Stage Play | UnRated Urban Magazine – Your Source for R&B and Hip Hop

By Wendy Simmons

Every once and a while you come across a story about adultery that makes you feel for the adulterer and not condemn them. This is one of those times.

Stage play put to DVD “What Your Husband Doesn’t Know” engages us in the life of a loved and loving housewife, whose successful husband reluctantly neglects her. Not only is quality time put on the back burner but sexual interactions are also strained; so when a young attractive man begins working in her home, sparks fly and she is now tangled in a web of deceit that she can only hope to end before she ruins the perfect life that she and her husband built.

Lea, played by singer Michelle Williams, is married to Franklin, played by Amen’s Clifton Davis. Lea knows that Franklin has good intentions but the lack of affection and time pushes Lea into the arms of Paul, played by Brian White. With the guidance of her mother, Lea decides to end things with Paul; however his feelings quickly turned into an obsession. Lea has to now figure out how to stop Paul’s relentless approaches while trying to rekindle the flame that she and husband had throughout most of their marriage.

Lea confesses to her Pastor about the affair and ultimately her being forced to defend herself against Paul. While she narrates, we get the back-story of how a wife’s feelings of neglect can lead to a disastrous and possibly murderous ending.

This play, which was written directed and produced by David E. Talbert, wraps us into the drama of Lea’s life while allowing us to feel for her. I found this production to be very entertaining and captivating. I longed to see how Lea would be able to juggle a stalker and a loving husband.

There were a few musical numbers that I felt were not needed but it helped to showcase the talents of the cast. It’s not all drama through the play…Lea’s best friend and live-in house guest provides plenty of comic relief. There’s also a twist that helps to tie up some loose ends and give validity to Lea’s mother’s adamant advice on ending the affair.

This desperate housewife turned fatal attraction will keep you glued to see how a wife gets out of a terrifying situation. Pick this DVD up and question what you would do in that situation.

I give it $$$

DVD will be available for purchase on November 1st exclusively at http://www.davidetalbert.com

By Wendy Simmons

Soul Kitten’s Cabaret is a musical stage play that takes place in; you guessed it, a cabaret in Detroit where the women are engulfed in drama. Dealing with such issues as drug abuse, alcoholism, divorce, and identity crises they are battling demons within the cabaret as well as in their personal lives. This club already faces scrutiny because it is thought to have been acquired through false pretenses. Now the very over the top owner has to try to keep it from falling into the hands of the bitter son of the previous owner.

Fantasia Barrino of American Idol fame and singer Faith Evans headlined the play; however, they were only seen for a brief moment. Fantasia belted out a beautiful performance while singing as the Good Conscious of the club. With Faith portraying the Bad Conscious it would have been more fulfilling to get to know their characters and to see a conclusion to their war of good versus evil. However, outside of the characters battling with the cabaret’s thick aura of negativity, their presence was virtually forgotten.

I understand that the basis of the play is to not fall victim to the temptations of the world while pursuing your dreams.  However, had the play been more organized and detailed I would have been able to get more of a connection to the women that were dealing with these very real and self destructing issues.

Although there weren’t many musical performances there was plenty of conflict to keep you interested. The time line was confusing but the twist at the end will hopefully put it into perspective for you.

If you love drama, you will love this play and can now enjoy it in the comfort of your home. The DVD debuts on Tuesday (January 11, 2011).