The late Alice Childress definitely had a way with words. She used them to not only point out how Black people were being mistreated in this country, but to also point out — with a glaring light — how we as Black people can also mistreat each other. In her play “Wine in the Wilderness” the audience sees how Black men can tear down Black women with their words and dismissive actions and attitudes. Playing at Classic Stage Company’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater, located at 136 E 13th Street, this production has a powerful message and one that will stay with you.
Childress gives us Bill, a painter who is trying to create a work that represents Black women, from their innocence and an imagined perfect beauty, to showing the worst that Black womanhood has to offer. Set during the 1964 riots in Harlem, Bill is searching for a model for the last part of his triple work. His friend, Oldtimer, comes to him to hide what he was able to gather after the looters took what they wanted from the destroyed neighborhood stores. In the midst of the unrest, Bill’s friends Sonny-man and his wife Cynthia are at a bar and find Tomorrow “Tommy” Marie, a woman who has lost her home and possessions to the looters. The couple is excited to bring her to Bill as she seems to represent the lowest of the low — crass, simple, ignorant, and funny, saying whatever comes to her mind. Tommy, however, is truly nothing like she first appears to be, and there are quite a few deep layers to this sista. Childress examines relationships between Black men and women and how being too quick to judge can truly be a mistake. She also shows how much Black women have to put on a façade to find acceptance and love.
Watching this play, you will find yourself laughing, shocked, and insulted, but also realizing that Black women are mistreated and misjudged by Black men and Black women alike. This play makes you see what a Black woman can go through and have to overcome, while ultimately triumphing over misconceptions. There are times that this play may have you in tears, just because of the passion of the characters and the truths being shared about the way that Black women are readily demeaned by society.
This cast is superb! It is led by Grantham Coleman as Bill, who plays this character with such conviction you find yourself wanting to grab and shake him, but also shows the character’s growth as the story continues. Olivia Washington is on fire as Tommy. She is a very versatile actress who can easily inhabit a role — first a seemingly desperate, fake woman but then someone who later clearly demonstrates her intelligence and stands on the shoulders of her ancestors to claim her dignity. She embodies the indelible spirit of the Black woman; through her veins run the blood of the proud African Queen. She is a Sista to be reckoned with. Milton Craig Nealy is absolutely charming in the role of Oldtimer, that older Black man who faced prejudice and had to struggle his entire life, but who is still here to tell his story.. Brooks Brantly gives a strong performance as Sonny-man. He is a male chauvinist, but a funny one. Lakisha Michelle May is memorable as Cynthia, a woman who at first thought Tommy the perfect candidate for the painting, but then begins to feel sympathy for the situation she has placed her in. She tries to warn her, but is too late.
This company is able to come together and make this production riveting. You will be sitting with bated breath, waiting to hear the explosive conversations between these very distinct and interesting characters. “Wine in the Wilderness” will leave an impression on your soul. As the production concluded, I could see people in the audience so touched that they were visibly crying. Another reason for the stunning success of this play is its excellent direction by LaChanze, making her directorial debut. LaChanze was last seen on Broadway starring in Alice Childress’ “Trouble in Mind,” and it is beautiful to see how respectfully she handles Childress’ work here. Her direction of this play is magnificent. She drives these talented thespians to deliver performances that will leave you stunned, touched and revitalized. LaChanze also works with associate director Marchant Davis and assistant director Des’ree Brown. You must make plans to see “Wine in the Wilderness.”
Everything about this production clicks. Please notice the scenic design throughout the theater space by Arnulfo Maldonado, which includes amazing paintings of historic figures. There is wonderful costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, sound by Bill Toles, and wig/hair by Nikiya Mathis. For ticket information visit www.classicstage.org.