BMA and Cass Tech's Performing Arts Department present "Aida" the Musical: A Detroit Cultural Event
Who we are:
BMA, a new entertainment and arts company founded by Detroit's own Daniel Bellomy Marilyn McCormick and Harron Atkins, is committed to providing platforms for artists to create, inspire, and entertain. The foundation of BMA was born 39 years ago at Cass Technical High School in downtown Detroit through the Performing Arts Department under the teaching, mentorship, and inspiration of Marilyn McCormick.
(video credit: PBS, Zosette Guir and her creative team)
For more than 39 years, McCormick was committed to educating young people throughout the inner city of Detroit, guiding them, and encouraging them to move towards their dreams and aspirations. She’s led countless young people to study at the most prestigious universities and art conservatories nationally. This alumni base includes a variety of successful individuals thriving everywhere from Broadway to television, cinema to prime time news, musicians, lawyers, doctors and so much more, all Detroiters with the same mission to make Detroit a place where an artist can follow their dreams.
The Show:
"Aida" will be a collaboration of many that will feature professional and highly recognized artists and musicians in the city of Detroit, notable alumni who began under the mentorship of Marilyn McCormick, and also current Cass Tech High School student artists, all committed to and focused on creating a professional and inspiring platform where art and the performing arts can once again have a real place in Detroit.
What's it about?
The horror of war and the tragedy of falling in love with your enemy against the background of ancient Egypt is the focus of our production of "Aida" the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice. Couple that with the theme of the complexities of oppressive regimes on societies as seen through the eyes of Princess Aida, and drama is sure to ensue. Through it all- the threat of violence, forced labor, and sexual exploitation- we hear the heroic battle cry: Love wins!
How is our production unique?
Our production is more than a show, it is the beginning of a new era. "Aida" is the bridge between Marilyn McCormick’s 39 year educational legacy at Cass Tech, and BMA, a new professional artistic platform where artists from around the world will have a place to create, work, and inspire in Detroit.
This production will be proof, in the flesh, that dreams can be real. That acting/theatre and other creative endeavors are not intangible career paths. Young student artists from the Cass Tech Performing Arts Department will work in conjunction with notable alumni who provide for themselves and their families by doing what they love. They will share the stage with professional actors, through whom they will be exposed to networking opportunities/mentorship possibilities, the chance to work with professionals in the business and ask questions/get answers from people who are from Detroit , and have successful careers that they once only dreamed of.
Our production guarantees to inspire, uplift, and better everyone that it touches. From the audience members to the many who have given their time and talents to be apart of this production who still believe that Detroit can be a place where they can build their creative lives.
What is our goal?
Our funding goal is $25,000.
Where does the money go?
Putting on a production is expensive! But we believe that money should never be a reason someone can’t pursue their dreams or impact change. These are the expenses your support would help us to cover:
Royalties fee for Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida”
License fee for Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida”
Theatre/Building Usage Fee
Payment of Technicians/Engineers
Program Printing
Publicity (posters, flyers, videos, photographer, etc)
Lights (laser lights, spotlights, gels, etc)
Sound (microphones, soundboard, etc)
Set pieces
Costumes
On the subject of BMA, acclaimed stage/tv writer (Detroit 67, Showtime’s Shameless) and Detroit native, Dominique Morisseau says:
“Artists stay alive by other artists being innovative and deciding to produce their work. We really can’t function without each other and so it (BMA) is super important and I think that we really need to find ways to support artists that are doing this, that are making their own road, but also building a road for other people. We need to find ways to keep these kinds of organizations alive, and we need to find a way to keep each other growing.”
We are investing in Detroit. We are investing in preserving and re-igniting the culture and passion of the city we love.This production is about Detroit reclaiming its creative and cultural roots, taking control of its future, and reminding its residents of the power of their dreams. With your support you will be a part of the next chapter of this remarkable legacy. You will help create a new story where Detroiters come together to make their dreams and visions a reality. Where the change that we've been looking for begins with the brother, friend, classmate, and neighbor that stands right beside you. We believe that with your support we will create an experience so great that it sets into motion a legacy that stretches far into the future, affirming that young Detroiters DO have the right to dream and ensuring they will always have a home in Detroit to turn those dreams into realities.
Other Ways You Can Help
Never underestimate the power of word of mouth! Or word of text! Or Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! If you are unable to give a monetary contribution, you can still help! Please share our story with your family and friends and on social media. We could use all the exposure we can get.
THANK YOU!!!
ELTON JOHN AND TIM RICE'S AIDA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
