The Streets of New York (Also known as: The Poor of New York)
Dion Boucicault
The People Before the Park
by Keith Josef Adkins
Highlights
120 mins 19th Century Role(s) for Black Actor(s) Unit Set/Multiple Settings Period Costumes
Synopsis
1856. New York City. The people of Seneca Village, African American and some Irish immigrants, have lived peacefully and away from the corruption of downtown New York City.
However, when the city decides to build Central Park, their quiet hamlet becomes the target of demolition.
One man decides he will not be moved.
Press Reviews
"Informative and absorbing… brings into relief a segment of history and a schism in our path to equal rights."
— Curtain Up
"A new historical drama [that] sifts through the history of Seneca Village, a Black and immigrant community razed for Central Park."
— American Theatre
Characters
| Character |
|---|
| Jonas Van Cleef His son, Black, 22, daydreamer, a New Yorker, artist |
| Bridget Donnely Irish, 18, curious, born in Ireland, laborer |
| Phoebe Fernandes Lewis Black, 40, New Yorker, daughter of Haitians, teacher |
| Marion Lewis Black, 42, a New Yorker, husband of Phoebe, shoe merchant |
| Mathius Frackenhinger 22, born in Germany, police officer |
| Stephen Van Cleef Black, 42, rough-edged, a New Yorker, oysterman |
Publication
The People Before the Park is a play written by Keith Josef Adkins and published by Samuel French .
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