Playwright Dorothy Marcic (RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women) outdoes herself with Sistas the Musical. The double and I, with a group of good friends, had the privilege of seeing the off Broadway play this past weekend at St. Lukes theater in New York City; And man, did we have a good ole time!!
Sistas the Musical follows five women (one white, four black) as they come together to grieve and celebrate the life of the head of their family, Grandma Alice. Faithful Simone (Aurelia Williams), brazen Roberta (Jennifer Fouché), and fearless Gloria (Robyn Payne) are sisters. Naive Tamika (Danea Osseni) is the daughter of Gloria, and gullible Heather (Amy Goldberger) is their sister and law, who married their brother Calvin. Calvin is discussed in the play, but never shown.
The group commences in the attic of their beloved matriarch to sort through her belongings, as they also attempt to find the perfect song to sing together at her funeral service. This proves to be no easy feat at first. While sifting through grandma’s personal belongings the women are exposed to memories of the past-some light filled, some dark. One character reveals that she was sexually assaulted. Another character is trying to rationalize her relationship with a man, who treats her poorly. One character finds comfort through struggle in religion. Another character although professionally successful, must learn to understand who she is outside that role.
There are fond memories shared of a loving grandma, who did not always know the full story, but provided solace when needed. The most poignant observation the women reflect on, is how many members of their extended family, including grandma Alice, had to live in a time where the color of their skin, and those they loved warranted mistreatment and inhuman indignities. I found Heather’s revelation quite powerful. She shares with the women how her white mother was not allowed to pursue a relationship with the man she loved, because he was black. Ironically, Heather in present day is now married to a man she deeply loves, who is black.
Exploration into their individual stories, their families history, women’s history and specifically the history of African American women is the overall theme throughout the play.
Storytelling through music is the secondary theme of the play. In conjunction with sharing their stories, the women sing songs that correlate to the emotions they are feeling. I found a fitting quote that read “I can’t explain, but I’ll find a song that can.” The music span genres and decades, including Lady Day aka Billie Holiday, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Erykah Badu, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé and more.
Overall the play is one that is sure to be enjoyed by all who venture to see it. Its uplifting, refreshing, moving, and inspiring. The cast is stellar, and provide memorable characters, that stay with you long after the final bow. The music will have you singing along, while dancing in your seat. I know, because I was.
Special mention to producer Hinton Battle and director Kenneth Ferrone.
For more information on Sistas the Musical, including schedule dates click here. Also make sure to check out their Facebook page.
Beyond Broadway: The Joyful Off-Broadway Musical “Sistas”
