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"Tutti Frutti The Musical - A Tribute to Little Richard" is an 80-minute concert show of our full-length theatrical production that pays homage to the life and music of the legendary "Architect of Rock and Roll," Richard Wayne Penniman, better known as Little Richard.Starring Emmy and Broadway World Award-winning actor Dedrick Weathersby, the show takes the audience on a journey back in time, specifically focusing on the years from 1949 to 1957. This was the period when Little Richard's career reigned supreme and his iconic musical catalog, which has stood the test of time, was created.
The show is a high-energy performance, featuring a live band that brings the passion of Little Richard's music to life. It highlights his greatest hits, including "Tutti Frutti," "Lucille," "Slippin' and a Sliddin'," "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Long Tall Sally," and "Rip It Up." The show captures the electrifying showmanship and dynamic music that laid the foundation for rock and roll and influenced generations of musicians.
This concert version is a direct tribute to Little Richard's musical legacy, celebrating his life and music through a powerful and authentic performance.
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Dedrick Weathersby is a professional actor, singer, and playwright from Longview, Texas. He began his professional acting career in 2010 and has performed in numerous musicals, plays, and Broadway tours. Weathersby is a proud member of several professional unions, including Actors Equity, SAG-AFTRA, and the Dramatists Guild Union.
He is the founder and Executive Director of Super Bad Theater Company and Weathersby Productions LLC/Publishing. He is an Emmy Award winner for Best Interview and Discussion with Theatre Corner on PBS/KPBS, a Broadway World Award winner, and an NAACP Award winner.
Weathersby is the creator and star of several biographical stage shows, including "Remembering James: The Life and Music of James Brown" and "Tutti Frutti The Musical: Life and Music of Little Richard," in which he portrays Little Richard.
In addition to his stage work, he has been part of national tours for musicals like Dreamgirls and Tarzan, and was a local hire for the tour of Motown. His commercial credits include spots for Mancini's Sleepworld, United Airlines, Sonesta Hotels, AmeriSave, GIG Car, AAA, and Lyft. He has also provided voice and likeness for video games, including NBA 2K24 and NBA 2K25, and is currently working on the new God of War game for PC.
Weathersby is also the founder of The Youth Creative Ethics Workshop, an initiative that brings an 8-week "Pillars of Theatre" workshop to schools that don't have a formal drama or theater program. The workshop is designed for students in grades 4-6 and aims to provide them with a positive creative outlet for self-expression. The program teaches fundamentals of theatre, public speaking, teamwork, and helps build self-esteem.
Weathersby is an accomplished author of six published books, including "How I See Myself," a book of inspirational vignettes for African American youth. He has also released two studio albums, "Remembering James" and "5 Minutes Till Places (Songs of Broadway)."
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
299 East Plumb Lane, Reno, NV, United States, Nevada 89502
