The Magic 25: 1992, The Colored Museum

The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe was a satirical revue of the Black American cultural experience. In structure it presented eleven “exhibits” of that cultural history over a musical backbeat of considerable power. Wolfe’s object was not merely to amuse or entertain, but to redefine the arena in which the images of Black American life were discussed and presented in American art and media. He attacked two conventional schools of racial imagining with equal fury, knocking both to the ground, then seek to build a new edifice of racial insight and understanding. The dual targets of his assault were traditional negative racial stereotypes, and the iconoclastic positive images of Black life formulated in the art and drama of the Civil Rights era as a counterpoint to the old stereotypes.

To all those involved with the production of “The Colored Museum”, I have never enjoyed myself more as one of the cast members of that wonderful show. From the beginning of rehearsals to closing night it was amazing. The cast and crew were some of the best in the business and I’ve been in the business a long time, so take my word for it. Everyone always left the theater with a smile on their face due to what they experienced as an audience members of George C. Wolfes play. I can’t even begin to tap into his brilliant writing of The Colored Museum, laughter, tears and might I say some insight into a culture too often misunderstood. I received the award for “Best Actress In A Musical” which I am still smiling about. I would love to do this production again, let me know if anyone is interested. Peace and much love.

by Brenda Phillips

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