** I have been a loyal Raven Theatre attendee for many years, and over those years, have truly enjoyed what they have created in their neighborhood. Tonight, for the first time, I have witnessed a production that appears to be sharply directed by Mikael Burke, well acted by  four talented actors, and although enjoyed by a full house, I truly feel , a story that is somewhat confusing ( which accounts for my rating). “Oak” written by Terry Guest takes us into an area where the young women are disappearing, thus a curfew has been issued.

In Guest’s story we focus, primarily on three teens. There is evidently a monster of some type going after teens, causing a curfew to be set. On the stage, there is a television set which from time to time goes “live” with updates on missing people and the “monster”. While this is a main part of the story, there are some underlying thoughts from this. It seems that the “monster” treats White and Black teens differently, as does the news reporter. Our teens start the story as Pickle ( a terrific Jazzy Rush) sets us up on a bare stage with a hand held light illuminating her quite expressive face.

We meet her little brother, Big Man ( deftly handled by Donovan Session), her “cousin”-“bestie” Suga ( adorably played by Brianna Buckley) and her Mama, Peaches ( Stephanie Mattos, who I believe also plays the crazy old woman with a shot gun). The performances are all worthy of seeing, but I found the story wandering off and trying to do more than it should in 90 minutes without an intermission.

Opening night had some technical difficulties , causing a stoppage in the play, but Mattos did a “bit” ( or so it seemed) that covered it well.Peaches had hopes for a show biz life, but having Pickle at 16 changed all that . There are ghost stories ( Odella), which is the name of the creek and the stories go back to days of slavery. The kids are scared and when Suga disappears they go looking for her. I never give away a mystery play, but will tell you that there are some moments of comedy, others of fear and although there might be too many stories for a 90 minute play, the acting is terrific. The ending will surprise you and leave you thinking!(possiblyconfused).

“Oak” will continue Thru – Nov 9th with performances as follows: