"It hasn't stopped us from putting on quality theatrical presentations, but at this point my primary goal is to build a new theater so we rent spaces for now and I am taking my time - finding the right spot and raising funds," he said. "

Fisher received rave reviews for Dream Babies, a play that he first began to dream about after becoming involved with teens from different foster care agencies in New York City and listening to their stories.

"I realized that there is a real stigmatism attached to kids who grow up in the foster care system not to mention the hardship, growing pains and frustrations they face as they go after their desires," he said. "Their own stories motivated me to start writing and I soon learned that for those who do succeed that success is in great part due to the support and knowledge they receive from their teachers and counselors."

"That first class with Roy Thomas and Martin Henderson was a real turning point in my life," Mack said. "I was new to the stage then and I remember being extremely nervous.

But I learned and I grew and now I have chosen acting as my career. Getting into the mind of my character was a challenge but the more I studied the more I understood the anger and frustration that so many of my fellow young adults feel because of their unstable lives in foster care.

Each time I perform my goal is to set the standard for the other actors on stage and to be a role model for those who will come after me."

Fisher's Strawberry One-Act Festival, which began as a way for him to identify talented playwrights and give them a chance to develop their works, has grown from a local competition to an international phenomenon - drawing eager playwrights from as far away as Denmark and London.

The show has returned to Miami after breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2007 and if the crowd of adults and children who are packing the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center each night is any indication of its popularity, then Wicked is a must see for anyone - eight to 80-years-old.

It is the story of how two very different girls met in Oz and how these two unlikely friends become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. It's a tale of drama, disappointment and victory and with enchanting songs penned by Stephen Schwartz and exciting dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott, this production is, in a word, spectacular.

"When I watch the other more seasoned actors on stage I am in awe of their talent and this continues to be a great learning experience for me.

In terms of the play itself, I can't get over the fact of how much people love this show. Since I joined the cast a year ago I have come to realize that this is something much bigger than me and the other actors."

I have been dancing and performing since I was a little girl and while my parents were concerned whether I would be able to take care of myself after college, they always supported and encouraged me.

"We do the show eight times a week and believe me - sometimes it gets overwhelming and tiring. But then you meet the fans - some who are here for their very first time and others who have seen Wicked a dozen times and you know that what we do each night on stage really matters. It may be "wicked" but it feels a bit like heaven."

Wicked runs through Sunday, March 21st. For ticket information go to Arst Center.

"The animated version makes some things easier but when you are performing this live, you really have to bring out your emotions and your own personality."

Mulan, along with her misfit companion, the dragon Mushu, tell the story of their people (Chinese) whose destiny rests in their hands as they throw tradition to the wind while attempting to save Mulan's family and the Emperor.

The play is full of exciting scenes - from song-and-dance routines that electrified the audience to acrobatics, sword fights, and intricately staged choreographic presentations.

"Musicals are my favorite kinds of theater and I was dying to do this show," said Jones, a Morehouse College grad with a degree in theater who gave Eddie Murphy, the actor whose voice is heard in the film version, a real run for his money.

"I watched the movie over and over again and tried to get my character down - the attitude and the comedic flair that he has. It was important to me that I not try to be Eddie Murphy but it wasn't easy because I don't consider myself a funny person - I'm usually the one laughing at the antics of others."

Jones and Bellair were a perfect fit for their lead roles - she as the ultimate tom boy and he as the fun-loving sidekick. As Jones said, their on stage chemistry began with them spending time away from the lights and glamour of the theater.

Many may not agree with the ancient Chinese tradition that tends to define women based on the man they marry and their children, rather than their careers and service to their community, but that is one of our realities even in this 21st century. But Mulan shows us that despite traditions, leaders can and do come in all sexes and sizes.

It's a great show - don't miss it. Mulan runs through March 19th at the Alliance Theatre. For more information go to www.alliancetheatre.org

This story was written with the assistance of Cyril Mayes and Mary Gordon.

But this proud African-American father has had his own personal struggles - from skirmishes with the law as a youth to time in prison. Refusing to become another statistic, he turned his life around with blood, sweat, tears and plenty of hard work - a process that began during his incarceration.

"When I look at the obstacles I have faced and overcome sometimes I am led to say if I could do it you can do it too," he said. "At the end of the day that's the only answer I can give - you have to do it or it won't get done.

We only get one life and I was not willing to whither away in mediocrity. Of course there is a larger problem that exists within society - some things are just too much for us to tackle. People often get stuck because they misdiagnose the problems they're facing.

Romain adds that his art is one way that he engages people in conversations about touchy, complicated -even controversial subjects.

His new series of paintings reflects years of study and reflection about being a black man in America.

"I have been an avid reader on African-American history for over 20 years but this new project was the first time I actually sat down and did something that speaks to what I have been studying. I am often overwhelmed with how little we know about our past and that knowledge is crucial to understanding where and who we are today.

But there is still so much more I want to do. Life is not long enough to do all of the things that I dream about. I would love to travel the globe and share my art and my life story while at the same time absorbing the art and the stories of others. Art is more than just me painting a picture and selling it. Art is experiencing life in all of its abundance - that's the well from which my creativity evolves.

For more about Jonathon Romain go to his website at www.jromain.com. He can be reached at romainart@aol.com or 708/829-9578.

But does it really matter that we debunk myths about the ethnicity of Jesus? And isn't he more than just a "color?" Here's what the writers had to say.

"Jesus is definitely more than a color - he made the ultimate sacrifice in atoning for the sins of all mankind of every hue," they said.

"Though Jesus never cared about color, this has not been the case with man. Blacks have been much maligned and our contributions to Biblical and world history erased or altered, used to separate, suppress and to create a mental self-confinement of sorts.

