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Karamu Performing Arts Theatre
Terrence Spivey, Artistic Director presents an Ohio premiere YELLOWMAN nominated for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize in Drama directed by Fred Sternfeld October 30 – November 22, 2009 |
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Honors and Awards… Year End Recap – Theater 2009 The Plain Dealer “Best of 2009 Awards” – The News Herald News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier Member, International Association of Theatre Critics Best Director of a Drama – Fred SternfeldThe drama Yellowman reveals the racial prejudice that exists within the African-American Gullah culture in the Sea Islands of South Carolina. It consists of richly descriptive monologues that are written as if they were jazz riffs. Each has its own underlying rhythm, a musicality that entices its performers to almost sing their lines. Director Fred Sternfeld no stranger to musical theater was sensitive to these rhythms and cadences, and found the creative potential of their synchrony in this marvelous Karamu House production. Winner of 7 ‘Times Newspaper Tribute Awards for Outstanding Theatre 2009’ Roy Berko, Times Theatre Critic Best of the Best – Drama Our critics look at the 2009-2010 theatre season so far Christine Howey had this to say about “individual performances” Christine Howey Listed as part of the “10 BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES” section Kristi Little and Kyle Primous, Yellowman, Karamu House These two actors made sparks fly as two people caught up in brutal intra-racial stereotyping and abuse. Directed by Fred Sternfeld, their seamless performances (they count as one awardee, if you’re keeping track) were shattering. |
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CAST OF CHARACTERS *member – Actors Equity Association |
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 Kyle Primous & Kristi Little |
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| Rave and Pan, Christine Howey review excerpts“This is a magnificent production, with nary a stick of furniture or a single set change to distract from performances that will stick in your mind for a long time to come.”
“tight direction” “Director Sternfeld, the maestro of the massive musical uber-production, here is working with about 76 fewer actors than usual. But he keeps every beat change razor sharp and brings out poignant dimensions of these two beautifully written characters.” “side-by-side tour-de-force performances” “Kyle Primous is amusingly believable as a goofy grade schooler and compelling as a young man harboring a roiling discontent. Kristi Little brings to Alma a shattering sense of personal emptiness, having been hollowed out by her mother’s constant carping. And together, they leverage each other’s neediness to create a sexual chemistry and a fierce bonding that threatens to torch Richard H. Morris, Jr.’s handsome wooden platform set” “a shattering conclusion…undeniable strength” |
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| Times Newspapers, Roy Berko review excerpts
“Karamu‘s ‘YELLOWMAN’ is a must see production!” “Every once in a while a theatre attendee gets the opportunity to experience an evening of wonder…..fine acting and well conceived directing of a thought-provoking script. Such an experience awaits you at Karamu, where Dael Orlandersmith’s ‘YELLOWMAN’ is being performed.” “shocking” “superbly acted” “emotionally charged and often humorous” “eye-opening script” “adept direction” “mesmerizing” “Kyle Primous (Eugene) and Kristi Little (Alma), give two of the finest local performances of the season. They are both impeccable in their acting and character development. Playing numerous roles, each hits the sound and movement of every character, from childhood images to adults of various ages. If there were local Tony awards to be handed out, the duo should be preparing their acceptance speeches!” “The acting is superb, the directing spot on, the script reveals a part of the African American lifestyle of which many are unaware. Call now for tickets!!!!!!” |
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News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier, Bob Abelman review excerpts “Director Fred Sternfeld … masterfully orchestrates the pieces and parts of this production.” “Mr. Primous and Ms. Little … are brilliant. Every emotion rings true. Every character is complex and distinctive. Their depictions of alcoholic and psychologically abusive parents are particularly riveting, and their Eugene and Alma are thoroughly endearing and engaging creations.”“Yellowman is a beautifully written tale told on a bare stage with care and creativity.” “It is a wonderful piece of theatre” View the complete review here or on the News Herald website. |
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| Cleveland Plain Dealer, Tony Brown review excerpts
“…a work that pleasantly surprises by exceeding the bounds of what is usually expected from two-character plays that rely heavily on direct-to-the-audience narration.” “…a couple of actors who have a lot of dance experience perform their roles so zestfully under the direction of a man usually associated with musical theater.” “Alma … played with a gently simmering, sly sensuality (and a believable Geechee-Gullah accent) by Kristi Little.” “Eugene, portrayed by Kyle Primous — tall, sinuous and infinitely expressive in his slightest movement.” “With Orlandersmith’s complexities and director Fred Sternfeld’s eye for simplicity, Little and Primous inhabit their characters from childhood to young adulthood in a struggle to accept themselves and reject the limitations the world wants to put on them.” “this 105-minute excursion, full of joy and sadness and surprise, remains a vital and fearless exploration of a reality that too many would rather pretend does not exist.” View the complete review here or on the Plain Dealer website. |
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 Kristi Little & Kyle Primous |
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Kyle Primous (Eugene) is a graduate of Kenyon College, and has danced and/or taught with Canton Ballet, Cleveland School of Dance, Oberlin College, The University of Akron, Ohio Dance Theatre (ODT), Pittsburgh’s Dance Alloy, Footpath Dance Co., at Jacob’s Pillow, on the Drew Carey Show and is presently on faculty at Lorain County Community College. He’s directed and/or choreographed: River’s Edge at RRHS Show Choir, The Wiz, The Sound of Music, Trees of Hope, Once on this Island, LCCC’s Serendipity III, Centerfest’s Sneak Peak, the world premiere of Full Moon, Steelbound, The Odyssey, The Little Tommy Parker Celebrated Colored Minstrel Show, Treemonisha and Famous Orpheus. A member of Actors’ Equity Association, Mr. Primous’ regional credits include: NYC Man in I Love You Because, Ensemble in Peaches, Plums and Pontifications, Princess Grace in The Hostage, Ensemble in I Could Stop on a Dime and get Ten Cents Change; Other stage credits include: Uncle Henry/The Wiz in The Wiz, Curtis in Dreamgirls, Lead Vocalist in Wonderland, Coalhouse Walker, Jr. in Ragtime, the musical, No Max in Five Guys Named Moe, ODT’s Journey, Jim Conley in Parade, Mercer in Full Moon, Dance in truth, and Dave Carter in Mule Bone. Kyle’s three-octave range has been heard at Playhouse Square, Jacob’s Field, Cleveland Opera, Tri-C Jazz Fest, throughout the Caribbean and, currently, Mr. Primous fronts the band Redline. Kristi Little (Alma) has a BFA in Theatre from Ithaca College. She is thrilled to make her Karamu Theatre performance debut as Alma in Yellowman. In Cleveland she was recently seen in Dobama Theater’s Dream Home, and Great Lakes Theatre Festival’s Comedy of Errors. She has been a modern dance choreographer for over 15 years. In New York City she recently choreographed I Meteorology at Chashama Theatre, directed Casa at Queens Theatre in the Park, and played Kisida the solo singer/guitarist in Red Cafe. Thanks to Fred Sternfeld and Karamu for creating this amazing piece.
Alma, a dark-skinned African-American woman, and her childhood friend Eugene, a light-skinned African-American man, have been life-long friends – yet when their friendship turns to love, the different colors of their skin raise obstacles that become insurmountable. Are we on the inside what we appear to be on the outside? Are we all ultimately victims of the biases and prejudices of our parents, our community, no matter what color our skin?l |
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| A few comments from our audience …
The play, “Yellowman,” was one of the most emotional and enlightening experiences of my life. …“Yellowman” was by far the best play I’ve had the privilege of watching. Courtney Sailors, College Student Fred, Saw YELLOWMAN last night…excellent work, Fred…really enjoyed the gripping play, and the actors are excellent as you know….A good post-perf. discussion also… Congratulations all around! Yellowman = A+ Hello, Fred, Although there were no props used and no visual aids used, I felt like i could see everything that was happening. … It made me laugh, cry, but most importantly it opened my eyes to something I have noticed, but never actually realized what was going on. Obama Pride Director Cleveland (facebook) strongly recommends Yellowman, now playing at Karamu House — best production I’ve seen since Spring Awakening on Broadway with the original cast. |
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