Home > ATLarts > Archives > 2008 > July > 17 > Entry
NBAF THEATER: ‘The Amen Corner’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THEATER REVIEW. Grade: C+
It must have seemed pretty radical for the ’50s. A Pentecostalist black man — struggling with issues of faith, identity and family — pens a play that questions the wisdom of investing too much in faith, and too little in love and personal growth.
“No one yet knows how high a bill we will have to pay for what we have done to Negro men and women,” the playwright James Baldwin once said about “The Amen Corner,” written in 1954 and produced on Broadway in 1965. And of his main character, Sister Margaret, a pious evangelical minister who has shunted away her sexuality in service to a higher power, he said: “She is in the church because her society has left her no other place to go.”
“The Amen Corner” — produced by True Colors Theatre as part of the National Black Arts Festival — can be raucously funny, haunting in its gospel music and devastating in its account of the trials and tribulations of Sister Margaret, who in the course of an evening appears to lose everything that mattters to her.
Though the play meditates on the blindsightedness of overinvesting in one relationship at the expense of another — a concern that is nothing if not universal — it comes across as dated, antiquated, too long for its own good and simplistic in its observations of human nature. It also makes you wonder why True Colors artistic director Kenny Leon even bothered. (He produced it on the same stage with many of the same actors back in 1996 when he was running the Alliance Theatre.)
But Leon seems to love any excuse for a gospel church play. (See 2004’s “Tambourines to Glory” and 2006’s “Rejoice!”) And you’d have to be a heartless so-and-so not to enjoy a show that includes the towering comedic ego of Margo Moorer (Sister Moore); the divine sounds of Bernardine Mitchell (Sister Douglass) and Chandra Currelley (Sister Boxer); and the high-caliber talent of Denise Burse, who gives a heartbreaking turn as Sister Margaret.
In a dauntingly complex and physically draining role, Burse (a regular on Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne”) is revelatory in a show that requires her to carry the weight of the whole affair on her petite shoulders. Nevaina Rhodes is also seriously good as grieving young mother Ida Jackson. Newcomer Ronve O’Daniel gives a slightly inconsistent but highly promising performance as Margaret’s Tom Wingfield-like son, David. Alas, Thomas Byrd (as Sister Margaret’s dying husband, Luke) exhibits smart comedic timing but draws out his deathbed monologues to the point of tedium. One minute, the actor seems right on target, the next minute a little tentative.
The musical direction of Jmichael — featuring a full-out community choir — is the real deal. But after all the live music, some of the recorded material can be incongruous and confusing at times. Shilla Benning’s costumes are spot-on to the era, but Vince Mountain’s set — the church is positioned over Sister Margaret’s apartment — seems to be a trap for actors trying to make their entrances and exits.
As directed by Andrea Frye, this effort has instances of lovely acting, exquisite singing and knee-slapping foolishness. (When it comes to pettiness, grandstanding, confrontation and hypocrisy, everyone knows that churchfolk can be the worst.) But African-American classic though it may be, it just doesn’t feel like the right story for the moment. And it sure doesn’t make you want to say “Amen.”
THE 411: 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. 2:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. No performance July 22. 2:30 p.m. matinee July 23. Through Aug. 3. $15-$25. True Colors Theatre, Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Midtown. 404-733-5000, truecolorstheatrecompany.com
Bottom line: Good performances don’t redeem dated material.
Permalink | Comments (13) | Post your comment | Categories: Theater
Comments
By Dave
July 18, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
I enjoyed the show and thought the young lady (Naomi Lavette) was outstanding as Sis. Sally. I saw her in Angela’s Mixtape” and was very impressed by her expressions and committment to the character even though her speaking parts were few.
By Marcais Frazier
July 18, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
And Let The Church Say….. The Amen Corner! James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner is a stimulating performance that connects cultural traditions, family-ties and adolescent maturation to make for one exciting event! It will challenge your thinking, and portray the reality of life’s ever-evolving complexities through the lenses of experience and growth. Though the setting predates modern times, its eternal messaging impacts the most contemporary of issues and identifies pervasive conflicts in internal growth; choice; love; and spirituality. The storyline is immensely character-driven and allows for real issues to be addressed without audience members feeling threatened. It refreshes the palate of self-assessment and aspiration leaving viewers moved and entranced.
Music lovers will also appreciate the underpinnings of jazz and gospel thematically churning the production along. Playful in nature, yet powerful by design, musical interpretations enact just the right amount of fervor and stability. One performance that stands out among giants is _’s rendition of the popular gospel song, “I Know I’ve Been Changed”, first introduced by LaShun Pace. This bold routine is guaranteed to touch the soul of the most hardened villain and immediately remind avid church goers of nostalgic back home gospel! The Amen Corner was a great kickoff to the annual National Black Arts Festival. If this is an indicator of things to come, The True Colors Theatre Company has set a standard of excellence! Can I get ah Amen??!!
