The Simple Stories
Winner of the 2014
Innovative Theatre
Outstanding
Solo Performance
The Simple Stories
Adapted from Langston Hughes’ original collection by Sandy Moore and Charles E. Gerber is a one-man show featuring Mr. Moore and directed by Mr. Gerber.
In this theatrical presentation, Mr. Moore portrays chiefly, Jesse B. Semple, “Simple”, as he came to be known, as well as his inquisitive, sophisticated friend Boyd and an array of distinctive characters drawn from Hughes’ vast treasury of memorable personalities in and around Harlem and other regions of mid 1940’s America.
Through these timeless stories, SIMPLE conveys a unique perspective to the human condition. He comments on war, segregation, love, respect, God, and humanity, using a combination of compassion, and perhaps Hughes’ greatest gift, humor.
First developed at the WorkShop Theater in 2004 as a staged reading, it has since evolved into a 75 minute stage presentation and has been performed at such venues as: the Langston Hughes Public Library in Queens, New York; the National Black Theater Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; the Grand Opening of the Bronx Library Center and for high school students under the auspices of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem.
Enjoy these excerpts from The Simple Stories:
Reviews
Joe Franklin
Bloomberg Radio 1130 AM Sirius 130, XM Channel 129
“Riveting"! "I hated to see it end. Mr. Moore is captivating. Mr. Gerber's direction is beyond flawless”
David Mackler
The OO Broadway Review
“Powerful... Moore and Gerber work well together here...Sandy Moore has a lot riding on his shoulders, but damned if he doesn't pull it off...great characters.”
Loren Schoenberg
Senior Scholar, National Jazz Museum in Harlem
“Brilliant” with characters that "really come to life"
Joe Franklin
Sandy Moore
Mr. Moore has appeared regionally in Master Harold...and the Boys; as Thurgood Marshall for TheaterWorks USA in The Color of Justice. His television appearances include Law & Order, Law & Order SVU and One Life to Live. His film appearances include Boomerang and Other People's Money.
Charles E. Gerber - Director
Mr. Gerber's directing credits include critically acclaimed productions of "Macbeth", "Tartuffe", and his annual Shakespeare festival, "Will-A-Thon" since 2004 to the present all taking place at The Workshop Theater in midtown Manhattan of which he is a founding member artist. As a actor of more than four decades, his credits are displayed at www.charlesegerber.com
Contact & Bookings
Presentations of The Simple Stories are offered in lengths of 40, 60 and 75 minutes.
For performance information and fees, please contact:
The Simple Stories was originally developed at the Workshop Theater Company in NYC. It premiered in 2004.
Video Credit: Mark Mitchell
Production Stills: Gerry Goodstein
