Broadway Show: Platanos & Collard Greens
Theatre: Florence Gould Hall Theatre
Official Debut Date: June 27, 2003 (The Producers Club)
Closing Date: Currently Running
Spotlights: 6.5
Review: Went to an off-Broadway play that I have heard rave reviews about for some time. Being in a nice theater and sitting in the front row, the atmosphere was set for a good evening of entertainment. Once the play began I realized that it required some audience participation – so if the crowd was not into it the show can be thrown off of have sluggish moments. Much poetry is involved but after a while I felt as though I was in a long Def Jam taping.
The story line was strong, however, if you’re a viewer who knows a bit more into history & the art of re-writes, you’d leave less than awakened as the writer might have liked. Placing aside whatever discrepancies there may be the actors were very good. Slight glitches but they were able to roll right along without missing a beat. The actress (Osas Ighodaro) was profound and powerful in her delivery of ‘What’s Wrong with the Chocolate?” It brought many questions that Black women genuinely have when confronted with the mainstream depiction of beauty & Black men’s reaction to them.
During the show the cast gave spotlight to the fact that many Black men have preferences. The possibilities that Black women sometimes inject personal issues where there is no room for them is also a reality. The problem remained that the wrong discussion was being had. Rather than question if the preference of skin shade the problematic focus of Black men and women, the question should have been why has this focus been implemented into society.
Later in the play, the father (Toi Williams) brought the origin of the societal input into focus but only briefly and in part two of the show rather than part one when the subject first came up. Despite a few issues I may have had with the show, the play was worth watching. Political views being interjected is part of the play viewing experience so that won’t be held against the show. The show is the longest running off-Broadway show and that is a nice mention for any play let alone a Black play.
The show did not only focus on the image issues Back Americans and Black people as a whole have, but also on the issues that Hispanics suffer with especially when it comes to the acknowledgment of their Negro heritage. In today’s world we are caught up using European terminology to describe ourselves and our situations thus leaving us further baffled and engaged in the wrong discussions.
Angelita’s mother showed the struggle that many Hispanic women go through as they follow the stereotypical movement of lightening the race. The idea that mixing with Blacks is a step back for the Hispanic culture provides insight on how destructive racism & colonialism has been & continues to be. Angelita showed how not to only the influence of family can be destructive to a relationship, but also that of friends. There is much to be learned through this show and the effort is appreciated.
6.5 spotlights goes to the production of Plantanos & Collard Greens.
The new show ‘From Auction Block to Hip Hop‘ was previewed and it was a parody of what Hip Hop has become. My interest was peeked and I will be venturing to see the newest work by David Lamb.
blades: 
Loading ...
Kicking off this new segment for Bootlegged Reviews is the song Ah, Yeah! submitted by the indie artist, Flawless. This pop/dance single that has what it takes to get a party started and has a professional feel that many Indie projects lack. Coming from Queens, New York, Flawless shines on this track. Formerly signed to
Ashley Judd seems to have added her happy ass to the long list of folks in denial of the monster that their precious industry (the W.O.S.) has created. Judd has taken it upon herself to reiterate the obvious while ignoring the giant wizard puppeteer behind the puppets.
espite the truth that there are no set programs, more than half of the shows are unconfirmed, the first week or more have only been previews of what MIGHT be shown, and more than half of all television viewers have yet to see anything on the OWN Network, mainstream
2010 has been another year where the WOS Celebs have stepped their game up in the category of bullshit, hot mess, and sloppiness. Yesterday, two WOS young bloods were in battled in another Internet War of Words. Twitter has become the "safe zone" to attack folks behind a computer and have the fans directly involved. Instant bullshit brought to everyone's and anyone's computer screens - whether asked for it or not.
As many gleam over the multiple of things that has been added to her list of "deeds" which deed became her turning point. ... Negating her sexuality (that has little to do with her public actions as far as I'm concerned) what is really going on with her? ... She doesn't seem to read or comprehend some of the books she pushes through her "book club" being that two frauds have been discovered. She only "confronted" one of the frauds because the other media began to question her intelligence and if she and her cohorts even fact checked their information.
:applause: Good business. This play did bring much things to focus. The writer could have done more because it seemed as if he stopped just when he was about to hit pay dirt. Perhaps there can be a Bootlegged Field Trip to see his latest play. There is also another one called RACE with David Allen Grier. That would be interesting as he’s a good actor. Never seen him on Broadway though.
hmmm. seems interesting. hope i can see this one day.