Hope Clarke

{{Short description|American actress (born 1941)}} {{Infobox person | name = Hope Clarke | image = | image_size = | caption = | birth_name = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1941|3|23}} | birth_place = Washington, D.C., U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | occupation = {{hlist|Actress|choreographer|dancer|vocalist}} | years_active = 1960–present | awards = Dramalogue Award, Joseph Calloway Award, NAACP Image, Outer Critics Award | spouse = | children = }}

'''Hope Clarke''' (born March 23, 1941)<ref name="billman">Billman, Larry (1997). ''[https://archive.org/details/filmchoreographe0000bill/page/266/mode/2up?q=%22Hope+Clarke%22+%22March+23+1941%22 Film Choreographers and Dance Directors : An Illustrated Biographical Encyclopedia, With a History and Filmographies, 1893 through 1995]''. Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland & Co. p.&nbsp;267. {{ISBN|0899508685}}.</ref> is an American actress, dancer, vocalist, choreographer, and director. Clarke, a Tony Award nominee, made history in 1995 when she became the first African-American, as well as the first African-American woman, to direct and choreograph a major staging of the classic opera, ''Porgy and Bess''. Clarke began her career as a principal dancer with the Katherine Dunham Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and as an actress appeared in many stage, film, and television productions. As a choreographer, Clarke is credited with staging and movement for more than 30 shows on and off Broadway.

==Early life and education== Born in Washington, D.C. to Maurice Aloysius Clarke And Hope Aldridge,<ref name="billman"/><ref>Washington Post (November 17, 2005). [https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/maurice-clarke-obituary?id=5547649 Maurice Clarke Obituary (2005).]</ref><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1039127665/?match=1&terms=%22maurice%20clarke%2026%22%20%22hope%20aldridge%22 "Births, Deaths and Marriage Licenses: Licensed to Marry"]. ''The Washington Daily News''. January 23, 1936. p.&nbsp;22. Retrieved June 17, 2025. "Maurice Clarke, 26, of 1645 34th-st nw, and Hope Aldridge, of Jersey City, N. J."</ref><ref name="wwii drc">"District of Columbia, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJ1-4YS9 : Fri Apr 04 14:45:40 UTC 2025), Entry for Maurice Aloysius Clarke and Hope Clarke, 16 Oct 1940.</ref> Clarke was raised with her sister, Barbara,<ref name="NesmithN"/> in a middle class Black community, a place where people shopped through mail-order catalogues in order to purchase clothes offered in stores where they were not welcomed. “The black community, as I remember it, was very closely knit," Clarke said in the ''San Francisco Examiner'': "Before the fabric of this society was torn by racism and lack of education, we all took care of each other. We all watched each other's children."<ref>''San Francisco Examiner'', April 30, 1995, p. M10.</ref>

Clarke began studying dance with her sister at the Alma Davis Dance School in Washington, DC.<ref name="NesmithN"/><ref name=NYOralProj/> She attended Spingarn High School, and graduated in 1959.<ref>Bobo, Marian Kenely. [https://spingarnalumni.org/notable-alumni Spingarn SHS Notable Trail Blazers: Alumni Achievements.] Spingarn Alumni Association.</ref> In her senior year, she was a lead dancer with Doris W. Jones and her company.<ref name="NesmithN">{{Cite web |last=Nesmith |first=Nathaniel G. |date=2021-01-29 |title=Hope Clarke: A Career of Being Ready for the Next Chance |url=https://www.americantheatre.org/2021/01/29/hope-clarke-a-career-of-being-ready-for-the-next-chance/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=AMERICAN THEATRE |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=NYOralProj/><ref>Kriegsman, Alan (April 20, 1987). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1987/04/21/tribute-for-the-troupe/c049d0ec-388e-45b7-9495-72b48e107097/ Tribute for the Troupe: The Capitol Ballet's Spirited Benefit Gala.] Washington Post.</ref>

Clarke worked as a summer employee for the CIA.<ref name=NYOralProj>Waters, Sylvia and Hope Clarke interview. Jerome Robbins Dance Division Oral History Project. The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. April 20, 24, and 25, 2017. 3 streaming files (approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes) : digital + transcript (232 pages). https://legacycatalog.nypl.org/record=b21682817~S1</ref>

==Career== ===West Side Story to Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope=== In 1959, Clarke landed a role in the original touring cast of ''West Side Story.''<ref name=NYOralProj/> At the urging of her sister, she auditioned for the role, got it, and joined the touring company while it was in Chicago,<ref name=NesmithN/><ref name=Goodman/><ref name=Playbill/> and remained in the cast until April 23, 1960.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hope Clarke – Broadway Cast & Staff {{!}} IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/hope-clarke-1101#touring |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref> In 1961, Clarke appeared in the interracial love story Kwamina starring Brock Peters and Robert Guillaume, and featuring the choreography of Agnes de Mille.<ref name=NesmithN/><ref name=Playbill/> In 1967, she played a minor role and was part of the ensemble in ''Hallelujah, Baby!,'' which received five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.<ref name=NesmithN/><ref name=Goodman/><ref name=Playbill/>

