A compelling, suspenseful drama, ‘Race,’ on Hill stage
by Hugh Hunter When it comes to the question of race, our 200-year national theater has gone full circle. After a long history of ignoring the role race plays in American life, modern day theater is now preoccupied with its importance. In “Race” (2009), now running at Stagecrafters, playwright David Mamet tosses his penny into the pond. The plot is stereotypically simple. Charles Strickland, a wealthy white man, stands accused of raping a young black woman in a hotel room. The law firm of Lawson and Brown struggles to decide if it wants to accept the case. Evidence to support Strickland’s guilt and innocence is uncovered, and along the way attitudes about race are laid bare. Stagecrafters veteran Jeff Ragan gives the show much of its life. Playing the role of Jack Lawson, a conflicted white lawyer, Ragan masters Mamet’s staccato, confrontational patter. Jack is a complicated person. Though he operates on the cynical view that you only take cases you can win, this gamester also harbors positive beliefs he himself is reluctant to recognize. As the lawyers puzzle over the question of Strickland’s guilt, hidden ideas about race on the part of Jack and his two black associates also come into the open. Andre Ezeugwu plays law firm partner Henry Brown, a veteran lawyer who is both jaundiced and full of good will. Wendi Smith plays Susan, bringing an air of ingenue to the young intern. While Charles Hoffman turns Strickland into such a punching bag, you tend to sympathize with the accused. Director David Flagg’s impressive stage (set design and set decor, Maria Nappo) embodies the contradictions and ambiguities of the lawyers. Reference bookcases flank a fireplace with perfect symmetry. But over the mantel an oil painting with mysterious, shapeshifting figures is like an evil eye, casting doubt on the vision of orderly justice. The Stagecrafters production holds your attention. The script is a bit mannered, a string of one-upmanship scenes. Sometimes, a little plot twist is milked to the max: “You said what! … (dramatic pause) …You said what!” Still, director Flagg’s brisk pace, along with his set and strong acting, keep you engaged. It is a stretch to think “Race” adds much to the national dialogue. As the play hurries to its end, each unpredictable plot turn serves to expose some attitude about race that a character has been hiding. Yet none of these discoveries is especially remarkable or affecting. The Stagecrafters show succeeds at the level of mystery story. “Race” is suspenseful. But on the message, race relations side you have heard all this before. I came away with the sneaky feeling that “Race” is cashing in on current theatrical trends and that, like his lawyer Jack, Mamet is taking a case he knows he can win. Stagecrafters is located at 8130 Germantown Ave. “Race” will run through June 30. Tickets available at 215-247-8881 or www.thestagecrafters.org. READ MORE
You asked, he delivered! Andre Ezeugwu, back on stage!
Voodoo Macbeth Directed by Bob Devin Jones The time has finally come…. André Ezeugwu is making his Florida debut back to the stage as the Sergeant/Porter in this amazing production of Voodoo Macbeth, working with some amazing people!! The Studio@620 honors the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s legacy with “Voodoo Macbeth”, inspired by Orson Welles’ historic 1936 production. For those unfamiliar, the play centers on a brave Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. An all African American cast directed by Bob Devin Jones, will include local notables Sharon Scott*, Kylin Brady, Nadine Smith, James L. Lincoln, and Cranstan Cumberbatch, and features Erica Sutherlin as Lady Macbeth and Calvin M. Thompson* as Macbeth. A soundscape composed of percussion and live sound effects and a creative installation of the set by artist Ya La Ford will add to this unique dramatization! Proceeds from the Opening Night Performance will fund an educational component, taking Shakespeare into local high schools. For this reason red member tickets will not be accepted on Opening Night. MATINEE PERFORMANCES: Sundays April 9, 16, and 23 and Saturday April 15 at 3:00 PM EVENING PERFORMANCES: Thursdays April 13 and 20 at 7:00 PM Fridays April 14 and 21 at 7:00 PM Saturday April 22 at 7:00 PM A limited number of Red Member Tickets will be accepted for these performances with advanced reservations. To RSVP Please call The Studio@620 Office, 727-895-6620. Red Member Tickets will not be accepted for the Opening Night performance. *Indicates that a performer appears courtesy of Actors Equity, Inc. Erica Sutherlin, Lady appears as Lady Macbeth Calvin M. Thompson appears as Macbeth Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet will add their musical talents Special thanks to these additional sponsors: Duke Energy Bob Glaser William Lorenzen Smith and Associates Real Estate David and Astrid Ellis Charles D. Farber Memorial Foundation THE CAST James L. Lincoln (Duncan/Porter) Calvin M. Thompson (Macbeth) Erica Sutherlin (Lady Macbeth) Satchel Dennis (Macduff) Nancy Mizzell (Lady Macduff/Lennox) Cranstan Cumberbatch (Malcom) Nadine Smith (Ross) Phillip Rankin (Seyton) Sharon Scott (Hecate) Kylin Brady (Witch) Jai Shanae (Witch) Audrey Love (Witch) Andre Ezeugwu (Porter/Sergeant) Elijah Dixon (Macduff’s Son) Chris Kelly (Fleance/Young Siward) Thomas Morgan (Banquo/Ghost of Banquo/Old Siward) THE CREW Bob Devin Jones (Director) Samuel Benson (Stage Manager) Tyler Weiss (Propmaster) Sheila Cowley (Dramateur) Ya Laford ( Envrionmental Painter) Saidah Ben Judah (Costumes) Jai Hinson (Choreographer) Jesse Vance (Light Design) Richard Usher (School Outreach) Dan Granke (fight choreographer) Fanni Green (vocal and dialect coach) James Olson (set design) Zulu (set design)
