Tensions surface between two middle aged sisters sharing a Harlem apartment in 1943 when they rent their spare room to a handsome young man. He falls in love with one of them and jealousy, feuding and drama follows.

Ruby Hinds and Jolie Oliver are utterly real as siblings who have been through a lot together but now face the greatest challenge to their relationship. John R. Davidson and Crystal Garrett add energy and fun as the nice guy newcomer and his manipulative, self-confident ex-girlfriend.

Director William Stanford Davis draws outstanding performances from all four and the real star is an excellent script by the late John Henry Redwood which manages to mix pathos, humor and social commentary in one winning package.

The pacing seemed a little slow at times in the first half – not helped by the play starting 30 minutes late and the scene changes taking too long – but it picks up fast and sprints to the finish like Usain Bolt.

The title comes from African American slang for an old maid – an old settler being a woman who has remained unmarried past the usual age.

If you enjoyed impressive new movie The Butler, you’ll love this play which has a similar bittersweet tone and also a great deal of heart.

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THE OLD SETTLER
A play by John Henry Redwood. Directed by William Stanford Davis.

Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm until October 27
At PIco Playhouse
10508 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064.
Tickets $32. To book call 323 960 7712 or go to www.plays411.com/oldsettler

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CAST

Ruby Hinds as Elizabeth
Jolie Oliver as Quilly
John R. Davidson as Husband
Crystal Garrett as Lou Bessie

CREDITS

Executive producer – Jolie Oliver
Producer – Alan Naggar
Associate Producer – Michael Rose Naggar
Set Design – Thomas Brown
Lighting Design – Carol Doehring
Sound Design – Rob Corn
Costume Design – Grace Goodson-Witcher
Assistant Director – Harold Erkins
Stage Manager – Ari Radousky

Thespian Thoughts – The Old Settler – theatre review by Sandro Monetti.

Thespian Thoughts is a column on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.

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