Last Night And The Night Before
The joy of being a theater critic is witnessing some extraordinary individuals performing at the highest levels. Equally joyful is when you review a play that blesses you spiritually, challenges your viewpoint, and changes your life forever. In the fictional southern town named Vixen, playwright Donnetta Lavinia Grays's "Last Night And The Night Before" is one of those rare plays that will lift your spirit while simultaneously causing uncontrollable laughter, an enduring emotion of love and a feeling of empathetic sorrow that will reach deep within your soul. Grays expresses her gratefulness to the Colorado New Play Summitt's decision to pick up the production without hesitation or changing the brilliant and rich storyline after numerous reads; however, after seeing this play, you will understand why I think Colorado Center of the Performing Arts, should be equally grateful, Grays's play was a part of their season performances. The play centers around Sam and her parents' bad decisions that lead them to relocate her from danger. The opening scene starts with Reggie digging a grave to dispose of a body while his daughter Sam looks in the distance. Sam's mother, Monique, who is fighting her demons of using heroin, which causes her to have difficulties connecting with people, leaves Reggie behind and takes Sam from Vixen, Georgia, to Brooklyn, where her sister Rachel lives, with the love of her life, Nadima. When Monique arrives at Rachel's home, Nadima, who knows Rachel's little sister's history, reluctantly opens the door. Realizing she needs a place to stay, Monique fabricates about Reggie leaving her and Sam for another woman. Brokenhearted, Rachel convinces Nadima to allow them to stay. But, Nadima's relationship with Monique hits a boiling point when she sees bruises on her arm from needle marks. Frustrated with being treated like a child and still fighting her demons, Monique abandons Sam over her drug addiction.
After she leaves, Sam tells a different story unearthing her mother's lies and bringing more questions than answers, forcing Rachel to choose between her love for her sister and her niece and her love for Nadima. Sam, dealing with separation anxiety and emotional trauma, uses hand games (Last Night and the Night Before) to deflect from her traumatic crisis to settle her nerves. However, when they finally reach Reggie, the truth about Monique's and Sam's visit to Brooklyn is revealed, and the family must decide what they would do to protect those they love. The retrospective narrative within Grays's storyline, where she perfectly leads you through the humor, passion, and pain, is impeccable and outstanding. She methodically guides you into the soul of each character's life while gradually pulling at your heartstrings to where you feel invested in their lives. Director Valerie Curtis-Newton compares the issues of the southern sisters to a fish out of water scenario, magnificently bringing out all of the ferocity, humanistic qualities, and relatable compassions seen within all families. But the hidden gems of this production are the endearing scenes, where Reggie and Monique sit looking at the moon, discussing their life with their expecting child— where Sam and her father go over the song and dance routine, which he uses to calm the spirit of Sam and when Reggie tells his wife he could never give up on her.
Featured ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Reggie) with Ayanna Bria Bakari, (Monique) Sydney Charles, (Rachel) Kylah Renee Jones, (Sam) Aliyana Nicole (who did not perform this Night as Sam), and Jessica Dean Turner,(Nadima), this cast was outstanding. With each performance being immaculate, it's impossible to single out any one actor. I loved the young Kylah Renne Jones, who is making her Steppenwolf Theatre debut. She is a very talented young lady. Turner, who has performed in multiple plays at Steppenwolf, was the dominating figure on stage that would blow you away with her fierce determination, anguish, passion, and love. Bakari and Charles have thrilled us in many performances, and Smallwood is an incredible actor.
Troubles run deep in Last Night and the Night Before; however, what family structure doesn't have a dysfunctional generational lineage that makes up the landscaping of their familial dynamics? Grays's brilliance displays the hard truths of how substance abuse can creep within the crevices of a family and ruin it to its core. LNNB is saturated with woven poetry and hand games stirring up fond childhood memories and reminiscing about that day womanhood came knocking at my door. Blood is undoubtedly thicker than water in this play. Yet, finding the strength and sacrifice to do the right thing surpasses any selfishness we hold onto as we try to escape the very thing that has us captured, tormenting our souls as we try to find freedom for our inner demons and the ones we love. Overall, this play is a rollercoaster ride of emotions with twists and turns that instantly make you set aside any judgment and provide a compelling look into the lives of humanity and how the depths of agony can break or strengthen a family.
Last Night And The Night Before perfectly blends wit and intense emotions that will have you on the edge of your seat watching this two-hour play, with one intermission, filled with sibling rivalries, secrets, lies, love, and disappointments. You will be emotionally drained but glad you witnessed this flawless production by the exceptional playwright Donnetta Lavinia Grays. It will definitely be one of our yearly top ten plays and is a Must-See!
Let's Play Theatrical Review Highly Recommends Last Night and The Night Before.
Steppenwolf Theatre
Last Night and the Night Before
Written by Donnetta Lavinia Grays
Directed By Valerie Curtis-Newton
Now Through May 14, 2023
