The Play Seed By Radha Blank, Play Review

For a play making its official world premiere there has been plenty of hype around the theatrical production simply titled, SEED. The hype, I found is very much well deserved for the play about a social worker starring down a long career, constantly dealing with the decisions she’s made over the course of her career. The social worker, Anne Colleen Simpson, wants to end her career with a book of all she’s learned, but the torment of past catches up to her when she’s faced with a similar situation and a chance to make amends for her past wrongs.

The play has its serious moments, but there are plenty of laughs along the way. SEED is part of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival so poetry and Hip-Hop are infused throughout the work. All the dialogue flows with cadence the work speaks to the soul of Hip-Hop culture. It’s also based in Harlem, so NYC residents will appreciate the images and honorable mentions sprinkled throughout.

While Anne Colleen Smith is the main character played by –, the play shines because the supporting characters are amazing! LaTonya, the single mother, Chee Chee, her adorable 14-year old son, and __, Chee Chee’s father, create a perfect cast to get this story across. Those three are so good I wouldn’t mind a spin-off. A fifth character, Ebony, fromi Anne’s past is

While Anne Colleen Smith is the main character played by Bridgit Antoinette Evans, the play shines because the supporting characters are amazing! Latonya, the single mother (played by Jocelyn Bioh), Chee Chee, her adorable 14-year old son (played by Khadim Diop), and Chee Chee’s father (played by Jaime Lincoln Smith), create a perfect cast to get this story across. Those three are so good I wouldn’t mind a spin-off. A fifth character, Rashawn/Ebony (played by Pernell Walker), from Anne’s past is the final shining piece of this cast.

I enjoyed the play so much, I’m ready to round up a few friends to see it again. Something about the story just made it so easy to get into and so easy to fall in love with. Support the arts!

The Play SEED receives a PARL

Rating:

P…Horrible

PA…Tolerable

PAR…Good

PARL…Kinda Great

PARLÉ… Classic

SEED

Written by Radha Blank

Directed by Niegel Smith

Starring

Bridgit Antoinette Evans