So the truth matters in enhancing the lives of those affected by the false teaching that has been perpetuated, in addition to humbling those artificially elevated by these teachings and in passing on accurate information to the generations to come."

So what is this "real proof" that the two scholars say they have uncovered that illustrates the African heritage of Jesus?

"We wouldn't actually call the proof ours because for the most part, the detail identifying the Black heritage of Jesus is all contained in the King James Version of the Bible," the scholars noted. "We've simply taken what's there, matched it up with ancient artifacts and organized it in a way where viewers can use the genealogies in the Bible to identify many of those who were what we today call "black." In that process you will find several blacks in the family line of Jesus Christ.

"Scholars, theologians and students of the Bible worldwide have praised the work we've done. However, we realize that as with any work that is deemed controversial, there are a number of sensitivities to consider.

Darius Gray

Marvin Perkins

The true value of the Blacks in the Scriptures DVD series is that you don't have to be a scholar or theologian to be able to appreciate its merits.

Let's look at it this way - one of the more prevailing comments at the election of our nation's first black president was "can you imagine how many young black children now realize that they too can grow up to be president one day."

That being said, it is clear that understanding historical truths can lift the self-worth of adults and children of color throughout the world - you can imagine the impact it would have to know that you share ancestral heritage with Jesus Christ." 

To order the series or contact the writers, go to their website . The website also features news articles, pod casts and videos related to their topic of research.

And with his smooth black skin, devilish grin and chiseled abs he has tongues wagging with envy and desire.

But make no mistake - Max Philisaire has a game plan that includes a lot more than just being today's "eye candy."

He had to learn a new language and a new way of life.

"It only strengthened my character and I remained positive," Philisaire said.

Max's plan included a stint in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer, taking him to places like Germany, Kosovo and Iraq. But even in these dangerous situations, he maintained his workout regiment. After completing his tour of duty, he returned to South Florida with his eyes on becoming a full time fitness model and personal trainer.

Soon his body was being featured in everything from music videos and fashion shows to fitness and hip hop magazines. Now he is working on a line of inspirational and motivational posters as well as a calendar, fitness guide and workout videos. "The whole concept is to inspire and motivate others to be fair to themselves and others while maintaining a healthy lifestyle," he said.

"Above all, I plan to brand myself not only as a Haitian male sex symbol but most important as a positive role model." You can find more pictures and information about Max Philisaire on a variety of social networks including: www.Maxthebody.com or www.Maxphilisaire.net.

Make sure you check out his exercise videos too.

But if you're of a certain age or have certain cardiovascular risk factors, you may need to see your physician before beginning a program that involves vigorous (as opposed to moderate) aerobic activity.

Here's how exercise intensities are typically defined:

Low-to-Moderate:
This is an intensity that can be sustained relatively comfortably for a long period of time (about 60 minutes).

The same is true for individuals of any age with two or more coronary artery disease risk factors. If you're unsure if this applies to you, check with your physician.

More Questions

Now that you've made it through the first questions, there are a few more to answer. A YES to any ONE of the following questions means you should talk with your doctor, by phone or in person, BEFORE you start an exercise program. Explain which questions you answered ''yes'' to and the activities you are planning to pursue.

When you are not participating in physical activity?

While at rest, do you frequently experience fast, irregular heartbeats or very slow beats?

3. Do you ever become dizzy and lose your balance, or lose consciousness?Have you fallen more than twice in the past year (no matter what the reason)?

Don't Forget to Warm-up/Cool-down

A pre-exercise warm-up can have a multitude of beneficial effects on a person's workout and, consequently, their overall health.

What happens in your body?

When you begin to exercise, your cardio-respiratory and neuromuscular systems and metabolic energy pathways are stimulated. Muscles contract and, to meet their increasing demands for oxygen, your heart rate, blood flow, cardiac output and breathing rate increase.

Blood moves faster through your arteries and veins, and is gradually routed to working muscles.

Your blood temperature rises and oxygen is released more quickly, raising the temperature of the muscles.

This allows the muscles to use glucose and fatty acids to burn calories and create energy for the exercise.

1) Leads to efficient calorie burning by increasing your core body temperature

2) Produces faster, more forceful muscle contractions

3) Increases your metabolic rate so oxygen is delivered to the working muscles more quickly

4) Prevents injuries by improving the elasticity of your muscles

5) Gives you better muscle control by speeding up your neural message pathways to the muscles

6) Allows you to work out comfortably longer because all your energy systems are able to adjust to exercise, preventing the buildup of lactic acid in the blood

7) Improves joint range of motion

8) Psychologically prepares you for higher intensities by increasing your arousal and focus on exercise

1) progressive aerobic activity that utilizes the muscles you will be using during your workout and 2) flexibility exercises.

Choosing which warm-up activity to use is as easy as slowing down what you will be doing during your work-out.
For example, if you will be running, warm up with a slow jog, or if you will be cycling outdoors, begin in lower gears.

An ideal intensity for an aerobic warm-up has yet to be established, but a basic guideline is to work at a level that produces a small amount of perspiration, but doesn't leave you feeling fatigued. The duration of the warm-up activity will depend on the intensity of your workout as well as your own fitness level.

After the aerobic warm-up activity you should incorporate flexibility/stretching exercises. Stretching muscles after warming them up with low-intensity aerobic activity will produce a better stretch since the rise in muscle temperature and circulation increases muscle elasticity, making them more pliable. Be sure to choose flexibility exercises that stretch the primary muscles you will be using during your workout.

Make the time

In order to fully reap the benefits of the time you are spending exercising, you must warm up. Taking those extra few minutes to adjust to increased activity will ensure a better performance from your body and, in turn, will make your workout more efficient, productive and, best of all, enjoyable.