Overview
A play about family, secrets, and the power of the stories we grow up hearing. Meet the Berrys, a multi-generational Black family living under one roof in the 1970s. Their lives orbit around Rose, a strong-willed matriarch whose superstitions and secrets drive her relatives nuts. Through pointed wit and playful sarcasm, the family elders share fantastical stories about their collective past that call into question the family hierarchy and inspire the youngest generation to take pride in their heritage (and physical appearance). Tender, comedic conversations between tight-knit relatives are interspersed with moments of intense drama that mirror the internal conflicts every family must face at some point.
Casting & Production
Casting
An 8 person cast of African-American actors. No doubling.
ROSE — Dark skinned. 50’s. A Mahalia Jackson type. Raised old school in a modern world.
EDDIE – Any shade. 50’s. A quiet, hard working, mild-mannered family man.
JANET — Light skinned. 30’s. A strong voice, matter of fact, stoic.
JOHN — Any shade. 30’s. A boisterous story-teller, with a charismatic way.
JOSEPHINE — Dark skinned. Teen. A book smart girl under the shadow of her Grandmother.
YVETTE — Light skinned. Teen. A fun loving girl under the doting wing of her Grandmother.
JACKIE and DELORES — Any Shade. 50’s+. Two gossiping aunts.
Setting
Place
Omaha, Nebraska
Time
1974
Reviews
“If you feel abuzz at the end of the world premiere of In the Upper Room… it’s likely because you’ve been a mightily
absorbed fly on the wall of the Berry household for a couple of hours.”
—Denver Post
