REVIEWS / PRESS

On a bare, black stage, with a wooden table, a couple of chairs and a painting hung here and there, this cast work wonders, filling up the stage with their joy, exuberance and personality. "Platanos and Collard Greens" presents a sweetly enacted love story between an African American young man and A Dominican woman, set against the background of where race relations stand today. This stage production was adapted from author David Lamb's novel "Do Platanos Go Wit' Collard Greens?"
This and other esoteric questions are dealt with sensitively, and comfortably exist within the context of a rollicking good time. Funny, quthentic acting makes you want to hug each and every member of the cast.
Analita (played by Tracy Perez) and Freeman (played by Sylvester Bush), both Hunter College students, are brought together due to a mishap at the pizza place.
"When I was on my way to the hospital, ...and seeing meteorities and shit... you were there for me. I'll never forget that," says Freeman dreamily.

Author David Lamb signed books in the lobby. His novel “Do Platanos Go Wit’ Collard Greens?” is sure to go to Broadway.

Firery performances from the girl's mother, who tries to squelch the budding romance, puncuate the peace. The play explores race, and the unfair stereotypes which seperate us with humor and intellegence and seems to serve up the question "Where do we go from here?"
As the innocent couple draws closer, they begin to encounter grief from some who surround them. The comments are distortions of reality directed at the couple, made by people who are unknowingly stereotyping/limiting themselves. Latinas are called "hot lovers." Black men: abnormally endowed. Tracy's mother is shown as having ironed her sister's hair. Malady, (Sauda), an ex-girlfriend of Freeman's is threatened, and embarks upon a monologue expressing her position as a beautiful Black woman who deserves appreciation. However, these issues actually have nothing ot do with these two people who just have a nice rapport together.
Each character, at some point, gives a Spoken Word soliloquy, spreading the flavor of a Def Poetry Jam like around like butter. At these times, moments of cutting-edge insight mix with laugh-out-loud humor. Knowing observations of humantiy spill from the casts' lips, but this does not take away from the overall feeling of a good time. Freeman's father a romantic psychologists, frequently dispenses some rather interesting historical information going back to the time of slavery.
Tracy Perez, as Analita, comments that Hatians and Dominicans share the same island, but still cannot get along. Perez, who says she personally holds aspirations as a writer and director, is quite nicely cast, bringing a believability and groundedness to her performance as Analita.
Freeman, (Sylvester Bush) is a boyfriend searching for his authenticity, ans mans the task of leading man with aplomb and maturity. The acting experience he has behind him certainly shows. This is still the beginning for this talented professional.
The couple is lucky to have the loyal support of each of their best friends, who bring their chatracters to life perfectly. Each shines with special comedic ability and is destined to go far. Watching them congratulate one another on their corny rap performances is hysterically funny. After veiwing the sublime conclusion, a Hip Hop monologue uttered by Freeman:
"It's not about black and white/ It's about wrong and right" it will be easy to agree this show deserves to take its rightful place on Broadway as the year's new hit. Catch it soon while you still can!
The production soundtrack, as well as David Lamb's book "Do Platanos Go Wit' Collard Greens?" are both availible for purchase in the theater. Indeed, many audiance members flocked to buy these items after seeing this splendid show. So far, the production is continuing it's successful Off-Broadway run throughout April and May; up until Sun., Apr. 18 at the Producer's Club Theater, located at 358 West 44St. between 8 and 9 Aves. For more information about tickets, call 212-352-3101 or visit www.theatermania.com For information regarding group sales call (646) 522-4348.

Analita (endearingly played by Tracy Perez) and Freeman (the talented Sylvester Bush), are both forced to confront and overcome racial stereotypes.