Pictured (Seated) Phyllis U'Deen, (standing, left to right) Tina Brown, Rhonda Preston, Melanie McCullough, Ardria Pittman, Jacqueline Thomas and Cherisse Scott in Somebody Say Amen.
It was Shakespeare who wrote the infamous words 'all the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players ... and one man in his time plays many parts.' To that end, there are some phenomenal players, particularly women, who will grace the stage in this, the 2004-2005 season, and who this writer believes will contribute to some of the best in Black theater.
Perhaps it is only coincidence but for our money, many of the best shows for this year have two themes in common—the plays focus on the life or lives of African-American women and the music stems from the Black Church. Give me a flat-footed alto who can shout to the rafters without the use of a microphone and you've got me going. But add to the mix wonderful tales of struggle, soul-searching and survival and you've got me hooked.
This list should not be read as all-inclusive because unfortunately, some of the city's Black theater ensembles are still revising their calendar of plays. But there are some just you simply do not want to miss. Here are our selections of the top Black shows for this season—get your tickets while you can.
No. 1—or, the Best of the Best
Somebody Say Amen: Great Women in Gospel
Black Ensemble Theater, 4520 N. Beacon, Runs through Jan. 2
Already extended through Jan. 2 and without question, one of the most inspiring tales I've seen in a long time, producer, writer, director Jackie Taylor has done it again with Somebody Say Amen: Great Women in Gospel. This is the story of three generations of Black women led by the matriarch of the family, Mammatou [ Yahdina Udeen, formerly Phyllis Overstreet ] and their testimonies of how the music of the church has always sustained them and continues to be their anchor in times of trouble.
Udeen not only has captured the mannerisms of a wise and elderly woman, but her wonderful voice illustrates why gospel music continues to be such a powerful force in the lives of people of color. Her four daughters are portrayed with equal finesse by Jacqueline Thomas, Tina Brown, Rhonda Preston and Cherisse Scott—and yes, these four sistahs can 'sang.' You don't want to miss their song and dance routine performed to 'Let Love Find Us.'
Mammatou's message to her daughters when she discovers she has a life-threatening illness: Don't mourn over something that has yet to occur. And to the audience, who is encouraged throughout the play to participate in song, hand-clapping and shouts of praise, she delivers her message in one particularly moving piece by Andrea Crouch, 'This Day.'
Don't go alone because you'll need someone to hand you the tissue before this one is over. And, make sure you go more than once.
Number Two
Shoes
Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 North Lincoln
Jan. 14—Feb. 27
Imagine the writer/director duo of two of Chicago's best women in the business—Gloria Bond Clunie and Andrea J. Dymond—and you know that whatever comes to the stage will be a real show-stopper. Clunie's 'Shoes' which is currently in rehearsal, promises to be one of those kinds of plays.
The play explores the impact of 14-year-old Carol's death and most significantly, her life, on her family and community who are entangled in the trauma and turmoil of America's Civil Rights Movement. The play hinges on the irony of Carol's initial steps into womanhood as she receives her first pair of high heel shoes, only to find herself somehow at the Gates of Heaven—perplexed and barefoot.
Clunie says that while it is not an historical account, her play is inspired by the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham in 1963 in which four young women, girls ages 11 and 14, were killed. To do her research, Clunie traveled to the city formerly known as 'Bombingham' and actually spoke to members of the church, including one women who was a friend of the girls whose lives were tragically snuffed out at the hands of racists.
'I wanted to explore faith in the midst of tragedy and meaning in the middle of chaos,' Clunie said.
With a script that is phenomenal and the talents of Musical Director Vernon Clark, who uses traditional spirituals and gospel songs as well as original pieces to underscore many parts of the play, this play is a winner. We'll have more on the writer, Clunie, at a later date.
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And here are the rest—mark your calendars!
Runaway Home
March 10—April 23, 2005
eta Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. South Chicago
Written by Javon Johnson, directed by Derrick Sanders
Johnson and Sanders have a way of bringing reality to the stage and we anticipate this tale about a mother who is confronted with the change to purse her dreams after devoting the years of her youth to her children to be no exception.
American Menu
Thru Nov. 14
Chicago Theater, 175 N. State Street
Written by Don Wilson Glen, directed by Douglas Alan-Mann
Alan-Mann is known for tackling the direction of a drama with multiple plots and subplots—here he should be at his best with a story again set in during the Civil Rights Movement ( 1968 ) . The play opens one month after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and is set in the cramped kitchen of a segregated diner. Five Black women find themselves sweating away their lives and dreams while wondering what difference the Movement will make, it any, in their lives. Look for performances by Ngina James and Tiffany Anderson in particular. We've seen their stuff before and it's outstanding.
Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play
Dec. 10—Jan. 2
Congo Square Theatre Company, 2936 N. Southport Ave.
Note: Production will be performed at The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Dec. 10—Jan. 2
Written by Langston Hughes, directed by Mike Malone
This is the always popular classic written by Harlem Renaissance great Langston Hughes in the later years of his life. It's a musical celebration for all faiths and ages and is Hughes' testimony to the power of gospel music and its significance in his life. Congo Square will perform this as a way of families celebrating the holiday season together. Perhaps one day this piece will be given the respect that it deserves in the annals of theater and in our hearts. The show will feature ensemble member Aimee Bryant.
Seven Guitars by August Wilson
Date: TBA
Congo Square Theatre Company, 2936 N. Southport Ave.
The third and final play for Congo Square's '04-'05 season and the sixth chapter in Wilson's chronicle of the African-American experience in the 20th century. The story of Schoolboy is brought to life, a blues guitarist whose life ends just as he approaches the cusp of stardom. His dreams are told by his friends through the use of story, poetry, song and humor. August Wilson's work—always worth seeing. And we anticipate that Congo Square's performers will live up to the challenging task, as they usually do.
Eyes
eta Creative Arts Foundation,
7557 S. South Chicago
Thru Nov. 7 ( call for extension info )
Written by Mari Evans, directed by Runako Jahi
Last season this musical adaptation of Zora Neal Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, as written by celebrated poet Mari Evans, continued to pack the house with its wonderful music score and lyrics and moving choreography. It's back this year by popular demand. Eyes is the story of a young Black woman in search of herself and true happiness. She is determined to define herself based on terms that will give her satisfaction but lives in an era where women are the objects of a man's desire and are to be seen and not heard. Janie Crawford has something else in mind.
Terrance Watts ( Tea Cake ) and Alan Arenas ( Janie ) are a wonderful duo in the second half of the play, but make sure you arrive on time. Why? Because the first act features the baritone voice of James Earl Jones II—a man whose voice has an almost mesmerizing quality about it. Unfortunately for some of his colleagues, he is so talented as a vocalist that others struggle to match him.
Other Shows to look out for include: Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns ( Arie Crown Theater, Nov. 4-Nov. 14; Bus Boys ( MPAACT Afrikan Centered Theatre, April 2005; Nina Simone: The High Priestess of Soul ( Black Ensemble, previews April 23, opens May 1, 2005 ) .
