FSU Presents Detroit ’67

Good music, good acting, and good controversy are all of the building blocks that compose Detroit ’67. The play, written by Dominique Morisseau, takes the audience on a riveting journey back in time.  The production transports the audience to Detroit in 1967. Under the direction of Nicole Mattis, Frostburg State University (FSU) began showcasing its production of Detroit ’67 on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018. The audience, eager to see what the play had to offer, saw the story through the eyes of a set of siblings.

Chelle and Lank, African American siblings living in Detroit in 1967, host after-hour parties in their basement to get by. They are accompanied by their friends, Bunny and Sly. The siblings keep their guests entertained with the new sounds of Motown. Though they have a good business, things go awry when Lank invites a mysterious white woman, Caroline, into their home.

After the passing of their parents, Lank and Chelle decide to get back on the party scene to make ends meet. With the help of their buddy Sly, a smooth-talking car salesman who also runs numbers, and their vivacious friend Bunny, who always knows the word on the street, the siblings take us into the night life of Detroit.

Detroit ’67 brings us Motown classics like The Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” The Four Tops’ “Reach Out (I’ll Be There),” and “Ooo Baby Baby” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Though the play is filled with good laughs, smooth-talking, and soul touching music, it also has its share of serious moments.

Based in such a trying time, Detroit ’67 includes talk of police brutality, disorder, rioting, and most of all racial divide. Back in that time, the world was different. There was a divide between black and white. The dialogue and the plot of the production touch heavily on this issue, while also touching on the issue of the police brutality that African American individuals had to deal with.

Decked out in 60’s gear created by Costume Designer Brittany Burtis and Costume Shop Manager Michele Labar, the actors stepped into their vintage roles. Jha’Neal Stoute, who plays the role of Chelle, said, “who I am is very different from who Chelle is, so I had to get into the mode of like one of my Great Aunties.” Stoute is a senior Theatre major on the Acting track here at FSU. Last spring, she played the role of Harry in FSU’s production of Harry & the Thief. She also stepped into the director’s role when FSU showcased The Vagina Monologues. Stoute said that as a takeaway from the show she hopes the audience will “keep believing, keep dreaming, and going after things they want.”

Whether it be Chelle, Lank, Bunny, Sly, or even Caroline, each character brings something different to the show. Chelle, plotted out as the character full of stability, was balanced out by her very dear friend Bunny. Najah James, a senior majoring in Communication Studies at FSU, had the opportunity to perform as Bunny in this production.

Feeling very connected to her character, James said, “she’s goofy, kind of awkward sometimes, but about her business, and no matter what from start to finish she has love in her.” Khari Blackman, a senior Theatre major on the Acting track, plays the role of Chelle’s younger brother, Lank. Blackman said that his character contributed the curiosity aspect to the show. On the lines of preparation, Blackman also said, “it was difficult because, I don’t live in the 60’s. For the most part we watched Detroit the movie and listened to a lot of Motown music.”

The actors had a great opening night, and the captivating show kept the audience intrigued. The production will be showcased on Oct. 18, 19, and 20 at 7:30 p.m. The show is priced at $7 for students, $12 for FSU employees and senior citizens, and $15 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased the night of the production at the box office inside of the Performing Arts Center. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.frostburg.edu/TheatreDance. Wishing the cast of Detroit ’67 and the entire Theatre department here at FSU much success with this production, and the many productions they will be working on this year.