Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • beats
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
    • California Dream
    • Videos
    • Photos
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Roots
    • Eclectic
    • Videos
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight
    • California State of Mind
    • The View From Here
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • Insight Music
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • CapRadio Travels
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support / Underwriting
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Volunteering
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 

Theatre Review: How We Got On

  •  Jeff Hudson 
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 | Sacramento, CA
Listen
/
Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
  

When I went to the B Street Theatre to see “How We Got On,” I found myself sitting with a mildly apprehensive audience.  (beatboxing in background) The folks in the seats that night were, shall we say, mostly white and old enough to be eligible for AARP membership -- a demographic that tends to be pretty skeptical of rap. I overheard several people saying “I’m not sure I’m gonna like the show we’re about to see.”

But then the play began, and early on came a winning description of the techniques a successful rapper uses in performance:

“Use techniques like metaphor:”

“If rap was a shoe, you’d be a sandal..”

“Simile..”

“Black and heavy, just like an anvil…”

“Hyperbole…”

“Ice Mr. Freeze MCs to a standstill.”

“Alliteration.”

“Compete with this casual cool kid, you get cancelled…”

Metaphor? Simile? Alliteration? Heck, I was an English major long ago, and I can follow that rhyme scheme. And before 20 minutes had passed, the young black and Latino actors in this show’s cast had the audience – most of them old enough to be the actors’ parents – smiling and clapping along.

“Just throw your hands in the air. And wave them like you just don’t care. And if you’ve got on clean underwear, let me hear you say “Oh yeah.”

“Oh yeah!”

“Don’t stop. Check my rhyme.”

Now let it be noted that playwright Idris Goodwin sets his tale in a leafy Midwestern suburb, rather than the inner city. And the story concerns three ordinary high school kids who are trying to produce their own rap tunes using a bulky old boombox with a cassette deck. It’s a sweet, even nostalgic coming-of-age story, as the inexperienced but determined kids struggle mightily to focus their creativity, and convince their skeptical parents and teachers that their music is actually OK. And you know, if this energetically performed, well-written little play only needed a few minutes to win over a classically-inclined, 50-something theater reviewer like myself… chances are you’ll find yourself enjoying it, too.

The B Street Theatre’s production of “How We Got On” continues through June 23rd.

0528JH-X


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

 theatre

Jeff Hudson

Contributing Arts Reporter and Theatre Critic

Jeff Hudson has been contributing arts-related stories to Capital Public Radio since 1995, with an emphasis on theater and classical music. He attends over 100 performances annually, ranging from modern musicals to medieval masses.   Read Full Bio 

 Email Jeff Hudson

Coronavirus Newsletter

Get answers to your questions, the latest updates and easy access to the resources you need, delivered to your inbox.

 

Want to know what to expect? Here's a recent newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

We'll send you weekly emails so you can stay informed about the coronavirus in California.

Browse all newsletters

More Stories

Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Supreme Court Rules For Worshippers And Against California COVID Restrictions

April 10, 2021

David Calvert/Nevada Independent via AP, Pool

Last Summer, Nevada Lawmakers Promised More Criminal Justice Reform. Here Are Some Of The Bills They’re Considering

April 14, 2021

Jared Jones/Sacramento History Museum

New Meets Old As Sacramento History Museum Gains Social Media Fame

April 13, 2021

Most Viewed

California Coronavirus Updates: As Live, Indoor Performances Return, Guests May Be Required To Show Proof of Vaccination Or Negative Test

How To Get A Vaccine Appointment In California, And Other Things To Know About The Vaccine

Sacramento County Motels Sheltered Hundreds of Homeless Residents During The Pandemic. But They Could Soon Close.

Signatures Are In. What You Need To Know About The Gavin Newsom Recall Effort.

California Coronavirus Updates: California Expands Vaccine Eligibility, Hits Two Milestones

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

California Coronavirus Updates: As Live, Indoor Performances Return, Guests May Be Required To Show Proof of Vaccination Or Negative Test

How To Get A Vaccine Appointment In California, And Other Things To Know About The Vaccine

Sacramento County Motels Sheltered Hundreds of Homeless Residents During The Pandemic. But They Could Soon Close.

Signatures Are In. What You Need To Know About The Gavin Newsom Recall Effort.

California Coronavirus Updates: California Expands Vaccine Eligibility, Hits Two Milestones

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2021, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.