In 1966, Clarke appeared in the Metropolitan Opera's first production, ''Antony and Cleopatra''.<ref name=MetAnandC>[https://archives.metopera.org/MetOperaSearch/search.jsp?q=%22Norman%20Giffin%22&&sort=TI_TINAME Opening Night, World Premiere, New Production, ... Antony and Cleopatra, Metropolitan Opera House, September 16, 1966]. Metropolitan Opera.</ref> In 1968, she played Mamselle Tulip in the House of Flowers at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.<ref name="BroadwayWorld">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Hope Clarke: Credits, Bio, News & More {{!}} Broadway World |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Hope-Clarke/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.broadwayworld.com |language=en}}</ref> In 1969, Clarke had a role in Douglas Turner Ward’s “The Reckoning” at the St. Mark’s Playhouse,<ref name=NesmithN/><ref name=Goodman/> an off-off Broadway theater that showcased the work of the Negro Ensemble Company.<ref name=Goodman/><ref name=BroadwayWorld/>

In 1970, Clarke was a dancer in “Purlie,” a musical that nominated for five Tony Awards.<ref name=NesmithN/><ref name=Goodman/> In 1972, she was in the musical “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope,” which was the first Broadway musical to be directed by an African American woman, Vinnette Carroll.<ref name=NesmithN/><ref name=NYOralProj/><ref name=Playbill/><ref>Don't bother me, I can't cope, 1972. Gospel Music History Archive. Victory Baptist Church (Los Angeles) Archival Collection. University of Southern California. Libraries. 1972. https://digitallibrary.usc.edu/asset-management/2A3BF1O3VHSN3?FR_=1&W=1679&H=992</ref>

===Alvin Ailey, Katherine Dunham, and 5 Plus=== Clarke served as a principal dancer in the Katherine Dunham Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.<ref name=NesmithN/><ref name=Goodman/><ref name=Herman/><ref name=SegalLewisPB/><ref name=NYOralProj/> In the Ailey company, she toured internationally and received positive reviews and audience ovations.<ref name=NYOralProj/><ref>Matchan, Linda. What made Mr. Ailey Mr. Ailey? New documentary offers a fuller picture of the modern dance pioneer. Washington Post. July 25, 2021. https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/new-alvin-ailey-documentary/2021/07/21/a1bdf592-e67b-11eb-b722-89ea0dde7771_story.html</ref> In addition to dancing with Dunham and Ailey, Clarke performed with the companies of Tally Beatty,<ref name=NYOralProj/><ref name=Goodman/> George Faison,<ref name=Goodman/> and Louis Johnson.<ref name=NesmithN/><ref name=Goodman/>

Clarke, along with Michael Blake, Carmen de Lavallade, Sheila Rohan, and others, co-founded the former 5 Plus Ensemble (New Beginnings Theater), a dance company created to showcase the work of dancers, choreographer, and musicians who are older than the age of 50.<ref name=NYOralProj/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-25 |title=My Life in Movement: Inheriting the Dancing Body |url=https://sfonline.barnard.edu/my-life-in-movement-inheriting-the-dancing-body/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=The Scholar & Feminist Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>5 Plus Ensemble. The Ensemble: Meet the Founders. https://5plusensemble.com</ref>

===Film and television=== After appearing on Broadway and around the world as a dancer, Clarke moved to Hollywood, California with the help of actor and friend Raymond St. Jacques.<ref name=NYOralProj/> Her most memorable film roles were co-starring with Sidney Poitier in ''A Piece of the Action'' (1977);<ref name=NYOralProj/> working with St. Jacques and Philip Michael Thomas on the A Book of Numbers' set in Dallas;<ref name=NYOralProj/><ref>{{Cite web |title=He's Making a Big Numbers ' Racket |website=The New York Times |date=13 May 1973 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/05/13/archives/hes-making-a-big-numbers-racket-hes-making-a-big-numbers-racket.html |access-date=2024-12-20 |last1=Peterson |first1=Maurice }}</ref><ref name=Goodman/> and portraying Jean-Michel Basquiat's mother, Matilde, in ''Basquiat'' (1996).<ref name=NYOralProj/><ref name=BroadwayWorld/> Clarke has had a variety of guest roles on tv shows, such as ''Hill Street Blues'',<ref name=NYOralProj/> ''Amen'', ''Another World'', As the World Turns, ''Beat Street'', ''Hart to Hart'', ''Into the Night'', The Jeffersons'', ''The Ropers'', Sex and the City, Three's Company''.<ref name=NesmithN/> She appeared in the TV miniseries ''King'' (1978), which was based upon the life of Martin Luther King Jr., the slain civil rights leader.

