Based on David Lamb's novel Do Platanos Go Wit’ Collard Greens?, the play opened on June 27, 2003 at the Producers Club, a small Off-Broadway theater.
In addition, Platanos received special recognition at the 100th Anniversary of the NAACP[4] and has also been recognized by the Congressional Black Caucus.
[5] The New York Times[6] called Platanos “A modern-day West Side Story ... has developed a huge following among people who come to see it again and again.” The New York Post wrote “Cultures and passions collide with the poetics of Hip Hop.” Positive Community Magazine[7] says “Platanos & Collard Greens is a spicy dish served with colorful ... side dishes of humor ... and straight up revelations that hit the spot.” La Diva Latina magazine wrote that “Platanos and Collard Greens is sweet, true fun!
And Linda Armstrong of the Amsterdam News[8] called it “a play that everyone can relate to... a Hip-Hop drama... incorporating humor and utilizing extraordinary moving, and explosive poetry.
[This play] wins on all levels: it entertains, educates, and leaves one satisfied.” Caribbean Life[9] proclaimed “Moments of cutting edge insight mixed with laugh out loud humor... it will be easy to agree this show deserves to take its rightful place on Broadway as the year's new hit.