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‘Blues for an Alabama Sky’ Review – Sinclair Community College – Captivating Relevance

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The fascinating and heartbreaking shift from the height of the influential Harlem Renaissance to the beginning of the Great Depression serves as the pivotal foundation of Pearl Cleage’s powerful 1995 drama Blues for an Alabama Sky, excellently presented by Sinclair Community College in Blair Hall Theatre.

(left to right) Justin Lampkins as Guy, Shaun Diggs as Leland, Erin McGee as Delia, S. Francis Livisay as Sam, and Bryana Bentley as Angel in Blues for an Alabama Sky. (Photo by Patti Celek)

Inspired by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes’ autobiography The Big Sea, Blues for an Alabama Sky chronicles African-American life in the Harlem summer of 1930 (scenic designer Terry Stump wonderfully conjures the essence of 125th St.) as a place of promise, purpose and pitfalls. Due to the Great Migration of blacks from the South in the early 20th century, Harlem overflowed with enlightening and progressive black voices, straight and gay, male and female, in visual and performing arts, allowing whites a chance to understand the black experience as never before. Even health care activist Margaret Sanger, a birth control pioneer, sought support from blacks as the Renaissance grew into a movement so expansive Josephine Baker dictated fashion trends from Paris. Granted, not every legend from this crucial period is namedropped in the play (Zora Neale Hurston, James Weldon Johnson, Paul Robeson, Fats Waller, and Duke Ellington are among those surprisingly absent), but Cleage still creates an intimate, colorful and extremely tight-knit look at five African-Americans trying to carve a path as the country faces economic disaster. “The Depression has killed all the night life in Harlem,” says aspiring singer Angel, an unchurched, down-on-her-luck, ex-Cotton Club performer clinging to the prospect of something greater at a time when jobs are scarce. So, what do you do when singing the blues gives you the blues? Angel ultimately realizes there’s only one thing she can do: survive.

Bryana Bentley as aspiring blues singer Angel in Blues for an Alabama Sky. (Photo by Patti Celek)

Director Kimberly Borst, whose knack for fluidity impresses once again, creates a communal experience so strong essentially every scene arrives with utmost expectancy. She has also assembled a vibrantly heartfelt ensemble clearly selling the play’s emotional highs and devastating lows. The luminous Bryana Bentley, a vision in costumer Kathleen Hotmer’s attractive period attire, interprets Angel’s complexities with a beguiling mix of passion, anger, arrogance, intimidation, and vulnerability. Her portrayal often stings and seduces in the same breath. Shaun Diggs, in one of his finest performances, is terrific as the religious, judgmental, unyielding, and naïve Leland Cunningham who arrives in Harlem from Tuskegee, Alabama unprepared for the cultural explosion encircling him. After Leland falls head over heels for Angel and learns a few hard truths, Diggs isn’t afraid to show the darker feelings festering underneath Leland’s gentlemanly qualities. The outstanding Justin Lampkins delivers a breakthrough performance as bubbly Guy, Angel’s loyal roommate, confidant and costumer inspired by the beauty and glamour of Josephine Baker. Marvelously embodying Angel’s desire to take Paris by storm as Josephine’s designer, the sophisticated Lampkins invigorates each moment with effortless command of period nuances and a naturally effervescent flair. The endearingly sensitive Erin McGee as progressive social worker Delia hoping to open family planning clinics and amiable S. Francis Livisay as Harlem Hospital physician Sam are very compatible in matters of health and romance.

Blues for an Alabama Sky is a captivating examination of love, loss, discrimination, sexual harassment, intolerance, deception, identity, faith, tragedy, and hope. It’s a historical throwback undeniably educational, meaningful and relevant today. Whether you’re contemplating what your future holds as far away as Europe or as close as your windowsill, always dare to dream.

 

Blues for an Alabama Sky continues through Oct. 14 in Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 60 minutes. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$18. For tickets or more information, call (937) 512-2808 or visit sinclair.edu/tickets.

