OBSERVER STAFF REPORT

Local playwright William A. Parker's 1998 award-winning play "Waitin' 2 End Hell" wowed audiences during its recent Sacramento showing at Sacramento High School. The popular touring play explored real-life problems confronting some of today's Black middle class families through the lives of a couple celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary.

Veteran actors Ella Joyce and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs played Diane and Dante, a couple on the verge of ruin in "Waitin' 2 End Hell," which recently played in Sacramento.

 The play focuses on Dante, a prideful, dominating husband and father who works as a parole officer. Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs plays Dante, who is accustomed to being the breadwinner in the family and becomes uneasy when his wife Diane, played by Ella Joyce, an advertising executive begins making more money than him at a job she enjoys, and is good at.

As his wife's salary increases so does her desire to take charge of the household.  Their problems, which bring up discussions of divorce, are looked at from many different angles throughout the play with the help of their friends, two unmarried couples full of life, and full of opinions. 

"It was the dialogue between the couples at the beginning of the play that made everything seem real," said Sarah James, an audience member. "Their conversation reminded me of ones I had back in the day with my friends."

Aside from the vibrant conversations allowing each of the friends' personalities to shine through, the setting also helped make the play believable.

Like many good plays and movies, "Waitin' 2 End Hell" startled audience members with a bit of violence.

"I was shocked; I'm not sure I liked the twist but I guess that kind of thing does happen" James added.

"Waitin' 2 End Hell" is directed by famed theater pioneer Woodie King, whose work has helped the play win various awards including the Audelco Award which pays tribute to excellence in Black Theatre.

Before the play's Sacramento run, it visited Stockton's Delta College and San Jose City College stages, and all shows proved the cast brings Parker's vision to life.