On only my second outing outside my four block radius, I was privileged to see a reading of Judy Chicurel's one-act play, Damon and Debra. Expertly directed by Nicole Franklin, the play centers around two characters trapped on a Brooklyn-bound Q train shortly after the events of September 11th: a 40-something Italian-American woman and a much younger African-American man. The play deals with race misconceptions, deep-seated assumptions and who we really are inside the shell others see. Oddly enough, I had forgotten it also touches on breast cancer. And in case you might interpret this as a "heavy" play, you should know it also contains plenty of humor.
I had seen a small scene from it eight months earlier, along with other selected pieces. Even then, the play, and incredibly strong writing, stood out. The current incarnation is no less powerful and entertaining, plus I now had the benefit of seeing it in its entirety. Damon was played by Jas Anderson, the same actor who had played Damon the first time I saw it. Lorraine Bracco, played Debra (talk about perfect casting!). Ms. Bracco did an admirable job, considering she did not have the advantage being familiar with the material as Mr. Anderson had. Mr. Anderson knew the play inside and out, that gave him the freedom to act out some of the scenes and move about the stage. Ms. Bracco made up for that shortcoming by injecting the role with plenty of humor. Both actors did a superb job with the material.
I wish Ms. Chicurel and Ms. Franklin much success with this piece. It deserves to be seen by a wider audience. Investors would be smart to back this horse with whatever financial support they can muster. I'd love to see this staged fully. Others should have an opportunity to see it, as well.
©2006 Annelise Pichardo
I had seen a small scene from it eight months earlier, along with other selected pieces. Even then, the play, and incredibly strong writing, stood out. The current incarnation is no less powerful and entertaining, plus I now had the benefit of seeing it in its entirety. Damon was played by Jas Anderson, the same actor who had played Damon the first time I saw it. Lorraine Bracco, played Debra (talk about perfect casting!). Ms. Bracco did an admirable job, considering she did not have the advantage being familiar with the material as Mr. Anderson had. Mr. Anderson knew the play inside and out, that gave him the freedom to act out some of the scenes and move about the stage. Ms. Bracco made up for that shortcoming by injecting the role with plenty of humor. Both actors did a superb job with the material.
I wish Ms. Chicurel and Ms. Franklin much success with this piece. It deserves to be seen by a wider audience. Investors would be smart to back this horse with whatever financial support they can muster. I'd love to see this staged fully. Others should have an opportunity to see it, as well.
©2006 Annelise Pichardo
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