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Review – Sinclair Community College – Holiday Joy

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One of the finest seasons at Sinclair Community College continues with an absolutely adorable local premiere of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Eric Schaeffer’s enjoyably by-the-book adaptation of Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson’s funny, meaningful and touching 1965 Emmy Award-winning holiday cartoon of the same name by “Peanuts” creator Charles M. Schulz.

You know the drill. Charlie Brown, bothered and bewildered as ever, can’t seem to get into the holiday spirit because he feels the season has become too commercial. He even turns to his ever-reliable therapist Lucy (a.k.a. the Christmas Queen) for help. But everything changes when Lucy pulls Charlie out of his doldrums by asking him to direct the school play. He unfortunately takes his plum assignment too seriously, but ultimately comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas thanks to the Gospel of Luke and a peculiar tree in need of a little love.

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Woody Hieb as Charlie Brown in Sinclair Community College’s production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” (Contributed photo by Patti Celek)

Director Gina Kleesattel, with impressive assistance from scenic designer Terry Stump, costumer Kathleen Hotmer and lighting designer Gina Neuerer, terrifically brings the cartoon to life in 30 swift minutes with the same playfulness and vibrancy we’ve grown accustomed for generations. Her totally engaging 11-member cast has carefully studied their animated predecessors to the tee. In fact, try not to smile when these committed actors, choreographed by Rodney Veal, dance in classic “Peanuts” fashion to Vince Guaraldi’s toe-tapping “Linus and Lucy” complete with overgrown bass for Pig Pen. Even so, the cast doesn’t merely take the stage as copycats. Although their dialogue and actions may be familiar, they’re still able to find a path into these relatable if occasionally snarky characters and make them their own whether overtly or with gentle, humorous nuance.

The very endearing Woody Hieb brings great honesty and sensitivity to worrisome Charlie, whose reflective journey remains impactful. Audience favorite A.J. Breslin displays outstanding physicality and comedic timing as colorful, energetic and mischievous Snoopy. Anna Sheldon is fittingly sharp and sassy as bratty Lucy. As the kindhearted Linus, Greyson Calvert specifically injects warmth and tenderness into the aforementioned biblical recitation, the poignant hallmark of the cartoon and this production. Matt Poliachik (Pig Pen), Sade Oyeyemi (Frieda), Austin DeVaughn (Schroeder), Sha-Lamar Davis (Violet), Haven Bradem (Sally), Rebecca Henry (Patty), and Naman Clark (Shermy) distinctively connect to their roles with personable flavor. DeVaughn in particular hilariously glares at Sheldon when Schroeder becomes exasperated with Lucy’s inability to correctly identify Christmas carols.
After nearly 50 years, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” delightfully concluding with wintry atmospherics and sing-a-long, still resonates as a charming look at the power of friendship and goodwill.

 

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” continues through Dec. 20 in Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, of Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton. Performances are Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2, 4 and 7 p.m. The production is performed in 30 minutes. Tickets are $8. For tickets or more information, call (937) 512-2808 or visit www.sinclair.edu/tickets. Also, a special “shadowing” ASL performance is slated for the Friday performance (interpreters follow actors onstage while interpreting instead of being located off to the side of the action); In addition, Sinclair’s regular house policy stating “no children under 6” has been lifted for the show’s run.

