The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is proud to invite the South Florida community to celebrate National Pride Month on Sunday, June 9 at the seventh annual CommuniTEA Dance, the Center’s FREE LGBTQ+ pride celebration.
Hosted by Fay What of Happening Out Televisions Fay What Show directly on the Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House stage, CommuniTEA Dance honors South Florida’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests will be immersed in a rainbow-filled blowout starring Alex Newell, Tony Award-winning, Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, activist and performer.
It was a pleasure to sit down with ground breaking artist Alex Newell for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
At what age did you begin performing and how did it happen?
I was 2 and I walked away from my mother at the state fair to sing on stage.
What was your first professional gig and tell us about it?
I was in my regional theater production of a Christmas Carol.
I first became aware of you from your role on Glee. How did you get cast and how special was working on Glee?
I was on a competition show called the “Glee Project.” To be a fan of the show and then be on the show is every actor’s dream.
When did you know performing would be your career?
When I was 2 and knew that there was nothing I liked more.
You played Asaka in one of my favorite musicals of all time, Once On This Island. Can you tell me about that experience?
It was long, hard and tedious. It was also a dream role of mine.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but would die to play)?
I say this all the time in almost every interview that I have given so I’m sure people are sick of me answering this question… but it’s Effie in Dreamgirls.
What should our readers expect from your performance at the ArshtCenter’s CommuniTEA Dance 2024?
I’m excited to let all our collective hair down and have some fun!
Immediately following Newell’s electrifying performance, the event will transform into a glow-in-the-dark dance party extravaganza featuring Miami-based DJ Musicat (@djmusicat)and performances by local artists and drag stars Melissa Plastic Hilton and Ebonee Excell. Attendees are encouraged to dance, glow, and illuminate the Arsht Center’s stage with pride throughout the event.
In addition to the performances and “Glowing with Pride” dance party, all guests are welcomed to explore the event’s Pride Marketplace which spotlights local LGBTQ+ and ally organizations, artisans, creatives, and small businesses. Food and drink specials provided by Constellation Culinary will be available for purchase.
For more information on Alex, go to Instagram.com/thealexnewell.
