This play is not about being late, it’s a play about being on time. At a time when stories about African Americans are being censored or erased in this country, this play is very timely. You will experience bone-chilling strife and triumph as the cast navigates its journey from enslavement to freedom (all while nestled in the middle of downtown Los Angeles). The play opens with a heart wrenching song by the character Hannah, (played by Enisha Brewster) who with tears in her eyes brought tears to my eyes, drawing me in to this saga, and compelling me to become invested in the outcome of this journey.
Playwright Leslie Lee transports us to a time in American history (1859 – 1954) before the Civil War, by way of World War II, and the Jim Crow era of American history for African Americans. Lee uses vignettes to illustrate the passage of time and dazzles the audience with familiar, relatable, and believable characters who demonstrate humanity, struggle, and evolution through a full range of experiences and emotions including those of fear, loss, difficult decision making, survival, and victory. They demonstrate the resilience of colored people.
While playing several different roles, the skilled cast members mesmerize the audience with characters who feel distinct and believable. They bring this play to life on stage. They include Kimberly Bailey, Phillip Bell, Enisha Brewster, Kermit C. Burns, Cydney Wayne Davis, James T. Lawson II, Darrell Phillip, Autum Renae and Jah Shams. It felt like home to me.
Director Ben Guillory staged this production with a collaborative use of space, music, lighting, and sound effects to further bring this play to life. For instance, when the character Blind John, a black entertainer and guitar player, (played by Phillip Bell), is traveling alone by train, and waiting at the station to catch his train, the arrival and departure of other trains can be heard very effectively. Under the craftsmanship of Guillory and the sound engineer, James Manning, I felt as though I was sitting at the station with Blind John, which caused nervous type of excitement . How does he summon the courage to travel alone by train? Will he even be allowed to board the train? What other possible dangers might he face? What would happen if Blind John missed his train all together? I guess you’ll have to see the play to find out what happens.
COLORED PEOPLE’S TIME produced by The Robey Theatre Company In association with the Los Angeles Theatre Center, runs through May 17, 2026. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM located at 514 S. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA., Tickets, ranging from $30 to $45, can be booked at WWW.THEROBEYTHEATRECOMPANY.ORG. The Robey Theatre Company Parking $8 with ticket validation – 545 S. Main St. 90013.
