Veteran actress of stage and screen Rosetta LeNoire, founder of Off-Broadway's AMAS Musical Theater, says of her "other role": "I produce musicals because music is one avenue where no one seems to have discriminatory attitudes." Of course, anyone familiar wiht Rosie, as she's known by legions of friends and peers, knows that she does more than produce. She imbues her company with her amazing, giving spirit and loving attitude.
She chose her group's name with a lot of thought about what her goals were. Amas means "you love" in Latin. And any craftsperson whose ever worked with Amas knows that love is what you get. "Many years ago," says LeNoire, "I realized that theater techniques are a marvelous implement to bring people of all races, color and creeds together. That's because, in theater, we don't worry about what color is. All we care about is the end product."
This writer has been fortunate to have known "Rosie" for over 30 years and seen her through great triumphs and terrible setbacks and depressions. But, today, at 88 she seems indefatigable as ever, and her company carries on. She has good credentials and lineage. LeNoire was 15 when she got a job as a chorus girl working with her godfather, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Her singing teacher and mentor was Eubie Blake. In 1939, she made her Broadway debut in Mike Todd's The Hot Mikado, the first all African-American production to grace "the
Great White Way." Though there were many triumphs to follow, LeNoire is perhaps best known for her role, through eight hit seasons, as feisty Mother Winslow on ABC's "Family Matters."
LeNoire founded her non-profit Amas in 1968 in the basement of her home. Her decision to organize a multi-racial theatrical company was made after a visit to a Harlem church classroom. When the kids were asked, "Who do we love?" They replied teacher, "We love black." When asked, "Who do we hate?", they answered "We hate whitey."
As an actress, she says, "I experienced racial discrimination throughout my career. The injustices heaped upon African-Americans were a reality I endured not only on tour but also right here in New York. But the answer those kids gave that day had a chilling effect on me, and I felt a personal need to combat the hatred I found in my community. Using the skills that I knew best - theater - I decided to do what I could to promote an atmosphere where all people could work together."
"Rosie" emphasized not only teaching and uncovering skills but also teaching self-esteem. She used, and has been using for years, her savings. However, the success for her non-traditional casting and quality productions, plus her devotion to developing of original musical works - and to training new musical theater talent - has brought beneficent grants from many organizations, such as the American Theater Wing, the co-presenter of the annual Tony Awards.
Isabelle Stevenson, Wing board chairman, says, "Rosie has been in the forefront of the musical theater world and delighted Broadway audiences in many shows. I love her wonderful smile and constant energy, and I speak for the entire American Theater Wing when I call her friend."
Some Amas productions, such as Bubbling Brown Sugar, which ran two years on Broadway, Mama, I Want to Sing, and Rollin' on the T.O.B.A., went beyond their limited Off Broadway runs.
LeNoire has taught and encouraged the likes of future stars, such as Gregory Hines, but says she's just as proud of the students who have gone on to careers outside show business. Her career, if nothing else, is eclectic. She was a member of Orson Welles' all-black version of Macbeth, the original A Streetcar Named Desire, The Sunshine Boys, Lost in the Stars, Destry Rides Again, I Had A Ball and revivals of Cabin in the Sky and You Can't Take It With You. She starred two years on Broadway in Anna Lucasta, and in the film version with Sammy Davis and Eartha Kitt. Other films include "Moscow on the Hudson," "The Sunshine Boys," "Playing For Keeps" and "Brewster's Millions." TV credits include "Search For Tomorrow," "Guiding Light," "Amen" and playing Nell Carter's mother in "Gimme A Break."
Last September, LeNoire's contributions were recognized by President and Mrs. Clinton when they honored her with the National Medal of Arts. In 1989, Actors' Equity established the Rosetta LeNoire Award. In January 2000, she was profiled on the annual "Fulfilling the Dream" program in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday.
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