===Collaborations with George C. Wolfe=== In 1986, Broadway director and producer George C. Wolfe hired Clarke to create movement and staging for The Colored Museum,<ref name=NesmithN/><ref name=AmistadLiner>Amistad. Opera in Two Acts. Liner notes. https://nwr-site-liner-notes.s3.amazonaws.com/80627.pdf</ref> the pair began a long-term theatrical collaboration. Wolfe and Clarke directed and choreographed 10 plays and musicals together,<ref name=NYOralProj/> including the opera ''Amistad'',<ref>Page, Tim. Amistad Misses the Boat: Slave Tale Reduced to a Well-Scored Sermon. Washington Post. November 30, 1997. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1997/12/01/amistad-misses-the-boat/68e26cd1-fbdb-488d-bbc2-20b71d06915a/</ref> the Off-Broadway play, ''Spunk'',<ref name=AmistadLiner/> and several Broadway shows, such as ''Jelly's Last Jam'', ''Caroline, Or Change'', and ''A Free Man of Color''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1992-05-05 |title='Jelly's Last Jam,' With 11, Leads in Tony Nominations (Published 1992) |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/05/theater/jelly-s-last-jam-with-11-leads-in-tony-nominations.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913064146/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/05/theater/jelly-s-last-jam-with-11-leads-in-tony-nominations.html |archive-date=2024-09-13 |access-date=2024-12-20 |language=en |last1=Collins |first1=Glenn }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-18 |title=Lack of Diversity in Theatre's Directors and Choreographers |url=https://liveandincolor.org/blog/2019/6/18/lack-of-diversity-in-theatres-directors-and-choreographers |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=LIVE & IN COLOR |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1992, Clarke earned a Tony Award nomination for “Best Choreography” for her work in ''Jelly's Last Jam''.<ref name=NesmithN/><ref name=Playbill/><ref>Richard Christiansen, [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-04-19/news/9504190293_1_jelly-roll-morton-ethnicity-hope-clarke "`Jelly's Last Jam' Jumps"], ''Chicago Tribune'', April 19, 1995.</ref> The show grew from New York workshops and a Los Angeles production at the Mark Taper Forum to a Broadway show.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Making of Jelly's Last Jam |url=https://www.tdf.org/on-stage/masters-of-the-stage/the-making-of-jellys-last-jam/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.tdf.org |language=en}}</ref>

In November 2003, she started work on ''Caroline, or Change'', a musical that features spirituals, blues, Motown, classical music and Jewish Klezmer.<ref name="CarolineLondon">{{Cite web |title=Festival Bruxellons! - National Theatre - Histoire 08 - Nicholas Hytner |url=https://www.bruxellons.be/YYMusicalLieuxLondresNTHist08.php |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.bruxellons.be}}</ref> Clarke was responsible for the choreography of the show that began as an Off-Broadway production, received a Broadway production of 126 performances in 2004, received six Tony Award nominations, and had a two-month run at the Lyttleton Theatre, National Theatre in London, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.<ref name=CarolineLondon/><ref name=BroadwayWorld/><ref name=IBDBClarkeH/>

In 2010, Clarke choreographed ''A Free Man of Color''.<ref name="Playbill">{{Cite web |title=Hope Clarke (Choreographer) |url=https://playbill.com/person/hope-clarke-vault-0000004523 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203231631/https://playbill.com/person/hope-clarke-vault-0000004523 |archive-date=2024-12-03 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Playbill |language=en-US}}</ref>

===More Broadway, Off Broadway, and Regional Theater=== In 1985, Clarke played “Ruby” in the musical ''Grind''<ref name="Goodman">{{Cite web |title=Hope Clarke |url=https://www.goodmantheatre.org/artists/hope-clarke/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Goodman Theatre |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=Playbill/><ref name=IBDBClarkeH>{{IBDB name|1101|Hope Clarke}}</ref> and worked with Lester Wilson.<ref name=NYOralProj/>

In 1995, Clarke choreographed “The Tempest.”<ref name=Goodman/><ref name=Playbill/>

In 1997, Clarke adapted and directed ''Nobody Says Baby Like A Black Man'', a dramatic collage of African American love poems, at the American Place Theater in New York.<ref name="LefkowitzD1997">Lefkowitz, David (February 6, 1997). [https://playbill.com/article/stonewall-jacksons-house-begins-previews-at-american-place-com-69499 Stonewall Jackson's House Begins Previews at American Place. Three world-premiere plays about the African-American experience will comprise the 1997 season of New York's American Place Theatre.] Playbill.</ref>

In 2017, she choreographed, ''Fly'', a play about the Tuskegee Airmen. The show was produced by the Lincoln Center Institute and toured to several venues, including Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Pasadena Playhouse, Florida Studio Theatre, St. Louis Rep, Cincinnati Playhouse, Ford's Theatre, Vineyard Playhouse, and Crossroads Theatre.<ref name=NYOralProj/><ref name=HCBioIMDB/><ref name="asf.net">Alabama Shakespeare Festival Soars with FLY, Celebrating the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, Jan. 26-Feb 11. 2017. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. December 20, 2017. https://asf.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FLY-PR.pdf</ref><ref name=ClarkeLCT/>

