Take Ten with Robert Crenshaw

Take Ten with Robert Crenshaw

By Lynn Venhaus

One encounter with Robert Crenshaw, and you can tell that he is a bright light chasing his dream. Currently on tour in the smash hit Broadway musical “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations,” he will be coming home to perform May 9-11 at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis.

Robert said he is eager to see his family and friends — and enjoy his mom’s home-cooking. A recent guest on our PopLifeSTL Presents podcast, he shared his joy in being part of this high-energy production as well as his life story.

Crenshaw plays founding member Al Bryant and Motown songwriter Norm Whitfield in the musical. The musical explores their brotherhood, family ties, loyalty and betrayals, and includes the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and many more.

He said he chose to pursue the arts because he’s been performing since elementary school.

“I’ve always had dreams of becoming a superstar and leaving my stamp on the world. I went to performing arts school my entire life and attended arts programs as well. I’ve always had fun being on stage! I love portraying different characters and putting my own spin on it,” he said.

“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” national touring cast

Recognized as a promising young artist when he was in third grade at Ames Elementary School in the Old North neighborhood, Robert began taking classes at COCA (Center of Creative Arts). He studied ballet, hip-hop, tap and jazz.

He graduated from Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, was a Muny Teen, and appeared in shows at COCA, including “Memphis” and “The Wiz,” and The Black Rep.

He was also part of The Dancing Six featuring Channce Williams, David McCall, Daryon Kent, Joshua Hall, Jacob Dorsey and Crenshaw that were part of the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition two years in a row through the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation.

He credits his COCA faculty member Lee Nolting for helping to develop his talents and voice teacher Dr. Philip Woodmore as a big part of his success, as well as Ron Himes, founder of the Black Rep, who has become a mentor to him.

Describing him as a “true triple threat,” Himes commented: “Robert is living his dream now because he worked hard to be ready for the opportunity. He is super talented, humble and dedicated to growing in the craft. He’s a true triple threat with a magnetic smile.”

Robert Crenshaw, left, in “Eubie!: The Musical” at the Black Rep in 2023. Philip Hamer Photo.

At the Black Rep, Robert starred in “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” in 2019 and in “Eubie!” in 2023. At Stray Dog Theatre, he was in the “Dreamgirls” ensemble in 2019.

He also was the youth choreographer for “A Christmas Carol” in 2022 at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and received an Arts For Life Best Performance Award nomination for his choreography in “Little Shop of Horrors” at Kirkwood Theatre Guild.

In my May 15, 2023, review of “Eubie!”, I wrote: “Noteworthy in the Black Rep’s last musical, “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” in 2019, the multi-faceted Robert Crenshaw stars and designed the tap choreography. He dances with such joy, that when he’s performing a solo number, it’s extraordinary, especially in “Low Down Blues” and “Hot Feet.”

He was part of the choreography team that won the 2024 St. Louis Theater Circle Award for Best Choreography for “Eubie!” (produced in 2023) – including Heather Beal and Vivian Watt.

After a year at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, he returned home to St. Louis, then moved to New York in 2023 to follow his dream.

Performing at COCA.

For 10 months, he hadn’t landed a role yet until he was cast in the musical “Forever Motown.” Then, he cast in the national touring company for “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” musical, based on Otis Williams’ personal journey, and has been traveling across the U.S.

“What makes being on tour so special is that it’s one of my dream jobs. I put on a showcase where I displayed all of my talents to raise money to move to New York from St. Louis. I moved September 13, 2023, and after 10 months of auditioning, receiving callbacks, and working other jobs to survive in New York, I booked ‘Ain’t Too Proud,’” he said.

The musical, which chronicles The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, first opened at the Imperial Theatre on March 19, 2019, and received 12 Tony nominations, including Best Musical. It won the Tony Award for Best Choreography for Sergio Trujillo’s electrifying work recreating the group’s signature dance moves.

Robert as the Tin Man in “The Wiz” at COCA, one of his favorite roles.

The first national tour began in 2021, and the second one started in 2024, showcasing the group’s unmistakable harmonies. They topped the charts with 14 of their 42 Top Ten hits reaching number one.

