BLACK SUPER HERO MAGIC MAMA  by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

Black Super Hero Magic Mama, written by Los Angeles Playwright Inda Craig-Gavin, is a world premiere production playing at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, directed by Robert O’Hara.  It takes place in the bedroom of a teenage boy, 14-year old Tramarion Jackson (Cedric Joe) in Chicago in the present.

           

Tramarion is a bright studious boy who has been preparing for a quiz show about African-American history.  He also spends his free time after school with his friend Flat Joe (Noah Abbott) in his bedroom where they are writing a comic book for fun.  Tramarion’s mother, Sabrina (Kimberly Hebert Gregory) feels that Flat Joe could be a bad influence on her son.  Being a single mother, she does all she can to raise him in a safe and happy environment.           

            

The day arrives for the quiz show, and Tramarion comes through with flying colors and is the winner and recipient of a signifying trophy for his feat.   But, unfortunately, there is no time for celebration because tragedy strikes when a policeman sees Tramarion walking home in a dark ally and mistakes the trophy in his hand for a gun.  He kills him instantly, leaving Sabrina in a state of shock.    

           

When Act Two opens, there is a complete change in the play which is bewildering to say the least.  All of the original characters from the first act come back as enemies, and we are now seeing Sabrina as the main heroine of the comic book created by Tramarion and Flat Joe, as she fights against them all until she finally finds relief from her despair.  In the latter half of Act Two, we find Sabrina back in Tramarion’s bedroom taking charge of her life.   

           

Though the general idea of this play is especially provocative in today’s age, it is presented in a confusing way.  Nevertheless, the entire cast deserves credit for their fine work.           

            

Black Super Hero Magic Mama  plays Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 3 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM and 7 PM, through April 17, at the Geffen Playhouse in the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theatre, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles.  Tickets are available in person at the Playhouse box office, by phone at (310) 208-5454, or online at www.geffenplayhouse.org,