I went to a one woman show tonight with my friend Judy Harger Gideon called “Journey This.” It was a series of memoir pieces stitched together to create a powerful picture of one woman’s life: the actress/writer/producer of this show, Cheray O’Neal. O’Neal, who is a NAACP Image Award nominated performer, does an outstanding job of portraying not only herself, but also her mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and Puerta Rican friend. She is believable in all these roles, plus two men as well. This shift in character is accomplished with a change in voice and manner and the simple addition of a scarf, skirt or jacket. The set is minimal with a video screen supplying photos of important people in Cheray’s life as well as other graphics. Cheray pulls the audience in not only with the compelling stories she is telling, but also the multi-dimensional characters she is portraying. I would give this show two thumbs up for originality, depth of character, and performance. Definitely a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, which would be tomorrow at 4 pm at the McCadden Place Theater right off Santa Monica Boulevard for only $10.
Try to see it. You’ll be happy you did.
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