Artist Spotlight: Gregory Omar Osborne
Maplewood Celebrates Black History Month and Local Black Artists!
Gregory Omar Osborne—Entrepreneur. Producer. Director. Choreographer. Performer. Set Designer.
Gregory Omar Osborne as Tusla in the Secret Theater’s Production of Gypsy, 2018
Gregory Omar Osborne is a man on a mission! A mission to create a space for Black people and other minorities to share their truth artistically, without censorship. Within the MAPSO community and beyond, Gregory pushes the boundaries by bringing into the conversation important issues that Black people and minorities face.
Gregory Omar Osborne as Tusla in the Secret Theater’s Production of Gypsy
As a performer, Gregory played the Part of Tulsa in The Secret Theater New York in 2018 in their production of Gypsy.
“The arts is like pizza. Everyone wants to eat and partake, but not many will take the time to form the dough, grate the cheese, and cut onions that make your eyes tear up. Yea that's what art is.”
—Gregory Omar Osborne
Gregory is not afraid to dive in and get his hands dirty. He does everything from casting and choreography to grant writing, set design and building. He literally does everything to make his productions possible.
Gregory in the recording studio for the ‘Gospel of Colonus’ feature film, 2020
A Maplewood resident for 19 years, Gregory moved to Maplewood from Brooklyn, New York just in time for the Fall semester at Maplewood Middle School. There Gregory met Zander Padget, son of Lydia Johnson—choreographer, dancer, dance instructor and owner, Lydia Johnson Dance School, who gave him an opportunity that would change his scope on life—a chance to dance.
Gregory Omar Osborne in ‘A Chorus Line’
Palace Theater New Hampshire, 2017
After traveling the world as a performer, Gregory made his way behind the casting table with an aim to bring to the industry not only diversity, but authenticity, compassion and empathy. With this in mind, three years ago Gregory created Progressive Theater with a clear message and tag line of “The Change We Want to See”. Gregory has defied the odds in the arts. His motto is, “Dream and do the impossible and make possibilities.”
Gregory's style is pure honesty; not many are ready for that. "The glitz and glam of life can easily be stripped away, as we have learned from 2020; what remains is you and the beautiful skin you're in,” says Gregory.
Gregory Omar Osbourne putting final touches on the set of the world premiere of
‘A Park Avenue Christmas’, 2018
The Burgdorff Center of the Performing Arts, Maplewood, NJ
Gregory Omar Osborne in his one man show, ‘Don’t Quit Your Day Job’, 2017
Triad Theater, New York City
Gregory Omar Osborne (left) with Alexander Dones (right) in Dough Elkins’ Mo(or)town/Redux
Performed at the 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Festival, February 2012
Photo Credit: David Bazemore from The New York Times February 26, 2012 Issue
Gregory Omar Osborne as a drag queen Deloris Van Cartier look alike
in Sister Act The Musical Comedy
Walnut Street Theater and Riverside Theater Co-Production in Vero Beach, Florida, 2016
Gregory commenced his professional training in New Jersey at Montclair State University (MSU) in 2008. While at MSU, he worked with several choreographers, most notably, Lula Washington, Donald Mckayle, Jay T. Jenkins, and Doug Elkins who featured him in ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ section of Fraulein Maria in 2010 as a sophomore in college. In April of 2011 Gregory portrayed Othello in a dance premier of ‘Mo(or)town/Redux’ by choreographer Doug Elkins at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, California. Since then, Gregory has worked consistently making appearances in shows like ‘Hairspray’, ‘A Chorus Line’, the regional premiere of ‘Memphis The Musical’, ‘A Christmas Carol’ (McCarter Theater, NJ), ‘Singing in the Rain’ and and even toured the Caribbean as a dancer with Carnival Cruise Lines.
A highlight in Gregory’s career was his portrayal of a drag queen who looks like Deloris Van Cartier in ‘Sister Act The Musical Comedy’ at the Riverside Theater, in Vero Beach, Florida.
A business man as well as an actor, Gregory in demand, incorporated himself in 2017 and began teaching independently and offering private lessons in dance and acting. He continues to offer services as a consultant for people who want to navigate a career in the arts. Gregory has extensive experience as a movement choreographer for marching bands and choirs, and has performed semi-professionally as both a percussionist and vocalist.
Gregory produced 3 shows under his Inc, Gregory Omar Osborne, also known as GOO Inc: ‘Don't Quit Your Day Job’ at the Triad Theater, New York in 2017, and ‘Five Guys Named Moe’ and the world premiere of ‘Park Avenue Christmas’ which were mounted at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts in Maplewood, NJ in 2018.
‘Five Guys Named Moe’ a tribute to the music of rhythm and blues pioneer and alto saxophonist, Louis Jordan, was a story of love, accountability and brotherhood. The show also speaks to male groups of all races when it comes to vulnerability.
Progressive Theater Logo
‘Five Guys Named Moe’ Promotional Poster, 2018
An advocate for the arts, Gregory sat on the board of Vanguard Theater Company in hopes to inspire youth that looked like him and those who shared similar life experiences. With the Maplewood Township Committee Gregory made a call to action for our community to observe Giving Tuesday as a National Day of Giving and to observe Juneteenth in 2020 as Black Friday. Through Proclamations these events were made official.
In 2018 Gregory founded Progressive Theater. The purpose behind Progressive Theater is to create opportunities and platforms for the misrepresented: minorities and women while offering the necessary training to further a career in the arts. Such Opportunities are not limited to performance but extend to positions in tech, design, creation, etc. Osborne states, "there are many theater companies with the aim to be diverse, but Progressive Theater targets minorities: people of color and women specifically. If we cater to them, in turn, the theater community will be filled with working actors of all colors, shapes, sizes, and genders!”
Black History Month, February 2019, Progressive Theater celebrated its launch with THE BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER CHAMELEON SKIN; written by Kirsten Childs, directed by Broadway's Jasmin Richardson, and choreographed by Osborne. The event was made possible with the collaborative efforts of The South Orange/ Maplewood Community Coalition on Race. Followed by a talkback, the show sparked a community discussion on race and privilege.
BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER CHAMELEON SKIN, tells the story of Viveca Stanton, a little black girl striving to fulfill her dreams of becoming a performer. More importantly to be a successful one; and eventually, she strives to just be. What's a black girl from sunny Southern California to do? White people are blowing up black girls in Birmingham churches. Black people are shouting "Black is beautiful" while straightening their hair and coveting light skin. Viveca Stanton's answer: Slap on a bubbly smile and be as white as you can be! In a humorous and pointed coming-of-age story spanning the sixties through the nineties, Viveca blithely sails through the confusing worlds of racism, sexism and Broadway showbiz until she's forced to face the devastating effect that self-denial has had on her life.
Progressive Theater - A compilation of interviews on the journey of producing THE BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER CHAMELEON SKIN.
‘The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Cameleon Skin’ Promotional Poster 2019
Brittney Johnson (Front Center) who Plays Glinda on Broadway’s ‘Wicked’
Visits Cast of ‘Bubbly Black Girl’, 2019
Progressive Theater launched, The Rainbow Table in June 2019 in conjunction with Pride month. This pop up event brings people from all walks of life together. The Rainbow Table promotes inclusion, community and harmony.
For Black History Month 2020, Gregory brought the challenging, heart wrenching story of ‘The Scottsboro Boys to the stage. Incidence that mirrored this historic event were brought back to life in 2020. Co-produced with The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race. The musical tells the truth of nine black boys who were ripped from a train in Alabama and accused of rape by two white women in 1931. Hauled to jail without a shred of actual evidence against them, the Scottsboro Boys were rushed through trial procedures, found guilty and sentenced to death.
“‘The Scottsboro Boys’ was selected for not only entertainment but to bring awareness to the dangers and risks it is to be black, along with the privilege that white people have. It was timely. At the end of the day this is the reality of things. If we don’t fix it, these stories will continue to be the reality. As dark as it gets, it palatable because it’s art. It’s easier to have discussions on art than things that are happening. I use theater as a vehicle to mirror current affairs and to create a catalyst for change.”
— Gregory Omar Osborne
The Scottsboro Boys, 2020
Cast, Band and Co-producers—South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race
The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, Maplewood, NJ
The Scottsboro Boys Poster Design, 2020
Scene from The Scottsboro Boys, 2020
“Maplewood has truly been a rollercoaster! Lost my innocence here when I was exposed to racism, but it also nurtured me as an artist. #mytruthuncensored”
‘The Gospel At Colonus’ Film Poster
Streaming February 2021 by Progressive Theater
Broadway Guest Star, Angela Birchett in ‘The Gospel at Colonus’
Maplewood, NJ, 2020
Broadway Guest Star, Angela Birchett in ‘The Gospel at Colonus’
Maplewood, NJ, 2020
“Progressive Theater exists with or without a show or theater. Its mission reaches beyond the stage. Progressive Theater is cultivating the true meaning of diversity by empowering the misrepresented and underheard. There is room for all of us.”
When the pandemic hit in 2020 and theaters closed around the world, Gregory got even more creative and decided to take his musical scheduled for inside the theater and instead produce a film outdoors.
THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS, is a filmed musical adaptation, in which the exiled king, Oedipus, seeks a place where he may be properly buried, retold as a gospel musical. The film is streaming in February during Maplewood Black History Month 2021.
For Women’s History Month in March 2021, Progressive Theater will feature Dr. Lori Brown Mirabal in a virtual visual album production of MUSETTA’S STORIES AND MELODIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD.
This virtual production is an adaptation of Dr. M’s children’s record which was released March 2019. This snug-able listening and visual experience combines classical vocalist Dr Lori Brown Mirabal’s enjoyment of teaching music to children with her imaginative stories and lovingly sung performances of original and global songs. This is ideal for story-time everywhere whether at home, in school, in libraries or in children’s hospitals.
“Progressive Theater aims to tell culturally enriched stories that empower the misrepresented; people of color and women, and captivate all audiences with the focus on being the change we want to see in the theater community.”
Progressive Theater is not just for theater lovers; it’s for those who want social change. Join Gregory’s mission for progress in building a platform for entertainment and discussion within in our community of MAPSO.
Musetta’s Musical Story Time Poster
Starring Dr. Lori Brown Mirabal, — Mom, Educator and Opera Singer
Streaming March 2021 for Women’s History Month
“Shout out to ev’rybody black!”
Gregory Omar Osborne
Progressive Theater: www.progressivetheater.com
Facebook.com/progressivethtr
www.instagram.com/progressivethtr
twitter.com/progressivethtr
Gregory Omar Osborne Inc. (Goo Inc.): www.gregoryomarosborne.com
Facebook.com/gooinc
www.instagram.com/goo_inc
twitter.com/goo_inc
Gregory Omar Osborne is a member of SOMA Arts Registry, a free online hub serving Maplewood, South Orange and neighboring towns. It focuses on artists, arts professionals and arts organizations, with the goal to extend their local, regional and national market reach. SOMA Arts Registry was created by the Township of Maplewood and Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture to support the local arts community.