By Stephen Adly Guirgis
Directed by Sharone Halevy
Presented by Yellafella Entertainment
16th Street Theater
What's It All About?
Inmates Angel Cruz (Juan Castano) and Lucius Jenkins (Jordan Mahome) cope with life inside Riker's Island prison and sadistic corrections officer Valdez (Jake Hart). Valdez gets kindhearted colleague Charlie D'Amico (John Payne) relieved of duty for being too friendly with Lu (he had provided the prisoner with cigarettes, Oreos and genuine friendship). Valdez makes it known that the fun times are over and seems to have it in for Lu because he freely confesses his faith in God.
Cruz, incarcerated for shooting a cult leader who had brainwashed kids who had to be kidnapped and "reprogrammed" after the experience, also doesn't want to hear "religion" from Lu, but he accepts the man's friendship in the midst of harsh treatment and abuse from other inmates. Cruz's case touches Public Defender Mary Jane Hanrahan (Christy Escobar) who works, at peril to her own career, to have the charges against him dismissed. All hope seems to be lost for Lu, however, who is headed to death row for the eight heinous murders he committed.
What are the Highlights?
The gospel is clearly proclaimed as Lu (in a wonderful performance by Mahome) prays, sings and shares his faith while working out during the one hour of outdoor recreation time he is allowed each day in the prison yard (the minimal set, effectively designed by Clifton Chadick). Sharone Halevy directs an above-average Equity Showcase.
What are the Lowlights?
Only five performances!
More information:
This presentation was a special one-week engagement and has closed. YellaFella Entertainment was founded in 2011 by actor/writer/director Lelund Durond Thompson. Its mission is "to tell universal stories that heal through music, theater, film and photography. YellaFella represents faith and hope. YellaFella represents love for people. YellaFella represents love for people’s creativity, YellaFella represents the steps toward healing and positive change that we all desire." The company is producing a number of diverse projects. Tshidi Manye (currently starring as “Rafiki” in Broadway’s The Lion King) has recently begun the YellaFella Concert Series where she invites her audiences on a journey of self-exploration and emotional healing through song. Also in development is The Doll Confessions, a new play fused with music and dance, which examines the effects of childhood traumas as seen through the eyes of the dolls who have witnessed them. The Doll Confessions is directed by Tony Award winner Trezana Beverly. For more info: http://yellafellaentertainment.com/
Christians might also like to know:
-- Strong language
-- God's name taken in vain
-- Sexual dialogue
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