Leslie Lee's sprawling period drama, "The First Breeze of Summer," focuses on the regrets and fond memories of Lucretia (a riveting Cynthia Kaye McWilliams), the matriarch of a boisterous African-American family, as her life begins to wind down. Jumping back in time to trace the affairs she has kept from her family but for which she does not apologize, the play weaves together the families' current trials and tribulations and Lucretia's checkered past. In so doing, "Breeze" touches on themes as varied as familial loyalty and expectations, racial shame and pride and the role of religion in daily life.
Ambitious yet unfocused, the play drags at times, and doesn't quite hold together at others, but where the play is weak, its actors are strong. Unbelievably, there is not a single standout in this consistently first-rate, committed cast. Each actor brings an individual yet essential aspect, and between the carefully chosen costumes and the ornate, complex set, 'Breeze' visually engages. Although audience members were heard mumbling that the play could have used some judicious cuts, most were on their feet at curtain call. Bottom line: a loose plot but a tight ensemble.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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