Alumna and Broadway Star Set to Speak at Founders' Day Celebration
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Posted By: Hija Chang on January 30, 2017 Author: Lois G. Russell Alumna Bonita J. Hamilton, longtime star of the Broadway hit "Lion King," will be the featured speaker for the 2017 Founders' Day Convocation on Feb. 3. *** The 2017 Founders' Day Convocation will feature Alabama State University alumna and renowned actress, Bonita J. Hamilton, who stars as Shenzi in The "Lion King" on Broadway. Hamilton, who is a native of Montgomery, Ala., is a 1997 graduate of ASU. She appeared in several theatrical producations and was a member of the Dramatics Guild, the ASU Choir and the Mighty Marching Hornets, where she served as captain of the Stingettes. "We are extremely proud to have a speaker of Ms. Hamilton's caliber to deliver the keynote address at the Founders' Day Convocation," said Interim President Dr. Leon C. Wilson. "Bonita Hamilton has taken the name of Alabama State University from Montgomery to Broadway, and she is a shining example of the caliber of alumni that this great University produces. It is an honor to have her back home to share with our students and with this community from her wealth of experiences." Alabama State University's 117th Founders' Day Convocation will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m. in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome. The event is free and the public is invited to attend. About Bonita J. Hamilton In her most notable role as Shenzi for twelve years in the acclaimed Broadway musical " The Lion King," Bonita J. Hamilton displays her multifaceted talents on the world stage. Much like Hamilton’s own vibrant personality, her character Shenzi, leader of the hyenas, exudes intellect, sass and confidence. Hamilton, the Montgomery, Alabama native, constantly looks for ways to improve her craft including pre-Broadway workshops of "The Color Purple" and "The Legend of Stagecoach Mary." Her additional roles include the voice of Granny in the upcoming animated series "Through the Woods," stints in numerous regional theatres and short films, an appearance in a satirical sketch for The Onion.com and voiceovers for multiple commercials including mega-retailer Walmart. She also had a recurring role "Mrs. Gamble" in the hit series The Knick (Cinemax 2014-). In 2016, Hamilton appeared with members of "The Lion King" and "Aladdin" casts in a Broadway Battle on ABC’s Good Morning America. Bonita’s formal preparation for stage and screen began at Alabama State University, where she was a member of the ASU Dramatics Guild, a member of the ASU Choir under the direction of Dr. Kay Pace, and a member of the Mighty Marching Hornets, serving as captain of the world-renowned Stingettes. Hamilton received an MFA in Theatre (2004) from Brandeis University. While in Boston, Hamilton was classically trained at The Guthrie Experience for Actors in Training with Andrew Wade and The Royal Shakespeare Company of London. She also appeared as Paulina in Shakespeare’s "The Winter’s Tale" and in renditions of "Ain't Misbehavin,'" "The Old Settler" and In the "Blood." As an undergraduate at Alabama State University, Hamilton studied under the tutelage of her lifelong mentor, Dr. Tommie Tonea Stewart and performed in "For Colored Girls" and "Dreamgirls." During her time in Montgomery, she also performed in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s "The Piano Lesson," "Guys and Dolls," "A Night in Tunisia" and participated in numerous readings at the Southern Writers’ Workshop Project. Hamilton has been blessed to have the stars of Broadway align in her favor, and she constantly looks for opportunities to reach young artists through volunteerism. One example of her giving back is her work with Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share program, providing elementary students with the opportunity to showcase their talents on the Broadway stage. A woman of faith and dedicated wife and mother, Bonita balances her hectic career with free time with her husband, Neil Caesar, and two beautiful children, Nia and Noah, in Brooklyn, New York. She credits her parents for always believing in her and Dr. Stewart, for giving her guidance and encouraging her to pursue theatre as a professional career. Hamilton is currently represented by CESD Talent Agency and RAM Management. http://www.alasu.edu/index.aspx If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Hija Chang
Management, See Moss Interactive Bellarmine University class of 2021 Member Since January 2011 |
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