What I liked
The conversational tone of the show was very appealing. It invited you in to be a part of the show which enhanced the entire experience. The show’s creator had a skillful way of making you feel as if you were actually sitting in a living room, drinking coffee and engaging in a deep discussion with him and James Baldwin. Masterfully done.
What I didn't like
I may be asking for too much considering it is a one-man show, but I would have liked it to have been a little longer. That’s saying a whole lot considering it was a full hour packed with information and emotion. I wasn’t ready for the show to end. Also, having more time for dialogue with the audience at the end of the show would have been amazing as there were so many comments and questions that weren’t able to be addressed. However, I suppose that was more due to the venue’s time restraint than anything the show’s creator could’ve done.
My overall impression
Dear James was extremely thought provoking, imaginative and very well delivered. This one man show expertly took the audience on a ride through American History as seen through the eyes of a talented, educated and opinionated black man. So many emotions were activated and so much knowledge was creatively shared. And to have the phenomenal actor, Mr. Charles Reese, on screen embodying the spirit of the late great James Baldwin was absolutely incredible. The creator of the show, Anthony “Da Boogie Man” Rucker, has created a powerful, interactive, audiovisual experience that is not only amazing but also very necessary!
