THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 3, 1995 TAG: 9503030391
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
TYPE: Theater review
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
A quartet of remarkable performances entranced the opening night audience - a full house, and some turned away - at The Little Theatre Wednesday.
The stars, and they are justifiably entitled to that designation, are veterans of Elizabeth City State University productions, young women who will find it difficult to top their performances in ``For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf.''
One reason for the success of the production is the prose of Ntozake Shange's highly praised choreopoem, telling a story via a series of recitations with singing and dancing.
On the surface, that definition may sound stodgy, but please, don't let it throw you.
This mixture of comedy and drama - mostly the latter - will grab you by the throat and heart from the first moment to the last.
Its power never lets up, the performers never let you down.
They tell about the trials and tribulations, the pleasures and pain in the life of black women. They tell it in a no-holds-barred manner. Words are not minced because the production could not be toned down and still be true and true-to-life.
Rape, death, ghetto life, the often shabby treatment at the hands, literally, of men, are - like it or not - what's happening.
There are lighter moments, most centering around music and dance; There are beautiful moments, centering around the ``sisterhood'' of black women.
It is the story of the good, the bad and the ugly in the lives of these women.
Their problems, and joys, are recognizable. Opening night at The Little Theatre was like revival at an evangelical meeting - shouts of ``amen'' from the audience and plenty of - ``uh-huh,'' ``oh, yes,'' ``right on,'' etc.
The performances were certainly right on. The roles are difficult, some of the monologues lengthy and dramatic, every one of them done with great style and class.
The actresses tell their stories with so much feeling, moving about sinuously and sensuously, using their hands and bodies to help make their points.
Trenace Nichole Fayton is the Lady in Red, Colleen M. Santos is the Lady in Green, Nikita Sutton is the Lady in Purple, particularly memorable when she complains ``somebody stole my stuff'' and when she sings ``The Harlem Blues.''
The Lady in Blue, who provides much of the dancing, is Regina M. Reddick. She is excellent, as are the accompanying musicians - drummer Vincent Thomas and saxophonist Andrae Brown.
It is hard to believe that among all that greatness there is a standout. It is the Lady in Pink, Tresha R. Griffin.
Her story about Bo Willie, Crystal and their children is a no-holds-barred, sock-it-to-'em piece that is unbelievably powerful. The emotion she shows, the feeling she exhibits, sometimes brought tears.
Griffin becomes so involved in the story, her tears flow as she tells what happens to the children. It is an outstanding performance that must be seen.
The production ends in wonderful harmony, literally, as each woman lets us know, ``I found God in myself. I loved Her fiercely.''
Anyone interested in drama should make this production a must-see. You will not see its equal again in a long, long time. by CNB