Gayle Turner was nominated for the Colorado Theatre Guild's Henry Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical. The role was Geneva Lee Brown in "1940's Radio Hour", directed by Bev Newcomb Madden at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Turner has worked with musical director David Nehls and director Bill Castellino ("Smokey Joe's Cafe", "Abyssinia", "Little Shop of Horrors").
International audiences will remember her performances in the Richard Allen Center's production of "Black Nativity" in Rome, Italy (co-directed by Morgan Freeman). Turner's performing background includes theatre, television, concerts, recording, commercials, and special events. She is proud to have a recurring role as Officer Dominguez on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit".
"The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz'" is a musical with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls (and others) and book by William F. Brown. It is a retelling of L. Frank Baum's novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (1900) in the context of contemporary African-American culture.
The 1975 Broadway production won 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It was an early example of Broadway's mainstream acceptance of works with an all Black cast. Turner served as the understudy to Stephanie Mills in the role of Dorothy for three years.
A film adaptation of the same name was released in 1978, with Ted Ross and Mabel King reprising their roles, alongside Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Theresa Merritt, Thelma Carpenter, Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor. A live television production of the stage version, "The Wiz Live!", was broadcast on NBC on December 3, 2015.
On June 26, 2017, Broadway Sings for Pride premiered its 7th anniversary benefit concert "Unstoppable" in New York City, at Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. This milestone event was filled with singing (from pop to Broadway), stories, special celebrity guests, and more. Proceeds of the event were donated to Tyler Clementi Foundation and Orlando's Contigo Fund. Broadway Sings for Pride is a multiple award-winning, non-for-profit organization that brings together Broadway talent, activists, and celebrities, to educate the public, raise awareness of the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, and support these young people.
The event featured a special cast reunion of "The Wiz", comprising the original Broadway cast and creative team, as well as members of the National Tour, Broadway Revival, 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert, and the live television production. Turner performed the song "Believe in Yourself" during the benefit concert, where Shefik served as Videographer, as well as a featured Speaker.
"Believe in Yourself", is a song from the 1975 Broadway musical "The Wiz". It was later featured in the 1978 film version, performed by Diana Ross, along with "Believe in Yourself (Reprise)" performed by Horne.
Credits
- Videographer: Shefik
Last Updated: May 2, 2023
