The last of the six Black Light Training and Development plays took the stage at the District Theatre the previous weekend, and I was lucky enough to catch the Sunday matinee on June 8.
“Luck Finds Love,” written by Curtis Smith, is part of the Indiana Avenue series, which highlights the vibrant culture, stories and music of the once historic Black neighborhood. The play was onstage for three performances, June 6-8, showcasing a story of resilience, romance and song to capture the heart of Indiana Avenue’s golden days.
Directed by Dena Toler, “Luck Finds Love” is a one-act set against the rich cultural backdrop of Indiana Avenue’s thriving Black arts community. The story centers on a young artist in the making, Cecil Walker (Keiston Drake). Cecil, ambitious and hopeful, spends his days bagging groceries by day and traipsing Indiana Avenue by night, serenading passersby with his angelic voice and flirting with all the young eligible women.
One evening, he runs into Vera (Roni Watts), a beautiful young nurse who immediately catches his eye. Cecil sings her name like a melody for days as he prepares for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a talent competition at the famous Walker Theatre.
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The competition could be Cecil’s big break and the chance to use his voice and music to make a name for himself beyond Indianapolis — and realize the dream of buying his mother Estella (Ayshah Matthews) a house. However, a “twist of misfortune” on the way to the venue changes the trajectory of Cecil’s life forever, introducing him to a love he never expected.
Keiston Drake’s portrayal of Cecil was magnificent. It’s easy to forget this production comes directly out of a workshop for those just getting into theatre when you have so much talent being showcased in one space. Drake gave the character a big, bubbly and confident personality with an even bigger voice
However, Roni Watt’s Vera is quiet, demure and incredibly charming. She poses such a refreshingly attentive and supportive love interest for Cecil while maintaining her own agency throughout her shared happy ending.
Aysha Matthews probably had my second favorite performance of the whole show. Whenever she was onstage as Estella alongside Drake’s Cecil, I nearly forgot I was watching a play and not a mother scolding and encouraging her own son. Matthew’s mannerisms and timing as Estella were refreshing and heartfelt.
Costuming for each of the characters truly spoke to the time period and socioeconomic status of those who lived on the Avenue, but Estella’s burgundy dress/sweater combination from the cemetery scene was my favorite.
There wasn’t much in the way of a set, but it wasn’t needed. It’s a show about the people of the Avenue rather than the location itself. Still, the story develops against the backdrop of a once bustling Black community downtown, brought there through hazy lighting, well-timed sound effects and croony jazz music.
“Luck Finds Love” was simple, and I liked that about it.
It ran about 40 minutes and had all the elements that make good theatre … with a few things left for the audience to wrestle with. Sometimes life doesn’t go exactly how you planned, and those who used to call the vibrant expanse of Indiana Avenue home know that all too well. However, those who can adapt and forgive might get something out of it for their troubles, might just get a little love.
“Luck Finds Love” is the last of six plays produced as part of the Black Light Training and Development courses sponsored by the Mellon Foundation at The District Theatre. For more information, visit facebook.com/p/Black-Light-Training-Development-100094333123636/
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
