Well...there is nothing like the real thing baby! With the return of Demetrius Gross (Perceval), Lamman Rucker (Elijah)and Derek Shaun (Jerimah), Black Angels Over Tuskegee took on a new dimension for me tonight. I had never seen the original cast perform though this was my 11th show. On the whole, the show took on a more reflective and introspective quality--not as edgy as in past shows. Yet it was smooth and easy to sit through. Bottom line: these actors have an amazing chemistry and easy flow with each other that is obvious. They truly inhabit their characters.
Lamman is very comfortable and relaxed as Elijah and even playful at times which adds poignantly to the play's overall chemistry and appeal. It's a different play with Lamar's presence-- no doubt. He is also quite credible in his delivery and makes you forget the writing. Demetrius is simply an unstoppable force--not much more can be said about him. Derek brings to Jerimah a level of complexity that I had to grapple with at first. ( It was really hard to suspend my memory of Melvin Huffnagle's explosive Jerimah which works very well). Derek's portrayl, however, is delicately nuanced and less angry-perhaps more introspective--which changed the tone of the entire play. When he erupts it almost catches you by surprise which speaks to his range and ability. He is imtriguing to say the least. I am so intrigued by Derek and Lamman's performances --and how they along with Demetrius change the topograpy of this play --that I will have to go back at it tomorrow to see what else I can learn. LOL
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A little Comic Relief
BAW
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