Hood Helper: Todrick Hall of Oprah's "The Color Purple" on Broadway

Todrick Hall is living his dreams and helping others in the hood live theirs, which is why he’s a perfect example of a Hood Helper. At the young age of 24, Todrick is a singer, actor, choreographer, and the director of his own production, “Oz” The Musical, which he wrote at the age of 17. Not only does he cast familiar faces such as Orlando Brown from “That’s So Raven” & “Major Payne”, Andrea, formerly known for being a member of Bad Boy's female group, Danity Kane, and American Idol’s Season 4 2nd runner up, Vonzell Solomon, but he also cast local kids from each community that the production visits during it's tour, which is why he’s considered a Hood Helper. He’s given more than 3,000 kids the chance to stride toward their dreams by being in a live production on stage with accomplished entertainers.

Todrick himself is no stranger to the stage, by far. He was in Oprah’s Broadway production of “The Color Purple” in 2007 starring American Idol, Fantasia Barrino, and Chaka Khan, and he also got the opportunity to understudy Bebe Winans in the roll of Harpo. So as you can see, he’s been given the chance to live his dreams, and that’s why he wants to see to it that he give other young people the chance to live theirs as well. To support his cause, make sure you go check out Todrick’s contemporary version of “The Wizard of Oz”, “Oz” The musical on December 12, 2009 at the Olympic Theater here in Chicago, where those who attend will get the chance to meet the cast, take photos, ask questions, etc. in a Meet & Greet immediately following the show. For ticket information, check out http://ozthemusical.com and if you’d like to hear more about Todrick and his production company, Drama'l Musicals, check out http://www.myspace.com/todrick_hall.