When “Dreamgirls” came out a couple of years ago folks spent the majority of their time talking about Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy and Beyoncé (not necessarily because her performance was award-winning). Anyway, the third Dream, Anika Noni Rose was a mere footnote in the whole story. Perhaps she might have been referred to as ‘the other one’ except for the presence of Sharon Leal (sorry, Sharon).
Rose was already one to watch in theater circles. That’s because she hit it out of the park in her first major role as Tonya Pinkin’s daughter in “Caroline or Change”. She snagged a Tony Award as well as some other coveted prizes for her performance. I am sure the “Dreamgirls” casting people caught her act and thought she’d be perfect choice for the role. When she returned to Broadway as Maggie the Cat in the all-black production of “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof” last year she also won over many converts (but sadly no Awards).
But if you don’t live in New York, or Broadway is not your thing, you probably didn’t think one way or another about her. Her supporting role in “The Starter Wife” was fine but I doubt it changed your mind. If you have HBO and have seen “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency”, however, you will begin to realize that this sister has more depth as an actress than anyone gives her credit for.
In author Alexander McCall Smith’s book Grace Matkusi is very mousy, a little naive, a little pushy and is hard to really see behind her thick glasses. But she has pride in her accomplishments and always wants to do better. (She also loves a good pair of shoes.) Rose, however, layers in much more complex attributes giving her vulnerability, a big heart, and a strong head for business. In most of the episodes that have aired thus far, Rose is the source of comic relief. She doesn’t need to say it word it is imbued in the way she moves as well as when stares thoughtfully and blinks her eyes. But Rose gave us even more this week when she also showed that she can turn in both a comedic and a heartbreaking performance in the same show. Her confession to Precious Ramotswe had me (and I suspect a bunch of you) in tears.
But this isn’t the first time Rose caused me to cry. I sat at her table last year when she was honored by The New Professional Theatre—a fabulous organization in New York (run by the equally fabulous Sheila Kay Davis) that is dedicated to showcasing the work of African American writers, directors. As part of the celebration all of the honorees are paid tribute to by one of their peers. In this case it was Norm Lewis who played King Triton in the production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”. Let me just say that the brother made me a Disney fan on the spot.
Rose was so moved by the performance that she started crying, I mean really crying. My friend Myra and I did too. And when she went up to accept her award the fact that she was genuinely touched and overwhelmed by the support of her peers was apparent to all.
Needless to say I am rooting for this sister in a big way. But I also want folks to give her a chance in the roles that she has coming up. Her next role, as Disney’s first black Princess, Tiana, has been the source of controversy for the initial story (she was a maid, now she is a waitress) as well as a host of other reasons. If the rumors are true, you may want to try Broadway when Rose takes the stage as Dorothy in “The Wiz.” I can think of no one better to step into the shoes of Stephanie Mills. (The film was a joke so I am not even bringing it up).
So keep an eye out for Rose, this sister ought to be going places. And if there aren’t roles out that feature her talent we will be missing out on something special.
Related links: Cartoon Confidential: Up in Arms Over An Animated Black Princess
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