by Liz Eichler
Keep your eyes peeled for the next iteration of American Legacy Theatre’s Bridge City. Based on what Cincinnati audiences could see this weekend at the talkback and preview, Kennen Butler, playwright, and Matthew David Gellin, ALT producer, have a strong story to tell–and do it well.
Background
First, American Legacy Theatre is dedicated to “ensuring all people have a voice in society” by reimagining theatrical experiences. Bridge City is part of their Playwrights for Change endeavor. Supported by The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, ArtsWave, Ohio Arts Council, and gifts from individuals. The Contemporary Art Center hosted their sing-through this weekend. It is clear that this theatre company is going full steam ahead to craft and tell stories that we need to hear.
As Butler said in a pre-show speech, their inspiration is “Legally Blonde…fluffy, but with an important message.” Bridge City is “selfishly important to me–to see representation behind the scenes and in my stories.” They are crafting stories told with joy, not “a glorification of trauma.” Adding “one of the greatest forms of rebellion is joy–joy and community.”
Preview Performance of Bridge City
The show is filled with joy. It is funny and the music will move you, as it moved the audience during these previews. The cast and music in this sing-through helped the audience see the possibilities of a fully realized production, as well as the next read-through coming in April.
While it is a work in progress, the plot is clear. A twenty-something woman of color is launched back into college–and a future–by a gift in her beloved grandmother’s will. This launches her career into the corporate world of “Bridge City”–a city that is divided by a river, with similar struggles as Cincinnati. But her struggles include navigating success while black–and with joy.
Performances
Ariel Underwood is developing Jerica, the young woman given a gift from her grandmother. Ariel has a beautiful voice and passion for Jerica’s story. Burgandie Roshjai, as grandmother Linn and Ensemble, starts the show out strong with “Everybody’s Welcome Here.” Her warmth truly makes us all feel welcome.
Anna Ashburn is a delightful Mindy, Jerica’s new quirky work friend who shows her the ropes. Nikko Griffin fully commits to Bookie, Jerica’s pal from childhood who oozes positivity.
Also in the cast are DeAndre Smith, Tangie Wyatt, Colin Waters, Javon Cameron and Kayla Vogel. Their voices blend beautifully, thanks to musical director Avery Hammonds. Everett Moore is on the piano and Stan Ginn rocked the Cajon (percussion).
Themes
The songs “Boom Pop” and “Groove” are especially upbeat. The very moving “Monolith” implores “I am more than just my skin, the block we grew up in.” The songs are inspired by gospel, rap, and blues.
Bridge City has many themes highly relevant to a city such as Cincinnati. The line “this is how a village can stay strong enough to raise a city” is inspiring.
Learn More about American Legacy Theatre, Bridge City, and Playwrights for Change
So go to the American Legacy Theatre website and sign up for their emails so you can catch the next presentation of this developing musical in April.
This is the second original musical they are developing, the first creation of Playwrights for Change will have a full scale production in March.
This is a powerfully inspiring group, bringing new music and new faces together to give a voice to our area.
