Now Theo is all grown up and no where is that more evident than in his one-man spoken-word jazz show called "Love and Other Social Issues" which is running through July 8 at the Assistance League Theatre in Los Angeles.
(pictured: Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Denise Dowse, Avery O Williams)
Warner, now 36, delivers a gritty, soulful show that is divided into three categories: thoughts and images, women and transitions.
His spoken-word virtuosity speaks to a number of sexual and social obsessions that have plagued and/or enraptured him. He also skewers "bling"obsessed hip-hop stars as he rails against the Sprite inspired phrase: "Image is Nothing" because for Warner, image is EVERYTHING, which he underscores by a series of thought provoking (and sometimes poignant) photos created by image designer Avery O Williams which are displayed behind him while he rhymes.
Then he shifts into confessional poetry as he rhymes about his not-quite-so-confident history with women, then later his love and pride of black women."Love and Other Social Issues" is adroitly directed by Denise Dowse (a powerful actress in her own right) whose inventive blocking and lighting is never boring or static.
The show is produced by Pamela Warner who has surrounded her star actor/performer with all the elements necessary, like a live jazz band, to create a well-woven and rewarding 90-minute wordfest. But at it's center is Warner, and he holds it well. The musician/actor delivers his poetry with unabashed energy, vigor and stark honesty.
Theo has truly grown up in such way that dad, er, Bill would undoubtedly be very proud of. Even Olivia, aka Raven-Simone has come a long way. Look at her all grown-up.
Now Denise, aka Lisa Bonet, is another story. You won't believe the latest drama on her!
Get it here.