Last Night I saw this play for the ninth time-- and yes, Layon Gray's Black Angels Over Tiukegee is still fresh and worth seeing more than once. The Angels hit the zone as they played to a sold out theatre.
So why does this play work. The secret lies in a highly talented cast. Spontaneous, free, and comfortable with each other, they can be likened to a polyphonic jazz ensemble that is able to create and interpret with varying degress of improvisations and syncopations.
David Wendell Boykins (Theodore) continues to astound and amaze with his superior acting skill set--not to mention his vocal abilities which have been showcased a bit more in the post Demetrius shows. (I suspect the inventive Boykins will never run out of ways to enrich his character).
Melvin Huffnagle (Jerimah) has honed his psychologically wounded character, making him somewhat less rigid, less explosive. As a more reflective and emotionally accessible Jerimah, Huffnagle instilled a level of vulnerability and transparency into his character, elicting appreciative applause toward the end of his monolgue. (This was the first time I witnessed such a reaction to the otherwise intimidating Jerimah).
The packed house was on its feet well before the final act thanks to Theodore Daniels' poignant delivery as the ever engaging and evocative narrator. A hypnotic historian, Daniels has the uncanny ability to draw the audience to the edge of their seats as they hang on to his words.
Steve Brunstein (Major Roberts) has been quite remarkably consistent and convincing in his role as a tough-nosed, foul mouth commander with a heart for the Black Angels.
Last night also marked the return of the inimitable Thom Scott(Abe), who was away last weekend. Though his fearless understudy (David ?) was absolutely impressive, Scott has mastered certain nuances, and the combination of he and Layon Gray
(Quinton)as the emotional nucleus of the Black Angels simply can't be beat.
Kudos to an excellent cast of hard working and talented actors who bring the heat every night!
Black Angels Over Tuskegee is being produced Off-Broadway by The Black Gents, Edmund Gaynes and The Layon Gray Experience.
Tickets, priced $31.50 and $56.50, are available through Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200 (212) 239-6200 . St. Luke’s Theatre is located in Manhattan at 308 West 46th Street.
BAW
http://blackartsentertainmentwhisperer.blogspot.com/
Excellent work, gentlemen! You deserve all of the praise that you're receiving and I'm wishing you even more success as the run continues. Keep doing great work. God bless and remember: " The sky is the limit!"
ReplyDeleteD. Shaun
I am very thankful this production is available to the public. This story is vital in knowing where Americans have come from but more importantly propels us into an empowered future. I have been blessed to have seen the performance of many Black Angel cast members. Each ensemble member continues to truly hold their own weight. May the run continue prosperously!
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
B-HIL
BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE has been relocated to ACTOR'S TEMPLE
Get Your Tickets Today at www.telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200 www.blackangelsovertuskegee.com
The role of the narrator is currently played by THADDEUS DANIELS; miss quoted in this article as Theodore Daniels, but the depiction of DANIEL'S delivery is righteous!
Thom Scott's understudy for the character of Abe was performed by DAVID ROBERTS. ROBERTS currently portrays the role of Percival.