Fans love it. Critics don’t. After Tyler Perry, can urban theater cross over? -12

Written by Fairchick Date
Lawrence noted similarities between
his work and those — the reliance on
music and lyrics rooted in black
culture and the popularity of the
productions. "I'm selling these theaters
completely out," Lawrence says.
"The same theater that 'Lion King' is
playing at, but we're still classified
as the chitlin' circuit." Right, but "Set It Off" is not August
Wilson or Lorraine Hansberry, says
culture critic Michael Arceneaux,
author of "I Can't Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other
Reasons I've Put My Faith in Beyoncé." He saw "Set It Off" during its
first Washington run. "It's a good time if you know exactly
what you're signing up for,"
Arceneaux says. "In the same way
there is a time for fine dining and
then there is a time for the spicy
chicken strips combo from Popeye's, that's how you should go
in ready to see 'Set It Off' and plays
like it. The audiences get that, which
is why the play has done so well."-Washington post

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