The story explores their heritage and influence — how they met, their successes, and how conflicts derailed people in the group.

His advice to young artists is to work hard, stay prepared and open-minded, be humble, and don’t let negativity get to you.

The Fabulous Fox’s presentation of “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” will take place from May 9 – 11th at The Fox Theatre. For tickets, showtimes or additional information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

To listen to the April 23 PopLifeSTL podcast: https://soundcloud.com/lynn-zipfel-venhaus/april-23rd-2025-ft-steve-ewing-robert-crenshaw

Take Ten with Robert Crenshaw:

1. How would your friends describe you?

“My friends would say that I am hardworking, talented, humble and full of love. They would also say that I am an inspiration for so many.”

2. How do you like to spend your spare time?

“I really enjoy reading, taking classes (anything arts related), working out, and doing some kind of activity that makes me feel like I’m touching grass.”

3. What is your current obsession?

“My current obsession is Duolingo! I’ve been wanting to learn Spanish so that I could connect with other people. Another thing I’m obsessed with right now is practicing self-awareness, self-improvement, and self-love. Lastly, different foods! I want to expand my palate and try things outside of my comfort zone.”

4. What would people be surprised to find out about you?

“People are always so stunned when they find out that I am allergic to shellfish.”

5. Can you share one of your most defining moments in life?

“My most defining moment is when I put on a showcase to raise money for Central Visual & Performing Arts High School after the school shooting that took place in 2022. I graduated from CVPA, and my brother was shot in the tragedy. I collaborated with community arts organizations, the SLPS foundation, CVPA alumni and current students to raise money in support. The showcase was a little over a month after the tragedy and took place at The Center of Creative Arts (COCA). There were performances and donations from so many organizations. I called it ‘The CVPA Relief Showcase’.”

6. Who do you admire most?

“My mom and Jesus along with some mentors, teachers and peers from my village in St. Louis.”

7. What is at the top of your bucket list?

“Sit amongst other celebrities and feel/know that I belong in those circles. I would like to travel to Africa, Tokyo, and Jamaica. Create a family of my own. Be wealthy in knowledge, finances, and health. Perform a one-man show in a sold out a building.”

8. What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?

“My favorite things to do in St. Louis is to spend time with family and friends, take classes, and eat home cooked meals!”

9. What’s next for you?

“Let me start by saying I am open to whatever God has in store for me. My plan is to make it back to New York City and audition as much as I can. I have to get my face back in those rooms. If I spend time in St. Louis after touring it will be teaching master classes and taking a few dance classes and voice lessons before going back to NYC. I’m also searching for representation so that I have someone else advocating for me in the business.”

Benefit performance at COCA.

More Info on Robert Crenshaw:

Age: 28
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Central VPA, Center of Creative Arts, Chicago College of Performing Arts
Day job: Broadway National Tour: Ain’t Too Proud (AL Bryant & Norman Whitfield)
First job: Journey’s
First play or movie you were involved in or made: “The Music Man”
Favorite jobs/roles/plays or work in your medium? Seaweed in “Hairspray,” Tin Man in “The Wiz,” and Gregory Hines in “Eubie: The Musical”
Dream job/opportunity: Aaron Burr in “Hamilton,” Lead in a Broadway Musical, Movie with Denzel Washington, Kevin Hart, or star in my own.
Awards/Honors/Achievements: St. Louis Theatre Circle Award for Best Choreography: Eubie
Favorite quote/words to live by: “Don’t ever say you can’t, and if you fail, try again.”
A song that makes you happy: Anything by Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, or Kendrick Lamar.

Cover photo courtesy of Robert Crenshaw’s Instagram

With Vim and Vigor, The Black Rep Celebrates Eubie Blake in Stellar Musical Revue

With Vim and Vigor, The Black Rep Celebrates Eubie Blake in Stellar Musical Revue

By Lynn Venhaus
Guaranteed to put a spring in your step and a song in your heart, “Eubie!” is a sparkling and joyous tribute to one of the groundbreaking talents of the 20th century.

