Cornelius Jones Jr.
FlagBoy
FlagBoy
written and performed by
Cornelius Jones Jr.
FlagBoy, a true and authentic coming-of-age story about family, friends, and HIV. Cornelius Jones Jr., a young gay southern Black boy, explores his sexual identity as he navigates from the urban worlds of Virginia and D.C. to NYC.
written and performed by
Cornelius Jones Jr.
FlagBoy, a true and authentic coming-of-age story about family, friends, and HIV. Cornelius Jones Jr., a young gay southern Black boy, explores his sexual identity as he navigates from the urban worlds of Virginia and D.C. to NYC.
This show relies on the generous donations of our supporters for its existence. Please help support the ongoing development of FlagBoy and new works by Cornelius Jones Jr, by donating:
Upcoming Schedule of Performances
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Bookings, Press Packet, and info for FlagBoy, please email: FlagBoyOnline@gmail.com
or call 1-917-334-7526
Voted "Best of the Fest" by DC Theatre Scene
2009 Capital Fringe Festival
2008 Midtown International Theater Festival Nomination:
Outstanding Performance in a Solo-Show
"the creation of a new form of myth among gay black men, a kind of “Everyman” of the modern age and this community."
-Philip Fletcher, DCTheatreScene.com
"impressive is Jones’ ability to transform that self-awareness into a frank, funny, and revealing one-man show."
-Aaron Wiener, WashingtonCityPaper.com
"...Cornelius Jones Jr. delivers a wonderful and humbly honest solo performance in FlagBoy."
-nytheatre.com
-nytheatre.com
"...highly reflective, purposeful, and raw oral history.."
-about.com
TESTIMONIALS:
“It [FLAGBOY] is a must see for folks who ever wondered why some people, in the face of overwhelming odds make it in the boldest way while others simply whither away silently.”
-Troy Donte’ Prestwood, Washington, DC Freelance Journalist/Co-Founder of The District Chronicles.
“Cornelius Jones’ Flagboy is an honest, intimate, at times even raw portrayal of life on the “down low” and its inherent consequences; and gives rise to why the national debate on alternative lifestyles, Proposition 8, etc.. must move to a broader acceptance of gays as a human rights issues. Flagboy is an amazing journey–get ready for the ride of your life!”
-Eddie Marrero, Producer and Artistic Director,Three Lions Stage
"Flagboy" is an incredible surprise which takes you on an unforgetable emotional journey of love, life and growing up in a world where real and challenging things happen to good people. I related to every moment because it took me to a place that was honest, deep and life changing. I can't wait to see it again."
-Sekiyah Dorsett, Founder/Producer of The Rainbow Collective.com
"I am a native New Yorker, and I have studied and seen endless amounts of theater in my lifetime. So I speak on good authority when I say the following...Cornelius Jones manages to masterfully take you from laughter in a comedic moment to genuine empathy after sharing heartfelt vulnerability. All the while he seamlessly and deftly blends dance, song, and caricature with dramatic moments and it all works!
Thank you Cornelius for sharing from your heart and touching mine (and I'm sure many others). It was a wonderful ride and I look forward to experiencing more".
-Sincerely,
Rene Paul Bentine
“Hello, my name is Jasmine Richardson. I attend Duke Ellington, and am the Vice President of Show Choir. I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your performance on so many different levels. Beyond all, what I admire the most is your all-around strength. It takes so much courage to step out and be as amazing and motivating as you are. I know that I speak on behalf of Show Choir when I say that this was a life-changing experience. I do wish for you success beyond your wildest imaginations for whatever your heart desires.”
-Jasmine Richardson, current high school student, The Duke Ellington School of the Arts
“The message of FlagBoy is so important that it's some kind of miracle that we have Cornelius Jones to deliver it in such a compelling, thought-provoking, and enormously entertaining way. Yes, it's that good.”
-Rob Smith, The Mocha Lounge/AfterElton.com
“Jones’ FlagBoy is a glowing testimony for living life out, especially when life’s challenges seem overwhelming”
-Marcia Pendelton, Founder/President of Walk Tall Girl Productions www.walktallgirlproductions.com
"Flag Boy's storytelling and originality, preserving as an art form, an authentic medium of communication in society - oral history, was impressive. But, the story itself, even though similar to others rarely heard or told experiences, was one not usually presented in front of an audience. Cornelius Jones' presentation of his story in Flag Boy is autobiographical and appeals to various aspects of our emotional, historical, societal, and psychological sensibilities. It is clear that Jones delved deep in his psychological memory, into the depths of his experiences to weave a narrative, where his scripting and telling, infused with familiar gestures and recognizable body language, was obviously the result of extraordinary courage."
