and hard after reading the script. Here was a chance at a role that might pay good money. But something else, more important than money, stuck in my mind. Memories of growing up back on Cat Island,” he said. “It was a wonderful place to live. We were poor, so even as a child, I had my jobs, my purpose, and I knew I had to contribute to the thin margin of our survival. As soon as I was big enough to lift a bucket, I carried water for my mother. I went out into the woods to gather bramble to make our cooking fire.
“But I felt lucky. I knew how we’d all sit together on the porch at the end of each day, together, fanning smoke from the pot of burning green leaves to shoo away the mosquitoes and sand fleas. And every Sunday we would walk to the little Anglican church in Arthur’s Town to attend services,” he added. “Then we would walk home, all the kids with our shoes slung over our shoulders by the laces—not to be worn again for another week. Life was simple back then, and I was free to roam anywhere. I wasn’t a spoiled child, but I was bathed in love and attention.”
Poitier said that the passive character he was asked to play went against his life of hard work leading him to New York.
“That’s how I’d always looked at it. My work is who I am, and that work would never bring dishonor to my father’s name,” Poitier said. “So I knew I couldn’t take the role. The character simply failed to measure up. He didn’t fight for what mattered to him most. He allowed himself to be dishonored.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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