The Black Rep’s third time presenting a musical revue of American musician and composer Eubie Blake’s greatest hits is musical theater of the finest caliber.

The convivial cast, high-spirited choreography, cheerful musical numbers, elegant costumes, and silky-smooth orchestra combine for an uplifting production.

The musical extolling the talents of James Hubert “Eubie” Blake over his long, lauded career, especially his achievements in the early 1900s that helped spark the fabled Harlem Renaissance in the ‘20s and ‘30s, was the of the toast of the 1978-1979 Broadway season, nominated for three Tony Awards, including Eubie’s score and Gregory Hines’ performance. Blake died in 1983 at 96 years old.

With his 1921 musical, “Shuffle Along,” he and lyricist Noble Sissle helped break down racial barriers because it was the first Broadway musical written, directed by and starring black Americans. It also helped shape American musical theater as we know it today.

In 2006, his album “The Eighty-Six Years of Eubie Blake” from 1969 was included in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry by the National Recording Preservation Board. They annually select music that is “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Coda Boyce. Photo by Phillip Hamer

This effervescent cast has individual standouts but really comes together as an ensemble to celebrate Eubie’s contributions in ragtime, jazz, and popular music. Director Ron Himes’s thorough knowledge of the piece and the song styles helps expertly extract the very best from the cast, which has five performers making their Black Rep debut (DeAnte Bryant, Serdalyer Darden, Carvas Pickens, Tamara PiLar, and J’Kobe Wallace).

Himes deftly stages the group numbers – ‘Shuffle Along,” “I’m Just Simply Full of Jazz,” “High Steppin’ Days,” and “Roll Jordan” with polished and buoyant dance designed by master choreographers Heather Beal and Vivian Watt. Such verve!

Noteworthy in the Black Rep’s last musical, “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” in 2019, the multi-faceted Robert Crenshaw stars and designed the tap choreography, He dances with such joy, that when he’s performing a solo number, it’s extraordinary, especially in “Low Down Blues” and “Hot Feet.”

In perhaps Blake’s most well-known song, “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” Crenshaw joined Evann De-Bose, Coda Boyce, Samantha Madison and PiLar for a rousing rendition.

Crenshaw opened the show with Boyce and Venezia Manuel, performing the jolly “Charleston Rag” and “Good Night Angeline” in the prologue.

J’Kobe Wallace. Photo by Phillip Hamer

Boyce, so good in “The African Company Presents Richard III” at the Black Rep last year, shows off her vocal chops in “Craving for That Kind of Love” and her playful moves in “Baltimore Buzz” with Manuel and lithe Bryant and Wallace.

The acrobatic moves of Bryant and Wallace are eye-popping and crowd-pleasing, and add pizzazz to the music numbers, Wallace is especially impressive in “Dixie Moon” and “Got to Get the Getting While the Gittin’s Good.”

Newcomer Darden has a good time with “I’m a Great Big Baby” and other solos of note include PiLar in “Daddy,” and De-Bose in “Memories of You.”

PiLar has a terrific duet with powerful-voiced Pickens in “My Handyman Isn’t Handy Anymore.”

They both have a good time with the cast in a fun, very theatrical number “If You Never Been Vamped by a Brownskin, You’ve Never Been Vamped At All,” where they take on roles of The Vamp, wife, husband, judge, bailiff and jury.

Taijah Silas is part of the 11-person ensemble, and they all move with vigor and enthusiasm.

Phillip Hamer Photo

Music Director Joe Dreyer, who also plays piano, is a virtuoso musician, and seamlessly leads a superb orchestra of Chris Tomlin on tuba, Bernard Long on drums, Anthony Wiggins on trumpet and Harvey Lockhart on saxophone. They are behind a scrim, but they breeze through the music catalogue with aplomb.

The musicians are part of this dream team that delighted in delivering a beautiful lesson in music appreciation of an earlier era.

The sound design by Justin Schmitz is splendid, and so is the look of the production, with impressive lighting design by Jasmine Williams and scenic design by Tim Jones setting the atmosphere through the decades.

