“Hey Little Walter” by Carla Debbie Alleyne Strikes Audiences

A showcase production of , “Hey Little Walter” by Carla Debbie Alleyne at Theater 122 left the deeply moved audience at a loss for words. Although the production was low key with minimal scenery and props, the rich story line and moving performances were memorable. The show introduced first time actors Paul Johnson (Walter), Bob Riley (younger brother Albert), Bill O’Keefe (best friend Rakim), Alicia Trainer (girlfriend Nikki), and Sandra Blazer (Mama). These young performers clearly expressed the student playwright’s point of view and drew an added interest from the audience. If “Hey Little Walter” is ever performed again you are encouraged to go and see it and enjoy the wonderful writing of the newly emerging playwright Alleyne.

Walter is a poor African American teenager growing up in Brooklyn, New York with his younger brother and sister, Albert and Latoya, and his mother. He is faced with pressures from his girlfriend, best friend and family. His girlfriend wants to date someone with money, his family cannot pay their bills, and his best friend, Rakim whom he feels the utmost loyalty to, is trying to talk him into dealing drugs together. Walter decides that the best way to solve all of his problems is to deal drugs with his friend but then finds his problems only grow worse. As the exciting events play out in the remainder of the act you are able to feel the emotions and thoughts experienced by each character and watch them make choices that will affect the rest of their lives.

The height of the performance takes place during a confrontation between Rakim, Walter and another group of young men. With the help of special effects and careful staging the scene takes on an air of realism. You must give full credit for the suspense and riveting plot to the author not the actors for the writing was much more impressive. Although the small cast, and simple scenery created an intimate atmosphere, the production would have been enhanced with better set design and blocking. Although as first time actors the cast performed well, the production would be better served by more experienced actors.

So if you are a teenager or a young person interested in seeing a show and “Hey Little Walter” arrives in playhouses again, go and see it. This one-act play has a lot to teach us about the importance of trusting your conscience and putting your safety and the safety of your loved ones before your materialistic needs.