History Comes Alive with African-American Heroes

"...an uplifting and educational look
at well known and
lesser known African Americans, whose stories deserve to be told."

"This presentation
was informative and very entertaining. Larry Robinson’s performance was touching, intelligent and moving.... Heroes puts forth information that would not normally be seen by people in the mainstream, and it’s a worthwhile experience for any American."

"The students
are eager to see these heroes brought to life.
The reality makes quite an impact on them and when “Bill Carver” goes out in the audience they are eager to participate. This play is so unique and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

"Elizabeth Perry's
masterful Heroes is a warm welcome to black history. Heroes of a past era are honored with a powerful performance by award winning actor Larry Robinson. His portrayals are inspiring, intelligent and ignite like fireworks."

Video (7 Min. WMV 7.2MB)

Play Selected Video Segments of Show

Larry Robinson
Voiceover demo
sound clip (MP3)

African American Hero Fredrick Douglass, abolitionist, author and statesman

With the magic of live theater, a generation of history is portrayed in a few minutes:
Frederick Douglass wakes with a nightmare about the swamps and cobwebs of his escape from slavery many years before; he quiets himself with a cap of tea and reflects on life with his beloved wife Anna; he learns of the death of John Brown, and knowing he will be blamed, he takes leave of his still-sleeping wife to flee to Canada.

Learn more about "Heroes" An in-depth overview: History Comes Alive
Sponsors	Photos & Galleries	Reviews & Press Clippings

High School and College Study Guide: Learning Activities for before and after the performance.	Downloads: FCAT Study Guides Sunshine State Standards Elementary School FCAT (PDF 3.1MB) Middle School FCAT (PDF 3.1MB) High School FCAT (PDF 1.4MB)

*What they're saying about "Heroes"*
College Deans & School Principals	Students at Colleges and Schools	Community Groups

Deans and Principals are agree...
"Heroes" is a big hit at colleges and schools.

(also from) Middlesex Community College (Bedford & Lowell MA) March 22, 2005

The Portrait Gallery performances were the best-attended events of our entire month of programming for 2005. The Lowell performance received so many RSVP’s from faculty who wanted their classes to attend that we had to change the venue to one with twice the capacity. During the “Speak-Outs” immediately following the performance, students, staff, and faculty all mentioned how moved and touched they had been by Mr. Robinson’s multidimensional portrayal of several African Americans. It was amply evident that significant learning and greater awareness and understanding had taken place during the two one-hour events on each campus.

Daniel Cantor Yalowitz, Ed.D. Dean of Humanities

Miami Norland Senior High January 5, 2005

On behalf of Mr. Willie B. Turner, our principal, and the students at Miami Norland Senior High, I would like to thank you for bringing the uplifting and inspiring presentation of African American Heroes: Discovering Timeless Heroes to our school. The one-man show starring Mr. Larry Robinson was a phenomenal experience for our students. This show is a historical must see for students of all ages!

Lori F. Bailey, Activities Director

Dania Elementary School February 23, 2005

The show was well done and the actor, Larry Robinson, was outstanding! Our classes thoroughly enjoyed learning about the lives of the great African Americans who were highlighted in the performance. This experience enabled students and teachers to sense the harsh reality of our country’s history and discuss the impact and importance of figures like Paul Robeson, Garret Morgan, Frederick Douglass, and Langston Hughes.

Justin Higgs, Fifth Grade Team Leader

After a performance of the 'African-American Heroes' show
sponsored by Majic Children's Fund at Village Elementary School in Ft. Lauderdale,
Larry Robinson (r), star of 'Heroes,' and Ozzie (l), from the production team at Majic Radio 102.7,
relax with and happy, admiring 'guests.'

Hollywood (FL) Central Elementary February 22, 2005

Mr. Robinson was fantastic starring in the one-man show. The children were captivated, and he kept them all interested in learning more about the African American Heroes of long ago. His performance highlighted many African Americans who are generally not represented and are lesser known in the world. Dr. Donna Goldstein, Elizabeth Perry, and Larry Robinson deserve high accolades for a JOB WELL DONE! What an exciting way to learn about history!

Frances Merenstein, Principal

Florida International Academy Charter School November 22, 2004

Our student’s paid close attention and even the ones who normally have trouble concentrating, were riveted by the performance and the question and answer period afterward. Today’s students so desperately need role models of great men and woman ‘The Heroes’ show provides this for all of them. I would highly recommend this show for all high school and middle school students.

Sonia C. Mitchell, Executive Director

Pembroke Pines Charter School April 27, 2004

Thank you for an outstanding production. The children really loved it. I was amazed at how captivated they were by Mr. Robinson's characters. It is not an easy task to hold the attention of 300 children (aged 8-10). Many teachers commented to me afterwards about how well they listened and the facts they remembered.

As a fan of multicultural studies, I know how important it is to teach the children about heroes who have helped mankind understand and accept each other. If we fail to educate the younger generation about the failures and tragedies of the past, they are doomed to repeat them. Best wishes in all that you do.
Kim Scarola

Miami-Dade Community College March 30, 2004

Everything about this production was well done. The piece is beautifully conceived and written with the more interesting and significant facts of each hero's life in a dramatic form, just the right dose of humor, and a perfectly woven thread to hold it all together.

The portrait gallery is an educational and effective way to draw the students in from the minute they arrive. I saw many of the students taking notes as they went through the gallery as if they were hungry for the information.

The music that is played for each character and between characters does very well to set the mood and provide transitions. The costumes are elegant in their simplicity and appropriateness. The interaction time and closing comments were handled with great sensitivity and thoughtfulness.

You have an idea and a realization of that idea which is educational, entertaining, and inspirational. I think this program would appeal to all ages and is sorely needed throughout the school system at all levels.

