Urbanite Theatre: From 145th to 98th Street

SARASOTA — On Friday, Urbanite Theatre in downtown Sarasota presented the world premiere of Nia Akilah Robinson's From 145th to 98th Street, winner of Urbanite’s 2020 Charles Rowan Beye New Play Commission.

Jackie and Cedric moved their family from the heart of Harlem to upper Manhattan to create better opportunities for their two children, Fatima and Jamal. But when Jamal is wrongfully accused of a crime and Fatima begins having second thoughts about attending college, the Curtly family reexamines the decision and its many implications through each member's experience.

Imani Slates is deeply endearing as Jackie, the strong-willed mother who is determined to bend the world to her will to secure a successful life for her children. Brian D. Coats embodies the world-wary husband willing to stand behind a strong woman, and the chemistry between the two actors is one of the production’s greatest strengths. 

Sól Fuller is downright adorable as Fatima, the baby sister suffocating under the expectations of her parents as well as the control over her future they are willing to hold. In a particularly strong performance, Ibukun Omotowa (who recently performed in Asolo Rep's Goodnight Oscar) brings a great deal of gravity and presence to Jamal, an aspiring rapper who feels as though all of his mother's energy was diverted toward Fatima once he strayed from the rigidly defined path she had set for him. Veteran Sarasota actress Ariel Blue, best known for her work with the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, brings a bit of levity to the supporting role of the family's nosy neighbor, Dawn.

Robinson's storytelling is rich and poignant, and the deep love the Juilliard grad has for Harlem comes through in every scene. From 145th to 98th Street is a moving family drama that examines the Black experience in a time and place she clearly knows well. It runs through June 29. Visit the Urbanite website for schedule and ticket information.

Dennis "Mitch" Maley is a novelist, as well as an editor and opinion columnist for The Bradenton Times. In addition to his regular Sunday column, he hosts our weekly podcast and does occasional theater, travel, restaurant, and wine reviews. He is a graduate of Shippensburg University and later served as a Captain in the U.S. Army. Click here for his bio. His novels and short story collection are available here.