Thoughts on THE FIRST BREEZE OF SUMMER

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/23/08 at 7:46pm

Opening the Signature's season of the Negro Ensemble Company is Ruben Santiago-Hudson's simply splendid production of Leslie Lee's 1975 (?) play THE FIRST BREEZE OF SUMMER.

The slice-of-life play is like AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY with an African-American cast - same idea of heat and about familial revelations, little vitriol and no drug abuse.

Lee's play is flawed - he tries to stuff 10 lbs of play in a 5 lb bag, and Gremmar's "revelation" isn't nearly as shocking today as it may have been in the 70s. But you're able to look past the soapy aspects, the "this idea's been explored before," a scene that's identical to one in TOP GIRLS, etc.

The production is first rate, with one of the best sets I've seen in a while (designed by Michael Carnahan), and the tightest, most exciting ensemble of actors in NYC. Leslie Uggams leads the company as Gremmar and she's quite good, if the slightest bit too young for a woman who, well, you can figure out right at the start of the play what happens to Gremmar. Other standouts are Yaya DaCosta (NYC debut) as Gremmar's younger self and the incredible Keith Randolph Smith as the family's patriarch.

The 2:40 production has one BIG highlight - the scene with the Preacher almost to the end of the first act. Lots of singing, lots of Praising Jesus, lots of fantastic ensemble acting, and expertly staged by Santiago-Hudson. This scene alone is worth the price of admission and is the clean equivalent to the Dinner Scene is OSAGE.

Let's hope the rest of the Signature's season is as satisfying. Last season certainly wasn't.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/24/08 at 7:19am

bump

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 8/24/08 at 7:55am

I really enjoyed this production even thought I feel it is simpley too long.