1/6/23 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES: Carnival – Debbie Allen- Fame TV Series

Carnival is written by Henry Thompson & Vanessa Dale and is performed by Debbie Allen, from the season 1 of the hit television series Fame episode The Crazies. Continue reading

9/28/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Debbie Allen Part Two- On Choreography and Directing

By Walter Rutledge

The second installment from the Out and About NYC Magazine 2015 interview with entertainment icon Debbie Allen. In this section we discussed her views on choreography and directing.  Continue reading

9/8/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Empathy (Part One)- A Conversation with Debbie Allen

By Walter Rutledge


In 2015 O&A NYC Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge interviewed Debbie Allen at the Faison Firehouse Theater for Dance Noir Magazine (DNM). The print article would discuss her relationship with Katherine Dunham. The video was produced as visual notes for the upcoming Dunham article. When the magazine suspended publication, out of respect for DNM Founder/Editor-in-Chief Carol Lloyd, we held the material with hopes of eventually printing the article for DNM. After eight years Ms. Allen’s words remain relevant, inspiring and informative and should be shared. We call this first installment Empathy. Continue reading

11/21/22 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: The Old Settler (2001)  Phylicia Rashad, Bumper Robinson & Debbie Allen

The Old Settler is an adaptation of John Henry Redwood‘s play starring Phylicia Rashad, Bumper Robinson and Debbie Allen, who also directed the production. Set in Harlem in the 1940s, about two sisters whose lives are altered when a young Southern man takes temporary lodging in their apartment. Continue reading

9/21/21 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Debbie Allen Receives Governors Award At The 73rd Emmys

Debbie Allen the legendary actress, choreographer, and producer was honored at the 73rd Annual Emmy Awards Ceremony with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ prestigious Governors Award during the Sunday 19th 2021 telecast.  Continue reading

10/5/20 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Stompin’ at the Savoy (1992) Starring Lynn Whitfield Jasmine Guy- Debbie Allen director

As the Harlem Renaissance flourishes in jazzy New York City, Pauline (Vanessa Williams), Esther (Lynn Whitfield) and Alice (Jasmine Guy) struggle to survive. By day, they toil at dreary jobs, dreaming of stardom, riches and happiness. By night, they dance their troubles away at the famous Savoy Ballroom. But when World War II appears on the horizon, the girls find their fortunes unfolding too unevenly to reconcile, and they inevitably begin to drift apart. Continue reading

9/28/19 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Motown Returns to The Apollo (1985)

Motown Returns to The Apollo (1985) a star studded celebration of the 50th anniversary and re-opening of The Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York. Proceeds from the concert went to the Africare/Ethiopian Relief Fund. The program received a 1985 for Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Program. Continue reading