Review: FRONT PORCH SOCIETY Serves Sweeping Nostalgic Greatness at the Ensemble Theatre

It's always great to be reminded of historical events that resonate with society. Because it always helps us to understand why we do some of the things we do. Playwright Melda Beaty's FRONT PORCH SOCIETY does just that. It helps us to relive that time. A short time ago when everyone was talking about this black presidential candidate from Illinois. So the world premiere of this drama at the Ensemble Theatre, should make history buffs feel a certain kind of refreshing way because it will remind many of what it felt like seeing America's first elected black president.

Everyone in Quitman County, a beautiful community located in Marks, Mississippi feels the excitement and enthusiasm of a black U.S. presidential candidate who has the potential to win the election. Carrie Honey (Michele Harrell) feels otherwise. Ms. Honey is grieving over the death of her son, who was killed mysteriously.

Ms. Honey is supported throughout the action of the play with a great supporting cast of fun loving gossiping neighbors and friends: the church going Sister Stallworth (played by Rachel Hemphill Dickson) and the elder wit of Ms. Martha (played by Gwen Harris), Alberta (played by Dannette McElory-Davis) and the next door "backing up" neighbor, Winnie (played by Tamara Siler). All take us on a societal journey that reinforces the importance of constitutional rights, and how dignity can shine through in any circumstance.

Ensemble Theatre Artistic Director Eileen Morris directs the production with a bold touch of melodrama that seems to drive the culture in this Mississippi community. So it works very well. Especially with the action mostly taking place on Ms. Honeys' porch. Thus making the design elements of the characters and the set a unified pleasure.

Not to leave out the two male characters in the play who represent both hope in the future (Terrance, played by Kendrick "KAYB" Brown) and the ever loving staple post man (Towner, played by Jason E. Carmichael).The entire cast provide a very easy and casual character style that makes them all very believable and fun to watch on stage.

Scenic designer Larry Wesley, captivates the eyes with not one, but two wood framed porches with screen doors. The set is also flanked with lots of "Front Porch Realness," which compliments the setting of the piece in superb fashion. Rocking chairs adorned with quilts, a picket fence, porch light fixtures, and wooden steps: just to name a few stand outs. Costume designer, Ellen Girdwood, made sure that the costume choices gave each character a taste of colorful flavor. Sister Stallworth, Ms. Martha and Winnie all sported their bright oranges and canary yellows across the stage proudly and with purpose.

If you value a time when neighbors actually engaged in conversation: whether frivolous or meaningful, if you can sympathize with the brokenhearted, if you can identify with a time in history that many people will never forget (Americas' first elected African American President, Barack Obama), then FRONT PORCH SOCIETY is a must see.

FRONT PORCH SOCIETY is no longer playing at The Ensemble Theatre. For information about upcoming productions at The Ensemble Theatre, please call 713 520-0055 or visit ensemblehouston.com.