2008 Woodie Awards
Centerstage Presents a.m. Sunday
Aliza Ross
Issue date: 12/10/03 Section: Arts and Entertainment
Biracial marriage has come a long way from being kept a secret in times of intolerance. Today, biracial marriage is celebrated, but it is still shunned by some. Center Stage's production of a.m. Sunday, by Jerome Hairston, showcases the problems that biracial couples face in today's world.
This short 100-minute production tells the story of R.P. (played by Ray Anthony Thomas) and Helen (played by Johanna Day), African American and Caucasian, respectively, who are trying to raise their children Jay (JD Williams) and Denny (played by Massimo Angelo Delogu, Jr. and Sylk). While their marriage struggles to survive, R.P. and Helen continue to face difficulty in being accepted. On top of these problems, Jay is involved with a Caucasian girl named Lorie (Robyn Simpson). One of R.P. and Helen's major concerns is that their oldest son will face the same problems and challenges in a biracial relationship. But at the same time, their concern turns to happiness when they want to meet Lorie and welcome her into their family.
The scenery was very sparse in this drama; the only backdrop used was a black curtain. Scene designer David Gallo employed the use of technology to move the large kitchen appliances, beds, and tables off of the set instead of manual labor.
Lighting designer Donald Holder used a variety of bright lights on the actors in order to focus the audience's attention on them instead of the bare backdrop.
David Burdick, the costume designer for this production, designed lower-class-looking clothes for the actors: jeans and a plaid shirt for R.P.; a robe, pajamas and loungewear for Helen; comfortable school clothing for the kids.
a.m. Sunday will continue to play in Center Stage's Pearlstone Theater through Dec. 14. For ticket information and performance times, call 410-332-0033.
This short 100-minute production tells the story of R.P. (played by Ray Anthony Thomas) and Helen (played by Johanna Day), African American and Caucasian, respectively, who are trying to raise their children Jay (JD Williams) and Denny (played by Massimo Angelo Delogu, Jr. and Sylk). While their marriage struggles to survive, R.P. and Helen continue to face difficulty in being accepted. On top of these problems, Jay is involved with a Caucasian girl named Lorie (Robyn Simpson). One of R.P. and Helen's major concerns is that their oldest son will face the same problems and challenges in a biracial relationship. But at the same time, their concern turns to happiness when they want to meet Lorie and welcome her into their family.
The scenery was very sparse in this drama; the only backdrop used was a black curtain. Scene designer David Gallo employed the use of technology to move the large kitchen appliances, beds, and tables off of the set instead of manual labor.
Lighting designer Donald Holder used a variety of bright lights on the actors in order to focus the audience's attention on them instead of the bare backdrop.
David Burdick, the costume designer for this production, designed lower-class-looking clothes for the actors: jeans and a plaid shirt for R.P.; a robe, pajamas and loungewear for Helen; comfortable school clothing for the kids.
a.m. Sunday will continue to play in Center Stage's Pearlstone Theater through Dec. 14. For ticket information and performance times, call 410-332-0033.