Sheryl Lee Ralph Will Inspire at the Palace

Waterbury native and award-winning actress, singer, activist, and author Sheryl Lee Ralph returns to her hometown for an inspirational speaking engagement and book signing at the Palace Theater in Waterbury on Friday, Aug. 3, from 6 to 9 pm.

Tickets for the event, which is presented by Stardom Productions, are $35 and can be purchased by phone at 203-346-2000, online at www.palacetheaterct.org, or in person at the Palace Theater Box Office, 100 East Main St., Waterbury.

Staged in the Palace’s orchestra lobby, the event will feature a motivational speaking program and musical performance by Ralph, as well as entertainment by world-renowned pianist Philip Weatherspoon and ACTjamsproduction.com’s mix master Al “DJ ACT” Taylor. In addition to performing, Ralph will also sign copies of her book "Redefining DIVA," an enthusiastic memoir chronicling her role as one of Broadway’s original DREAMGIRLS, as well as her longtime Hollywood career, various humanitarian projects and inspirational message regarding the redefinition and embracement of the label “D.I.V.A.” (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed).

An acclaimed veteran of film, television and the Broadway stage, Ralph’s award-winning body of work includes creating and originating the role of “Deena Jones” in Broadway’s landmark musical DREAMGIRLS, which earned her both a Tony and Drama Desk Award Nomination for “Best Actress.”

On television, she has starred in her own series “New Attitude,” the George Foreman series “George,” the hit comedy “Designing Women,” and the number-one rated series “Moesha.” Ralph’s extensive film credits includeSister Act II, The Flintstones, The Mighty Quinn with Denzel Washington,Mistress with Robert De Niro, Eddie Murphy'sDistinguished Gentleman, and her Independent Spirit Award-winning “Best Supporting Actress” performance inTo Sleep with Anger.

As a national speaker, Ralph consistently creates a contagious, positive energy with her spontaneous humor and quick wit, which has made her a much sought-after speaker, guest-host and celebrity expert. Proceeds from her Palace Theater appearance will benefit the DIVA foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Ralph in 1990 that focuses on generating resources and producing events that raise awareness and educate people around the world affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. For more information, visit www.sherylleeralph.com.