The Charles Gilpin Players debuted the musical “Harlem After Hours” in front of a sold out crowd Thursday, Feb. 15, in Hobart Taylor Hall.
The show stopping performance was written by the Gilpin Players’ Celeste Bedford Walker and Audrey H. Lawson. Gilpin Player Ahmad Hygh who played Cabbie, said, “We are known and praised for our acting and a musical was us stepping out on a ledge of faith and talent.”
The musical kicked off in the heart of a jazzy nightclub called Harlem After Hours, and painted a colorful portrait of the brilliance of the Harlem Renaissance with quoted works from the great Langston Hughes and beautiful renditions by classics like Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith.
Intertwining the notions of love, lust, and the pursuit of happiness, the audience experienced the struggles of M.C, played by drama major Derrick Stock, as he tried to balance his southern roots with his dreams and aspirations of owning and running his own nightclub.
“It was fun and entertaining; I loved seeing how some of the actors played different character roles. It really showed off their talent,” said sophomore business management major Vaneqwa Warren.
The play touched on historical events throughout the Harlem Renaissance and early civil rights movement while displaying the struggles of African American businessmen, artists, writers, and actors.
Agricultural economics major Jonhie L. Jones III said, “Programs like this bring culture to the students. They open the door and the mental capacity of ideas, and with a pleasant mix of comedy, jazz, and vocals the musical exposed the truth of where the heart of Harlem really lies.”
The musical bravado, character dynamics, and delightful choreography of “Harlem After Hours” inspired a standing ovation on its opening night and will continue to grace the campus of Prairie View A&M University with encore performances starting on Thursday, Feb. 22 through Saturday, Feb. 25.