Development History

Crossroads Theatre Company, 1994

When “Me & Caesar Lee” began, it had 23 cast members. Its first staged reading was on May 14th, 1994 as a part of the Crossroads Theatre Company’s Genesis series of new plays by African-American writers. Two-time Tony nominee Ernestine Jackson headed the cast and the performance was directed by Crossroads’ Artistic Director, Ricardo Khan.

Women’s Project and Productions, 1996

After this presentation, the book was rewritten for a cast of 10. Julia Miles of the Women’s Project and Productions sponsored two in-house readings in October 1996; one with Tony Award winner, Lillias White, the other with Petronia Paley (The Guiding Light).

Peek-A-Boo Festival, 1997

Julia Miles recommended “Me & Caesar Lee” to Benjamin Strouse for his Peek-A-Boo Festival, April 2nd-8th, 1997 at the Mark Goodson Theatre, Columbus Circle, New York City, where Billie Allen directed four staged readings with Gail Nelson (The Tap Dance Kid) playing the lead.

Following the advice of Ms. Wendy Wasserstein and Julia Miles, more revisions were made, resulting in a new song and a new title, “Heart Song.”

York Theatre Company, 1999

A staged reading was presented at the York Theatre Company in New York City on February 23rd, 1999. Nora Cole (On The Town) played the lead role. Readings and revisions continued.

Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe, 2002

The next staged reading was presented on January 16th, 2002, this time at the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe on New York City's Lower East Side. Some revisions, as suggested by Michael Parva of The Directors Company, were incorporated and the name once again became “Me & Caesar Lee.” Aisha de Haas (Caroline Or Change) played the lead and Petronia Paley directed.

Sanford Meisner Theatre, 2002

In preparation for an upcoming workshop production of “Me & Caesar Lee,” a staged reading of the concert version was presented on September 23, 2002 at the Sanford Meisner Theatre in New York City. First and second female leads were played by Brenda Pressley (And The World Goes Round) and Linda Gravàtt (Crowns) (The Helen Hayes Award).

Abingdon Theatre, 2005

A first AEA showcase of the concert version of ME AND CAESAR LEE was presented at the Abingdon Theatre this past June 14-26th (2005). It was very well received by audiences. Critics were not invited.

The 22-song, all-original score now consists of ten traditional theater songs, eight 80’s R&B/Pop Songs and four rhythm talk (music under speech in rhythm and rhyme) songs.

Contact: GGP@meandcaesarlee.com