SOWA'S RED GRAVY Written by Diane Richards and Directed by Woodie King

SOWA'S RED GRAVY by the New Federal Theater in association with the Castillo Theater  at Theater Row in downtown Manhattan, New York, left me STUNNED! SHOCKED!  and AGHAST!

I do not understand what Woody King Jr. was trying to "tell us". Woody King Jr's credits are indeed, extensive and impressive. An "icon" to the Black Community and the Black Theater in particular.

UNFORTUNATELY, this was not one of his best productions. I can't even begin to decode the storyline.

It seems that the playwright (Diane Richards) based her "premise" on some book compilation of "sketches" (so I've been informed) and threw together something of a "story".

In reviewing the article by the NEW YORK TIMES, it seems that they saw one performance, while I saw another (and this one was not at all New York Times "caliber" review). I don't know what the reporter's angle was? (whom I tried to locate at the New York Times)

The Subject of Vudum is one that I know quite well (both as a student of Cultural Anthropology  AND as an " initiate" practitioner).

And, although evil and witchcraft is, indeed quite REAL, and a WAY OF LIFE in some cultures, the RELIGION is hardly "demonic".

NOT ONE POSITIVE aspect of the religion was mentioned; its history, nor its origins: certainly it must not have been in the playwright's INTEREST to "educate" her audience to its rich, beautiful, and FUNCTIONAL HERITAGE; which is common in all aspect of African, Haitian, and New Orlean's way of life (a vital and central fabric of SURVIVAL for these cultures-which deserves mentioning. It would have provided a BALANCE which would have further the playwright's premise in a more compelling fashion).

Of course, this is not to infer that the playwright meant any harm by omitting the religion's "virtues" (or maybe, she, like many Westerners) don't believe that there is any redeeming qualities to be mentioned?

It was embarrassing and quite "painful" to watch such talented and gifted actors put forth such energy for...this???

It looked like a circus act!

I "watched" the audience and, although there were some funny, and critical moments (in which the audience responded to), they were, for the most part, quite "blanched". Some audience members played with their phones, others SLEPT (even I, took a "snooze" for a New York Minute!), and still others carried on conversations with each other (probably wondering when it will end!). Others, at the end of the show, complained that it was "too long" (about nothin'!).

The ensemble cast was excellent, no one actor was better than another. It was a team effort (and boy was it ever!)

But there's always one actor or two that stands out. Actor GARY E. VINCENT was quite spectacular and definitely should be considered for an AUDELCO AWARD.

Also, Iris Wilson was absolutely "magical" in every way! Her "subtle" energy and enigmatic "physical beauty" kept many audiences (especially the opposite sex) interested and "plugged in". She moved with grace, style, and acute power!

Special thanks to John Scheffler for his excellent set design and Antoinette Tynes for her work as lighting designer. These two talented "technical artists" have created an atmosphere that fits very well with the "sketches"presented.

Honorable mention to Lawrence Evans for selecting such an ensemble cast.

UNFORTUNATELY, as talented as the actors and technical staff were, in theatre, the director and the playwright's intellectual property must "deliver the goods".

And I don't professionally believe this was the case in this production and I have to give it HALF A STAR (a "{dying" star...)

AMERICAN THEATRE FOR ACTORS PRESENTS...

TROJAN WOMEN
Directed by

Sarah M. Chichester

Adopted by 

E.P. Coleridge

Trojan Women Presented by the American Theatre of Actors was a classical presentation from an old epic which was a classical favorite for most of us growing up in school "The Trojan War".

I remember in school the "point of view" of the women (both in the story and in the classroom), was never discussed nor was there any reference made to the woman's point of view. In this respect. This production is very welcoming and progressive.It is interesting that the play "Lysistrata" was very heavily discussed and given its "place" both in History and in Literature. Of course, Sex and Women go hand in hand (in the classical world), but women and politics don't seem to go "hand in hand" in ANY AGE!

Women are far more capable politically than men ever could aspire to be; greed and ego usually gets in the "way" when it comes to men. But women, married or single, with children or without, either happy or unhappy,will still unite and together defeat or edify a nation. 

This is the situation in Mrs. Chichester's "Trojan Women". With the "turning point" or "culmination" of the war, the women are in conflict towards engaging in rightful action or "lying in wait". All the while the country is falling apart and, when they do finally decide to action,tragedy strikes, and the country folds.

This was a very cosmetic production, definitely in keeping with the classical beauty of speech, dialect and body language.

Although slightly mechanical and robotic, I would have loved to have seen more emotional exposition among the actors. Yes, they were honest and true to their characters. A concentrated effort was seen in keeping the classical "tempo" of the piece, which was successfully carried out. But the emotion just seemed too simulated for me, rather than genuinely felt.It sounded more like a recital than a performance-but still entertaining! I was surprised at myself for enjoying it!

Even among the most "seasoned" of actors, classical pieces, because of the language of the classical period, and emphasis on enunciation and dialect, emotional exposition is difficult. I mean, let's face it. It's down right hard, otherwise everybody would doing classical theatre

So I give the actors credit because it was a good production (if you're into classical theatre-and not everybody "digs" the classics, especially with the younger audiences)

Honorable mention goes to Actress Lisa Marie Alberty (Chorus) who, among the cast, was the most emphatic and whose emotional exposition was excellent and believable (rather than simulated)

Also, Actress Camilla Skoglie, although more mechanical in her delivery and the emotions simulated,remained true to "method", making her performance well above average. A true professional who gave a memorable performance as Hecuba, the matriarch.

Among the men, Fernando Gamarra possesses a striking "presence" which embodies the "opposing force" of Nature (as Poseidon,the God of the Seas), but also, as the "opposing force" as the plutonian politician (and much feared) Menelaus, King of Priam. Excellent performance.   

