Black When I Was a Boy Reviews
Stage Raw- Recommended
"...As the show goes on, Bates segues into his middle and high school years, discussing sex, sports, and partying, all of which are intersected with race. The culmination of this collection of memories is a particularly ugly incident at a gas station in a neighboring town, where he narrowly escapes a bat-and-crowbar-wielding lynch mob with the help of a cowboy friend of his. Though the show takes a little while to hit its stride, possibly because the chronology of events at times feels too comprehensive, Bates's energy and toothy smile are endearing. And as the 'cuts' he experiences begin to mount, we increasingly feel the pain he carries with him."