Feeling the Itch

The Hula Hoopin’ Queen

“Today is the day I’m going to beat Jamara Johnson at hooping. Then I’ll be THE HULA HOOPIN’ QUEEN of 139th Street!” Young Kameeka is bound and determined to prove to her friend, Jamara, that she’s no longer holds the title of champion hula hooper. Kameeka is finally going to win the crown today. Then suddenly Kameeka feels the itch, the Hula Hoopin’ itch. Her fingers start snappin,’ her feet start tappin’ and her hips start swingin.’ But Kameeka’s challenge to her hoopin’ friend, Jamara, will just have to wait. Today’s Miss Adeline’s 80th birthday and Kameeka’s planned a special party for the lovable woman who’s been like a grandmother to both her mother and her for many years. But today is also the day Kameeka has planned to win the title of THE HULA HOOPIN’ QUEEN.

Thelma Lynne Godin’s colorful picture book (available for sale in the lobby, along with other YPT merch) is a contemporary story set in a close-knit Harlem, neighborhood in New York. Kameeka’s determined to beat her best friend and closest rival and claim the title of HULA HOOPIN’ QUEEN. But the little girl gets sidetracked with the baking and other party preparations for her beloved neighbor’s birthday. Positive themes of family, friendship and the joy of staying young-at-heart permeate this happy, often hilarious story. The play depicts the lessons a young girl learns that having good friends is the most important part of life.

Adapted by Evanston playwright and director, Gloria Bond Clunie (THE LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET; MY WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY SUIT), the 70-minute one-act follows the book exactly and, as briskly directed by Randy White, bursts with humor and hardihood. Looking as if the picture book had suddenly came to life, Annie Smith’s brightly hued scenic design beautifully depicts the two apartments on 139th street. The setting also includes the facade of John’s doughnut bakery. It’s highlighted with an array of colorfully lighted hula hoops that hover overhead, thanks, also, to lighting designer, Kevin Rechner. And a special nod to costume designer Marquecia Jordan for an wardrobe of ever-changing, colorful, contemporary outfits for the characters. 

The casting is particularly spot-on and is alive with Girl Power. Talented actress Aja Singletary (AMADEUS, Steppenwolf; THE NACIREMA SOCIETY, Goodman) stars as young Kameeka. She’s very believable as a little girl and gives such a winning, likable performance. In her YPT debut, lovely Livia Robin is a powerhouse playing Jamara, Kameeka’s best friend and worst rival. She was recently seen in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. And Sol Fuller (A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Goodman) is a real standout as Portia, Kameeka’s encouraging and caring friend. 

Jazzma Pryor (STEW, Shattered Globe) is honest, maternal and quite humorous as Kameeka’s Mama. Spunky Michelle Bester (THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF MOTOWN, Black Ensemble Theater ) is both helpful and hilarious as nearby neighbor, Miss Evelyn. And, also making her YPT debut, the terrific Melanie Hubbard (A TALE OF TWO CITIES, Shattered Globe) almost steals the entire show as the wise and high-wattage Miss Adeline. From her many years of life experiences, Miss Adeline’s able to share a lot of meaningful memories and life lessons with her young friend and neighbor. And theatergoers will fall in love with this caring character, a sweet, young-at-heart woman, who’s youthful attitude makes life a continual adventure that’s worth living.

It’s difficult to imagine a more heartfelt and inspiring play for young audiences and their adult companions. Particularly suited for ages 4 and up, Young People’s Theatre of Chicago certainly has another hit on its hands in this final production of their current season. By the end of this happy, humane and humorous story, I can imagine that every kid’s fingers will start snappin,’ their feet will start tappin’ and their hips will start swingin.’ And they’ll be feeling the itch to become their own Hula Hoopin’ Champion!   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May 9-31 by the Young People’s Theatre of Chicago at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the Greenhouse box office, by calling 773-404-7336 or by going to boxoffice@greenhousetheater.org or yptchi.org. 

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com

Photos are by Steven Townshend, Distant Era.