Stage and screen actress, AIDS activist , motivational speaker and member of the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls Sheryl Lee Ralph is the next guest on Connections with Renee Shaw. The program airs Friday, April 3 at 4/3 p.m. CT on KET2 and Sunday, April 5 at 1:30/12:30 p.m. CT on KET1.
Ralph discusses her one-woman show, Sometimes I Cry, based on real women's personal stories about HIV and AIDS. She talks about the genesis of the show and the incredibly diverse population of women who have shared their stories with her. Ralph, who performs the show and speaks about AIDS for audiences ranging from elementary students to church groups, explains how she tailors her message for each performance.
The actress discusses her experiences in the 1980s cast of Dreamgirls, including watching several members of that cast die of AIDS. She also talks about acting on television versus acting on stage as well as the limited acting roles available to women of color, and she even sings a few notes.
Ralph, who is married to Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Pa.), recalls her first date with her husband their campaign to encourage couples, friends and family members to test for HIV; and the pair's glamorous wedding, which was featured on Entertainment Tonight.
Connections with Renee Shaw is a KET production, produced by Shaw and Carolyn Gwinn. More information about Connections, including streaming video, is available at www.ket.org/connections.
