GRANVILLE - Denison University presents award-winning actor Darryl Van Leer to perform his one-man variety show "Power on Earth." This performance, a highlight of Denison's celebration of Black History Month, is set for 8 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 18) in The Roost located on the third floor of Slayter Hall. Van Leer will re-enact the moving orations of such African American heroes as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Frederick Douglas. This event is free and open to the public.

Darryl Van Leer

Van Leer has performed "Power of Earth" for more than 100,000 people and his work was recognized by the National Association of Campus Activities in 1994 as "Best Performance." He has been recognized by Campus Activities Today as "Performer of the Year" and was nominated twice for the National Association for Campus Activities "Lecture Program of the Year" award. He performs annually at more than 60 colleges and universities.

"There are certain things in the production that help me become each of these men," Van Leer says. "It's already laid out in my mind, and I become the men instantaneously. The characterizations have been developed over the years as I have traveled the college circuit, trying to bring my message of social upliftment to campuses across the country."

Van Leer was born and raised in Madisonville (Ky.) and received his bachelor's degree in industrial technology from Western Kentucky University. He began his television career by working regularly on Black Entertainment Network's "Bobby Jones Gospel Show" as a background vocalist, writer, and staff photographer.

Van Leer recently appeared in "First Time," a Nickelodeon movie of the week and had roles in the Fox movie "Steel Chariots" and the HBO original movie "The Second Civil War," co-starring James Earl Jones and Beau Bridges. His other movie and television credits include "Witness to an Execution," "Up Against the Wall," and the major motion picture "A League of Their Own," co-starring Tom Hanks and Geena Davis. Van Leer has appeared in nationally aired TV commercials, has performed extensively in local stage productions, and his theatrical repertoire includes stand-up comedy. He has traveled the comedy circuit appearing in such hot spots as The Comic Strip and Catch a Rising Star in New York.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575