Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Play "In White America" Draws Media Attention

How did Serendipity Playhouse manage to get The Columbian out to cover local theater? Scott Hewitt doesn't cover the arts!  Honey, they done sent out a photographer an' averathang!

So what gives?


It's all about spin, my friends. You put the right spin on things; push the right buttons at the right time and you get some column inches, baby. (Hewett does cover social issues.)

This is bigger than mere entertainment! 


You see, February is Black History Month and this Drama Desk Award-winning play is about black history in America.

The play covers slavery, the Civil Rights movement, the Civil War, the abolitionist movements, the era of Reconstruction, and early twentieth century racism and segregation. The performance is also slated to include storytelling by the following members of the local community: Belva Jean Griffin, Huarleen Bane, Kenneth Smith, Charles L. Simmons, Deena Pierott, Dolly England, and Reverend Marva J. Edwards.

John Robertson and Ron Munsey -
Photo courtesy of Christopher Paradee
AND the play, of course, features people of color which is something you just don't see much of in Vancouver's homogeneous artsy crowd. But Serendipity wants to change that; they wish to embrace people of all creeds and colors, the young and the old, the disabled and of all sexual persuasions.

And that, my friends, is newsworthy. (Of course, I happen to believe the Arts are culturally relevant and newsworthy at all times.) None-the-less, kudos to Serendipity!

See The Columbian's story here.

"In White America" opens at the Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash. 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 15 and plays through the 24th . Showtimes are 2 p.m. Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturdays; February 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24. Special showing 2 p.m. Sunday, February 17 is “Pay What You Will.” A “Meet the Players” Q&A event will take place after the February 24 matinee.
Tickets, $15, available at the door only, but reservations are recommended; leave info at 360-834-3588.

See our review by Dennis Sparks at noon, Saturday, February 16.

By Gregory E. Zschomler

4 comments:

  1. Greg, you are so right! The Columbian needs an Arts Review column. You're the best thing going for theater in Clark County. Perhaps you could volunteer to write theater reviews for The Columbian? Tried to talk Tony into it but he cried "conflict of interest!" Anyway, we appreciate your coverage of everything we do. Thank you, Sandra

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  2. P.S. The Columbian initiated this article, not us. The Columbian seems to do what they do when they feel like it. Just as Magenta got a full-page article about their Christmas show, we are also taking advantage of The Columbian's generosity. Still, it doesn't come with any financial gain. Butts in seats, even with sold-out shows, recoup about 40% of our costs. I know you meant to snark The Columbian, not us. I wish it didn't feel like your comments were a criticism of our mission. As it turns out, we really believe in both excellent theater and opening our doors to everyone in our community.

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  3. Yes the "snark" was ONLY aimed at The Columbian. I believe strongly in your mission!

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