-Antoine B. Craigwell
NYABJ 2008 Award Winner
Editor for GBMNEWS.com
“Flagboy was so intense. Anytime I can go from laughing to crying to humbling awe in an hour or so, I'm seriously thankful for the experience; and that's what you gave me and everyone else in attendance. Flagboy forces any homo to revisit his/her coming out experience, I'm sure. And you just want to grab little Cornelius and tell him it's ok before he goes through anymore pain (much like we all wish we could do to our little selves! :). But yeah, your storytelling is that personable: it demands empathy. The struggle you perform onstage during your second (so-to-speak) battle with self-acceptance when you find out about having contracted HIV literally causes a flood of emotions, hence the tears. And whether or not it was your intention, it left me wanting to know more and more. So how does it all turn out? But of course that would be your goal! More shows!”
-Andrew J. Landers, Educator for NYC Public Schools
“It [FLAGBOY] is a must see for folks who ever wondered why some people, in the face of overwhelming odds make it in the boldest way while others simply whither away silently.”
-Troy Donte’ Prestwood, Washington, DC Freelance Journalist/Co-Founder of The District Chronicles.
“Cornelius Jones’ Flagboy is an honest, intimate, at times even raw portrayal of life on the “down low” and its inherent consequences; and gives rise to why the national debate on alternative lifestyles, Proposition 8, etc.. must move to a broader acceptance of gays as a human rights issues. Flagboy is an amazing journey–get ready for the ride of your life!”
-Eddie Marrero, Producer and Artistic Director,Three Lions Stage
"Flagboy" is an incredible surprise which takes you on an unforgetable emotional journey of love, life and growing up in a world where real and challenging things happen to good people. I related to every moment because it took me to a place that was honest, deep and life changing. I can't wait to see it again."
-Sekiyah Dorsett, Founder/Producer of The Rainbow Collective.com
"I am a native New Yorker, and I have studied and seen endless amounts of theater in my lifetime. So I speak on good authority when I say the following...Cornelius Jones manages to masterfully take you from laughter in a comedic moment to genuine empathy after sharing heartfelt vulnerability. All the while he seamlessly and deftly blends dance, song, and caricature with dramatic moments and it all works!
Thank you Cornelius for sharing from your heart and touching mine (and I'm sure many others). It was a wonderful ride and I look forward to experiencing more".
-Sincerely,
Rene Paul Bentine
“Hello, my name is Jasmine Richardson. I attend Duke Ellington, and am the Vice President of Show Choir. I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your performance on so many different levels. Beyond all, what I admire the most is your all-around strength. It takes so much courage to step out and be as amazing and motivating as you are. I know that I speak on behalf of Show Choir when I say that this was a life-changing experience. I do wish for you success beyond your wildest imaginations for whatever your heart desires.”
-Jasmine Richardson, current high school student, The Duke Ellington School of the Arts
“The message of FlagBoy is so important that it's some kind of miracle that we have Cornelius Jones to deliver it in such a compelling, thought-provoking, and enormously entertaining way. Yes, it's that good.”
-Rob Smith, The Mocha Lounge/AfterElton.com
“Jones’ FlagBoy is a glowing testimony for living life out, especially when life’s challenges seem overwhelming”
-Marcia Pendelton, Founder/President of Walk Tall Girl Productions www.walktallgirlproductions.com
"Flag Boy's storytelling and originality, preserving as an art form, an authentic medium of communication in society - oral history, was impressive. But, the story itself, even though similar to others rarely heard or told experiences, was one not usually presented in front of an audience. Cornelius Jones' presentation of his story in Flag Boy is autobiographical and appeals to various aspects of our emotional, historical, societal, and psychological sensibilities. It is clear that Jones delved deep in his psychological memory, into the depths of his experiences to weave a narrative, where his scripting and telling, infused with familiar gestures and recognizable body language, was obviously the result of extraordinary courage."
-Antoine B. Craigwell
NYABJ 2008 Award Winner
Editor for GBMNEWS.com
“Flagboy was so intense. Anytime I can go from laughing to crying to humbling awe in an hour or so, I'm seriously thankful for the experience; and that's what you gave me and everyone else in attendance. Flagboy forces any homo to revisit his/her coming out experience, I'm sure. And you just want to grab little Cornelius and tell him it's ok before he goes through anymore pain (much like we all wish we could do to our little selves! :). But yeah, your storytelling is that personable: it demands empathy. The struggle you perform onstage during your second (so-to-speak) battle with self-acceptance when you find out about having contracted HIV literally causes a flood of emotions, hence the tears. And whether or not it was your intention, it left me wanting to know more and more. So how does it all turn out? But of course that would be your goal! More shows!”
-Andrew J. Landers, Educator for NYC Public Schools
