Director’s Note from Ron OJ Parson
“Oh man, it’s about time! It’s about time!”
These words are so appropriately spoken in Leslie Lee’s play The First Breeze of Summer, when the breeze begins to flow on a hot summer day.
It is also about time The First Breeze of Summer, the Negro Ensemble Company’s Tony-nominated classic, is brought back to life on the stage!
I was first introduced to the play in 1977 at the University of Michigan. I played Sam Greene and immediately fell in love with the role and the play. In 1979 I first got the chance to direct the play, and have wanted to do it again ever since.
Here at Court we are known for taking risks to make the theatre evening special. A key way we do that is by highlighting the emotion in the work. Sometimes that emotion is joy, sometimes it is sorrow, but it is always central. Hopefully you’ll leave the theatre feeling, and talking about what you have experienced.
I have to thank Leslie Lee and the Negro Ensemble Company for that first production and Court Theatre for giving me the opportunity to bring this play to a whole new generation. Since coming to Court I have been able to bring plays to life that have always been at the core of my spirit. I feel the spirit of the Negro Ensemble Company is here with me as we the remount The First Breeze of Summer. This is truly a dream come true.
–Director Ron OJ Parson
