Preston Love Jr.'s Portrayal of Adam Clayton Powell Is A Must See
By
Dave E. Walker
With Obama running for President you would think Adam Clayton
Powell's name would come up more often this year. The Harlem
Congressman opened doors and Preston Love Jr. showed the
audience at the Dale Clark Library a lot of them as he played
Congressman Powell surprisingly well Sunday February 3rd.
Taking place in March 1968 the one man play captures Powell's
love for Harlem and it's love for him from the very first line
where he greeted the audience and reminds them "I'm your big
daddy" and they cheered in approval. As Minister of the largest
Black Church in New York Powell took his seat in Congress and
used the Congressional Dining Room and Gym where Backs were
forbidden up till then.
Love gives a spirited performance and his voice and mannerisms
are accurate but there was a lot of education going on. He
shows how Congressman Powell, despite all the work he did on
the Civil Rights Act, wasn't allowed to speak at The March On
Washington and he makes us wonder what would have happened if
he had. In fact a lot of Adam Clayton Powell's troubles are
explored like the loss of his Congressional seat and the famous
"Bag Woman" lawsuit.
Thank Yous are in order for Linda Trout and the Dale Clark
Library Staff for opening the fourth floor to the public and
providing coffee, tea, and cookies. You could check out the
play and later check out a book, CD, or DVD. Adding to the
performance was a picture of "The Great Day In Harlem"
featuring Jazz musicians like Count Basie, Art Farmer, Lester
Young and others. Future venues include the Native Omaha Club,
and the Charles Washington Library and I'm sure other places
will be added to that list as the word gets out. Preston Love
Jr. Put everything together with the assistance of Dr. Doug
Patterson of U.N.O's. Dramatic Arts Dept. and their hard work
and research are what makes the performance so solid. This
play should be seen and talked about.