Theater patrons will witness a brilliant performance through the persona of actress Charlayne Woodard when she takes to the stage
and weaves a tapestry-like tale of African American female characters to create an invaluable expression that should be seen and felt by millions. Bravo!
In the opening scene we come to understand the complicated, and indelicate — but polished monologues that provide insight into the colorful lifetime of the female experience, made even more vibrant through a minimal number of props — a chair
and alternating photographs transferred on to the stage’s backdrop.
We are led on a journey through the lives of children, adults and relatives whose
stories are interpreted and whose voices are given credence by Woodard. The 59E59 Theaters have landed a hit in bringing to the stage such a soulful and unabridged production that is seamlessly transferred from scene to scene in what appears to be effortless fashion. A cell phone
rings and it initiates a discussion often omitted from the stage and the true life exchanges of African Americans.
For all who see this play, redemption
is evidenced in understanding that it paints a revealing picture of taboo issues and divulges dark secrets that would be obscured — child
abuse, illiteracy and violence. These are the hidden demons that we find ourselves wrestling with, even when we laugh. We are relieved that it is not our lives that Woodard is speaking directly to, but we are uncomfortably aware that these issues are lurking
in the lives of far too many within our society.
Bravo to the sharing and the fact that even then, the keeper of the secrets is promoting healing through the exposure of these social demons. They are captured in each facial expression and each emotion emitted from
the stage all the way to the chairs to the audience is seated in.
Before theater-goers are able to
see the last scene and before we are released, once again we are moved
to understand how paralyzing the experience is for those who have just observed
the life circumstances of the others. For those who see this great actress’s work,
you are fortunate to know it and to feel it. Her immense found fertile ground at UCLA’s acting school. She is a true professional
in her own right. Bravo and a standing ovation — this is a must see. –munson steed
