My Husband Loves Sanaa Lathan… |

By the Way, Meet Vera Starks

: Sanaa

Sanaa

: Sanaa

Ever since “Love and Basketball” Reggie has been fond of Sanaa Lathan. So when I received the Geffen Playhouse notice for “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark”, I purchased tickets right away. Playwright Lynn Nottage (one of my favorite playwrights) does not disappoint. It is the story of Vera Stark, an African-American maid who works for Gloria Mitchell, a soon to be expired actress who is known as “America’s Little Sweetie Pie”. The play takes place in the 30’s, the sets are very old Hollywood glamour. The story follows the two women as they land parts in a film where Vera is now an on screen domestic helper to her boss Gloria. The play creatively combines film footage of the movie “The Belle of New Orleans” in which the women are featured in an over the top finale. The second act is set in 2003 with a panel that is having a lively discussion about what ever happened to Vera Starks. Sanaa in the second act portrays Vera, as a sassy Las Vegas lounge singer. The play deals with the blatant racism that was throughout Hollywood, and shows the limitations that African-American actors faced in the 30’s. The cast was fabulous, I highly recommend taking the time to see this production. We had a delightful afternoon and my hubby was all smiles after seeing Ms. Lathan.