THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Artistic Director, Crystal Field
Presents
A Rome Neal Banana Puddin’ Jazz Production
“JAZZY THESPIANS NIGHT”
Dedicated to AUDELCO
Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Tickets: $20 General Admission
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
Directions
Theatre Folk Get Their Jazz on as we celebrate AUDELCO with a Jazz Concert & Jam at Theater for the New City
AUDELCO-nominated actors Hollie Harper, Ria Alexander and C. Kelly Wright join the bill. Monday, October 26. – 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
NEW YORK, NY – Theater for the New City, led by Executive Director Crystal Field, presents Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz, an evening of live jazz and celebration on Monday, October 26, 2026, honoring AUDELCO (the Audience Development Committee, Inc.), which has championed Black excellence in theatre for more than five decades. The concert and jam session takes place just weeks before AUDELCO’s [annual awards ceremony] on November 16 at the Alhambra Ballroom.
Guest vocalist Vondie Curtis Hall, the actor and director known for *Chicago Hope*, *Daredevil*, and *Gridlock’d* and an original cast member of Broadway’s *Dreamgirls*, will sing a couple of jazz standards.
Joining the evening are three artists with 2026 AUDELCO nominations:
Hollie Harper, actress and comedian, nominated for Featured Actress in Melanie Maria Goodreaux’s *Popes of Farragut Street* (TNC)
Ria Alexander, actress and costume designer, nominated for Costume Design for Felix Omozusi’s “Watch The Throne” (BST)
C. Kelly Wright, actress and vocalist, nominated for Supporting Actress in Anthony Mapp’s “Skin Folks” (NEC), will perform vocal selections. Along with past AUDELCO “VIV” Awardee Mr. Taptastic (Brian Davis), who will tap and sing!
Other JAZZY THESPIANS include: Aziza Miller ( Hell’s Kitchen), Lee Summers (Dreamgirls), Perri Gaffney, Daralyn Jay, and Rob Fulton
Musicians: Marcus Persiani (piano), Melissa Slocum (bass), Dwayne Cook Broadnax (drums), Patience Higgins (sax)
My Banana Puddin’ JAZZY THESPIANS NIGHT has always been my way of showing love to AUDELCO which has celebrated my work over the years.” said Rome Neal, multi-AUDELCO Award-winning actor, director and lighting designer, and creator of the long-running series Banana Puddin’ Jazz.
EVENT DETAILS
When: Monday, October 26, 2026. Doors 7 PM; music 7:30–10:30 PM
Where: Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue (at 10th Street), New York, NY
Tickets: $20
Box office: 212-254-1109 | theaterforthenewcity.net
Early reservations: Rome Neal, 718-288-8048
About AUDELCO (Audience Development Committee, Inc.)
AUDELCO acknowledges and honors Black theatre and its artists in New York City. It was established and incorporated in 1973 by Vivian Robinson (1926–1996) to stimulate interest in and support of the performing arts in Black communities.
About Theater for the New City
Founded in 1971, Theater for the New City (TNC) is an award-winning community cultural center dedicated to producing innovative theatre and fostering diverse artistic voices. Under Crystal Field’s direction, TNC remains a vital East Village institution where art and activism meet.
About Rome Neal
Rome Neal is a multi-AUDELCO Award-winning actor, director and lighting designer. He is known for his Banana Puddin’ Jazz series, which brings together jazz artists, poets and actors, and he directed the jazz plays Laurence Holder’s MONK, about Thelonious Monk, and Samuel Harp’s Don’t Explain, about Lee Morgan.
Media Contact: Rome Neal, romeneal25@gmail.com, 718-288-8048