Phillyist VIP: Charles Tyson, Jr.

Here's how Charles Tyson, Jr. described himself to us: "I'm a biracial, bisexual working performer, writer, choreographer, comedian, director and producer (you can never have too many of those!). I am the artistic director of the EclectiFunk-based dance company known as Underground DanceWorks (UDW). I am also the producer of the fabulous Etc. Performance Series at the University City Arts League. 'Nuff said!"

Enough said alright—how does he find the time sleep? With all of those activities, he surely is a Phillyist VIP.

How long have you lived in Philadelphia and what brought you here?
32-going-on-33 years so far....born and raised in West Philadelphia. You sing the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song, you DIE!!! :)

What is your favorite place in the city?
Center City. It's where everything is and where everyone goes.

What is the strangest thing that has happened to you in Philadelphia?
Standing on the corner of 55th & Baltimore and wishing and praying in my head for money and then having a $10 bill float down the street toward me. Then later on finding dollar bills on the sidewalk in Old City. (True story!)

If you could change one thing about the City of Philadelphia, what would it be?
I would drastically change the gun laws.

Pick one: Rocky Balboa or Benjamin Franklin?
Hmmm....Benjamin Franklin.

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