David, Lionel Richie & Ski
KEY DEFINITIONS
spare (adj)
With no excess fat,
elegantly simple
ribald (adj)
referring to sexual matters in an
amusingly rude or irreverent way
THEATER REVIEW
By GEORGE HUNKA Published: April 17, 2006
Two sets of fine performances are on display in the New Federal Theater/Black Spectrum Theater's bill of new plays, "Champion" by David Paladino and "The Stuttering Preacher" by Levy Lee Simon, at the Abrons Arts Center of the Henry Street Settlement. Both Mr. Paladino and Mr. Simon appear in their own plays; as actors they are memorable, as playwrights they are generous to their fellow cast members and to their audiences.
"Champion," directed by Tommy Redmond Hicks in an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink set designed by Anthony Davidson, is a twist on the old story of father and son reunited. Mr. Paladino plays an actor, a light-skinned black man who has passed for "dark Italian" all his life. With time off from a film shoot in Florida, he visits his black biological father in Memphis for the first time. Mr. Paladino brings a spare but powerful passion to his role, meeting his match in his dissolute and fading father, played in an engaging and textured performance by Ski (Cutty) Carr.
The evening opens with Mr. Simon's brash and ribald romantic comedy "The Stuttering Preacher," though here Mr. Simon leaves the plum role to Joyce Sylvester as Efay, a single woman in the early summer of her life.
Quite unexpectedly, Efay finds herself the target of the affections of a popular but lascivious preacher who stutters (everywhere but from the pulpit, that is, where he is inspired by his love of God). Efay spends most of the hourlong play talking to the audience, sharing hard-won and sarcastic wisdom derived from her history of failed relationships.
Ms. Sylvester's performance is so winning and charming that from the first few minutes she has the audience happy to be in the palm of her hand. Mr. Simon plays the preacher with considerable wit, style and physical presence, and when he stops stuttering as he is inspired by his love of Efay at the end of the play, it's a resolution well founded.
The New Federal Theater's founder Woodie King Jr. directs "The Stuttering Preacher" with an easy leisure born of confidence in the play and performances.
"Champion" and "The Stuttering Preacher" run through April 30 at the Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand Street, Lower East Side, (212) 279-4200.
Two New Plays at Abrons Arts Center, With Their Playwrights as Actors
By GEORGE HUNKA Published: April 17, 2006
Two sets of fine performances are on display in the New Federal Theater/Black Spectrum Theater's bill of new plays, "Champion" by David Paladino and "The Stuttering Preacher" by Levy Lee Simon, at the Abrons Arts Center of the Henry Street Settlement. Both Mr. Paladino and Mr. Simon appear in their own plays; as actors they are memorable, as playwrights they are generous to their fellow cast members and to their audiences.
"Champion," directed by Tommy Redmond Hicks in an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink set designed by Anthony Davidson, is a twist on the old story of father and son reunited. Mr. Paladino plays an actor, a light-skinned black man who has passed for "dark Italian" all his life. With time off from a film shoot in Florida, he visits his black biological father in Memphis for the first time. Mr. Paladino brings a spare but powerful passion to his role, meeting his match in his dissolute and fading father, played in an engaging and textured performance by Ski (Cutty) Carr.
The evening opens with Mr. Simon's brash and ribald romantic comedy "The Stuttering Preacher," though here Mr. Simon leaves the plum role to Joyce Sylvester as Efay, a single woman in the early summer of her life.
Quite unexpectedly, Efay finds herself the target of the affections of a popular but lascivious preacher who stutters (everywhere but from the pulpit, that is, where he is inspired by his love of God). Efay spends most of the hourlong play talking to the audience, sharing hard-won and sarcastic wisdom derived from her history of failed relationships.
Ms. Sylvester's performance is so winning and charming that from the first few minutes she has the audience happy to be in the palm of her hand. Mr. Simon plays the preacher with considerable wit, style and physical presence, and when he stops stuttering as he is inspired by his love of Efay at the end of the play, it's a resolution well founded.
The New Federal Theater's founder Woodie King Jr. directs "The Stuttering Preacher" with an easy leisure born of confidence in the play and performances.
"Champion" and "The Stuttering Preacher" run through April 30 at the Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand Street, Lower East Side, (212) 279-4200.
REELS
After some time away writing, producing, getting married...David is excited about several of his upcoming acting roles, most notably 'Brian Taylor' in freedom for joe.
INTERVIEW
with Cris Beam and Ira Glass
David's unique life-story has been the subject of many articles & blogs.
Listen to NPR's Hit Radio Show This American Life as they speak with David and his family in this captivating interview.
David's critically acclaimed one-act play Champion is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lulu.
David has also been writing for the screen which includes penning the script for Champion the movie.
David has also been writing for the screen which includes penning the script for Champion the movie.
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