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REVIEW: LAST STOP ... | MARIAH L. RICHARDSON
Last Stop on Market Street
Review by Mariah L. Richardson
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The first thing that you take in when you walk into the theater of this production by Metro Theater Company, is the colorful set, designed by Peter and Margery Spack, of a street scene that will be our world for the next hour. Reminiscent
of another street that many grew up on, Sesame Street. Then you hear a familiar sound, the pulse of bass that is soundtrack of urban living. That contagious beat that tells you that you are about to experience something fantastical and amazing.
In, Last Stop on Market Street, adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West and book by Matt la Pena, seven-yearold CJ has been dropped off at his nana’s house while his parents have a much-needed vacation. Most likely from raising him. He is quite a handful, with his insatiable need for his electronic devices and his phone. So, he finds himself at his grandmother’s house where there are no pets, and she cooks meat. “I’m a vegetarian!” CJ wails. The day has not started off well because everything around CJ is different from what’s at his house and his neighborhood. He finds that were Nana lives is noisy and dirty and there are scary strangers. Then the worst thing in the world that could happen. Nana takes away his precious devices. He protests as loudly and as politely as he can to get them back. Afterall, Mommy told him to be a good boy. But how can he when he’s stuck in a place where the couch is covered in plastic and the walls are painted in all kinds of patterns and colors and worst of all, there’s nothing to do?
Biut, Nana has a surprise for CJ. They take an adventure through the city on the bus. CJ has never ridden a city bus. There he encounters people like he’s never seen. And he must confront his own pre-conceived notions of who people are based on how they look. The musical numbers on the bus speak to looking beyond the surface and accepting people right where they are. CJ is having a great time dancing and singing until they reach the last stop on Market Street, and he discovers that he has left his backpack on the bus. The backpack filled with all his devices that he “stole” back from Nana. Then all the new lessons go right out the window. He is back to pouting and being a brat. And on top of that, the surprise that Nana has for him is an even dirtier part of town and a soup kitchen. CJ is having none of that. Until Nana, in old-skool style, checks his attitude and tells him he better get his life right. She tells him to look around and find beauty. This what this lively musical is all about. Finding beauty and feeling gratitude for what you have and empathy when you find that some people just don’t have. This is a big lesson for CJ, but he comes through with flying colors. He finds it in his heart to share and learns the meaning of what real friendship with real people is like. Now CJ is serving up love.
The show is directed by the incomparable, Jacqueline Thompson. The great musical talent, Denise Thimes, makes her return to acting and playing Nana. She is a no holds barred granny that reminds you of how grandmothers ruled back in the day. Daniel McRath is the perfect choice for CJ and his voice is angelic. The ensemble: Robert Crenshaw, Valentina Silva, Cameron Tyler, and Tyler White all bring the community to life. Tyler White is especially great as the street philosopher bus driver. “Be good, like you know you should.” Christopher Page-Sanders put the whole cast through the motions as Choreographer/Movement Director. The idea of the moving bus was genius. This cast can really move. Music Director, Philip A. Woodmore, Ph.D. had all the sounds, and the score was perfect. Rounding out the show were the fun costumes by Felia Davenport.
Last Stop on Market Street, is a beloved children’s’ book written Matt de la Peña and Illustrated by Christian Robinson. It was adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West. Music and Lyrics by Lamont Dozier and Paris Ray Dozier. Digital Recording and Underscoring by Paris Ray Dozier Originally commissioned and produced by Chicago Children’s Theatre and the Children’s Theatre Company.
Runs: February 6—27, 2022 at the
Grandel Theatre
3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO 63103
The production is approximately 75 minutes with no intermission. Ideal for ages 5 and up.
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Author: Jabari Asim Narrators: Adam Lazarre-White, Imani Jade Powers, Janina Edwards, JD Jackson, Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Lamarr Gulley Release Date: January 11, 2022 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781797137759
Audio Hardback chirpbooks.com
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Wear Red Day!
While this should be done daily, this month is the time for everyone to focus on their cardiovascular health. Specifically, Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a leading risk factor for heart disease. Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect your heart. These conditions are: Coronary Artery Disease (Blood Vessel Disease) Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm problems) Congenital Heart Defects (Heart defects you’re born with) Heart Valve Disease Disease of the Heart Muscle Heart Infection (Mayoclinic.org)
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, even during the pandemic, and is often unnoticed in many women. Which makes it the number one killer of women, higher than all forms of cancer combined.
Men normally develop blockages in their coronary arteries (CAD – Coronary Artery Disease), but women more frequently develop heart disease within the very small arteries that branch out from the coronary arteries (MVD – Microvascular Disease). Cholesterol build-up occurs in different areas in men and women. The presence of Estrogen in women and differences in how women deal with stress are also reasons why heart disease might go overlooked in women.
Some of the most common signs of heart disease are:
Men:
Chest pain/tightening (can also be a squeezing sensation) Upper body pain in the arms, left shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or stomach Rapid Heartbeats
Women:
Unusual Fatigue lasting several days Sleep Disturbances Anxiety Lightheadedness Shortness of Breath Upper Back Should or Throat pain Jaw pain Pressure or pain in the center of the chest which may spread to the arm
Some of the less common signs of heart disease are: Indigestion Shortness of breath Back pain Dizziness Cold Sweat
Risk Factors:
Obesity Smoking Diabetes Family History Metabolic Syndrome High levels of C-Reactive protein
In women some risk factors can also be:
Relatively high testosterone levels prior to menopause Increasing Hypertension during Menopause Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis Stress and depression Lack of knowledge of risk factors
Healthy lifestyle choices can prevent some heart-related issues:
1 Stop smoking Health weight control Eat Healthier Exercise Get a good amount of sleep
If you think you’re having a heart emergency Call 911 – Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms
Take an Aspirin – Early intervention is key to limiting the amount of heart damage a heart attack can cause. Aspirin dissolves the blood clot that blocks the heart’s artery which may cause a heart attack. Chew the aspirin for faster absorption.
Whether male or female, pay attention to your body and ask questions if you do not “feel right”. Especially if you’re experiencing symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent nausea, or abdominal pain.
Always seek advice from your physician before starting or stopping any exercise, medicine, or other treatment. Make regular appointments/checkups as preferred by your physician to stay on top of your body’s changes.
~Shontel
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