\ud83c\udfad NEW! Houston Theatre Newsletter<\/p>\n
The evening starts with WHO\u2019S CALLING by Frances Hall. It\u2019s a comedic situation about a woman who suspects her husband is cheating. Reyna Janelle is a first-rate comedian, and her delivery of an R&B playlist as a monologue bowled me over. Caprice Carter<\/a> and Helen Rios<\/a> are equally as fun, and the segment is a perfect way to kick the night off. D.E.I. by Charles White<\/a> is an interesting inversion of discrimination and showcases David Akinwande and Kace Adrianna Conaway. BLACK, WHITE, AND GRAY by Velvia Keithley examines the ramifications of clothes cleaning and race, and brings James Cardwell, Cedric Duplechain, and Paul Ynfante together for a stunning scene. THE CHEMISTRY READ is another wonderful comedic piece about two actors having to read for a film about two gay rappers. Davion Barone and Jakori Jackson are just hilarious as the unlikely pretend couple. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH is by Houston theatre artist Callina Anderson and is a paranoid take on how we relate to our neighbors. Aaron Garrett and Adina Opalek capture the spirit well, and they are ably assisted by their canine co-star Persephone. On preview night, Persephone almost stole the scene with her excitement just to be a part of FADE TO BLACK.\u00a0<\/p>\n The second half of the festival is a little heavier on the drama. Cardero Berryman and Bryce Ivan cement their status as two of Houston\u2019s most powerful actors in UNNATURAL CAUSES. These two play off each other and go from subtle to epic in just a heartbeat. They gave the performances of the night. EVERY VILLAGE, EVERY HAMLET by Gregory S. Carr is a thoughtful meditation on the personal politics of integration. Robert Jammerson and Joseph Lockett are on point throughout. THE UNDERSTANDING is a darkly comedic scene authored by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman. Lauren Anderson<\/a> and Chelsea Aldrich make for a great pair of wife and potential hit woman. SNAPSHOTS from D.L. Patrick stars three of Houston\u2019s best actors, including Kiya Green, Mark Jones<\/a>, and Austin McLeod. And WHEN THE HORN BLOWS closes out the night with a stunning take on racism from Kwik Jones, and it stars the luminousClaire Metusalem and the rakishly handsome Gabriel Mullen.\u00a0<\/p>\n The directors do outstanding work with each scene. These artists include Cardero Berryman, Lakeisha Randle, Fahnlohnee Reece, Curtis Von, Suzanne King<\/a>, Ezekiel Morgan, Trey Morgan Lewis<\/a>, Leslie Barrera, Lea Jones, and Tyne Jeanae. Sound and lights were pretty good even at the preview, and the sets moved on and off with precision. It’s a well-run machine by now!\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n If you are looking for a way to commemorate both Juneteenth and Pride month, FADE TO BLACK is the perfect play festival to hit. It\u2019s a stunning collage of some of Houston\u2019s best actors, working with great directors and performing scripts by African American Playwrights<\/a> from across the country. Someone once said, \u201cAs long as I am free, I will create.\u201d And that sentiment is turned into a powerful celebration here. Let freedom ring through these ten mini master classes in the art of theatre. Now I can\u2019t wait until next year!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n FADE TO BLACK only plays Juneteenth weekend through Sunday the 21st. It is at the MATCH, and inside Matchbox 2. There is plenty of parking around the building, and there is a concession stand on site.\u00a0<\/p>\n Photo provided by Shabach Enterprises and shows\u00a0Cardero Berryman and Bryce Ivan<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reader Reviews<\/p>\n To post a comment, you must register<\/a> and login<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Brett Cullum has been part of the Houston and Memphis Theatre scenes for several decades now (you do not want to know how long!). He’s been seen on community theatre and professional stages in sev… (read more about this author)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/fantasysmall-1781088386.gif\")
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