It would also be perfect for any groups in the community. I wish you the great success that you deserve.

Louise Skellings, English Professor

Good Afternoon Mr. Morgan

Newspaperman Garrett Morgan stops into his favorite cafe for an afternoon break
and tells us how he had invented the gas mask and the traffic stop light.

Learn more about "Heroes" An in-depth overview: History Comes Alive
Sponsors	Photos & Galleries	Reviews & Press Clippings
Study Guide for High School and College levels: learning Activities for before and after the performance.		Contact us for Elementary and Middle School FCAT Study Guides.

*What they're saying about "Heroes"*
College Deans & School Principals	Students at Colleges and Schools	Community Groups

What the students are saying...

Miami Dade Community College April 5, 2004

“These men were heroes because they made a difference in our world. They achieved success during times of discrimination, and they gave the African American community hope for a better future. I am so glad that I attended this show. It was very educational and inspiring to me. Larry Robinson’s performance was outstanding. The show deserves five stars!”

“As students we have few opportunities to receive information and education in an attractive way. I have received one of those opportunities with the one-man show named The African American Portrait Gallery.”

“It was interesting to learn about African American inventors. I think teachers should inform kids about these famous and lesser known African-American heroes and their capacity for making a difference.”

St. Thomas University April 20, 2004

“I knew of Martin Luther King, that’s all. The rest was new to me. Thank you for your discipline and your commitment to making black history better known.”

“I was forced to study history as a child, so I’ve avoided it. The show brought me back to it. I need to make a commitment to share this stuff with my son.”

“I’m Cuban and I left all my history behind me. This show made me want to find out more about my own roots.”

Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School April 28, 2004

“That was an amazing show you put on! You are the first person I have ever seen that can make different people’s voices. The black history taught me a lot. It was like traveling back in time. You were also very funny. Words cannot express how happy I was. Thank you!”

“Thank you for giving us such an awesome show. I enjoyed it so much. It must be hard doing a one man show. You were born with talent. Ask for a raise because you are the best actor in the world. Please come again!”

Miami Springs Middle School January 18, 2005

“Your show was very ‘edu-taining’. It made me like black history more.”

“Thanks for coming! You took us out of class but still taught us. We had fun!”

You want me to do WHAT?!

Museum guard Bill Carver, Great, Great...Grandson of African-American hero George Washington Carver,
learns that he must fill-in for the absent Museum Director who has scheduled a special group tour. While introducing the portrait of his personal hero, Paul Robeson begins to speak, and suddenly, there he is, performing Othello!

Learn more about "Heroes" An in-depth overview: History Comes Alive
Sponsors	Photos & Galleries	Reviews & Press Clippings
Study Guide for High School and College levels: learning Activities for before and after the performance.		Contact us for Elementary and Middle School FCAT Study Guides.

*What they're saying about "Heroes"*
College Deans & School Principals	Students at Colleges and Schools	Community Groups

Comments from Community Groups...

Dear Dr. Donna,

It was a pleasure to see the African American Heroes program.... The presentation was marvelous and the program has developed into an entertaining and very educational journey. I especially enjoyed the newly developed characters and their dialog. Through this production students will gain a better understanding of the contributions of African Americans they might not have had access to otherwise....

Samuel Joseph,
Director of Education
Young At Art Children's Museum

Dear Dr. Donna:

I am writing this letter in response to that wonderfully, awesome play put on by your company. It was educational, entertaining and encouraging. As I sat there and watched Mr. Larry Robinson become all those different individuals; I really could imagine and picture in my mind the setting of that time and place.

I also observed the audience who was as much captivated as I. Even the Mother of the Church was engrossed with interest. After the show she spoke excitedly about hearing stories about folks from her era, during her life time. It brought back memories and made her very proud to see the children of this day learn and be excited about our African American Heroes and their heritage.

I was also impressed with the reaction of the children and their questions and comments on how proud the African American Hero play made them feel -- so very proud.

I give the African American Heritage Portrait Gallery two thumbs up with 5 stars, a standing ovation and an over all STELLAR performance with RAVE reviews. ENCORE, ENCORE, ENCORE!!!

PS: Keep on teaching and keep up the good work.

Kimberly Henderson
New Jerusalem M. B. C. of Hollywood

My folks and I loved Larry's performance [at the Langston Hughes Library in Queens NY] in such a timely production. His range in portraying some of the giants in American history truly brought them to life.

We left knowing more than when we entered the theater. Learning and enjoying theater simultaneously certainly was a treat.

Blessings
Karen Caldwood

As part of our commitment to community outreach and giveback, free performances are given regularly.

'Heroes' star Larry Robinson with staff and clients of the Broward Outreach Homeless Assistance Center after a performance sponsored by Bank Atlantic.

Following are excerpts from letters received from homeless residents at the Broward Outreach Center regarding the community performance of The African American Portrait Gallery: Discovering Timeless Heroes in February-2004:

Dear Larry & Liz

The Heroes play encouraged to keep my head up when felt that my life seem to end-looking at you Mr. Larry made me realize that black males are heroes.

Cornell A. Tucker

The "Heroes" play gave me the push I need to go forward to pursue my goal. To become the best welder I can be.

Sincerely,
Nelsin E. Smith

Dear Liz and Larry and Doctor Donna,

The heroes plays gave me a lot of information on the obsticals that people can overcome when they put there hiarts into it. Black or white or whatever, all have the copasity to excell if they try to improve themselves. [sic]

The play was very inspirational. For you to come to our homeless shelter show's great sensitivity.

Thank you, sincerely

Leonard D. Stow

Dear Liz Larry & Dr. Donna;

"The Heroes Play" will offer me chance to recognize the hero in me that I can be...

Thanx
Donald Richardson