(REVIEW) “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” At PlayMakers: Thought-Provoking Comedy (4/5 Stars)
CHAPEL HILL, NC— PlayMakers Repertory Company is presenting “Crumbs from the Table of Joy,” a play by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, now through Sept. 29. The story is set in the 1950s and follows the character Ernestine Crump as her family moves from Florida to Brooklyn following her mother’s death. The play explores the family’s social and familial challenges as they pursue a better life and the American Dream.
About the Play
The play is directed by Tia James and managed by Aspen Blake Jackson and Sarah Smiley. The starring actors and their respective roles are:
- Jadah Johnson as Ernestine Crump
- Elizabeth Dye as Gerte Schulte
- Jasminn Johnson as Lily Ann Green
- Nate John Mark as Godfrey Crump
- Mengwe Wapimewah as Ermina Crump
The runtime for this production is approximately two hours, with a fifteen-minute intermission between the two acts.
The stage production perfectly encapsulates 1950s decor and furniture. Even though the stage is small, the team ensures no corner is left empty. Brilliant abstract paintings set around the stage use bright, vibrant colors to aid in the production. The lighting is used effectively, utilizing different colored lighting and spotlights to distinguish thoughts, settings, and states of being.
Review
Looking across the stage, you always have something to pay attention to regarding the actors. There is never a dull moment when speaking about how well the actors portray their characters. Jadah Johnson’s Ernestine Crump acknowledges every corner of the room. She projects out into space and leads the deeper conversation throughout the play. She brings a vibrance to the character, and as an audience member, I can’t wait to hear what she has to say. Ermina Crump, played by Mengwe Wapimewah, is booming with energy. Her body language and expressions shine through completely. And the range of emotions she brings is always exciting to see, as subtlety, she makes this character complex.
Lily Ann Green, played by Jasminn Johnson, brings a new wave of exuberance as soon as she enters the stage. She is very commanding, and her comedy is a mix of conflict for the production. Completely embodying what Lily Ann means for the characters and the overarching themes, Lily Ann is a character to watch. Elizabeth Dye, as Gerte Schulte, comes in towards the end of Act 1 and portrays a German immigrant. She does a beautiful job with her limited role, and how she handles dialogue between characters is intense and tender. Lastly, as Godfrey Crump, Nate John Mark plays a man riddled with grief and conflict yet filled with passion and love for his children. He shows a range of vulnerable emotions, either vulnerable or nonverbal, that are captivating to watch.
“Crumbs from the Table of Joy” is very character-oriented, focusing on what themes each character brings up, directly or indirectly. The relatively slow-moving play picks up at the climax, where the characters are almost at each other’s throats. The discourse between Lily and Gerte is the most interesting to experience. This thought-provoking production brings up ideas of grief, change, politics, beliefs, and religion, combining comedy and a light-hearted nature. I give this play 4 out of 5 stars.
Conclusion
For families, due to the mature themes and language, it is advised that anyone under twelve should possibly not see this production. For anyone wanting to see this by yourself, with a friend, or with your partner, this play will surely bring up discussions afterward of the themes presented. “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” brings forth discussions from the 1950s that are still relevant today. It is worth hearing what those from the past say about the present.
“Crumbs from the Table of Joy,” presented by PlayMakers Repertory Company on the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill campus, from now until Sept. 29. For more information or tickets, click here.