"Welcome To America"
reviewed by A.J. Muhammad
The wave of Off-Off and Off-Broadway theatrical productions about the immigrant experience continues with “Welcome To America,” a charming, lively and timely new musical by a trio of multidisciplinary artists -- Karl O’Brian Williams, Andrew Clarke, and Joel Edwards -- who are making their debut in this genre.
reviewed by A.J. Muhammad
Rather deploying cynicism, the creative team are decidedly aspirational in telling their story of an optimistic Jamaican woman named Sabrina (a winning performance by Fitgi Saint-Louis), who gives up her stable career as an educator in Jamaica for New York City to pursue her dreams of being a performing artist. In Queens, New York, Sabrina stays with her no nonsense Aunt Prudence (Carlene Taylor) and gets an unfulfilling job while auditioning for roles. Sabrina reunites with friends from back home: the fast-talking and resourceful Cynthia (Rachael Washington); and the cautious Elijah (an assured Andrew Clarke), a possible romantic interest, who has tempered his dreams of being a film star for the more grounded role of working with local artists at a community center.
While waiting for her big break, Sabrina tries her hand at improv comedy much to her Aunt Prudence’s confusion. She also meets an actor turned manager, Barry (a polished Dominique Allen Lawson) who offers to represent and sponsor Sabrina who is applying for citizenship while he incurs Elijah’s distrust--especially after Barry convinces Sabrina to sacrifice her uniqueness to assimilate. When Barry gets an unforeseen opportunity, he leaves Sabrina in flux. There’s also a domestic violence subplot involving Cynthia and an unsavory character (Rafael Nadal, not to be confused with the pro tennis player) who extorts money from her because of her undocumented status. A reoccurring image of a mime artist (also an immigrant) dressed as the Statue of Liberty who comes to the aid of some of the women in the show is a clever device and symbolic of the show's upbeat message.
“Welcome To America” is a reminder of the untold stories missing from the mainstream theater and that leading roles for Black women actors in new musicals are still too infrequent. The musical also depicts the often perilous road that immigrants must face when deciding to uproot themselves for more opportunities abroad.
The catchy reggae infused score includes a mix of original music and songs and those by artists including Jimmy Cliff. The creative team have admirably circumvented organizations and institutions available for only a select few to develop and present their work and have produced it themselves in conjunction with York College’s Performing Arts Center. The tech credits and minimal scenery that evokes multiple locations are fine.
The musical could benefit from further development and being edited down to an intermission-less hour and a half. The show's composers and book writer may also need to collaborate with a director and choreographer who are more at home with staging large ensemble musicals for a future run. If the producers keep Saint-Louis, clearly a trained dancer, it would be a crime if they don’t highlight her footwork more by using it to advance the plot.
“Welcome To America.” Produced by Braata Productions. Music and Lyrics by Andrew Clarke. Book, Music and Lyrics by Karl O’Brian Williams. Music, Music Direction and Vocal Arrangements by Joel Edwards. Director/Costume/Set Designer: Yudelka Heyer. Costume Design: D’Marsh Couture. Choreography: Courtney French. Janel Scarborough: Dramaturg & Additional Book Contribution. Zoe Rhinehart: Stage Manager. Sound Design: Jordan Orth. Ran from April 20-April 30th, 2017 at The Milton G. Bassin Performing Arts Center at York College in Jamaica, NY.
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