In 2025, Clarke choreographed Blues in the Night at the Arizona Theatre Company.<ref name="McLemore2025">McLemore, Mark (January 30, 2025). [https://www.azpm.org/s/100304-clickety-clacks-a-echoin-back-the-blues-in-the-night-at-arizona-theatre-company/ Clickety-clack's, a-echoin' back, The Blues in the Night" at Arizona Theatre Company.] AZPM. Retrieved April 28, 2025.</ref><ref>Encila-Celdran, Robert (February 3, 2025).[https://atc.org/review-sultry-soulful-and-spectacular-blues-in-the-night-delivers-at-arizona-theatre-company/ Review: Sultry, Soulful, and Spectacular: BLUES IN THE NIGHT Delivers at Arizona Theatre Company.] Originally published in BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved April 28, 2025.</ref>

===Porgy & Bess: The Opera=== In 1995, Clarke directed the Houston Grand Opera production of ''Porgy & Bess'', the first African American to stage a major professional U.S. staging of “Porgy and Bess.<ref name=AmistadLiner/><ref name="Herman">{{Cite web |last=Herman |first=Kenneth |date=1995-03-05 |title=Performing Arts : 'Porgy' Gets a Cultural Makeover : Director Hope Clarke has added a historic African American flavor to Gershwin's classic characters on Catfish Row. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-03-05-ca-39028-story.html |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="SegalLewisPB">{{Cite web |last=Segal |first=Lewis |date=1995-06-01 |title=It's Summertime, and the Staging Ain't Easy . . . : Opera: Hope Clarke is unhappy that her work on 'Porgy and Bess' is being modified before its area visit. But the Houston Opera's general director counters that 'it's not a new staging.' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-06-01-ca-8403-story.html |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Regarded as America’s greatest opera, the two million dollar Houston Grand production toured throughout the United States, as well as performances in Italy and Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hope Clarke – FIVE PLUS ENSEMBLE |url=https://5plusensemble.com/hope-clark/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=Herman/>

In 2012, Clarke directed a Morgan State University production of ''Porgy & Bess'' at the Murphy Fine Arts Center.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2012-03-23 |title=Morgan State to stage 'Porgy and Bess' |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/03/23/morgan-state-to-stage-porgy-and-bess-2/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Baltimore Sun |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Murphy Fine Arts Center Presents – Porgy and Bess |url=https://news.morgan.edu/murphy-fine-arts-center-presents-porgy-and-bess/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Morgan State University Newsroom |language=en}}</ref>

===Quotable=== * “I want African Americans who come to see the opera to be proud that an African American is directing the production and to recognize the people on stage.” <ref name=Herman/> * "Blacks and women have been locked out of directing major productions for too long. It's time for us not only to tell our stories but to direct them."<ref name=Essence>''Essence'', August 1995, p.&nbsp;56.</ref> * "As a director, I guess I bring in the female sensibilities. Since I'm also an actress, I've really tried to develop the characterizations so that the performers don't do a little singing here, and some acting there. And coming from a black perspective, I know how we think, how we feel, what we do. I understand the little things. That makes a difference."<ref>''San Diego Union-Tribune'', March 5, 1995, p. D1.</ref> * “In my production, everybody works. Everybody has some type of job. Just because you are poor doesn't mean you have to be slovenly or ignorant."<ref>''Opera News'', January 21, 1995, pp.&nbsp;12–16.</ref>

