‘Amen Corner’ set for Library Theatre

Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 | 9:06 a.m.

James Baldwin's 1955 play, "The Amen Corner," set in a store-front Harlem church, is a drama that explores the role of church and faith in the black community and the dichotomies of religious and earthly love.

In Las Vegas the production is somewhat of a tradition, brought to the stage for several years by director Walter Mason, who incorporates uplifting gospel music and a talented cast who effectively portray the discord between black husbands, wives and children in the church.

A longtime Las Vegan, Mason is a former Shakespearean actor who has portrayed Othello and Caliban, directed "The Amen Corner" in London's West End and appeared in the 1964 film "Black Like Me." He's performed on Broadway in "A Raisin in the Sun" and works extensively introducing black youth to the theater.

Presented today, Saturday and Sunday at the West Las Vegas Library Theatre, there will be a pre-production reception Saturday, in which audience members can meet the cast.

Dehner Franks serves as musical director. Choreography is by Ed Downing.

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