Lemonshood

Lemon Anderson

Brooklyn based hip-hop artist, Lemon Anderson's one-man show County of Kings is the TRUTH. Produced by Culture Project in partnership with SPIKE LEE and The Public Theater, County of Kings is a true story about finding passion and purpose in life against all odds.

Lemon, most recognizable as a regular on HBO's Def Poetry Jam presented by Russell Simmons, and playing opposite Denzel Washington in Spike Lee's "Inside Man" was not always on top. In fact, very early on in his life he witnessed both his beloved mother Millie and his step-father Charro die of AIDS as a product of heroin addiction. Hopeless and helpless he turned to selling drugs which resulted in him getting locked up not once but twice. Finding solace in a poetry reading in Brooklyn after returning home, Lemon turned to creative expression and was determined to make his mother proud.

It is evident why Spike agreed to produce this show with us. It is one of those inspiring theatrical experiences that a person experiences only once. He says, "the world is not a ghetto.. we don't have to stay here". Although he was born a poor Puerto Rican kid from the boogie down Bronx.. he has made a name for himself declaring that "I am gonna take these lemons and make the best lemonade". He brings his heart and passion into everything that he does and that is very clear on the stage. He speaks tenderly about his mother and his Grandma-mommy who took care of him when his parents were unable to. He speaks of his brother whom he looked up to.. and just wanted to be like even though he never gave him the time of day. Interchanging monologue with spoken-word poetry, lyricism and music brings the audience into Lemonshood.

No matter what he experienced, Lemon never gave up. When he had no one else left in the world, he never gave up. When he had nothing and was homeless and living in crack houses, he never gave up. He found his smile, claiming at the end that although HE may not always be there when you call.. HE is always right on time. The audience left inspired, many in tears. How dare we give up when GREATNESS awaits?!

County of Kings opens October 4th at The Public Theater.