In a society tainted by the evils of gangs, drugs, and violence, it is refreshing to find a young voice that challenges the traditional stereotype that all teenagers are bad. "Hey Little Walter", written by Carla Debbie Alleyne while she was still in high school is a wonderful play now showing at the Playwrights Horizons. This one of a kind production entices the audience while also exposing the dark world of drug dealing. Alleyne offers a perspective that no adult could, shedding light on the negative consequences drug dealing has on the person involved as well as the people around him.

Walter, played by Harold Perrineau, is a typical urban youth whose life centers around his family, friends, and his girlfriend Nicky, played by Lisa Carson. All is well until his best friend Rakim, played by Seth Gilliam, introduces the idea that they could make a lot of money by selling drugs. At first Walter declines, but certain circumstances, such as the fact that Nicky leaves him for someone who had more money and that his mother cant pay the bills, lead him to eventually change his mind. Walter's decision causes catastrophic problems for himself, as well as his family, mainly his younger brother Albert played by Merlin Santana. The audience travels with Walter down the path of destruction that many teen drug dealers in America travel each day, and also witness the results that Walter's actions have on those that he loved.

The play begins with Walter's monologue in which he desperately explains that his story needs to be told. From this moment on Perrineau gives a superb performance, captivating the audience and leaving them eager to see more. Gilliam is also at his best, and with out a doubt puts tears in your eyes as he hysterically explains to Walter that his cousin was dead. Natalia Harris was spectacular as Latoya, Walter's much younger but wiser sister who serves as the voice of reason in this story. Other cast members Cynthia Martells, as hardworking Mama, and Sean Nelson, as Albert's friend Treybag, also helped to make the production an overall success.

Audiences of all ages will enjoy this story, although there may be a little too much violence for young children. I especially encourage teenagers who normally aren't interested in the theater to see this play because it is modern, fast paced, and something they may be able to relate to. Overall Alleyne does an excellent job of conveying her message that drugs and drug dealing are one of the many evils of the world, but does so in a way that she does not sound like she is lecturing the audience. "Hey Little Walter" is a fantastic first play for Alleyne, and we can only wait and see what this new, young writer will create next.