Solomon’s Storefront

By Josh Fernandez
joshf@newsreview.com
More stories by this author...

Dot Turner (Candace Nicholas-Lippman) is a hopeless junkie with tattered clothing, bags under her eyes, slurred speech and a needle stuck in her arm; she’s delusional enough to think that her fiendishly tragic (and violent) boyfriend Jimmie Harris—played frighteningly well by Eddie Jackson—isn’t such a bad guy. Dot and Jimmie paint a flawless picture of a flawed life.

When Dot’s father Solomon—played by Bill Miller (who puts in an excellent performance despite a few botched lines)—flashes back to Dot’s childhood, the story becomes that much more heart-wrenching. When his wife Carmen (Alnetta Harrison) passes away, Solomon wonders if there’s anything left to live for.

The story of Solomon’s Storefront, set during the socially charged 1960s civil-rights movement, depicts a father—now a widow with failing health and a life filled with struggle—who is at his breaking point. The only glimmers of hope are his grocery store, his friend Leroy Jenkins (Michael Turner) and a rambunctious and inquisitive boy, Tyler Brown, played by Jabari Timmons, who runs from bullies almost as quickly as he asks questions.

Expertly written and directed by co-founder of Images Theater Company Lisa Lacy, Solomon’s Storefront tackles life’s unexpected tragedies (drugs, racism, death, old age, failing health) and a choice: Will Solomon take the hardships life has given him as a sign to quit, or will he cherish what he has and be free?

Lacy’s grasp of life’s complexity is breathtakingly complete, which makes Solomon’s story, while melancholy, hopeful and full of joy. His personal relationships are tender—even if at times he seems broken and curmudgeonly.

And just when we think Lacy has weaved together a purely didactic tale, Jimmie’s junkie character, poetic as he is pathetic, dances around the stage with a black-toothed smile and a devilish message about his murderous “mojo.” He really is a joyful mess.

Tamiko Greely plays Tyler ’s Bible-gripping grandmother to a T, and James Ellison gives an earnest performance as a young Solomon to round out this well-acted tale of misery and hope.

Lacy’s poignant writing—full of sadness and unexpected laughter—tells us loud and clear that the cure for the trouble of life is, of course, more life.

Tamiko Greely plays Tyler ’s Bible-gripping grandmother to a T, and James Ellison gives an earnest performance as a young Solomon to round out this well-acted tale of misery and hope.

Lacy’s poignant writing—full of sadness and unexpected laughter—tells us loud and clear that the cure for the trouble of life is, of course, more life.

EVANGELIZE

For the past three Januaries, a locally grown musical called "And the Dream Goes On!" has drawn big audiences during a cold, wet month that isn't known for theater attendance. Last March, several artists associated with that show, including writer/director Lisa Tarrer Lacy, composer Charles Cooper, choreographer Wanel Thomas and actor William Miller, launched a new show, Evangelize . And they staged it in just about the last place you'd expect to find a new black gospel musical: Roseville. The show drew enthusiastic comments from those who saw it, but many Sacramentans didn't make the trip.

Evangelize is back, this time at a church in Midtown Sacramento, in what amounts to a semi-staged concert version. Modern sanctuaries have lighting and sound systems that rival those in theaters, and cloth-covered seats like the Mondavi Center.

Cooper's score, on second hearing, feels like a familiar friend. Songs range from the lyrical "I Had a Vision Last Night"; and the dramatic "Time Has Passed"; to the toe-tapping gospel finale. The man has the right stuff; this score is better than some recent offerings on the Broadway Series. Cooper's working familiar genres--blues, hip-hop and gospel--but his songs radiate natural appeal and lodge in your memory.

Lacy's book is a zesty, humane comedy, set in a socially conservative black church where only men preach. Righteous Sister Angela wants to change that; the humor springs from the subterfuge as the hardliners try to stop her. There are some tart verbal exchanges and spontaneous-sounding zingers. (Listen for the line about "Little Tupac.")

This is an appealing, good-natured community show with several good performances: the dapper Miller as Pastor John, confident Cynthia Douglas as Sister Angela and glowering Elaine Lenae Douglas as Sister Amorala. The five-piece band plays well, and the big choral numbers generate genuine uplift.

SACRAMENTO NEWS & REVIEW
By Jeff Hudson
October 19, 2006

…Cooper, writes excellent gospel tunes, but as he shows here, he's equally adept at jazz, blues and pop music. "Magnify the Lord," "I Had a Vision Last Night," "I Long To Serve You" and "I'm Tired of Being Alone" are all excellent… His songs - particularly when they are performed by the outstanding William Miller and Dana Irene Pope - are impressive contributions to a very entertaining production…

Lacy uses names to immediately connote character personalities: There is a womanizing Deacon Lechers, a gluttonous Deacon Gorge, a thieving Deacon Cash and a Deacon Goodman, who finally decides to do the right thing. Each actor does well by his assignment. As Sister Hope Trulee, Ifamodupe Edington is a standout. Brash, irreverent and funny - really funny - she gives the play a spark every time it needs it. She is not just a friend to Sister Angela, she's a friend to the audience, bringing recognizable reactions and unexpected candor to the proceedings.

SACRAMENTO BEE REVIEW *** (3 STARS)
by Jim Carnes, staff writer
Published 2:15 AM PST - Tuesday, Mar. 28, 2006

...It’s a good-natured, audience-friendly musical, with a score by the resourceful Cooper, who is a treasure. It’s also a comedy with a message, set in a Baptist church where the deacons and pastor all are male, but Sister Angela (attractive Dana Pope, in a heads-up performance) is called to speak the Word.

Between its many upbeat songs, Evangelize is actually a battle of the sexes. It smiles on human foibles and the antics of several comically portrayed schemers, both male and female. Miller, who has a wonderful voice, belts out two powerful songs and gives a good short sermon. And while it’s undeniably message-driven, Evangelize is not a pushy piece. There’s good comic dialogue in black vernacular and a cute subplot involving young romance.

SACRAMENTO NEWS & REVIEW
By Jeff Hudson, Theater Critic
Published March 30, 2006