‘Pride and Prejudice’ Review –Sinclair Community College –Inclusive Austen

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Film and TV actress Keke Palmer made headlines three weeks ago when she became the first African-American Cinderella on Broadway in “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” But you don’t have to go to New York City to witness that kind of unique, outside the box casting. After all, Sinclair Community College’s wonderfully charming production of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” takes a similarly non-traditional approach that allows the classic tale to refreshingly breathe anew.
Elegantly directed with beautifully fluid transitions by Kimberly Borst, “Pride and Prejudice,” breezily adapted by Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan, brings the lovely Ariqa Bowens and handsome Shaun Diggs to the thoroughly engaging forefront as prickly adversaries-turned-lovers Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. As Austen’s enlightening study of class, manners, privilege, and romance transpires, Bowens and Diggs delicately convey the cool repartee required to sell the complexity of their iconic roles. Bowens, graceful and intuitive in her breakthrough performance, particularly shines during Elizabeth and Darcy’s first awkward dance (which Borst astutely heightens by freezing the world around them) as well as Elizabeth’s late evening showdown with Darcy’s haughty, imposing aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh (a perfectly stern and conceited Anna Sheldon). Diggs, the brooding epitome of male detachment, effectively softens Darcy’s aloof heart as he grows to care for and adore the incredibly headstrong Elizabeth.

pride and prejudice

(center left to right) Shaun Diggs as Mr. Darcy, CJ Suchyta as Sir William Lucas and Ariqa Bowens as Elizabeth Bennet in Sinclair Community College’s production of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” (Contributed photo by Patti Celek)

In addition to the aforementioned Stern, Bowens and Diggs are strongly supported by the particularly appealing contributions of the marvelously understated Charles Larkowksi as the kindly Mr. Bennet, the delightful Kate Gieselman as meddling Mrs. Bennet, the sweet and sensitive Cassidy Rowley as Jane Bennet, Jasmine Barrett as the reserved Mary Bennet, Degreona Herrod as the humorously overlooked Kitty Bennet, the spiritedly perky Hayley Penchoff as Lydia Bennet, the amiable Woody Hieb as Mr. Bingley, the dynamically icy Ashlee Ferrell as Caroline Bingley, the magnetic Kevin Manley as Mr. Wickham, CJ Suchyta as Sir William Lucas, Natalie Sanders as Lady Lucas, and the scene-stealing Austin DeVaughn who reinterprets minister Mr. Collins with a comical outspokenness and a deliberately passionate cadence steeped in the traditions of the African-American church. The fine cast also features Aeriel Aniballi (Mrs. Reynolds),Matt Poliachik (Ensign Denny) , David Brandt (Fitzwilliam), James Butler (Servant), Greyson Calvert (Servant), Rebecca Henry (Servant), Jesse MaGill (Captain Carter), Kira Miller (Mrs. Gardiner), Leah Mikesell (Georgiana Darcy), Andre Tomlinson (Servant), Ella Wylie (Anne de Bourgh), and Jessica Zula (Charlotte Lucas).
Austen’s world is exquisitely realized from a design standpoint by Chris Harmon’s stunning estate set (one of his finest creations) featuring nearly 20 portraits, Kathleen Hotmer’s attractive period costumes, Michelle Sampson’s first-rate wig and hair creations, Jennifer Kramer’s properties, and Daniel Brunk’s evocative lighting and sound.
“Pride and Prejudice” purists will have qualms with Sinclair’s showcase which unabashedly takes liberties with the authenticity of early 19th century England. Even so, the inclusive magic of theater proves its rejuvenating worth nonetheless in one of the best and most enjoyable productions I have seen at Sinclair.

 

“Pride and Prejudice” continues through Oct. 4 at Sinclair Community College, Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, 444 W. Third St., Dayton. Performances are Wednesday at 10 a.m., Thursday at 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Act One: 80 minutes; Act Two: 60 minutes. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. All Thursday tickets (Downtown Dayton Thursday Night) cost an additional $10 each and include pre-show county picnic buffet dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. For tickets or more information, call (937) 512-2808 or visit www.sinclair.edu/tickets.

Coming up in Dayton Theatre, November 2nd – 11th

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Happy All Hallow’s day! November already. Hope you got out to see some of the spooky, Halloween-y themed offerings that Dayton served up. What’s next? Well, there are a few things closing this weekend, but enough opening to hopefully keep you busy!

Closing This Weekend!

Coming Back To Jersey

West Milton Players

The Skinny: Dayton theatre audiences may remember this script as a FutureFest finalist in 2008, when it was voted “Audience Favorite.” A comedy set in New Jersey in 1965.It is a story of Howard Karchmer, a middle-aged tailor who indulges in daydreams to escape his humdrum existence. Norma, his suspicious wife, believes he is fantasizing about Dorothy, a sexy widow friend. Norma schemes to have Dorothy flirt with Howard to test his fidelity, but Norma’s plan backfires when Howard connives with Dorothy to turn the trick around.

Dates: Last performance is Saturday, November 3rd.

Tickets: For all production and ticketing information, please visit the Facebook Event page; here.

A Few Good Men

Xenia Area Community Theatre (X*ACT)

The Skinny: Fans of Aaron Sorkin’s TV and movie work will be delighted to take in his well-known military courtroom drama. Famously brought to the screen by, among others, Tom Cruise and Jack “You Can’t Handle The Truth” Nicholson, this is a gripping tale of whether or not something can be wrong, if your job is to do as you’re told.

Dates: Finishing this weekend, with the last performance on Sunday November 4th

Tickets: Please visit the X*ACT website, here.

Funny Girl

Wright State University, Theatre Department

The Skinny: Funny Girl is the semi-biographical musical based on the life and career of Broadway and film star, the comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein. Audiences may be familiar with the movie starring Barbra Streisand and Omar Sharif. It is from this musical that we get such musical theatre classics as “People” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade”.

Dates: Closing this Sunday, November 4th at the Festival Playhouse.

Tickets: For tickets, please call 937-775-2500

 

Sugar Bean Sisters

Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Skinny: A Southern gothic comedy of romance, murder and alien abduction, Sugar Bean Sisters takes us back to the sticky, humid environs of Sugar Bean, Florida, where audiences last visited in its companion piece, The Sugar Witch, at Dayton Theatre Guild. Sugar Bean Sisters is a lighter, more comedic piece, dripping with the same spanish moss and thrum of supernaturalism.

Dates: Closing this Sunday, November 4th.

Full Disclosure: I’m in this, and in my (naturally, entirely unbiased!) opinion, it’s awesome

Tickets: Please visit the Beavercreek Community Theatre website, here.

 

Opening This Weekend!

Legally Blonde

Playhouse South

The Skinny: Pink-loving sorority princess Elle Woods follows her boyfriend, and her heart, to Harvard Law School. She makes friends, makes enemies and make decisions she never thought she’d have to, all the while, her beloved Delta Nus see her through.

Dates: Opening Friday, 11/2 and running through 11/17.

Tickets: For all ticketing information, please visit the Playhouse South website, here.

Coming Soon!

A Plague of Angels

Sinclair Community College

The Skinny:This drama is based on the actual account of Mary Mallon, better known as “Typhoid Mary” and her struggle with the Public Health system of New York City in 1907. It’s Mary’s rights versus the “public good” which submerges us into medical ethics in our society then and perhaps even now.

Dates: ONE WEEKEND ONLY; Friday, 11/8-Sunday, 11/10.

Tickets: All ticketing information can be found on Sinclair’s website, here.

You Better Watch Out

Brookville Community Theatre

The Skinny: It’s Christmas Eve at the Willow Inn. The hosts Jenny and Tom are having Art, (Jenny’s father who’s still mourning the passing of his wife) see their bed and breakfast for the first time. There’s a snowstorm raging outside and three travelers are forced to lodge at the inn and wait it out. Rudy and Marsha who run a costume business together and a mysterious but cheerful man who claims to be in the delivery business named Mr. Smith. Only the Inn’s handyperson Andy sees who Mr. Smith really is, the spirit of Christmas. Andy must help him make Art, who’s been in a dark place for a very long time, see the joy of Christmas and who Mr. Smith really is!

The Dates: Ring in the Christmas spirit early! This show opens 11/8 and closes 11/18

Tickets: Reservations in advance are highly recommended as shows do sell out. To reserve tickets, please call the Brookville Flower Show at 937.833.3531