THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 18, 1996 TAG: 9607160143
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 83 lines
As a young boy, growing up in rough-and-tumble Park Place, Deon Ridley was known as the shy, quiet kid who had a smile that could light up a darkened alleyway.
When he did open his mouth, it was usually to sing.
And could he ever sing.
From his apartment stoop, Ridley would serenade anyone passing along on the street, including the neighborhood drug dealers and prostitutes. Before long, he had developed a loyal following.
``Once they heard me sing, people were always asking me to do some more,'' Ridley recalls of those days not so very long ago. ``It really blew them away.''
Buoyed with confidence, Ridley was convinced to leave his third-story sanctuary for the bright lights of the stage.
After receiving encouragement from a friend, he auditioned for a children's theater program at Norfolk State University. To no one's surprise, except maybe his own, Ridley won a spot.
But at first he didn't particularly like the structured classes in acting, voice and classical dance.
Then he took a tap-dance class.
It was love at first shuffle.
Since then, Ridley, now 16, has immersed himself into performing. He has taken classes at the Virginia Beach Ballet Academy, the Evelyn Ott School of Dance and the prestigious Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in New York City. He took up the saxophone and learned to play piano.
It soon became obvious he was a natural performer. As a ninth-grader, he earned a coveted spot in the Norfolk Public Schools Performing Arts Repertory and began winning featured roles in a number of the company's musical productions. Next year, as a senior at Maury High School, he's slated to begin classes at the Governor's Magnet School for the Arts.
But this summer, he's no longer just working on his dream. He's living it. In his first professional role, Ridley stars as Little Moe in the jazz musical ``Five Guys Named Moe'' at the Founders Inn's Dominion Theater in Virginia Beach. The show, which opened May 31, runs through Aug. 24.
It's a long way to come for a kid from Park Place.
``I can't believe I'm earning money doing what I love,'' he says.
The show is a jam-packed, dance-and-song-a-minute production, filled with fast-paced jokes, lively choreography and memorable performances by some of Hampton Roads' most talented male African-American performers.
In addition to Ridley, two other Norfolk residents, who also were trained at the public schools' repertory program, are in the show. The always impressive Michael LeMelle plays Four-Eyed Moe, and Derrick Williams, who also choreographed the show, plays Eat Moe.
The other featured performers are Gregg Wooding, Royzell Dillard and Tracy Peele.
Among the group, Ridley has no trouble holding his own - especially when he dances. In fact, his gymnastically inspired tap dance during one number is a show stopper.
``When I get out on that stage, I explode,'' Ridley said. ``I love the rush and that feeling you get when the audience is clapping and you come out on stage.''
For a kid who has watched friends succumb to the temptations of drugs, crime and poverty, performing has become a lifeline.
``If it wasn't for performing, I'd be out there with my friends, hanging out on the street, getting in trouble,'' he said. ``I want to let others see there's other things to do than hang out. I want to be a role model. If I can do it, anyone else can. They just have to go for it.''
Ridley admits he has suffered for bucking the mainstream in his neighborhood.
``It's tough for male performers,'' he said. ``People call me names and stuff. But I know those people are doing wrong, and I'm doing right. You just have to forget what other people say and use your God-given talent.''
With two younger sisters to help raise, Ridley knows pursuing a performing career will be no easy undertaking. He hopes to go to college next year but admits that will largely depend on whether he gets a scholarship. Entering his senior year, he is a B-plus student.
``I know there's other people better than I am,'' he said. ``I know I have to work hard. No one is guaranteed a job.
``But if I stay focused I'll make it. I know this is my future. The stage is like my home.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Deon Ridley, center, stars as Little Moe in ``Five Guys Named Moe.''
Also appearing are Royzell Dillard, Michael LeMelle and Derrick
Williams. by CNB