[NEohioPAL] Berko review; GOD'S TROMBONES @ Karamu

[Roy Berko]

GOD'S TROMBONES welcomes in holy season at Karamu

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--
Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News Times--Olmsted-Fairview 
Times

--COOLCLEVELAND.COM-

James Weldon Johnson is noted for his fervent poetic writings, many of which 
center on biblical stories.  His GOD'S TROMBONES:  SEVEN NEGRO SERMONS IN VERSE, 
which has been adapted by Karamu Artistic Director Terrence Spivey, is now on 
stage at Karamu, the “feel at home in the house” theatre.

If you have never been to Karamu, the entire experience is one to relish.   The 
theatre's public relations director, the charming Vivian Wilson, is often at the 
front door welcoming audience members.  As the play develops, the African 
American custom of call and response, the oral tradition of when something is 
said in a speech, sermon, or, in the this case, the play, instigates strong 
emotional feelings, members of the audience shout out their agreement with the 
words.  Following the production, members of the cast form a meet-and-greet line 
and individually thank theatre-goers for attending.   

God's Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons In Verse is a 1927 book of poems by author, 
poet and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson, who lived from 1871 to 
1938.  He patterned the book after traditional African-American religious 
oratory with the preacher telling folk stories to the congregation. Using 
punctuation and line arrangements, Johnson captures the fervor of the 
congregation and underlines the importance of these sermons in the development 
of Black culture through an oral history.  The author explains the title's use 
of the trombone by indicating that of all the musical instruments, the trombone 
most resembles the range and sound of the human voice.

After a brief invocation, the play continues with what is probably Johnson's 
most quoted poem, The Creation, with the invocation setting line, “And God 
stepped out on space, looked around, and said, 'I'm lonely, I think I'll make me 
a world'.”  From there, through poetry, sermon and music, the tales of the 
prodigal son, a funeral sermon, the exodus from Egypt, the crucifixion, the 
building of the ark, the tale of Adam and Eve and judgement day, are 
highlighted.

The Karamu production, under the direction of Terrence Spivey, has many high 
points.   The singing outshines the acting with strong vocals by Durand Ferebee 
(“I'm Coming Home”) and Karen Jones (”I Know I've Been Changed”).  Another vocal 
highlight was “Soulful Hallelujah.”  Miguel Osborne did an excellent narration 
in the segment entitled, “Praise Him” and Kenny Charles has all the makings of a 
minister with his deep and resonant voice.  

In general, the choreography did not parallel the moods of the music or the 
words being sung.  There was often a lack of cohesion between the dancers.

The vast number of students from the Cleveland School of the Arts who were in 
the production, added an all-inclusive community feel to staging. 

Some of the effect of vocal presentations was lost due to the overly loud volume 
of the microphones, which also sometimes caused screeching feedback.  Why 
amplification was even needed in the intimate Jelliffe Theatre is a question.

Don't expect the typical gospel wailing that is often found in musicals at 
Karamu.  The voices, in the main, are good, but compelling dynamics are somewhat 
muted, except in the final song.

Musical Director Syrmylin Cartwright-Kelly and her orchestra did a nice job of 
developing the right moods and backing up the singers.

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:  This is the time of year that many turn to religion for 
reassurance with the Easter and Passover seasons upon us.  If you need a little 
“down home” ministering, seeing GOD'S TROMBONES at Karamu is a nice place to 
experience the glory.
GOD'S TROMBONES continues through  April 10 at Karamu, 2355 East 89th Street, 
which has a fenced, guarded and lighted parking lot adjacent to the theatre, and 
provides free parking.  For ticket information call 216-795-7077.
 
Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 
2011, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at 
http://royberko.info.  His reviews can also be found on www.coolcleveland.com 
and www.NeOHIOpal