There was a great energy in the air as people gathered for the opening of the late Alice Childress play, “Wine in the Wilderness” playing at Classic Stage Company’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater. The play tells the story of an artist named Bill who is working on a painting, a triptych, and needs his last model. Friends bring him Tommy, who seems to be exactly what Bill is looking for. But Bill soon finds out that there is more to her than meets the eye.
The production has a phenomenal cast that includes Grantham Coleman, Olivia Washington, Milton Craig Nealy, Brooks Brantly, and Lakisha Michelle May. Not only is the storyline riveting, set during the Harlem riots of 1964, but the production has the added bonus of being directed by LaChanze, someone who is very familiar with Childress’ work having starred in her play “Trouble In Mind” on Broadway. This time, LaChanze is involved with this project as the director and she does an exceptional job.
The theater was packed with celebrity supporters. Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington were there, of course, to support their daughter Olivia, as was her twin brother Malcolm, brother John David and sister Katia. The house was full of thespians we all know and love. From the cast of the Broadway play “Purpose” there was Tony Award winner Kara Young, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Jon Michael Hill, and Glenn Davis. “Purpose” playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins was also in the house, as were filmmaker/director Spike Lee; actress Denise Burse; playwright, director and producer Charles Randolph-Wright; Tony Award-winner Kecia Lewis from “Hell’s Kitchen”; Tony Award-winner Chuck Cooper; film legend Samuel L. Jackson; playwright/actor Daniel Beaty; and actor Ralph Carter of “Good Times” fame.
Quite a few took the time to speak with the AmNews and share why they were at the opening. Daniel Beaty said, “You know Alice Childress is one of our greatest playwrights and I’m so thrilled that her work is being done. I also absolutely love LaChanze and I’m excited to see her directorial debut in New York.”
Chuck Cooper shared briefly why he had to come out. “In one word: LaChanze and Alice Childress. Two more words.”
Samuel L. Jackson was excited to share, “I’m here in support of Olivia Washington, we support our Washington kids. We’ve been with them forever and they are a part of our family. It would be, like, just as if my daughter is performing. She is a loving member of our family and one of my wife’s wonderful students.”
Kecia Lewis was glad to share, “I am here to support to very old, dear friends of mine, LaChanze, who I have known since we both started in the business in the ‘80s and Milton Craig Nealy, who I did my first show with in ‘80s and I love Alice Childress. I love everything and anything that she has written and I am here to witness this beautiful New York debut of this piece.”
And beautiful it was. If you want to see a play that will lift your spirits take a creative sip of “Wine in the Wilderness.” For tickets visit www.classicstage.org.