PLAYWRIGHT/DIRECTOR
KEVIN RAMSEY BIOGRAPHY
In a recent article, Blues music historian, Angela Mack remarked, “I see Kevin as picking up the torch where August Wilson left off.” This quote resounds truth for this New Orleans native who he is committed to the historical examination and retelling of the African-American musical experience(s), and its artistic contribution to American and world culture.
Mr. Ramsey continues to explore subject matters of universal appeal, as demonstrated with Sam Cooke: Forever Mr. Soul, which is gearing up for a Broadway-bound national tour, as well as, his latest project, Grafton City Blues which will premiere at the Milwaukee Rep in January 2008.
In addition, Ramsey is the founder of Urban Musical Tours (“UMT”), and the creative mind behind its touring concept. Over the past twenty-five years Kevin has produced, directed and choreographed, written, and performed in well over 100 productions, ranging from Broadway musicals, nationally recognized regional theaters, international tours, music videos, national commercials, major studio films and network television programs.
Ramsey is a distinguish graduate of New York University’s School of Arts, with a minor in finance and marketing, and possesses an innate and keen observation of market and cultural trends. His talents have contributed to numerous multi-million dollar grossing Broadway productions, and has been hired and mentored by some of theaters’ most illustrious producers and artists, such as, Cameroon Mackintosh, Cholly Atkins, Gregory Hines, Marty Richards, Pespi Bethel, Harold Nicholas, Charles “Cookie” Cooke, and David Merrick to name a few, who have contributed to his development. UMT is born from 25 years of knowledge, experience and dedicated research, and is a first mover taking professional Broadway quality theatrical events to the African American and urban markets across the continental United States and global communities.
A multi-dimensional producing artist who continues to cross-over varied artistic mediums, whether serving as the Co-Producer/Director/Writer on the award-winning short film “Tap Rap,” starring Savion Glover, to starring on Broadway in the award-winning Cy Coleman musical “The Life,” which garnered him an Outer Critics Circle nomination, as well as, his countless guest star appearances on such network show as “Cold Case,” “24,” and “Saving Grace.”
Mr. Ramsey directed/co-choreographed the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway R&B musical “From My Hometown,” at the Gramercy Theater, which is gearing up for a national tour to be presented by the Apollo Theater. His directorial and choreographic work has been presented at some of the nation’s most prominent regional theaters. Recent directorial and choreographic assignments were represented in the national television commercial spots for GM Pontiac’s “It's in the Blood,” for Black History Month, and Prilosec’s “The Purple Pill,” as well as, a number of industrial corporate films, including MetLife. He co-authored, directed and choreographed the late great Harold Nicholas of Hollywood’s most legendary dance team, the Nicholas Brothers, in the new musical “If These Shoes Could Talk.”
As an actor, other network television guest starring and/or recurring appearances include, “The District,” “The Hughley's,” “State of Grace,” and “Charmed.” Film credits include, Sidney Lumet's “Night Falls On Manhattan,” with Andy Garcia, “Trial By Jury,” with William Hurt, and “Evidence of Humanity,” with Peter Falk. He appeared in the recurring role of Felix Harrison on the CBS daytime drama “As The World Turns.”
Acting stage credits include the hit Broadway shows, The Lion King (LA), the role of Mufasa, “Black and Blue,” “Five Guys Named Moe,” and David Merrick's “Oh, Kay,” which garnered him the Astaire and Theater World Award for Best Performance on Broadway
A nationally recognized and awarding winning producing artist, Mr. Ramsey has a number of film, TV, and theater projects in various stages of development.
