When mom is doing it by herself
October 2, 2017 by Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
Filed under Extra
Capucine Holmes
BY CAPUCINE HOLMES
Can A Woman Raise A Man?” is the name of a book written by Q. Allen King — focusing on single mothers and fatherhood, and the intersection with religious values, family and heritage in everyday situations.
The question posed in the title has particular resonance today: the U.S. Census Bureau reports the percentage of children living with only their mother has nearly tripled from 8 to 23 percent.
Those modern-day realities inspired King to adapt his book into a stage production in Las Vegas. The play captures real-life issues: how a single mother views the father of her children, and how that perspective is ingrained into a child’s upbringing. It is a musical comedy, with elements of drama centered around a family with different generations of dysfunction.
The play highlights a father’s absence in a child’s life, and the effect that absence has on a person throughout their life. It shows the repeated generations of fatherless families. Also, real life situations of broken relationships, spirituality, abuse, homosexuality, healing and family unity. The cast consists of local talent: gospel artist Velma Harris, as the funny and impactful role as Auntie; Leland Williams plays Tim, a single father; and the breakout star Alyssa Taylor, who has the voice of an angel.
Q. Allen King Author and producer of “Can A Woman Raise a Man?”
Cast members of “Can A Woman Raise a Man?”
Leland Williams
Velma Harris
