SAVANNAH BLACK AND BLUE A REVUE

Following your dream and getting what you want out of life can be tough sometimes.Case in point,Savannah Black and Blue, an uneven but entertaining play by Raymond Jones about a spunky,attractive African American girl who wants to be a cop more than anything in the world,and the flack she gets from her husband, family,and friends.
If the plot seems a little underdeveloped at this point,Mr. Jones shows a real talent for snappy dialog, and has created an interesting and believable title character. She is on stage almost all of the play's 80 minute running time and to play her Ciera Payton [an actress new to me] is outstanding. It is a huge part and Ms. Payton has the style, grace, and personal appeal to pull it off and make it seem as easy as pie.
The rest of the acting company is first rate, and make the most out of their sometimes sketchily written roles. Ohene Cornelius is fine as the husband who turns out to be decent after all, and Kimberlyn Crawford brings quiet dignity to the underdeveloped role Savannah's grandmother.The rest of the cast is fine and director Charles Weldon whips the action along with vigor and snap.
The play is presented by the Negro Ensemble Company[a New York legend] and as usual the technical aspects are all first rate.
Savannah Black And Blue is not perfect by any means,but it reveals an interesting and talanted playwright in Mr. Jones and is put on with taste and skill.
THE NEGRO ENSEMBLE COMPANY at SHELTER STUDIOS 244 WEST 54th STREET N.Y.C. Through Nov.22nd. Worth checking out.