New Federal Theatre revives its bio-show about the celebrated 20th-century African-American writer known as 'The Queen of the Harlem Renaissance.' More…
Best known for her novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' Zora Neale Hurston was a prolific novelist, playwright, and journalist of the 1920s and '30s. She walks the audience through her remarkable life in Laurence Holder's bio-play, which captures her uninhibited and outspoken personality, chronicles the rise and fall of her literary career, and, above all, reveals her place in the politics of her lifetime, from the '20s to the early '60s. The play is rich with intimate portraits of her contemporaries, including poet Langston Hughes and novelist Richard Wright, and sparkles with excerpts from her significant works including 'Mules and Men,' a 1935 collection of powerful folklore.
See it if you want to learn a very general notion of who this woman was. It's an entertaining evening but falls short of being what it aims to be.
Don't see it if you expect to learn any real history or gain any real depth of character.
See it if you are interested in the Harlem Renaissance and the many artists who participated in it. There is charming storytelling and dancing too.
Don't see it if you are interested in a detailed biography. Large sections of her life are skimmed over with brief references.
See it if You do or do not know the history of Zora Neale Hurston. You want to hear a good story and get a history lesson. You like simple staging.
Don't see it if You're not interested in learning about Zora Neale Hurston. You need elaborate staging. You'r not interested in hearing a good story.
See it if you are curious about or devoted to Harlem Renaissance or Zora or a Libertarian intrigued by unconventional black political positions
Don't see it if you are tired or are irritated by black woman screaming punctuated by audience "Uh huhs" or by historical/technical inaccuracies in plays
See it if A representation of a complex life with attendant conflicts in black history. Superbly acted and will make you run to WIKI for further info.
Don't see it if You don't like biographies
See it if You are interested in the story of an African-American female writer in the mid twentieth century. Great acting.
Don't see it if If you aren't interested in biographical plays, or are looking for dramatic action.
See it if you know ZNH's work & want an overview of her history; the play has its moments but is more like a 'cliff notes' summary of her life.
Don't see it if you have no interest in the struggles of this wonderful writer & black folklorist who stood up for her personal and professional convictions
See it if you like historical biographies and strong female characters
Don't see it if you don't like strong female characters
See it if you don't know her story. It's quiet fascinating. While not the greatest play, it gets the job done thanks to strong performances.
Don't see it if bio-plays or simply 2 person plays bore you. This is a 90 minute engaging Hurston lesson and that's fine.
See it if you like biographical plays - especially about someone you don't know who you will come to respect once you hear their story.
Don't see it if you are expecting a full production as this is mostly two actors telling a story - with a small bit of (great) singing.
Also Both actors were very good - although a few times I was getting distra... Read more Read less
See it if you admire this writer or want to learn about her life.
Don't see it if you're not interested in African American literature and experience.
See it if you would like to learn more about Zora and the Harlem Renaissance while watching a well acted well scripted account of her life.
Don't see it if you have no interest in historical portraits or were looking for a light entertainment musical.
Also Bravo to the Castillo Theatre. Out of the way but worth the trip.
See it if you like biographies, this is a serious, entertaining overview of an African American writer during the Harlem Renaissance. Excellent acting
Don't see it if you don't like bios, or aren't interested in African American history.
See it if If you enjoy Topical drama's, even many years later, drama's that deal with real life issues, then you will find this show riveting
Don't see it if You prefer fluff to solid content and tend to shy away from issues that confront society to this day
See it if you enjoy biography, history, and vibrant character portraits.
Don't see it if you're not a fan of historical based drama or small casts.
See it if To know how women writers; (African American) were treated in 1940. Their work being silenced, and falsely, accused of a crime.
Don't see it if African American women writers are not treated as equal as other writers of any color.
Also Zora Neale Huston was an accomplished writer, but since she was so out... Read more Read less
See it if You are patient enough to learn about an extraordinary person - through a badly written play, that is directed badly. The actors are good.
Don't see it if You need strong writing and good story telling to enjoy your time in the theater. Of if you need a play to be well directed, don't see it
See it if Visitg the triumph and downfall of a Harlem Renaissance talent is of interest. We see Hurston was a firecracker but polarizg with peers.
Don't see it if Bio-plays about a 1920's bohemian are not of interest. If you like lavish sets and production values, this play will be a challenge.
See it if If you like historic dramas.
Don't see it if you are just looking for fluffy entertainment.
See it if you want an accurate history lesson performed with spirit!
Don't see it if 2 people (one multiple characters) playing out the lives of dead people for 90 minutes!
See it if love history and entertainment. The two blended nicely in this performance. The actors were simply wonderful.
Don't see it if you don't like history
See it if You like theatre about historical figures. These two actors did a fabulous job.
Don't see it if You like large-scale productions
See it if Rare insight into the life of one of America's greatest writers
Don't see it if If you are afraid to come into contact with America's third rail of racism
See it if you are interested in her life.
Don't see it if you don't like small casted biographical plays.