Tag: Stage 773
Street Tempo’s Impassioned Debut: ‘Let My People Come!’
By Devlyn Camp
Don’t bring your children. Don’t bring your right-wing mother. Don’t bring your grandma. Unless she’s into songs titled “Whatever Turns You On” and “Dirty Words.” And if that’s the case, bring her along! The disclaimer is right there in the title: ‘Let My People Come! A Sexual Musical,’ and ‘sexual’ just might be an understatement. The 1974 off-Broadway musical finds new life in brand new theatre company Street Tempo, which has a home, like many other companies, at Stage 773. Covering all the bases of sexuality, from hardships to secrets to all the favorite kinks and pleasures, Broadway Babies are all grown up in a sensationalistic production of Let My People Come.
The musical review doesn’t only toy with kinky costumes and overbearing urges. Throughout the act, cast members reveal true sexual and personal facts about their selves that are beautiful and sometimes pretty funny. They tell sentimental stories of their sexual past and stand bare, metaphorically, for their audience. The literally bare part comes later. It’s a message that lifts up the fun of sex, but above that, shows a beautiful respect for love. There is even a number performed by the powerful Teressa LaGamba that glorifies virginity and the wait for love.
The mighty ensemble has a wide range of ample talent. Matthew T. Payne gets half the show’s laughs during his dating ad bits, Jennifer Oakley’s voice could stand down Trump Tower, and Elianna Stone will prove on her own just how sexy this show can be. The strongest feature number includes two stools, an audience member, Will Hoyer and the Pips. Backed by four ladies, Hoyer lures an unsuspecting gentleman into his arms and asks in song for him to “Come in My Mouth.” Even if the lyrics make you uncomfortable (in which case, go home), Hoyer hits some lusty, mean Mariah Carey notes.
These prime actors are led by a fine band and fantastic music director, Kory Danielson. His comely tunes unite outrageously feel-good vocals and rip right through 773. Brian Posen’s imaginative and steamy staging with the flirtatious choreography sets up the performers to completely satisfy their voyeurs. So here’s my big problem: I have crushes on all of them.
LET MY PEOPLE COME!
Street Tempo Theatre Co.
Through December 31, 2011
Tickets $28, available at stage773.com
Photo courtesy Brian Peterlin
Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com
“This Is Our Youth” at 773
by Devlyn Camp
Columbia College proves its talent with Liminality Theatre’s production of This Is Our Youth at Stage 773. The entire cast – although only a cast of three – and most of the production staff graduated from the school, and the director himself teaches there. Brian Posen, also the Artistic Director of 773, directs a small play about three twenty-something Manhattan kids. They’re not exactly kids anymore, though, as they must come to face their issues with drug use and family disagreements. Warren (Patrick C. Whalen) is at a crossroads when kicked out of his wealthy father’s home and into the trashy abode of his drug-dealing friend. Dennis (Adam Welsh) is a stoned, stubborn, charge-ahead kind of guy, but only when he feels like it. Welsh enthusiastically sends him on fantastic rants of brilliant insults, ripping through the script with his comedic patter. The dialogue is so real and honest, even including awkward moments of “um” and “ya know”s and also the common “like” about three dozen times. These additions are very honest to how youth speak. The awkward romantic moments between Warren and Jessica (Teagan Walsh-Davis) are less than eloquent and so painfully real, you’ll find yourself thinking “Oh God, I say those things when I hit on a guy. It’s terrible.” It’s delightful.
Youth touches base on topics any down-on-their-luck artist would think about: Will I grow out of who I am? Does any of this really mean anything? As Warren skips around his money problems and drug dealing with Dennis, his comedic relief is brilliant and carries the show through tough issues in his life. He has a few touchy subjects that butt heads with Dennis and his vices to the point when we wonder how his drug “business” becomes less of pleasure and more of a burden. When does a user’s life turn from a nice high to a permanent rock bottom? The best thing to do could be to start over.
As this performance ended, the lights went down and we sat silently, until an old man and his wife in the front row clapped. There must be a message for everyone here.
THIS IS OUR YOUTH
Stage 773
Tickets $15
Just two more shows! September 23, 24 at 7:30 PM
Call 773-327-5252 or visit www.stage773.org
“Yellowman” at Stage 773
YELLOWMAN
Stage 773
Now through October 9th
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 PM
Sunday at 2 PM
Tickets $15-$25 at www.Stage773.com
or by phone at 773.327.5252 or at the box office
Greene Tree Productions is currently presenting their latest show at the in-transition Stage 773. “Yellowman” is a two person piece with alternating short monologues telling the intertwined stories of Alma and and her boyfriend. Alma is a large, dark-skinned woman who is faced with hateful treatment by lighter-skinned African Americans. She grows up with her friend, later boyfriend, Eugene whose skin is “yellow, like butter.” Their relationship is criticized throughout their youth in South Carolina, until Alma decides to make a change.
Alma is played by Emmy Award-winning actress Deanna K. Reed. She’s the life of the show, with her whimsical giggles and impressions. J. Israel Greene, playing opposite Reed, falls a bit short. During some of his longer monologues, attention seems to be held at bay for Reed to return. Not all blame can be left to him, though. The play, although telling an important story, is told in a dull fashion. The separate, side-by-side perspectives are intriguing, but the tale moves quite slow and lacks much action until the second act. The set is also quite simple, to match the story, although very charming with its glittering glass bottles spread under the wooden platform. Maybe not the most exciting choice for a night out, but “Yellowman” is unique, speaking about a frequently overlooked prejudice, and is, as mentioned before, also very charming.
Stage 773 is unveiling their $1.5 million renovation at their grand opening celebration Sunday, October 16 at 7 PM.
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