DANCING ON THE AIR:Teenarama Story

Teenarama Dance Party Host Bob King interviews Dee Dee Sharp ("Mash Potato Time") (circa 1964)

James Brown on the Teenarama Dance Party television show (circa 1964)

Teens dancing on the original Teenarama Dance Party television show (circa 1963)

Documentary producer, Beverly Lindsay-Johnson ("Dance Party: The Teenarama Story") and playwright, Jiiko Ozimba Caldwell ("North Capitol: The Musical") in fiscal sponsorship with Teenarama Incorporated (a 501 c3 non profit organization)is developing a theatrical produced inspired by the African American teen television show "The Teenarama Dance Party". 

Teenarama was produced and aired on WOOK-TV in Washington, DC from 1[phone redacted].  Teenarama has been labeled the "precursor to Soul Train" as it featured some of the best teen dancers and performances by the top R&B artists of the day such as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Chuck Jackson, Martha & The Vandellas, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Kim Weston and more.  

"DANCING ON THE AIR" is inspired by the Emmy Award winning documentary "Dance Party: The Teenarama Story" produced by Beverly Lindsay-Johnson and the late Herb Grimes. The documentary  aired on 100 PBS stations.  The story of the Teenarama Dance Party is not only historic but deserving of a theatrical production in continuing the legacy of African Americans creating a dance television show for African Americans who were not allowed to dance on white teen television shows because of racial segregation in this era.  

The production team of Beverly Lindsay-Johnson, Jiiko Caldwell, and fiscal sponsorship of Teenarama Incorporated (made up of people who once danced on the original  Teenarama Dance Party television show), are in need of financial support to stage this special theatrical production in the fall of 2019 in Washington, DC. The production will be staged at THEARC Theater in Southeast Washington, DC. 

We need to raise $60,000  at this time for script development, booking the theater, hiring a Dramaturg (a consultant who makes certain the story is told correctly along with the set pieces, clothing and languge of the era), set design, cast, administrative costs, music licensing (for published music included in the play such as James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Major Lance, etc.) and more.

"DANCING ON THE AIR" will mean so much the  community and to those who have fond memories of the show.  It is a story that deserves national recognition.

You can donate as little as $20 or as much as your heart will allow you to donate.  Your donation is tax deductible.  

GIVING LEVELS

$99.00 or less - "THE MILES LONG SANDWICH CREW" - Your name will be listed as a supporter in the Playbill and on the official website.

$100.00 - $499.00 - "WOOK COOKERS/WOOKIE COOKIES" - Same as THE MILES LONG SANDWICH CREW" plus an invitation to one (1) stage reading of the script. 

$500.00 - $999.00 - "RATE THE RECORD CREW" - Same as WOOK COOKERS/WOOKIE COOKIES plus one (1) pair of complimentary tickets to the premier. 

$1,000 - $4,999.00 - Same as the RATE THE RECORD CREW PLUS A SPECIAL INVITATION FOR 2 TO THE "By Invitation Only" Premier After Party.

We appreciate in advance for your donation and your support.  You can visit the Facebook page at "The Teenarama Dance Party" or www.dancepartytheteenaramastory.com   

Photo: Yvonne Mills on the set of the Teenarama Dance Party (circa 1964) Photo credit: Jay Bruder

Teens dancing on The Teenarama Dance Party on Jackie Wilson Day (Circa 1964) 

Focus Group led by Playwright Jiiko Caldwell with previous Teenarama Dance Party dancers. Caldwell is hearing first hand stories for script development.