Costume Designer Marc W. Vital II’s exceptional craftsmanship captured the period’s glamour perfectly.

It’s rare when you get to experience not only the cast having the best time on stage, but the audience thoroughly engaged and enchanted with the vitality of those involved.

“Eubie!” closes the Black Rep’s 46th season on a high note.

Photo by Phillip Hamer

The Black Rep presents the musical revue “Eubie!” from May 3 to May 21 at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.theblackrep.org

Photo by Phillip Hamer.
Photo by Phillip Hamer

The Black Rep Presents ‘Eubie!’ Musical May 3-21 at The Edison

The Black Rep Presents ‘Eubie!’ Musical May 3-21 at The Edison

The St. Louis Black Repertory Company continues its 46th Anniversary Season with the musical revue EUBIE!, featuring music from the groundbreaking musician and composer Eubie Blake. The production opens May 3 through Sunday May 21, 2023 at The Edison Theatre on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

On Broadway in the 1970s, Eubie! re-introduced audiences to Blake’s iconic career and highlighted his role in breaking down racial barriers with the 1921 musical, Shuffle Along –  the first Broadway musical written, directed by and starring Black Americans. 

At The Black Rep, the ensemble cast for EUBIE! includes Coda Boyce (The African Company Presents Richard III; The Light), DeAnté Bryant (TBR debut), Robert Crenshaw (Spell #7; Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope), Serdalyer Darden (TBR debut), Evann De-Bose (Lines in the Dust; Black Nativity), Samantha Madison (Do I Move You? Black Nativity), Venezia Manuel (Crossin’ Over), Carvas Pickens (TBR debut), Tamara PiLar (TBR debut), J’Kobe Wallace (TBR debut), and Taijha Necole Silas (Behind The Sheet; Death Of A Salesman).

Audiences will be treated to well-known tunes such as: “In Honeysuckle Time,” and “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” with live music featuring: Joseph Dreyer – Piano, Chris Tomlin – tuba, Bernard Long Jr. – drums, Anthony Wiggins – trumpet, and Harvey Lockhart – saxophone.

“EUBIE! showcases many of Blake’s best songs, many from Shuffle Along, which was a smashing success when it ran on Broadway in 1921,” explains Ron Himes, Founder and Producing Director of The Black Rep. “Eubie Blake not only helped shape American musical theatre as we know it today, but that show is credited with kicking off the Harlem Renaissance that swept New York City culture in the late 1920s and 1930s.”

Directed by Ron Himes with Musical Director Joe Dreyer and written by Eubie Blake, Andy Razaf, Noble Sissle and Julianne Boyd, the production showcases Choreography by Vivian Watt, Heather Beal, and Robert Crenshaw; Scenic Design by Tim Jones, Costume Design by Marc W. Vital II, Sound Design by Justin Schmitz, Lighting Design by Jasmine Williams. Tracy Holliway D. Wiggins is the Stage Manager and Zahria Moore is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Tickets are available at theblackrep.org or through the Box Office at 314-534-3807. Reduced pricing is available for seniors, educators, museum staff, students, and groups of 12 or more. The Black Rep is highly recommending face masks inside the theatre. Please visit theblackrep.org for up-to-date health protocols.

Support for The Black Rep’s 46th Main Stage Season comes from the Arts and Education Council, The Berges Family Foundation, The Black Seed Initiative, Caleres, Missouri Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Regional Arts Commission, Rogers-Townsend, The Shubert Foundation, the Steward Family Foundation, and Washington University in St. Louis, with matinee support from the Union Pacific Foundation.

About The Black Rep

The Black Rep, a 46-year-old legacy Black arts organization, is committed to producing, re-imagining, and commissioning work written by Black playwrights and creating opportunities for new voices and youth. Founded by Producing Director Ron Himes, the vision for The Black Rep continues: a more equitable distribution of opportunities and resources for Black professionals and students in the theatre; improved representation on and back-stage in the theatre industry; and a fostered community culture of support and mentorship for those who will follow. For more information: www.theblackrep.org