Honoring Marvin Gaye: John Legend joins Kennedy Center program

Marvin Gaye's game-changing 1971 album "What's Going On" is the inspiration for a new curriculum aimed at "encouraging young artists to engage in social issues," reports the Associated Press.

Tuesday it was announced that John Legend is joining the Kennedy Center to start a program in honor of Gaye, one of the most important singers (and songwriters) of his generation.

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New 'Marvin Gaye' musical and more hit local stages

Here's my stage roundup that ran Thursday on cover of the Herald's Weekend section:

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s “Marvin Gaye: The Man and His Music” aims to spotlight the artist’s life as well as his brilliant recordings. A musical written and directed by WBTT Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, the production stars Sheldon Roden (pictured) as the title character who overcomes substance addiction and depression to compose and perform some of the greatest recordings of all time. Roden’s stirring renditions of Gaye’s material during WBTT’s “Motown ’60s Revue” last summer prompted Jacobs to create the new show.

Continue reading roundup that also includes blurbs on David Mamet's "Race" at FST, "Boeing Boeing" at Asolo Rep, "Moonlight and Magnolias" at Anna Maria Island Players and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" at American Stage.