by Lee Pierre
Friday night (2/18), the Berglund Center welcomed Allan Harris and his troupe with the production Cross that River the story of the Black Cowboy.
Lisa Gabourel, as emcee, opened recognizing the efforts of Berglund Center General Manager Robyn Shonn for the vision and insight that ultimately brought this moving, talent-flooded production to the venue for one night only.
The story of the Black cowboy is one of the most muted subjects in the annals of American history. Cross 
That River unequivocally proved itself as the “moving musical song cycle” that critics boast about.
Harris (as Blue) brought his story to town and took the audience on an educational, impactful, heart-wrenching journey through the Wild West in the late 1800s. Blue’s younger years as a slave become an albatross he could no longer bear. After he sees a free Black man ride through the plantation where he slaved, he knew he had to find his freedom as well.
Due to a close encounter in the hayloft whereby Blue was caught with the master’s daughter, Mama Lila decided the best thing for Blue to do was to leave their hometown. So, after much convincing Blue saddled up the master’s best steed and headed west to escape slavery, find freedom and start a new life as a cowboy.
Harris is a master storyteller. With his raspy voice he perfectly weaves his touching tales carried by the amazing music and lyrics that captivate any audience – taking them on a remarkable ride.
The nine-member cast consisted of four actors and five musicians who all layered the production with song after song. Backed by the band’s full-bodied mid-western accompaniment, Harris sang and strummed – strapped with his acoustic guitar throughout the entire performance.
Harris, who wrote all the music, brilliantly introduces the characters Blue encounters through songs of various styles. Mexican folk music introduces the “Dark Spanish Lady” at a bordello; bluegrass for the “Mule Skinner” he hires as a cook; and haunting tribal chants for a band of Comanche he tracks for the US government.
With incredible range and depth, actress/songstress Maya Azucena well-played multiple characters portraying each to the point where the audience could distinctly tell the difference. Through her dynamic and powerful supporting role, viewers felt the pain of Mama Lila as she sang “I Must Believe;” the excitement of the mail order bride as she clutched the “leather satchel that contained all her petticoats and dreams; the other clutched the letter from the fella who would get her at the station in old Abilene,” as well as the wounded heart of the Native American.
“I knew I had to make each character believable for the audience to follow what was going on. When I play Mama Lila, I reach deep into myself and connect with my ancestors,” Azucena said.
The talent in his entourage was stunning. All members of the band were exceptional and kept the flow of the music going in a way to maintain momentum. Harris says his next project is to write a book. He is also considering creating a trilogy to expand Blue’s story.
The show closed with the troupe singing “I Do Believe America’s My Home” with the audience giving a well-deserved standing ovation.
Cross That River; a captivating song-cycle
