The March: A Play About Women

March3

Recently I visited the Producer’s Club, located at 358 West 44th Street in Manhattan where Florence Mill’s production “The March,” is showcasing until Sunday, May 7th at 3pm. An actress in the play as well as its playwright, director and producer, Ms Mills delves into the psychological, spiritual, physical and emotional lives of women. Four of whom are the main characters and are of diverse races and backgrounds. Each is a composite of many women therefore is relate-able to members of the audience.

Actress Jeannea Lauren plays Feliah, a woman in love with her looks. Everything in her life is centered around her personal appearance and represents her sense of well being and identity. When that is lost, she develops a persona of toughness to hide her wounded spirit and feelings of betrayal. She is at the Women’s March for Humanity not so much due to political reasons but in a way is brought there by the Spirit of the March played by Florence Mills, whom I also thought represented the Spirit of Women throughout the ages. Lauren is also responsible for some of the amusing and violent aspects of the production.

During the March these 4 women are thrown together when they get delayed on a bridge and are unable to march forward for a time. Katelyn Atanasio, who stars as Letta, had her heart broken thus decided that good girls get dumped on. She decides to use men like they used her. She brags about the money she can make in her chosen profession, yet as much as she says she doesn’t need men and denies she needs to love anyone, the audience can see she protesteth too much. There are some lovely musical numbers depicting her lifestyle.

Melissa Sarai portrays Evangeline whose carelessness and partying ways led to 4 children and a man who abandons her. Without a job and living with her mother, she turns to God and tries to recruit the other women she finds herself with to become more religious but few are listening.

Lastly there is Millie portrayed by Sophie Orloff who is the oldest of the women. Millie has loved deeply in her life and paid the price for it. Meeting the man of her dreams, he eventually turns out to be her abuser and nightmare. Trapped, Millie is on the bridge for reasons other than the March.

Initially the women are confrontational toward one another with Evangeline trying to be the peacemaker, but as they tell their individual stories, they develop compassion for one another and a desire to change their circumstances.  “The March” is a woman’s tale, one told by many women around the world.

Anjel Goldmine and Weronika Wozniak make up the ensemble as dancers and singers in the show. With Lucinda Carr making an appearance as the Grandmother sage. The Stage Manager is Joyce Pena.

“The March” touches the funny bone, the heart and poignancy of being a woman. Although it only ran for a short period, hopefully the production will return for a longer stay so that audiences can see this worthwhile play.

 

 

 

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