MEDIA
by Tracey Paleo | 2019
"The two most poignant performances in this production however are by William L. Warren as Cal and Judy Louise Johnson as Addie. These are not mere sideline characters portraying post-Slavery era household servants. Warren and Johnson’s performances shape the relationship perspectives about all that happens within the household and stand guard to every bit of freedom, confinement, knowledge and impotence. Voices without a voice in the outside world but fierce and clear in their own domain, they are wondrously realized here by respectively both actors. William L. Warren lends considerable dimension to Cal, the household’s African-American employee, portraying him with humor and humanity."
THEATRE REVIEW: SEVEN GUITARS AT THE LONG BEACH PLAYHOUSE
Anita W. Harris | May 31, 2019
"But Warren as Hedley is perhaps the most transcendent, embodying in his character the roots of black pain, the brokenness of its collective suffering, its visceral anger that lashes out in violence and its intense faith in redemption and a chance for wholeness. He is the spiritual center of the play and the character through which we feel the most devastation."
LB PLAYHOUSE’S “SEVEN GUITARS” LIKELY TO PLEASE AUGUST WILSON FANS
By Greggory Moore | May 31, 2019
"As Hedley, Warren avoids being a caricature of derangement, despite that his character went completely around the bend long before curtain-up; and he holds our attention fast during his two vocal solos.
Hedley (William Warren), a TB-ridden alcoholic, nurses delusions that New Orleans jazz legend “King” Buddy Bolden will one day rise from the grave with enough money for Hedley to buy his own plantation (“where no White man will tell me what to do”)."
“SEVEN GUITARS” AT LONG BEACH PLAYHOUSE
by Jordan Young | May 30, 2019
"William Warren (as King Hedley, a street vendor) and Ebonie Marie (Louise, a neighbor woman) offer the standout performances, with Warren an unpredictable powerhouse."
THE SHOWBUZZ: "SEVEN GUITARS" FILLS PLAYHOUSE
By Sean MacMullen | May 23, 2019
"We listen to William Warren (Hedley) and Rayshawn Chism (Floyd Barton) craft, passionate, heartfelt and thoughtful musings. Both men create charismatic personas that are fully engaging. Mr. Warren’s unguarded performance as Hedley perfectly plays counterpoint to Mr. Chism’s calculated and manipulative Floyd."
PLAYWRIGHT EXPLORES THE “PERIPHERY” OF HISTORICAL CHANGE
By Deborah Klugman | Jan 26, 2017
"Ed Simpson’s play, Periphery, opened in L.A. in honor of Black History Month – but also on the same day that massive crowds of protesters flooded the streets in cities across the nation against the newly inaugurated President Trump.
The good news is that the playwright has drawn the characters with skill, and many of the performances are solid. Of particular note is William L Warren as an exasperated Billy, seething with anger at the Young Man’s dangerous dare."