The Guest at Central Park West
I had the opportunity to check out a wonderful play written by Levy Lee Simon, a Harlem native who is now carvi
ng his niche in the world from coast to coast as an established playwright.
The Guest of Central Park West is set on Central Park West, just a few blocks from the Museum of Natural History where a statue of Teddy Roosevelt is mounted. Keep this fact in mind because it plays a key role toward the end of the play.
The story begins as a wealthy, well-educated couple preparing for an intimate celebratory dinner. Ivy League banter is exchanged playfully throughout much of the first act interrupted by a series of mysterious phone calls that have placed the couple on edge. To add to the scenario, an old friend turns up and completely throws the party off kilter. Skeletons are forcefully drawn out of the closet and deepest secrets are revealed.
There are a number of subplots planted into the play and a fascinating scene materializes where the couples perform a sort of verbal volley of the dialogue.
When the couple’s daughter, a Stanford graduation, arrives on the scene with her new boyfriend in tow, all hell breaks loose in the apartment. The characters are taken hostage and a disturbing plot is revealed.
This play is a sure fire hit with its abundance of intelligent dialogue that is full of social commentary and flecked with humor and suspense; with the added strong casting and great direction — how can it go wrong?
The Guest of Central Park West was directed by Audelco award-winner Bruce Edwin Jenkins and stars stage and screen veterans including, John Marshall Jones (best known for his role as the Dad on UPN’s “The Smart Guy”), Audelco award-winning actress Wendi Joy Franklin, Michael Green, Jay Nickerson, Tracy Newirth, Erinn Holmes, Curt Bouril and Eddie Prometheous Prather.
The play is staged at the legendary St. Philips Church H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players Theater and runs from May 4-June 3rd. Don’t wait until the last weekend since this one is sure to sell out fast. Show times are Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and matinees are on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30. Group and senior discounts available. General admission $20. For ticket information call 212-368-9314 or 212-926-0281.
Address: 207 West 133rd Street (between 7th and 8th enter through the gate).
This weekend was the opening weekend of the show so be sure to grab a friend or 3 and check it out.
Watch a teaser here:
InArtMedia – Levy Lee Simon & John Marshall Jones
Stumble It!
I’ve been a little under the weather for the last week or so, but I do intend to see it!! Congratulations Levy!!! Deborah