==Honors and Awards== * 2020 -- Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, elected to a three-year term to the Board of Directors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-17 |title=SDC re-elects Michael John Garcés, Melia Bensussen in 2020 election |url=https://www.broadwaynews.com/sdc-re-elects-michael-john-garces-melia-bensussen-in-2020-election/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Broadway News |language=en}}</ref> * 2018–3rd Annual Project1VOICE HONORS, “to celebrate and honor artists whose talents continue to shape and enrich American culture.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wild |first=Stephi |title=Project1VOICE Honors The Lifetime Achievements Of Vinnette Carroll, Hope Clarke, Harold Wheeler And Hattie Winston-Wheeler |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Project1VOICE-Honors-The-Lifetime-Achievements-Of-Vinnette-Carroll-Hope-Clarke-Harold-Wheeler-And-Hattie-Winston-Wheeler-20180617 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> * 2015 - 2018 Broadway seasons, Tony Awards Nominating Committee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015-2016 Tony Awards Nominating Committee Announced |url=https://www.tonyawards.com/press/2015-2016-tony-awards-nominating-committee-announced/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.tonyawards.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="TonyNomComm">{{Cite web |title=2017-2018 Tony Awards Nominating Committee Announced |url=https://www.tonyawards.com/press/2017-2018-tony-awards-nominating-committee-announced/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.tonyawards.com |language=en-US}}</ref> * 2009 - 2012 Broadway Seasons, Tony Awards Nominating Committee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Healy |first=Patrick |date=2009-07-21 |title=Nominating Committee Announced for 2009-2010 Tony Season |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/nominating-committee-announced-for-2009-2010-tony-season/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=ArtsBeat |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2010-2011 Tony Nominating Committee Includes De Shields, Edelstein, Greif, Kaufman and More |url=https://playbill.com/article/2010-2011-tony-nominating-committee-includes-de-shields-edelstein-greif-kaufman-and-more-com-170141 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913064151/https://playbill.com/article/2010-2011-tony-nominating-committee-includes-de-shields-edelstein-greif-kaufman-and-more-com-170141 |archive-date=2024-09-13 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Playbill |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="EadiciccoL">{{Cite web |date=2011-06-17 |title=Tony Nominating Committee for New Broadway Season Announced |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/tony-nominating-committee-new-broadway-season-announced-55937/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.backstage.com |language=en}}</ref> * 2004—Lucille Lortel Award, Outstanding Choreographer, ''Caroline, Or Change'' * 2001—AUDELCO Recognition Awards for Excellence in Black Theatre (nomination), Choreographer, ''A Prophet Among Them''<ref name="AUDELCO">{{Cite web |title=NYC's Harlem-Based Audelco Awards Turn Blue |url=https://playbill.com/article/nycs-harlem-based-audelco-awards-turn-blue-com-99922 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913064146/https://playbill.com/article/nycs-harlem-based-audelco-awards-turn-blue-com-99922 |archive-date=2024-09-13 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Playbill |language=en-US}}</ref> * 1998—Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, elected to Board of Directors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stage Directors Elect Ted Pappas New President, Plus Board Officers |url=https://playbill.com/article/stage-directors-elect-ted-pappas-new-president-plus-board-officers-com-78993 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913064147/https://playbill.com/article/stage-directors-elect-ted-pappas-new-president-plus-board-officers-com-78993 |archive-date=2024-09-13 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Playbill |language=en-US}}</ref> * 1993—Tony Award (nomination), Best Choreography (with Gregory Hines and Ted Levy), ''Jelly's Last Jam'' * 1993—Outer Critics Award, Best Choreography (with Gregory Hines and Ted Levy), ''Jelly’s Last Jam'' (with Gregory Hines and Ted Levy)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brame |first=Karen D. |date=2021-09-15 |title=George C. Wolfe |url=https://blacklistedculture.com/george-c-wolfe/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=BlacklistedCulture.com |language=en-US}}</ref> * 1992—Drama Desk Award (nomination), Outstanding Choreography (with Gregory Hines and Ted Levy), ''Jelly's Last Jam'' * 1991—NAACP Image Award, Best Choreography, ''Jelly's Last Jam''<ref name=HCBioIMDB/> * 1988—Drama Logue Award, Outstanding Choreography, ''The Colored Museum''<ref name="HCBioIMDB">{{Cite web |title=Hope Clarke - Biography |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0164789/bio/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Credits== ===Stage=== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Type ! Venue ! Role |- | 2025 | ''Blues in the Night'' | Musical | Arizona Theatre Company | Choreographer<ref name="McLemore2025"/> |- | 2023 | ''A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas'' | Musical, holiday | Hartford Stage | Choreographer<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-10 |title=Home for the Holidays |url=https://www.newhavenreview.com/blog/index.php/2023/12/home-for-the-holidays |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=New Haven Review |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | 2019 | ''The In-Gathering'' | Musical | New Professional Theatre at the Duke Theater | Choreographer<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-09-25 |title=MUSICAL LETS FREEDOM RING |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2000/09/25/musical-lets-freedom-ring/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |2018 | ''A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas'' | Musical, holiday | Hartford Stage | Choreographer<ref>Brown, Donald. Comfort and Joy. New Haven Review. Dec 12, 2018. https://newhavenreview.squarespace.com/?offset=1544879338070&category=Reviews</ref> |- | 2017 | ''FLY'' | Play, drama | Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Pasadena Playhouse, Florida Studio Theatre, St. Louis Rep, Cincinnati Playhouse, Ford's Theatre, Vineyard Playhouse, Crossroads Theatre | Choreographer<ref name=HCBioIMDB/><ref name="asf.net"/> |- | 2016 | ''A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas'' | Musical, holiday | Hartford Stage | Choreographer<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-05 |title=Review: ''A Christmas Carol A Ghost Story of Christmas'' at Hartford Stage |url=https://www.onstageblog.com/reviews/2016/12/5/review-a-christmas-carol-a-ghost-story-of-christmas-at-hartford-stage |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=OnStage Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | 2016 | ''The Roads to Home'' | Play, drama | Primary Stages, Cherry Lane Theater | Movement consultant<ref name="InterOff">{{Cite web |title=Hope Clarke |url=http://www.iobdb.com/CreditableEntity/6396 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.iobdb.com}}</ref><ref name=HCBioIMDB/> |- | 2015 | ''Grey Gardens'' | Musical | Center Theatre Group, Bay Street Theatre | Choreographer<ref name=HCBioIMDB/><ref>Grey Gardens The Musical. Bay Street Theatre. https://www.baystreet.org/calendar/grey-gardens/</ref> |- | 2014 | ''A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas'' | Musical, holiday | Hartford Stage | Choreographer<ref>Brown, Donald. Look Out, Cleveland. New Haven Review. December 16, 2014. https://www.newhavenreview.com/blog?year=2014</ref> |- | 2013 | ''A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas'' | Musical, holiday | Hartford Stage | Choreographer<ref>Sawyer, Jessie. Hartford Stage's 'A Christmas Carol': A Comical Holiday Ghost Story. Patch. Dec 20, 2013. https://patch.com/connecticut/avon/hartford-stages-a-christmas-carol-features-avons-murphy-as-tiny-tims-brother</ref> |- | 2011 | Mr. Abbott Award Gala | Benefit | In honor of George C. Wolfe, New York | Choreographer<ref>Hetrick, Adam, and Andrew Gans. George C. Wolfe Honored with 2011 Mr. Abbott Award. Playbill. Oct. 3, 2011. https://playbill.com/article/george-c-wolfe-honored-with-2011-mr-abbott-award-oct-3-com-183134</ref> |- | 2010 – 2011 | ''A Free Man of Color'' | Broadway play, original, drama | Vivian Beaumont Theater | Choreographer |- |2010 | ''Agnes deMille: From Ballet to Broadway'' | Revue | St. Luke's Theatre |Performer<ref>Deni, Laura. Broadway To Vegas. October 10, 2010. https://www.broadwaytovegas.com/October10,2010.html</ref><ref>Agnes De Mille : From Ballet to Broadway. Dance Enthusiast. https://www.dance-enthusiast.com/dance-listings/events/view/Agnes-De-Mille-From-Ballet-to-Broadway-2010-10-11/</ref> |- | 2010 | ''Jesus Christ Superstar Gospel'' | Musical | Alliance Theatre | Choreographer<ref name="ClarkeLCT">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Hope Clarke |url=https://www.lct.org/shows/people/hope-clarke/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Lincoln Center Theater |language=en}}</ref> |- | 2008 | ''Resurrection'' | Play | Philadelphia Theatre Company, Hartford Stage | Choreographer<ref name=HCBioIMDB/><ref>Gold, Sylviane. Delving Into the Black Experience, Generation by Generation. New York Times.October 31, 2008. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/nyregion/connecticut/02theaterct.html</ref> |- | 2006 - 2007 | ''Caroline, or Change'' | Musical, tour | The Lyttelton, at the National Theatre, London | Choreographer<ref name=CarolineLondon/> |- | 2006 | ''The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove'' | Play, drama | Goodman Theater | Choreographer<ref name=Goodman/><ref>Oxman, Steven. The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove. Variety. June 27, 2006. https://variety.com/2006/legit/reviews/the-dreams-of-sarah-breedlove-1200515143/</ref> |- | 2005 | ''The Learned Ladies of Park Avenue'' | Play | Hartford Stage | Choreographer<ref name=HCBioIMDB/><ref>Blankenship, Mark. The Learned Ladies of Park Avenue. Variety. October 3, 2005. https://variety.com/2005/legit/reviews/the-learned-ladies-of-park-avenue-1200521367/</ref> |- | 2004 | ''Caroline, or Change'' | Broadway musical, original, drama | Eugene O'Neill Theatre | Choreographer |- | 2004 | ''Stormy Weather'' | Musical | New York | Choreographer<ref>Creative Team. Stormy Weather. Broadway World. https://www.broadwayworld.com/shows/creative.php?showid=7322</ref> |- | 2003 | ''Caroline, or Change'' | Off-Broadway musical, original, drama | Joseph Papp Public Theater/ Newman Theater | Choreographer<ref name=InterOff/> |- | 2002 | ''The Odyssey'' | Play | Theater at St. Clement's | Musical staging<ref name=Goodman/><ref name=ClarkeLCT/><ref>Willow Cabin Theater Company presents The Odyssey. 