Because New York City is the melting pot of the world, tensions can rise between different groups. "Welcome Home Sonny T", showcased at Theater for the New City and written and directed by William Electric Black, is a dramatic play set in Staten Island, NY that addresses issues of racism, generational differences, and morality.
At the beginning of the play, the intimate stage is adorned with decorations for Sonny T's welcoming home party: red, white, and blue ribbons hang from a banner saying 'Welcome Home Sonny T,' beside a picture of a man with an army uniform. Sonny T, once a misfit, turned his life around after joining the army as his consequence for behaving badly. Although the play is centered around welcoming him home from his tour, we never actually see him. This play is a story about his siblings: Lashon (Brittney Benson) and Rodney (Kadeem Ali Harris) have differing feelings of his return back to the "hood," but both want nothing to interfere with his arrival. Wishful thinking: Carlos (Nestor Carillo), a Mexican living in the neighborhood, is looking for information on his brother's shooting, which Rodney may or may not have been involved in. The same night as Sonny T's return, Carlos organizes a protest by the community center, where the celebration for Sonny T is being held.
"Welcome Home Sonny T" is a real life drama with a hint of racial humor and some mature conversation. It addresses the issues in a way that all people can relate to. The play tackled an issue that everyone deals with despite race or age: acceptance. Being accepting of one another person despite race, gender, lifestyle and decisions both past and present and the consequences.
Every character has their own story, from the Reverend's (Richard Pryor, Jr.) secret murderous past, to Rodney's friend (and certified gangster) Big Boy, played by the excellent Brandon Mellette. Both Mellette's performance and that of Kadeem Ali Harris are believable, sympathetic, and passionate: their conversations are crude and their language cringeworthy, but incredibly effective.
Although Sonny T's welcome home may be less than joyful, New York City welcomes this play with open arms.
For more information on Theater for the New City, check out their website: https://www.theaterforthenewcity.net/
