‘Morgan Cooper Day’ in KC? No better way to honor creator of new ‘Fresh Prince’ remake
How does Morgan Cooper Day in Kansas City sound? A ceremonial key to the city usually follows such a proclamation. Cooper is certainly deserving of the accolades. Who else has put fashion stylists and designers, visual artists, hair stylists and musicians from Kansas City on the entertainment map at the same time?
I’ve watched four of the first five episodes of “Bel-Air,” a new television show streaming on Peacock. Filmmaker Cooper created the dramatic remake of the 1990s sitcom, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” His work on the series is compelling. The reimagined version is equal to if not better than the first, which aired for six seasons. That’s extremely hard to accomplish.
The new show is set in West Philadelphia and California, but Kansas City talent shines throughout the new version of the show that made Will Smith, the original Fresh Prince, a household name.
The first three episodes of “Bel-Air” debuted on Super Bowl Sunday. Whitney Manney, a fashion and textile designer from Kansas City, binge watched the show that day with her 4-year-old adopted dog, Yaya. There was no football watch party to be had. But a celebration was in order, because the character playing Ashley Banks in the new series would be styled in Manney’s clothing, jewelry and accessories.
“It’s a trip,” said Manney, 31. She is not the only area creative with local ties to the show, which is brilliantly written, directed and cast.
Pianist and composer Eddie Moore contributes to the soundtrack, as do other musicians who call Kansas City home. Visual artists Jason Wilcox, Warren “Stylez” Harvey and Harold Smith have pieces prominently displayed on the show. Clarissa Knigthen’s eclectic custom jewelry designs are featured.
Stylist Wlaa-El is involved. Johnny Starke of Kansas City is production supervisor. I’m sure there are others I’ve missed. The contributions from local artists are many.
Christine Nelson designed by hand the custom crown worn by the lead character played by newcomer Jabari Banks, a West Philly native whose personal hair stylist is Kansas City’s Mike Russaw, the on-set barber for the show.
Nelson viewed the first episodes of “Bel-Air” with friends. “It was like we were at a Chiefs’ game,” she said.
Wilcox was glued to his TV set as well. He was commissioned to provide artwork for Vivian Banks, a character portrayed by Cassandra Freeman. The work is the centerpiece to the story arc for Aunt Viv, an artist looking to rediscover her passion. During Episode 3, the character hung Wilcox’s painting “Jump Rope Girl” in the foyer of the family’s lavish Bel-Air mansion.
The moment was memorable for the 40-year-old Wilcox. In 2018, he began painting again for the first time since graduating from Paseo High School.
“Every time I see a new piece of my work, I do the Harlem Shake,” he joked.
Six months ago, Russaw moved to Los Angeles. He styled the hair of the main characters in Cooper’s 2018 conceptual “Bel-Air” faux trailer and caught the attention of Smith’s production company. Russaw and his wife waited three years to move west. The gamble paid off. Russaw counts three cast members from “Bel-Air” among his new clientele.
When it comes to music, art, fashion design and film, Kansas City talent is on display thanks to “Bel-Air.” Cooper should be honored for pulling it all together.
