Mabel Robinson feted at surprise 80th birthday party
Mabel Robinson is assisted by her grandson as she cuts her birthday cake.
By Judie Holcomb-Pack
Mabel Robinson, dancer, director, choreographer, actress, and retired artistic director of the N.C. Black Repertory Company, was caught totally off-guard at her surprise 80th birthday party Saturday evening, Jan. 19, at the Urban League. She was told she was going to the Urban League to celebrate a friend’s birthday and was greeted with applause by over 75 guests as she walked in the door. Being the actress that she is, she quickly composed herself and posed in front of the Happy Birthday banner to the delight of her guests. A DJ, music and dancing entertained the guests while Robinson hugged and thanked family and friends for celebrating her special day.
Robinson’s career began in New York, where she graduated from the NYC High School of the Performing Arts and the Julliard School of Music. She has appeared on Broadway, television, and in the movies “The Wiz” and “Cotton Comes to Harlem.” She is well known locally for choreographing and directing Langston Hughes “Black Nativity” musical for several years. She retired in 2015.
The Chronicle extends happy birthday wishes to Ms. Robinson.
