If playwright Cheryl West's keen and moving adaptation of "Akeelah and the Bee" brings tears to the eyes of audience members — and many were sniffling during the extended standing ovation at Friday's ...

If this uplifting story about a gifted African American girl from inner-city Los Angeles and her triumph as a champion speller weren't so well written and acted, it might seem like a preachy ...

Akeelah has a passion for words, the crazier the better! Under-challenged at school and overwhelmed by her daily life in a tough, Chicago neighborhood, Akeelah is finding it difficult to try. But with ...