Arts & Entertainment Compass

Black & White City Blues: Opening 2nd run at American Theatre of Actors this May

Article by Kaitlyn E. Clark with Photos by Niko Stycos 

If you haven’t yet heard of Black & White City Blues by Richard Vetere, now’s the time. This gritty, noir drama set in 1971 Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is the kind of show that doesn’t just tug at your emotions – it knocks the wind out of you. Opening on May 14th at American Theatre of Actors, this show is an absolute must-see. 

The play had its debut run at the American Theatre of Actors this January under the sharp, evocative direction of Amber Brookes, who also starred as Delilah, the deeply emotional role of the main character’s sex worker girlfriend. With a powerful ensemble cast and complex themes of addiction, love, and loss, the show immediately resonated with audiences and critics alike. By the end of their debut, they had extended their run for an additional week.  

During its initial run, Black & White City Blues welcomed special guest Dan Lauria, known for his role as Jack Arnold on The Wonder Years. Lauria graciously joined playwright Richard Vetere for an interview on Stage Whisper Podcast and participated in a live talkback on Sunday, January 12th. The event underscored the show’s emotional weight and cultural relevance, as well as Vetere’s rich history as a writer.  

At the center of the story is Little Guy, played by Joseph Monseur in a performance that has been praised for its rawness and emotional depth. Monseur navigates the character with versatility, moving seamlessly between quiet moments of introspection and explosive outbursts of desperation. Callie Stribling of OuterStage praised Monseur for his talent in leading and grounding the show. 

Sharing the stage with Monseur are longtime ATA collaborators and newcomers alike. Jake Minter and Sam Cruz alternate as John John and Bobby, portraying childhood friends of Little Guy who have fallen into the worst of addiction. Cruz, who has been featured in a number of ATA productions such as A Touch of Shakespeare, King Lear, and Apostrophe!, brings dynamic talent to the stage. This young actor seamlessly transitions between classical Shakespearean roles and modern, emotional roles. Minter, a familiar face at ATA for nearly seven years, continues to captivate audiences with his performances. Together, they bounce off each other with the chemistry of real brothers, one minute joking, the next confronting life-or-death decisions.  

As Piranha, Riyadh Rollins solidifies the natural grit and edge of the show. Kevin Leonard, an ATA veteran whose presence has become a signature of the company, shines as Wellman. Leonard’s talent for filling the stage with gravitas is on full display in Black & White City Blues. Gary E. Vincent also offers spice as the beautiful and larger-than-life role of Bernice, a transgender sex worker. This ensemble alone delivers gutwrenching scenes, but the list of stars in this show is just beginning. 

Anita Moreno brings poise as Detective Lucy Cortez, and her eventual counterpart, Burke Jeffries, brings tragic curiosity. Jeffries, a journalist looking to cover the heroin epidemic, is played by Jake Smith, the only cast change between January and May. Eventually, Jeffries’s mission to understand the effects of drug abuse brings him down a dark path, illuminating the true purpose of the show to the audience. 

The response to the production was overwhelmingly positive, evidenced by their return to ATA so quickly. Jim Catapano of Arts Independent described it as “an incredibly moving, impactful, and astute observation of the frailty of human existence that is not to be missed, and will stay with you long after the lights go out.” 

The praise transcends generations with one young reviewer, Data Gabadze for Words4Culture, describing the show as a tangible and emotional experience: “I felt the pain and sorrow of the characters, not because I related to every character personally but because of the superb acting that submerged me in the play.” 

Beyond its exceptional storytelling and performances, Black & White City Blues is a perfect embodiment of the American Theatre of Actors’ mission: to uplift new voices, including actors, playwrights, and directors. This production is not just a passion project for Richard Vetere; it’s a culmination of five decades of writing, reflection, and grief. Inspired by the tragic death of his cousin, known in real life as “Little Guy,” Vetere has channeled his heartbreak into a deeply personal exploration of loss and addiction. 

As Vetere shared during the January talkback: “Just because I wrote the play doesn’t mean I know what’s going on. Someone asked me recently why I come to see the play, and I said, ‘because I wanna learn! I wanna learn what I wrote.’ I believe we write from the subconscious.” It is clear that this story came straight from the heart. 

With such a talented cast and a deeply human story at its core, this show is going places. Don’t miss your chance to experience this play in the intimate Sargent Stage at American Theatre of Actors. This may just be your final opportunity to witness Black & White City Blues before it takes off to bigger stages. 

Tickets are on sale now! Get them before they’re gone at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/american-theatre-of-actors-inc/67d04291c9bcd00f6ca18f99/tickets#/productions-view 

Show Times

Wed. May 14th, 7pm 

Thurs. May 15th, 7pm 

Fri. May 16th, 7pm 

Sat. May 17th, 7pm 

Sun. May 18th, 3pm 

Wed. May 21st, 7pm 

Thurs. May 22nd, 7pm

Fri. May 23rd, 7pm

Sat. May 24th, 7pm 

Sun. May 25th, 3pm