This performance receives 3 OF 5 STARS!

THE BEST COMEDY WEB SERIES GOES TO...

The comedy of the week goes to "The stay at home dad series", Directed by Adam Jones, Written by Brandon Williams and Adam Jones, Produced by Trevor Herrick and Edited by Dave Bradley.

It has all the elements of a feature film or National film. The opening trailer and their main poster screen is a winning "trophy" for a series of its kind.

Adam Jones understands the basic elements of comedy. And we see this signature in every episode. We  will  provide five examples;

EPISODE#1: "eat my meat"
politically incorrect/ inappropriateness in speech/ element of surprise

EPISODE#2: "Just say no"
political incorrectness/ inappropriate setting

EPISODE#3: "who's afraid of prostate"
inappropriate conversation/ inappropriate setting

EPISODE#4: "Bridges"
cultural insensitivity/ opposite sex

EPISODE#5: "The boy who wore a rainbow hat"
Gender/sex orientation/ inappropriate setting

This Web series has over a 100 episodes and is a comedy writer's HEAVEN for material. I love this guy!
All episodes have a comedic formula premise which can be a field bed for professional writers, poets, and film directors alike. I give his series FIVE STARS!

 

FAULTLINES

FAULTLINES,Curtesy of Shorts Nonstop Productions, Inc.

Fault lines  centers on the breech of the family structure. The family unit. And a man in his middle years is driven by madness, leading to violence,and possibly murder? This is a very intense short series, but boy! It is very intense, primal even.

But what made me fall off my chair, hysterically laughing, was that what he killed, was a rooster?!

The story unfolds with a rage which suddenly grips a man, with no apparent motive, shoves his wife out the way (although the series never tells you why),then he proceeds to get a riffle and begins shooting at something. At first, we think it's the wife who's getting "whacked", but no. When the whole drama, which unfolds, is over, and one looks out the window to see what got "hit". We see a rooster.

All that anger, all that rage, believing he would kill a member of his own family, come to find out,he was upset because he wanted chicken and there wasn't any available(I guess Ireland, where the series was shot, is devoid of poultry!)

And therefore kills his wife's pet rooster instead.

This was hilarious to say the least! And well made, very clever!

This was a surprise "farce" which was, in five minutes, GENIUS!

I give it FIVE STARS 

50 TO DEATH

50 TO DEATH: AD HOC 2011 in Association with JSOK Films, presents an endearing web short film titled "50 to Death". A film directed by Jason Sokoloff.

First, I tip my hat to director Jason Sokoloff. He has accomplished with this film, what many advertising conglomerate companies (and their subsidiaries) can only dream of. The multiple 'messages' this short film is expressing goes beyond the theme of reaching 50 and deciding whether or not being a senior is an good or bad thing. No, it accomplishes much, much more than that.

If truth be told, this film has everything to do with the very foundation of what it is to be a family. A team, a unit of support, both physically, and mentally. It addresses the issue of patience, humor (laughing at one self), and always maintaining a positive outlook. This is what a family is all about; going back to the fundamentals.

Diseases which affect people over 50 usually are considered to be depression, early heart disease (including circulatory diseases), and some form of arthritis.


I found it refreshing that the men made no mention of any medical issues, and were actually, quite physically flexible. Can one say that this is attributed to good nutrition and health? Or is it that when you are plugged into family, from the very young to the very old (way past 50!), your overall emotional health becomes that more involved and animated. And that "animation" permeates throughout this film. I'm only 44 years old, and suddenly, after looking at this film, actually look forward to reaching 50 (if God permits!)

Excellent acting by Joan Barber and Jon Freda. They actually looked like they were really a couple. They were well cast. Norm Golden reminds me of Ed Norton from the 1950's classic sitcom hit, "The Honeymooners". His character added color and a touch of the "trickster energy" going on. I get a feeling we'll see more of this actor.

And what  about that baby! (Phoebe Bokhour) She "took it and ran"! It was golden! Christine Bokhour must be the real mother. They both just looked too real together. The whole presentation of this film was cohesive, warm, engaging, and real.

I can see this being "picked up" commercially.            This film receives 5 STARS

THE CREW: Episode 1 (the drop), Episode 2 (the aftermath), Episode 3 (Slick Willie Jones)

THE CREW: By Gamble Productions, Corp. is new, original, innovative, attractive, and full of a lot of testosterone! Boy! I was totally "struck" by an insidious-yet pervasive, almost "oozing" sexual tension (which didn't necessarily come across as "sexual", but intense!)

The Style of filming was also part of the "charm". Tony Napolitano knows what he's doing. Sex sells! And whether this was intentional or not, I hope he continues with this type of mysterious "surcharge" which actually drives the premise of the story and make the characters equally compelling and interesting.

For a fifteen to seventeen minute production, this short film sure packs a punch! It is just right!

I will not reveal the story premise because I want you to see it for yourselves. It will totally entertain you and actually have you really caring for these characters, who were well portrayed by Z. Louis Finney, as the provocative and  overwhelming Slick Willie Jones; David Mohr, who is an embodiment of the classical Italian Mafia type with the classic black hair and good looks that comes with it; Elisa Santamaria, as the quiet type who calculates her motives; Greg Acceta, whose "presence" is very interestingly captivating, and dark.  And honorable mention goes to Skip Johnson, his experience in doing film work or television work is quite evident in his style.

The Crew will return for next season and deliver five more episodes. However, beginning tomorrow July 31st will begin the fourth episode "No Strings Attached", let's see what the good old boys will be up to now"!

You can  watch the rest of the series by logging on to www.thecrewwebseries.com

And let me know what you think!