Awe-inspiring Women

November 23, 2007  --  Got something to say?
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By Dino de la RosaBy Dino de la Rosa
I attended the press opening performance of The Women Of Brewster Place at Arena Stage last month. This musical adaptation, masterfully directed by Molly Smith, is based on the novel by Gloria Naylor. Set in 1975, it tells of the intertwining lives of ten African-American women who live in a run-down housing project. The women come together to confront poverty, racism and change. It is also a story of love and strong friendships. Molly Smith poignantly evokes the everyday struggles of these women who seem trapped in their miserable existence.

Gloria Naylor, an African-American novelist, wrote The Women Of Brewster Place during her studies at Yale. The book was published in 1983 and won the American Book Award for First Fiction. Tim Acito wrote the music, lyrics and script and soon after it was picked up by Arena Stage to develop as a premiere.

Act 1 opens with the upbeat,”The End Of The Line.” We then get to meet the residents. The strong-willed factory worker, Mattie, man-hungry Etta Mae, Lucelia(Shelley Thomas), Matties good-natured niece with the neer-do-well husband, smart community-activist Kiswana(Monique L. Midgette) and Cora Lee(Tijuana Ricks), a harried single mom who is at her wits end trying to discipline her boisterous kids, and the nosy neighbors, the delightful trio of Sophie(Cheryl Alexander), Mavis(Terry Burrell) and Wanda(Eleasha Gamble) who have nothing better to do but sit outside the stoop of their building and gossip all day. In Act 2, lovers Lorraine, a schoolteacher and Tee, a DMV employee, moves into Brewster Place hoping they will be accepted there, only to face more hostility.

Director Molly Smith has assembled a marvelous all-female cast. Tina Fabrique gives a nuanced portrayal of strong-willed factory worker Mattie, she acts as sort of a den mother and pillar of strength to the younger residents. Marva Hicks infuses sass and humor in her role as Etta Mae, she has supple vocals and steals every scene that she is in. Monique L. Midgette is wonderful as Kiswana. Harriett D. Foy is superb as Lorraine.

Tim Acito creates an exhilarating score, a blend of R & B, funk and 70s-era music. Standouts of which are Kiswana Browne, Sing, Billie, Oh, Etta Mae, The Tenants Association Meeting,” Smile,” Ghosts With Paper Bones, Tear Down The Wall,” and Save Your Rain. The performance I attended was received with an enthusiastic response and a standing ovation at the end. I highly recommend this awe-inspiring musical will play at Arena Stage till December 9. The Women Of Brewter Place (at Kreeger Theater), directed by Molly Smith. Music, Lyrics and book by Tim Acito. Music Director, William Foster Mcdaniel, Choreographer, Kenneth L. Roberson, Set Designer, Anne Patterson, Costume Designer, Paul Tazewell.

2 hrs. & 40 mins. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. NW. Call 202-488-3300 visit www.arenastage.org
http://www.arenastage.org

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