[NEohioPAL]Five Critics Weigh in on In the Blood -- Now at Dobama Theatre

[Marjorie Preston, PR/Marketing Director]

What critics are saying about Dobama Theatre's production of In the Blood:

"When a playwright's powerful words find their theatrical equivalent in a
director's bold vision and in peerless acting, the result is an experience
unlike any other.  In the Blood at Dobama Theatre is such an
experience...the production, through March 30, spearheaded by director Sonya
Robbins and a dream cast including Rasheryl McCreary as the doomed Hester,
takes the drama even higher.  From the charged and symbolic opening to the
shattering and tragic conclusion, In the Blood will make you laugh, rage
and, ultimately, weep...no detail is overlooked...If there is such a thing
as a perfect production, In the Blood comes close."  Fran Heller, Cleveland
Jewish News

"Parks, one of our leading producers of plays that matter, conjures up works
that are gritty and real while at the same time being poetic and highly
symbolic.  Director Sonya Robbins whips up a pitch-perfect blend of
smoldering naturalism and hissing stylization in a haunting evocation of
Parks' nightmare-scape...bruising study of the vast, starving underbelly of
America and those who had a hand in creating it" Tony Brown, The Plain
Dealer

"a damn fine theatrical experience.  In the Blood is essentially a
contemporary interpretation of the good vs. evil themes in Nathaniel
Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter...lively street-beat language...In an
exceptional cast, the standout is Rasheryl McCreary, who is achingly wounded
and relentlessly resilient as Hester...Even given the dour subject matter,
there are plenty of chuckles...There is an irresistible musical flow to this
material, and director Sonya Robbins has her players performing like a
troupe of jazz all-stars -- blending smoothly during the ensemble family
scenes, then vamping soulfully in their solo turns."  Christine Howey, Scene

"In the Blood, by Suzan-Lori Parks, the 2002 Pulitzer Prize-winning
playwright of Topdog/Underdog, continues her tradition of reminding society
of its hypocrisy by reflecting the ideals, traditions and assumptions of its
poor...Robbins's production of In the Blood is a must see...Less concerned
with her self-respect than with feeding her children, Hester degrades
herself through sex and panhandling.  McCreary's believable portrayal of
Hester deserves enormous recognition...a great combination of acting and
production...In the Blood felt like a Broadway play in the heart of
Manhattan." Josette Compton, Call & Post

"Certain images were appalling because the human family could treat one
another so callously and cold.  'Service' with a smile, and the twisting of
the knife is so direct in this piece...must see...Susan-Lori Parks'
presentation of the letter 'A' is brilliant, logical and twisted.  It truly
reflects the quiet deprivation of our society...different roles...created an
almost Sybil multiplicity that encompassed a range of personalities both
outwardly and inside the individuals...truly an ensemble cast."  Cliff
Williams, City News

Additional feature stories have been published in Urban Dialect and Savoir
Faire, and reviews from the Times Newspapers and Sun Press are expected this
week.


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Dobama Theatre is proud to present In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks,
directed by Sonya Robbins.
Featuring Rasheryl McCreary and original music by Bill Ransom
Through March 30

Upcoming productions:
Raised in Captivity
By Nicky Silver, Directed by Russ Borski
April 25-May 18
"Raised in Captivity is about guilt, redemption and self-punishment, and,
against all odds, it is also very funny..."  The New York Times

In the Night Kitchen:
The Punk Project
by David Bell, Chris Johnson and Greg Vovos
Directed by Greg Vovos
May 2-18
Fridays/Saturdays, 11 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m.

THE 25th ANNUAL MARILYN BIANCHI KIDS' PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL
Benefit Night June 5
FREE Performances June 6-8

13th ANNUAL OWEN KELLY ADOPT-A-PLAYWRIGHT PROGRAM
June 27-29

Dobama Theatre is located at 1846 Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights.  For
reservations, call Dobama's box office line: (216) 932-3396.