Take You Wherever You Go

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Starting from humble beginnings under his grandmother's care, Leon takes us to unexpected places in his ascent to the top from the house off the dirt road without electricity in rural Florida to being the first African American director to win a Tony Award. In TAKE YOU WHEREVER YOU GO, Kenny reflects on the lessons he learned every step of the way from the most important people in his life-from his grandmother's sagacious and encouraging motivations to the deep artistic influence of iconic American playwright August Wilson in his work. The pillars and wisdom he has learned through all the seminal people that have influenced him, paired with his tremendous storytelling, will show that you can find a classroom anywhere and it will inspire you to never change who you are, and as his grandmother instilled in him, "take you wherever you go".

Reviews

"As a director, Kenny Leon says, 'Where is it you'd like to go' and then supports your journey in achieving that goal. In his book, Kenny tells how he came to be that kind of director, that kind of man."--Harvey Fierstein
"Kenny Leon's candor and generosity of spirit is on remarkable display as he so eloquently shares the inspiration gleamed from the wise counsel of his life's most influential teachers. A true testament of the man I adore and am proud to call my life-long friend."--Angela Bassett
"Kenny Leon's personal story is inspiring. His grandmother and mother told him he could do what he wanted in life, as long as he put in the work and remained true to himself. And that's just what he did."--Denzel Washington

Author Bio

Kenny Leon is a Tony Award winning Broadway and film director. His Broadway credits include the 2014 revival of A Raisin in the Sun starring Denzel Washington (Tony Award Winner for Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival), The Mountaintop starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett, Stick Flyproduced by Alicia Keys, August Wilson's Fences (which garnered ten Tony nominations and won three Tony Awards including Best Revival), the 2004 revival of A Raisin in the Sun with Sean P. Diddy Combs, Gem of the Ocean, Radio Golf and the 2014 premiere of Holler if You Hear Me, a new musical created using the music of Tupac Shakur. Leon's recent film work includes In My Dreams for Hallmark Hall of Fame, The Watsons go to Birmingham for Walden Media and Hallmark, and the Sony and Lifetime TV adaptation of Steel Magnolias. Leon is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2010 Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing by the Drama League of New York.