Recording Artist & Multi-award winning Broadway Star Chester Gregory receives rave reviews in his portrayal of James "Thunder" Early in the revival of Dreamgirls, at the world famous Apollo Theatre. The Hollywood Reporter says, "The true standout, however, is Chester Gregory, who delivers a dynamic performance as the James Brown-like James "Thunder" Early." Backstage.com adds "Chester Gregory nearly steals the show as Jimmy "Thunder" Early, Gregory takes command of the spotlight, and that's correct for those moments." "Effie and her male counterpart in the show, the James Brown-like singer James “Thunder” Early (played with sly, irresistible charm by Chester Gregory, says Bloomberg.com.
On Monday, December 7, 2009, Chester Gregory takes over Harlem's newest hot spot, Gospel Uptown with a special performance that will give attendees a sneak-peak at his upcoming sophomore album and nationwide tour. The unforgettable evening will include surprise appearances and performances by some of Chester's friends including the amazing Melba Moore, Chester's "Dreamgirls" co-stars, Syesha Mercado and Chaz Lamar Shepard and the soulful sounds of Jason Liberatore.
The event will take place on Monday, December 7, 2009, at 8:00pm at Harlem's Gospel Uptown 2110 Seventh Avenue at 125th Street, New York, NY, - Advance tickets are available for $10.00 on www.Ticketleap.com, keysearch Chester Gregory. Ticket pricing at the door is $15.00 General Admission and $10.00 (Students of any kind, Seniors, Vets and Equity Members). Limited VIP Meet & Greet Tickets are available for $75.00 in advance.
This evening will also celebrate Chester Gregory's partnership with The Doe Fund Charity Foundation as an on-going celebrity supporter in hopes of continuing to raise awareness for their "Ready, Willing and Able" campaign where proceeds from the evening will support the formerly homeless and formerly incarcerated "Men in blue” of New York’s beloved Ready, Willing & Able program.. " I am truly honored to be able to represent and be part of such an amazing cause that empowers self-sufficiency for those in need in our community," shares Chester.
Chester Gregory is anything but what you would expect a Broadway performer to be. When he’s not starring in some of the biggest musicals on the Broadway stage, “Chess” is a songwriter and critically acclaimed recording artist. Regularly playing to sold out audiences, at the world's most prestigious venues around the world, his energetic live shows display his five-octave vocal range and an R&B style that is truly all his own.
Chester is currently wowing audiences abroad at the world famous Apollo Theatre, in Harlem as “James ‘Thunder’ Early” in the 2009 Revival of “Dreamgirls”. After taking time to write and record his latest album, he’s excited to be back on the stage, but Chester no stranger to the New York Theatre community. He made his Broadway debut as 'Seaweed' in the eight time Tony Award winning Broadway musical, "Hairspray" followed by starring roles in the Broadway productions of ‘Disney’s “Tarzan” as 'Terk' and “Cry Baby” as 'Dupree'.
Prior to this character, Chester played the title role in the three year sold out run of "The Jackie Wilson Story." Chester's portrayal of the musical legend garnered him numerous accolades, including a standing ovation from the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. "To call a performer unique is generally to be clichéd and hyperbolic, not to mention wrong, but Mr. Gregory puts on a show of such physical and vocal dexterity that it's almost impossible to imagine that anyone else could do it" wrote Bruce Webber in the New York Times. Chester's stage performances, as well as his song writing, stage presence, and recordings have received rave reviews from industry heavyweights ranging from Phil Collins to the late Isaac Hayes.
In addition to his stage work, Chess is carving his own niche in the R&B/Soul male vocalist category. Influenced by Prince, Donny Hathaway and Jackie Wilson, Chess has worked with Grammy Award winning producers Dave Tozer (John Legend & Kanye West) and PJ Morton (India.Arie). He writes and performs meaningful, heartfelt songs with a positive message and an uncompromising, unsurpassed performance level.
Chester's debut album, entitled, “In Search of High Love,” earned critical praise by Billboard Magazine as an album of integrity and soul, with innovative contributors Afta-1, Nevi-Nev and J Most. His latest musical endeavor, "Breakbeat Karaoke - The Mixtape" is a prelude to his highly anticipated sophomore album to be relased in the fall of 2009. "Breakbeat Karaoke" is a collection of throwback "breakbeats" from classic hip hop tunes with remixes from songs from "In Search of High Love", in addition to new compositions specifically created for this mixtape. It features guest appearances and cameos from Farrah Burns, Phase One and ‘Dot Da Genius’ who produced “Day N Night” by Kid Cudi among others. "I wanted to pay tribute to some of best in hip hop like J. Dilla, De La Soul, Common, Jay-Z and DJ Premier to name a few…” says Chester. Created for his fans, the project is available as a free download at www.ChesterGregory.com
ABOUT The Doe Fund:
The Doe Fund's mission is to develop and implement cost-effective, holistic programs that meet the needs of a diverse population working to break the cycles of homelessness, addiction, and criminal recidivism. All of The Doe Fund's programs and innovative business ventures ultimately strive to help homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals achieve permanent self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit www.doe.org or call 212.690.6480.
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