Theater at Monmouth plans to stage Lynn Nottage’s “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” as part of the (R)evolutionary Redux Season.
Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. July 17, 28, Aug. 3, 12 and 21; and at 1 p.m. Aug. 4 and 15.
Set in Brooklyn 1950, after the death of their mother, Ernestine and Ermina Crump move to New York with their father, Godfrey, who seeks guidance from charismatic preacher, Father Devine. In the swirling, glamorous commotion of this new city, with calls for equal rights and communist rebellion hanging in the air, the girls begin a journey toward independence and a challenging future.
This sharp and boisterous play from two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage about family, faith, and revolution had been described as a mashup of Lorraine Hansberry and Tennessee Williams, a memory play about a black family, a glass menagerie in the sun. The story, told by the oldest daughter, Ernestine, illustrates how each of the Crumps cope with their grief. The changing city, and country, prompts revolutionary thoughts and ideas for the girls, setting them on a journey to find their own voices.
Director Chris Anthony shares, “Memory is a combination of emotion and sensation. Born in the same instant, each reflects and shapes the other. Flashes of memory arrive as an image, a song, a smell, texture, or taste.” Anthony continues, “In the face of tremendous loss and upheaval, her father does everything he can to protect her from the chaos of the world. But nothing he does can protect her from the big questions. What good is safety if there is no joy? What good is freedom if there is no love? Is it better to risk everything in expectation of a feast or risk nothing and be satisfied with crumbs?”
Crumbs from the Table of Joy features Sarah Goldman as Ernestine, Charence Higgins as Lily, Nathan M. Ramsey as Godfrey, Tori Thompson as Ermina, and Casey Turner as Gerte. Directed by Chris Anthony; Set design by Natalie Morales, Costume Design by Elizabeth Rocha, Lighting Design by Aja Jackson, Stage Management by Jo Davita, and Sound Design by Rew Tippin.
Tickets cost $36 for adults, $31 for senior citizens, and $22 for students (18 and younger).
For tickets, or more information, call the TAM Box Office at 207-933-9999 or visit theateratmonmouth.org.
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