2002. https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/183935-the-odyssey-at-the-theater-at-st-clements-2002</ref> |- |2000 | ''A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas'' | Musical, holiday | Hartford Stage | Choreographer<ref>Hartford Stage Begins "A Ghost of Christmas." Hartford Courant. Nov. 16, 2000. https://www.courant.com/2000/11/16/hartford-stage-begins-a-ghost-of-christmas/</ref> |- | 2000 | ''A Prophet Among Them'' | Play with music | Blue Heron Arts Center | Choreographer<ref>Ehren, Christine. Reggie Montgomery Is A Prophet Among Them at OB's Blue Heron June 21-July 15. Playbill. June 21, 2001. https://playbill.com/article/reggie-montgomery-is-a-prophet-among-them-at-obs-blue-heron-june-21-july-15-com-97358</ref><ref name=AUDELCO/> |- |1999 | ''Mack and Mabel'' | Musical | Barrington Stage | Choreographer<ref>Burns, Gail M. Mack and Mabel. Review. June, 1999. https://myvanwy.tripod.com/companies/barrington/mackmabel.html</ref><ref>Simonson, Robert. Jeff McCarthy and Kelli Rabke Are Barrington's Mack and Mabel, June 22. Playbill. June 22, 1999. https://playbill.com/article/jeff-mccarthy-and-kelli-rabke-are-barringtons-mack-and-mabel-june-22-com-82697</ref> |- | 1999 | ''South Pacific'' | Musical | Pioneer Theatre | Choreographer<ref name=HCBioIMDB/><ref>Lincoln, Ivan M. 'South Pacific' a lush, beautifully staged production. Deseret News. April 29, 1999. https://www.deseret.com/1999/4/29/19442711/south-pacific-a-lush-beautifully-staged-production/</ref> |- | 1998 | ''Porgy and Bess'' | Ballet | Dallas Black Dance Theatre | Choreographer<ref>7 Things to Learn About. Chicago Tribune. August 22, 2021. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/11/16/7-things-to-learn-about/</ref> |- | 1998 | ''Cabaret'' | Musical | Cambridge Theatre Company | Choreographer<ref>Andres Teuber. Cambridge Theatre Company Productions 1997 -98. https://people.brandeis.edu/~teuber/ctc92_98.html</ref> |- | 1997 | ''Armistad'' | Opera | Lyric Opera | Choreographer<ref name=Goodman/><ref>Launched March 6, 2020: The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s World Premiere of Amistad. Chicago History Museum. https://www.chicagohistory.org/exhibition/lyric-opera-chicago-amistad/</ref> |- | 1997 | ''Nobody Says Baby Like A Black Man'' | Off-Broadway play | American Place Theater | Director<ref name="LefkowitzD1997"/> |- | 1996 | ''A ... My Name is Alice'' | Musical, revue | McGinn-Cazale Theater | Choreographer<ref name=InterOff/><ref name=ClarkeLCT/><ref>A... My Name Will Always Be Alice > Barrington Stage Company. Cast Albums. 1996. https://castalbums.org/recordings/A-My-Name-Will-Always-Be-Alice-1996-Barrington-Stage-Company/3926</ref> |- | 1996 | ''One Touch of Venus'' | Musical | New York City Center/ Mainstage | Choreographer<ref name=BroadwayWorld/><ref name=InterOff/> |- | 1995 | ''Angel Levine'' | Off-Broadway musical | Playhouse 91 | Choreographer<ref name=InterOff/> |- | 1995 | ''The Tempest'' | Off-Broadway Play, comedy, revival | Delacorte Theater | Choreographer<ref name=InterOff/> |- | 1995 | ''The Tempest'' | Broadway play, comedy, revival |Broadhurst Theatre | Choreographer<ref>The Tempest. Broadway. Play. Revival. Playbill. 1995. https://playbill.com/production/the-tempest-broadhurst-theatre-vault-0000002004#carousel-cell134948</ref> |- | 1993 | ''Sweet & Hot: The Songs of Harold Arlen'' | Musical | La Jolla Playhouse (West Coast Premiere) | Choreographer<ref>Production History. LaJolla Playhouse. https://lajollaplayhouse.org/who-we-are/about-the-playhouse/production-history/</ref> |- | 1992 – 1993 | ''Jelly's Last Jam'' | Broadway musical, original |Virginia Theatre | Choreographer (nominated for a Tony) |- | 1991 | ''Black Eagles'' | Play | New York City Center/ Stage II | Choreographer<ref name=InterOff/> |- | 1991 | ''Così fan tutte'' | Opera | New York | Choreographer<ref name=SegalLewisPB/><ref>Holland, Bernard. Review/Opera; A Modest 'Cosi' in Which the Comedy Prevails. New York Times. Sept. 10, 1991. https://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/10/arts/review-opera-a-modest-cosi-in-which-the-comedy-prevails.html</ref> |- | 1990 | ''Spunk: Three Tales by Zora Neale Hurston'' | Off-Broadway play | Joseph Papp Public Theater/ Martinson Hall | Choreographer<ref name=NesmithN/><ref name=Goodman/><ref name=InterOff/> |- | 1990 | ''The Caucasian Chalk Circle'' | Play | Joseph Papp Public Theater/ Martinson Hall | Choreographer<ref name=InterOff/><ref name=NesmithN/> |- | 1988 | ''Porgy & Bess'' | Opera | Finnish National Opera and Brazil (Opera Ebony productions) | Choreographer<ref name=Goodman/><ref>The Negros Burial Ground: A Cantata for the Departed. Program. Opera Ebony bio. The Kitchen. May 1996. http://archive.thekitchen.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Program_The-Negros-Burial-Ground_Jenkins_1996.pdf</ref> |- | 1986 | ''The Colored Museum'' | Play | Joseph Papp Public Theater/ Susan Stein Shiva Theater | Choreographer<ref name=InterOff/> |- | 1985 | ''Grind'' | Broadway musical, original |Mark Hellinger Theatre | Ruby / performer |- | 1981 | ''Black Nativity'' | Off-Broadway musical, original, all-Black cast | Ford Theatre | Choreographer<ref>Richards, David (September 18, 1981). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1981/09/18/gospel-gusto-festive-black-nativity/dd71d332-8844-4bfd-b987-038340a0d9e2/ Gospel Gusto Festive “Black Nativity.”] ''Washington Post''.</ref> |- | 1972 – 1974 | ''Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope'' | Broadway musical, original, revue, all-Black cast | Playhouse Theatre, Edison Theatre | Performer |- | 1972 | ''Black Visions'' | Off-Broadway play | Joseph Papp Public Theater/ Annex | Choreographer<ref name=InterOff/> |- | 1967 – 1968 | ''Hallelujah, Baby!'' | Broadway musical, original | Martin Beck Theatre | Performer |- | 1966 | ''Antony and Cleopatra'' | Opera | Metropolitan Opera | Dancer<ref name=MetAnandC/> |- | 1960 | ''West Side Story'' | Broadway musical |Winter Garden Theatre, Alvin Theatre, and Tour Cities | Performer |}

