As Much As You Can

January 13th, 2008
The Celebration Theatre, Hollywood
Play, we went with Rachel

Starring Paul Oakley Stovall, Tonya Pinkins, J. Nicole Brooks, Wes Ramsey, Andrew Kelsey and Yassmin Alers

"As Much As You Can" is a heart-warming play written by Paul Oakley Stovall (2nd from the left in the above photo) about an African American Family struggling with the middle brother's homosexuality, oppressively religious older sister, and the repercussions of their father's infidelity and inter-racial relationships.

It was refreshing how naturally the dialogue played in the hands of this tight ensemble as they painted a very complete picture of family dynamics.

Broadway's Tonya Pinkins is perfectly cast as the uptight, older sister whose strong-hold on morality is merely a mask for how she tries to hold onto what she's lost. The play is beautifully cast and filled with great humor and emotion, and reminds me why I continue to take chances on more intimate productions.

~S