By Marcais Frazier
July 18, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
And Let The Church Say….. The Amen Corner! James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner is a stimulating performance that connects cultural traditions, family-ties and adolescent maturation to make for one exciting event! It will challenge your thinking, and portray the reality of life’s ever-evolving complexities through the lenses of experience and growth. Though the setting predates modern times, its eternal messaging impacts the most contemporary of issues and identifies pervasive conflicts in internal growth; choice; love; and spirituality. The storyline is immensely character-driven and allows for real issues to be addressed without audience members feeling threatened. It refreshes the palate of self-assessment and aspiration leaving viewers moved and entranced.
Music lovers will also appreciate the underpinnings of jazz and gospel thematically churning the production along. Playful in nature, yet powerful by design, musical interpretations enact just the right amount of fervor and stability. One performance that stands out among giants is _’s rendition of the popular gospel song, “I Know I’ve Been Changed”, first introduced by LaShun Pace. This bold routine is guaranteed to touch the soul of the most hardened villain and immediately remind avid church goers of nostalgic back home gospel! The Amen Corner was a great kickoff to the annual National Black Arts Festival. If this is an indicator of things to come, The True Colors Theatre Company has set a standard of excellence! Can I get ah Amen??!!
Marcais Frazier, twam2003@gmail.com
By Pauline Lanier
July 18, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Amen Corner proved to be a very rewarding experience for our entire party. James Baldwin’s subtle and sometimes stinging humor reveals something of our human condition. We all know a sister Margaret. We were very impressed with Marguerite Hannah’s performance as Sister Odessa. She seems to continually give great performances as shown in the play “Crowns”, another great Andrea Frye production earlier this year. Kudos to her, she really re-anchored the play after the questionably “death scene”. Lastly, the musical performances were breath taking, and the costumes by Ms. Benning were flawless
By India A
July 18, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
It was fun,pain,triumph,and revelation. Margo Moorer’s (Sister Moore) character was outstanding as was Denise Burse’s portrayal as sister Margarite. I agree with the past comment, the musical history lesson played out during the play was really inspired. It really took me back in time to a place i was not familiar. We also enjoyed Margurite Hannah’s performance as Sister Odessa , the performance gave the play a real voice of reason and authenticity . Kenny Leon, true Colors and Andrea Frye deserve a lot of credit for this true gem. Give us more……
By donna
July 18, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
I too agree with mr.Brock in that the show was way too long! But the opening number by ms. lavette was incredible!!!! I wanted to get out of my seat! I was in attendance with a group and 3 of us will be coming back before the show ends. I thought everyone did a great job.. Kudos to True Colors
By Amby Lavelle
July 19, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
What an incredible play!!!
Denise Burse was phenomenal in her role as Sister Margaret and that Naomi Lavette was amazing!!! I would have preferred to have seen more of her. Her stage presence brings an energy like no other. Finally, kudos to J. MICHAEL and the AMEN CHOIR!!! The singing had me clapping my hands, the harmonies had me bobbing my head, and their excitement radiated from the stage all the way to my seat! Nice work, Andrea.
By Cooney James
July 19, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
This was the bomb. The CHIOR CHIOR CHIOR CHIOR Stole the entire show. The Actors were just amazing. Naomi was so good in I know I’ve been changed. I was changed after that performance. Denise’s final scene was golden. Tony Award winning praise outstanding performance. The entire concept of the play was just great. Everyone I Talked to enjoyed the show. And that’s what counts. I Will be back for more
Hallelujah
By Anthony
July 21, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
For Whom The Bells Toll was too long and splendid but it is read in every literature class. True Colors rendered a remarkable effort and I thank you Kenny Leon for demonstrating one of the many colors in your wonderful rainbow of work. At Sunday’s show, people did not want to leave that place - it was like trying to get folk to leave after a revival. Every actor is to be congratulated. Thank you True Colors…OUTSTANDING!!
By Anthony
July 21, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
For Whom The Bells Toll was too long and splendid but it is read in every literature class. True Colors rendered a remarkable effort and I thank you Kenny Leon for demonstrating one of the many colors in your wonderful rainbow of work. At Sunday’s show, people did not want to leave that place - it was like trying to get folk to leave after a revival. Every actor is to be congratulated. Thank you True Colors…OUTSTANDING!!
By Anthony
July 21, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
For Whom The Bells Toll was too long and splendid but it is read in every literature class. True Colors rendered a remarkable effort and I thank you Kenny Leon for demonstrating one of the many colors in your wonderful rainbow of work. At Sunday’s show, people did not want to leave that place - it was like trying to get folk to leave after a revival. Every actor is to be congratulated. Thank you True Colors…OUTSTANDING!!
By Anthony
July 21, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
For Whom The Bells Toll was too long and splendid but it is read in every literature class. True Colors rendered a remarkable effort and I thank you Kenny Leon for demonstrating one of the many colors in your wonderful rainbow of work. At Sunday’s show, people did not want to leave that place - it was like trying to get folk to leave after a revival. Every actor is to be congratulated. Thank you True Colors…OUTSTANDING!!
By Anthony
July 21, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
For Whom The Bells Toll was too long and splendid but it is read in every literature class. True Colors rendered a remarkable effort and I thank you Kenny Leon for demonstrating one of the many colors in your wonderful rainbow of work. At Sunday’s show, people did not want to leave that place - it was like trying to get folk to leave after a revival. Every actor is to be congratulated. Thank you True Colors…OUTSTANDING!!