===TV and Film=== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Type ! Role |- | 1969 | ''Change of Mind'' | Film | Nancy |- |2023 |LEAP FOR JOY! In Celebration of National Dance Day |Short film, musical |Self |- |2023 |Rustin |Film |Lucille Randolph |- | 2019 | ''Finding Julia'' | Film | Choreographer<ref name=BroadwayWorld/> |- | 2004 | Men Without Jobs | Film | Ms. Jackson |- | 1996–2002 | Law & Order | TV Series | Multiple episodes: Mrs. Marbury, Appellate Judge #2, Judge Emma Reynolds |- | 2002 | Driving Fish | Short film | Betty |- | 2000 | Seventeen Again | TV Movie | Grandma Catherine “Cat” Donovan |- | 2002 | Sex and the City | TV Series | Lee |- | 1996 | New York Undercover | TV Series | Marilyn Ferris |- | 1996 | Basquiat | Film | Matilde |- | 1988 | A Father's Homecoming | TV Movie | Doctor |- | 1987 | Amen | TV Series | Carol Wilson |- | 1987 | Angel Heart | Film | Voodoo Dancer |- | 1985 | Into the Night | Film | Airport Cop |- | 1984 | ''Beat Street'' | Film | Assistant Choreographer<ref>Hope Clarke. AFI Catalog. https://catalog.afi.com/Person/71006-Hope-Clarke?sid=67c0a1d9-a371-4491-b842-d7b3d5aa1dcf&sr=10.804653&cp=1&pos=0&isMiscCredit=false</ref> |- | 1983 | The New Odd Couple | TV Series | Beth St. Clair |- | 1982 | Hill Street Blues | TV Series | Mrs. Reese |- | 1982 | Lois Gibbs and the Love Canal | TV Movie | Chris |- | 1981 | Maggie | TV Series | Receptionist |- | 1981 | ''Body and Soul'' | Film | Choreographer<ref name=BroadwayWorld/> |- | 1980 | Scout's Honor | TV Movie | Mrs. Prewett |- | 1978 | The White Shadow | TV Series | Aunt Edna Hayward |- | 1979 | Three's Company | TV Series | Second Nurse |- | 1979 | Hart to Hart | TV Series | Teacher |- | 1979 | Miss Winslow and Son | TV Series | Cast member |- | 1979 | The Ropers | TV Series | Dr. Young |- | 1979 | Jennifer: A Woman's Story | TV Movie | Annie (secretary) |- | 1976; 1977–1978 | What's Happening!! | TV Series | Multiple episodes: Mrs. Watson, Elizabeth Duncan |- | 1974 | Good Times | TV Series | Brenda Gordon |- | 1978 | King | TV Mini Series | Multiple episodes: Mary |- | 1975 | The Jeffersons | TV Series | Sherry Barnes |- | 1977 | A Piece of the Action | Film | Sarah Thomas |- | 1973 | Book of Numbers | Film | Pigmeat Goins<ref>Greenspun, Roger. Film: 'Book of Numbers':St. Jacques Focuses on Southern Town The Cast. ''New York Times''. April 12, 1973. https://www.nytimes.com/1973/04/12/archives/film-book-of-numbersst-jacques-focuses-on-southern-town-the-cast.html</ref> |- | 1971 | Going Home | Film | Mother at prison |- | 1969 | Change of Mind | Film | Nancy |- |1968 |N.Y.P.D. | |Ivy |- |}

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:1941 births Category:Living people Category:American choreographers Category:Musical theatre choreographers Category:African-American choreographers Category:American women choreographers Category:African-American dancers Category:African-American female dancers Category:American female dancers Category:Dancers from Washington, D.C. Category:American film actresses Category:American stage actresses Category:American television actresses Category:21st-century American actresses Category:20th-century African-American actresses Category:20th-century American actresses Category:21st-century African-American actresses Category:Actresses from Washington, D.C. Category:20th-century American singers Category:20th-century American women singers Category:20th-century African-American women singers Category:Singers from Washington, D.C. Category:Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancers