The Play ?NEVA GIVE UP? Successfully Debuts to a Sold Out Crowd
On September 12th 2009, a small play at the Producers Club Theatre?s Grand Stage-room, opened for its first of two performances. The play was called ?Neva Give Up?, and those who attended the show had to be happy that Writer/Director/Producer Dina never did give up on making this play happen. ?Neva Give Up? is the moving story of a young girl named Hope DeterminePlayed superbly by both Charlye Calizare-young Hope and Adrienne Davis-older Hope who is snatched from her home, at her drug addict mom?s request, by social services and placed into foster care. While in foster care, Hope has to endure the horrors of abuse and molestation before escaping, ironically, with the help of one of the social workers who took her from her birth mother. Adrienne Davis Hope was as brilliant as she was adorable. Her ability to not only work the scene but also work the audience, with a look or a glance, added that something special to an already special production. She made the character likeable, no, lovable enough that one couldn?t help but want to take her journey with her and most importantly it made one want to root for her. Evelyn Montanez who played Verena Determine, Hope?s Birth Mother, was amazingly convincing as a woman so addicted to drugs that she could voluntarily give up her child. Her pain seemed real and believable. Lucius Bryant III, who played her on again off again boyfriend and fellow drug addict, completely pulled off being pathetic and hilarious all at the same time. Surprisingly, one of the most touching moments in the play came when Social Worker Charlene Peters played wonderfully by Jacqueline King had to tell her daughter Sharon played by the amazing actress known only as Chance that she was adopted. The brilliant scene moved the entire audience into tears including this writer. ?Neva Give Up? was perfectly cast. Every actor seemed to be at the top of their game as well as in love with their characters. The play was a fast paced emotional rollercoaster ride that did exactly what it was suppose to and that is make one think. Dina, the creative force behind the play, should be proud of her accomplishments. This production was both entertaining and moving and hit all its notes in a way that many plays wish they could. The play was simply brilliant and triumphant and hopefully Dina will ?Neva Give Up? on making this play a mainstay in the theater.

Reviewed by mwood28 on Tuesday, Sep 15th, 2009

The Play ?NEVA GIVE UP? Successfully Debuts to a Sold Out Crowd
On September 12th 2009, a small play at the Producers Club Theatre?s Grand Stage-room, opened for its first of two performances. The play was called Neva Give Up, and those who attended the show had to be happy that Writer/Director/Producer Dina never did give up on making this play happen. Neva Give Up is the moving story of a young girl named Hope DeterminePlayed superbly by both Charlye Calizare-young Hope and Adrienne Davis-older Hope who is snatched from her home, at her drug addict mom?s request, by social services and placed into foster care. While in foster care, Hope has to endure the horrors of abuse and molestation before escaping, ironically, with the help of one of the social workers who took her from her birth mother. Adrienne Davis Hope was as brilliant as she was adorable. Her ability to not only work the scene but also work the audience, with a look or a glance, added that something special to an already special production. She made the character likeable, no, lovable enough that one couldn?t help but want to take her journey with her and most importantly it made one want to root for her. Evelyn Montanez who played Verena Determine, Hope?s Birth Mother, was amazingly convincing as a woman so addicted to drugs that she could voluntarily give up her child. Her pain seemed real and believable. Lucius Bryant III, who played her on again off again boyfriend and fellow drug addict, completely pulled off being pathetic and hilarious all at the same time. Surprisingly, one of the most touching moments in the play came when Social Worker Charlene Peters played wonderfully by Jacqueline King had to tell her daughter Sharon played by the amazing actress known only as Chance that she was adopted. The brilliant scene moved the entire audience into tears including this writer. Neva Give Up was perfectly cast. Every actor seemed to be at the top of their game as well as in love with their characters. The play was a fast paced emotional rollercoaster ride that did exactly what it was suppose to and that is make one think. Dina, the creative force behind the play, should be proud of her accomplishments. This production was both entertaining and moving and hit all its notes in a way that many plays wish they could. The play was simply brilliant and triumphant and hopefully Dina will ?Neva Give Up? on making this play a mainstay in the theater.

Reviewed by mwood28 on Tuesday, Sep 15th, 2009