A Song for Coretta - review

[Jane Zussman]

A Song for Coretta is a multidimensional portrait of five black women drawn together as they wait outside of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church on February 6, 2006, to pay their respects to the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Pearl Cleage’s script illustrates both the vast diversity and common bond of these women. 

Rachelle Legrand, real life tv host for WILX TV’s Studio 10, is a natural as the would-be reporter with her cassette recorder, trying to compile a radio documentary piece to offer to NPR. Her shifts from “real voice” to “reporter voice” are fun. Her interview ploy sets up the framework for introducing us to the other women. 

Sheila Burks is the older, wiser church lady who actually met Coretta Scott King as a child when during the Montgomery bus boycott. This nonmusical does claim its “song” title with some beautiful singing by Shelia with harmonies from the others.

Janell Hall as Mona Lisa is an artistic force and a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, sweeping in from New Orleans to ruffle and soothe and turn these characters into artwork. Hannah Kent as Keisha arrives with her “fake baby” assigned to her as a high school “lesson,” opening the door to her story of abortion and abuse. Her attitude was perfect, but voice a little high and fast at times to be easily understood. 

Vanessa Mazhangara arrived last, as Gwen, an Iraq war survivor with wounds beyond physical. A powerful and moving moving “duet” of sorts was Janell and Vanessa overlapping their traumas in Iraq and in hurricane Katrina. 

Welcome to Director Kamara Drane, new to Ixion but experienced as Director of Theatre at Transcendence Performing Arts Center., where she has also performed on stage. The set was a simple wall and bench — enhanced by historic slides on the two projection screens. Ellison Hall designed the lighting. 

Only two more chances to see this short (a little over an hour) tribute to the strength and diversity of Black women. Saturday 7pm and Sunday 3pm at Stage One at Sycamore Creek - the church with the colorful mural 2200 Lake Lansing Road. Park in the back. Driveway down the east side of the building. 

Tickets at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/ixion-ensemble/68d17297dc55ed7c3f280697

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

To review past emails as they were sent, click “About the G.L.U.T.” and choose “email list” from the drop-down menu — also check out the all-theatres calendar.

“Like” us on Facebook!