Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: "The Night Watcher"

The Night Watcher

written and performed by Charlayne Woodard

Do you remember the woman who charmed us as Amelia in the original production of Ain't Misbehavin' alongside the late Nell Carter? Or do you remember Will Smith's aunt Janice from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air? Then, you'll remember that these characters were played by the multi-talented actress/storyteller/playwright Charlayne Woodard.

Charlayne Woodard is back with yet another beautifully written autobiographical one-woman show. In The Night Watcher, she's charming onstage and story tells with so much passion and honesty. Her delivery is very intimate, like a child being read a bedtime story at night, which foreshadows the story of The Night Watcher. That's her role - "Auntie," who has a list of god kids (nieces and nephews) who she cares for religiously, as if she was a birth mother.

The Night Watcher is an intimate look at the various definitions of parenthood, weaving together stories of the ordinary and extraordinary ways she has mentored the children in her life. As she tells these delicate and amusing stories of her god kids, she dives deeper into the personal by sharing her struggles of not having kids of her own. Touching on societal and familial pressure of women, marriage, and procreation. For Charlyane, who is happily married and childless, caring so fervidly for her host of god kids allows her to be a mother - her blessing. That's what works for her - her gift from the Universe and her contribution back to the Universe.

You know, there's a huge difference between being a biological parent and being a parent. Some folk were born with both gifts, some only one. This story speaks to one women's gift of being a parent and a mother to those many kids who are lacking or missing that parent figure...and we all know at least one. We all can appreciate and benefit a lot from a 'Night Watcher.'

There's only a few more days left to see this awesome one-woman show, presented by Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters. It closes this Saturday, the 31st...so hurry! Your hearts will be warmed and your spirit will be renewed.

There's a lot of great theater happening Off and Off-Off Broadway these days, so, check out a show!

For more info:

THE NIGHT WATCHER

written and performed by

Charlayne Woodard

directed by Daniel Sullivan

presented by Primary Stages

Theater A, 59E59 Theaters

59 East 59th Street

(between Madison & Park)

New York, NY 10022

last show Saturday, October 31, 2009

For Showtimes and Tickets: www.primarystages.org