I had not heard of the off-Broadway show until my college friend from Texas came to visit me in NYC, and she said her sister saw the play and told her it’s a must-see. Even though not quite on the major streets of Broadway, but close enough, this small theatre was quaint and classic with a cozy feel – set up like an old 1900s performance house.
This Sistas musical is definitely for the sistas, but all races and age teen and up can relate. The story takes us into a day in the life of three black sisters and their white sister-in-law, plus a teen daughter, as they together pack their deceased grandmother’s items in her basement and reminiscence the highs and lows of their lives. Topics of race, civil rights, family, love, rape, pride, justice, religion, relationships, and more spill off the stage and into the hearts and minds of the audience – through discussion and song. Both daring and caring, these sistas keep it really real!
The music though…..touches all generations, entered easily and naturally throughout the story and woven within the dialogue, as the ladies sing their grandmother’s favorite songs from Motown such as “We are Family” and “RESPECT”, to current generational music from artists like Erika Badu and Jill Scott. The voices are soulful and deep, and their emotions take you there with them.
Personally, for me, the acting of the youngest character, the teen daughter Tamika, played by Danea Osseni, was my favorite. As a millennial, I was impressed at how the story incorporates music and topics that all ages can relate to and have experienced.
From the topic of white women versus black women struggles, the highs and lows of dating and marriage, loving ourselves and loving others, to raising daughters in this high tech age today, this play touches it all. And it touched my heart, leaving me with songs I can’t get out of my head – even though it’s been weeks since I’d seen it.
So I definitely recommend ladies of all races go see this small yet full-hearted Sistas musicial production. It is worth it! : )
Sistas the Musical : http://www.sistasthemusical.com/