UpStage Artists to Bring a Modern Classic to Beltsville This June

UpStage Artists, Beltsville’s resident community theater, is excited to announce that it will be performing Christopher Demos-Brown’s American Son this June. The play is about an estranged biracial couple who must confront their feelings about race and bias after their son is detained by local police following a traffic stop. Their disparate histories and backgrounds inform their assumptions as they try to find out what has happened to their son. American Son is a show that asks a lot of questions and doesn’t shy away from tough conversations. It highlights the ongoing discussion around race, respect for law enforcement, and our own innate biases toward those we may see as “the other side.”

The play is a relatively new work, having opened on Broadway less than a decade ago in 2018. It is unique in that it presents several viewpoints and gives us characters who must live with the consequences of their actions and choices. As the director of UpStage’s production, I chose this play knowing it may challenge audiences—but my hope is that you will give it a chance and come explore these ideas and themes alongside the characters. We all have preconceived notions about topics that are often labeled as political in today’s society, and it can be difficult to move beyond them. I invite you to come experience the show and engage in a dialogue with it, because there are no easy answers when discussing these themes.

American Son will be brought to life by four very talented local actors: Tiffany Jackson as Kendra Ellis-Connor, Doug Richesson as Scott Connor, Ned Kieloch as Officer Paul Larkin, and Edward V. Crews as Lieutenant John Stokes. These are performers you won’t be able to take your eyes off during the play’s 90 minutes.

There will be seven performances of American Son:

• June 5 at 7:30 pm

• June 6 at 2:00 pm (this performance will be followed by a talkback session with the actors and director)

• June 7 at 2:00 pm

• June 12 at 7:30 pm

• June 13 at 7:30 pm

• June 14 at 2:00 pm

  
  

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.upstageartists.com or at the door. Seating is limited, so purchasing tickets online is always the safest option. Performances will be held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 11416 Cedar Lane, Beltsville, MD 20705.