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WENDELL’S WEEKEND PICK
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THEATER REVIEW “Ceremonies in Dark Old Men” Grade: A-
8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; 2:30 p.m. July 21, 28. Extended through Aug. 19. $25-$29. True Colors Theatre, Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St. N.W.. 678-528-1500, truecolorstheatrecompany.com.
The verdict: A first-rate revival of a classic.
Set in a Harlem barbershop in the 1950s, Lonne Elder III’s “Ceremonies in Dark Old Men” cuts like a razor and stings like a shot of corn whiskey rolling over the back of the throat.
And you thought this was just a nostalgia-soaked tale about a couple of old geezers with nothing better to do than play checkers and reminisce about their youthful exploits.
Though Elder’s 1969 play follows an essentially comic path, the story of former vaudevillian Russell B. Parker and his failed barbershop is really a bristling study of the collapse of the American dream, as evidenced by one particularly dysfunctional family. When Parker’s bossy, hard-working daughter threatens to pull the plug on her father and two unemployed brothers, the menfolk cook up a money-making scheme that will end in tragedy.
First produced by New York’s legendary Negro Ensemble Company, “Ceremonies” is getting a stunning revival by Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre for the National Black Arts Festival. Marvelously performed and beautifully designed, the production reaffirms the 5-year-old company’s mission to produce masterpieces of black literature — and demonstrates why Leon has become one of the most vital directors on the American landscape.
Led by the superb Glynn Turman as Parker, the production is a glorious showcase of acting detail, pitch-perfect humor and devastating emotional consequences — all set in designer Rochelle Barker’s fastidiously appointed vintage barbershop.
While Parker and his exhausted daughter Adele (Karan Kendrick) seem to have grown old before their time, sons Theopolis and Bobby (real-life brothers Brandon J. and Jason Dirden) abdicate adult responsibilities and succumb to a life of moonshining and thievery.
Striking a deal with the ominously seductive gangster Blue Haven (E. Roger Mitchell), they convert the former checker-playing parlor into a den of decadence and destruction. As his sons sink deeper into trouble, Parker embarks on an ill-fated dance of womanizing and wastrelsy — adolescence in reverse.
Portraying Parker’s crony William Jenkins, Eugene Lee gives a solid supporting performance. But the first act really belongs to Brandon J. Dirden’s disaffected and disappointed Theopolis.
Dirden, who recently made his Broadway debut in “Prelude to a Kiss,” delivers a sizzling, physically demanding account of his character. Making his Atlanta debut, Jason Dirden, on the other hand, makes for a sweetly lost and tender Bobby.
Stuttering and unsure of himself, Bobby seems to look to his elders for cues on how to respond to the minute-by-minute decisions of life, which turns out to be a pretty bum decision.
Kendrick is also excellent, though in a much smaller role. And Mitchell’s account of Haven’s cold brutality is mesmerizing; Haven’s violent showdown with Theopolis lasts just a few brief moments, but the scene is chilling and unforgettable.
A gripping and lushly written domestic drama, “Ceremonies in Dark Old Men” picks up where Lorraine Hansberry left off and laid the foundation for the works of August Wilson. Still resonant nearly 40 years after its arrival, it’s a withering and necessary look at the way the cards have been stacked against African-American males for decades.
Comments
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By KeithKNOWS
July 13, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
An American Classic drama directed intelligently by Atlanta’s own “Kenny Leon”. I thought here we go again, DRAMA! DRAMA! DRAMA!, I was pleasantly surprised, this play kept my interest for over 2 hours and I still wanted more. Actor Glynn Turman(The Wire, Raisin in the Sun, How Stella Got her Groove Back) plays “Parker” the breadwinner of the family, since his wife passed away, the family relies on him for emotional and financially support…which ain’t happening. “Parker” is a barber with only a few customers, longing for the good ole days when his finances were plentiful, he gambles on the numbers, of course, this leads to criminal activity which further divides the family. He has 2 sons(Theo & Bobby) which are also unemployed and relying on their Sister(Adele) for financial support. Theo can’t make up his mind about what to do with his life, his younger brother Bobby is a small time thief, and their sister Adele is convinced their mother worked herself to death. The drama continues…..buy your ticket, go see the play!
By Richelle Stone
July 16, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
This was an excellent show! I must say that in addition to the review above, Karan Kendrick’s performance as Adele was unparalelled! Her strength as the sole female voice in the house went from angst to humor while wrapped in love. Bobby (Jason Dirden) was also a favorite. I loved the fact that his stuttering problem was not overdone, he pulled it off flawlessly. Excellent job to True Colors and Kenny Leon. A must see for all!