The Good Negro at Stella Adler Theater

The Good Negro

Stella Adler Theater
6773 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood

The Good Negro is the gripping story of the early civil rights struggle in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. Focusing on a small group of individuals, the struggle is rendered in intimate human terms. Three very brave but deeply flawed Black leaders are called upon to transcend their own personal shortcomings and effectively organize a boycott of downtown merchants plus protest marches to end the way things are done in America's most segregated city.

Thru - Sep 19, 2010

Thursdays: 8:00pm

Fridays: 8:00pm

Saturdays: 8:00pm

Sundays: 3:00pm

Price: $18-$20

Show Type: Drama

Box Office: 323-465-4446

www.stellaadler-la.com

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The Good Negro Reviews

Average Rating based on 3 reviews

Highly Recommended
Recommended
Somewhat Recommended
Not Recommended

LA Weekly - Somewhat Recommended

"...While the play offers a compelling reminder of the vicious racism in our not-so-distant past, the script's docudrama flavor and uncomplicated characters require much finessing on the part of the ensemble. Under Sam Nickens' direction, that hasn't yet happened, with performances, on opening night, ranging from serviceable to over-the-top. The exceptions include Perrier, intense and authentic as Lawrence's betrayed wife; and Deveaux, whose character suffers great personal loss, and whose portrayal of sorrow ably brings home the tragedy of events."

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- Deborah Klugman

Backstage - Somewhat Recommended

"...Tracey Scott Wilson's 2008 drama has the feel of a docudrama, though it's a fictionalized look at behind-the-scenes political machinations during the formation of the civil rights movement in Birmingham, Ala., in 1962. Wilson offers a thinly disguised portrait of the valiant accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in a warts-and-all view of the pioneers behind this vital chapter in American history. The play is generally gripping and provocative, if somewhat verbose. Director Sam Nickens' West Coast premiere rendition is rudimentary in its stagecraft and passionate-though flawed-in its interpretation of the hard-hitting text. The ensemble effort is strong but uneven. The reviewed performance was hampered by technical glitches. Nonetheless, the production offers moments of brilliance.

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- Les Spindle

LAist - Highly Recommended

"...Such a weighty matter could easily dip into the self-righteous, but what makes The Good Negro so compelling is it refrains from being preachy and gives us characters just as flawed as the historical ones from which Ms. Wilson obviously draws her inspiration. Rev. Lawrence, although committed to nonviolence and a noble cause, has a weakness for women. Henry is capable of sacrificing a movement to his pride. And the bad guys show moments of humanity, as well. One of the FBI informants slowly starts to dissociate himself from their work, and even the boastful white racist Gary Thomas Rowe Jr. (Brian E. Smith) appears both squeamish and remorseful with his role in the violence. But it is Semaj who steals the stage with his charismatic portrayal of the reverend, in all of his determination, devotion, humility and pride."

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- Christine N. Ziemba

The Good Negro at Stella Adler Theater

The Good Negro

The Good Negro Reviews

LA Weekly - Somewhat Recommended

Backstage - Somewhat Recommended

LAist - Highly Recommended

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