Dr. Lafayette Lipscomb and Chancellor James H. Ammons were among the guests at the reception held before the play started.

NC Central University’s Department of Theatre presented a sneak preview of “Becca” to salute Chancellor James Ammons and his family on April 4.

The children’s musical, written by Wendy Kesselman, “offers a view of the world through the eyes of a child,” says the play’s director, Johnny Alston.

“This play has to do with the idea of interpersonal relationships, how you deal with other people, and the idea of being kind,” said Alston.

Jo-Ann continues to bully Becca.

When we first meet the play’s title character, Becca, played by La’Dwaun Gordon, she is the doll of Jo-Ann, played by Veronique MacRae.

Jo-Ann is an uncaring and selfish little girl who is the almighty ruler in her bedroom, a kingdom made of toys and pets.

By withholding food and demanding love, Jo-Ann has her environment in a chokehold, and it’s up to Becca, the mysterious doll, to try and find the inner strength to rebel against Jo-Ann’s twisted tyranny.

The play is fantastic. All the actors were dedicated and energetic. It’s clear that they all truly enjoyed what they were doing on stage.

La’Dwaun Gordon put in an impressive performance in her portrayal of the whimsical doll Becca, and Veronique MacRae also did a fine job in playing the spoiled brat Jo-Ann.

Grasshopper (Julius Jones), Parrot (Erika Lovelace) and Salamander (Tomeka James) dream to one day be free.

However, Ida the Spider, played by Tonya Williamson, turned in the play’s powerhouse performance alluring movement and a powerful voice.

Her voice matched her equally strong and dramatic spider-webbed costume for a perfomance that was sure to give plenty of young audience members the creeps.

The Bullfrog, played by Geomone Nolen, brought plenty of comic relief every time she exclaimed “I’m hungry” in the middle of the most heartfelt moments.

The Grasshopper, played by Julius Jones, added another beautiful voice to the play along with his co-stars — the musical harmony in this play was wonderful.

The Bullfrog, played with gusto by Geomone Nolan.

The set was a character in its own right, and another triumph for the theater department.

Most impressively, the designers managed to create a revolving set that displayed, on one side, an exact replica of a child’s room, and on the other side the inside of a frightening closet.

Director Alston succeeded very well in casting actors capable of bringing out the glimmers of comedy in this dark and grim musical, as well as in making the exquisite costumes and set.

I was overjoyed by the play. Better yet, I think children will find this gem to be both a scary and a funny experience. “Becca” is a must see event complete with an “oh-my-God” suprise that jolts the audience at the end of the first act.

Becca was sponsored by the N.C. Chapter of Theatre Alumni, Alpha Psi Omega, and the NCCU Department of Art.