Chitlin Blues: Dancing in the Grey

The description of this piece sounds amazing, but mostly contained many sections of uninteresting choreography repeated for a very long time, punctuated by songs that were unexpressive. The actors were clearly feeling things, but in an insular way that didn't share anything with the audience. Very difficult to sit through.... full review

What a lovely idea to bring back a Variety, Burlesque show(Vaudeville)very popular in the mid-end of the 19th century in America. In those days the Wright Brothers made their first successful flight, Jack London wrote Call of the Wild, Henry Ford started his motor company, and thousands of people escaped small apartments in big cities to see the amazing acts of Vaudeville. I enjoyed every moment of CHITLIN BLUES:DANCING IN THE GREY and I highly recommend it to anybody who has a passion for entertainment. The performers of this show, part of The Hollywood Fringe Festival, deserve a special tribute. Ruth Reynolds, Guebri J'Aigle VanOver, Memory Willis and Constance Strickland are taken upon a challenge and bring their hard work to complete s... full review

This show was beautiful! Its movement theater meets Spike Lee's "Bamboozled." This show powerfully portrayed the realistic ills of vaudeville, and projected a strong sense of innate human trials, and connection where can you literally feel the agony of the actors. "Chilin Blues: Dancing in the Grey" showed balanced displays of movement, dialogue and song. The actors souls are set on the stage for you see, and leaves you examining the themes of culture and racism in America during one of its many finest times. ... full review

I really enjoyed the concept of the show. It's a topic that not a lot of people are comfortable talking about. I enjoyed it for that very reason...it causes us to get out of our comfort zones and think. I will definitely be seeing the show again. ... full review

These are talented young women and their commitment to the characters is remarkable. Don't miss "Chitlin Blues, Dancing in the Gray"!! It'll take you back in time and then make you smile when you return. I'm going to see it again and again! ... full review

The women of Chitlin Blues made me think about a time before me. I really enjoyed the music , tracks like those aren't heard anymore.... full review

Originally posted on Bitter Lemons - "Fringe Femmes" | Chitlin’ Blues: Dancing in the Grey” concept by Constance Strickland | It’s pretty amazing: the unspoken power of a actor wearing blackface. Constance Strickland is, obviously, well aware of its impact and uses this and other powerful images to put together an amazing, “eclectic mix of physical theatre & vaudeville.” The result is a haunting, visceral study of race and gender that is at once disturbing and absolutely beautiful. Within Chitlin’ Blues, Strickland and Memory Willis take on many roles, from male minstrel performers to seductive burlesque dancers to domestic partners. They’re joined onstage by Ruth Reynolds as Lillie, a pale, fragile figure in underclothes who loo... full review

This is a beautiful performance at the Hollywood Fringe Festival! This non-traditional show performed by four actresses will take your breath away! It is a MUST SEE!... full review

I came because last year I enjoyed a play called "HerSheMe" with Theatre Roscius’. Seeing Constance Strickland's name attached on this piece of art, I knew it would definitely be a heartbreaking eclectic show. I wasn't let down. The pure beauty of each of the actress was spell bounding. I hope to make another show before it is over. The story she was able to tell through each movement, song and breath will leave you with no words. I would highly recommend you take the time to go see this beautiful story that Constance Strickland had the courage to tell and you wont be let down by the beautiful ladies, Ruth Reynolds, Memory WIllis and Guebri Vanover. Who committed wholeheartedly to every detail and moment.... full review

Four beautiful women not scared to go outside the box and commit to a part of history. It most definitely is not a happy go lucky piece but it leaves you lost in thought and you can truly feel their passion and angst within the characters. They do a good job portraying the fight with society as women , black , white and in between. If you want to see something unique and breathtaking this is the show to see.... full review