Jitney was Magic

Had a mother/daughter outing this weekend in Charlotte, with my sunshine Amber J. We prepared for the theatre like it was a Broadway production, making reservations at Soho’s, parking at our favorite spot in downtown Charlotte and checking out the city before showtime. It was magical from beginning to end. Although I love the theatre, I had no background of the August Wilson classic “Jitney” yet BNS Productions did their “thang” and I am now completely a fan. 

Amber J and I always enjoy going to the Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square. Being a Visual Arts major at Northwest, Amber J’s work has been displayed there many times. So we were so excited to now see a play.  Shortly after taking our seats, the room was filled with the sounds of Curtis Mayfield. Amber has never met my father because he passed long before she was born but I whispered in her ear, “that reminds me of daddy” and she met me with her beautiful grin. 

Rory Sheriff, producer, whom I wrote a previous blog on, gave a refreshing introduction and included all cell phones be off or silenced. Amber J and I truly needed this being that sometimes we miss each other with all the technology but not on this evening. She shined to me like a diamond. 

“Mama, I think I’m the youngest person here”, she expressed with a nudge but before I could respond we were taken back to 1977 in the Hill District of Pittsburg, PA. The acting was top notch, with Youngblood, played by Jonathan Caldwell, reminding me of a younger version of my hot tempered dad. Turnbo, played by Tim Bradley, was the compulsive gossiper. He gave a stellar performance, while Fielding, played by Sultan Omar El-Amin, Philmore, played by Quentin Talley and Shealy played by Devin Clark gave us comedic relief. Rena, played by Krystal Gardner was the only female character and imaginable could have been any 70’s sister. Heart-wrenching performances by Dominic Weaver, who played Doub, John Price who played Becker and Graham Williams who played Booster truly stole the show. 

When I heard Roy Ayer’s, “Sunshine” playing, I was truly taken back being 5 years old in 77’. I was determined to write this review focusing on how this period piece encapsulates who we are as a culture. I felt like my daughter got an extrodinary history lesson. I was taken back to my parents and the bonding moments with my daughter will always be remembered. Her reaction to the play was, “that was so good”. 

My disappointment was that this wasn’t a sold out performance. As we complain about failing schools and negative imagery of Black people, I asked myself why weren’t more of us there? I meet Mr. Sheriff at the end of the show. I gave him my book and I thought to myself this type of greatness will not always be this excessable. Please support Black Theatre. See you for “Boys to Baghdad”. Salute.