Monday, September 19, 2011

Review of John Ruffin's Play "All My Single Ladies"

By Samantha Battle

John Ruffin’s “All My Single Ladies” play brought out a packed crowd at the opening night of the two-day showing of his new play starring Darrin Dewitt Henson from HBO’s Soul Food and Stomp the Yard, Anthony Grant, gospel recording artist DeWayne Woods, actress Trisha Mann, Richard Gallion and actor Chris Bolten. The play was performed at the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Chicago.

Ruffin’s play was separated into two acts focusing on the lives of two women who were dealing with relationship problems and finding the right one.

One woman, Kimberly, played by Melinda Bussie, was dealing with the decision of whether or not she should leave or stay in the relationship she’s in, even though it’s not a healthy one with her abusive boyfriend, Raymond, played by Darrin. She has two kids with him and is trying to get her GED so that she can get a job and won’t have to depend on Raymond anymore.

“I think they [the audience] will love and hate my character in the play,” said Darrin. “He’s a very dark person with a huge ego who can be disrespectful physically and verbally at times, but I think the interesting part about him is why he does it, so I think that’s what we’re going to be diving into more with my character—to find out why he’s that way.”

The other woman, Regina, played by Tashika Benson, was dealing with the total opposite, being single, alone and living with lupus. Then the love of her life from five years ago, Eric, played by Richard Gallion, shows up back into her life wanting a second chance, even though he broke up with her. And while all of this is going on, Frasier, played by Anthony Grant, is a man who likes her, wants to treat her right and is right under her nose, yet she doesn’t realize it until towards the end of the play.

“This is a story about relationships, and it’s a story that tells you why there are some single ladies and why there are ladies that probably feel single but aren’t,” said Anthony. “I want people to walk away from this show entertained but coming away with a message that even though you may be by yourself, you’re not alone. I think that people should really focus on the message and have enough courage to just walk away if it’s not for you.”

The audience was filled with laughter and gasps throughout the whole play, and the cast and director received a standing ovation from the crowd.

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