FRIDAY APRIL 14, 2006
THEATER

Two black Pulitzers in the Lou
'Fences' at RAC, 'Topdog/Underdog' at UMSL

By Kenya Vaughn
For The St. Louis American

Legendary and recently deceased August Wilson and legend-in-waiting Suzan Lori Parks are synonymous with the elite of black theatre. The two playwrights get a St. Louis connection this weekend as Unity Theatre Ensemble and UMSL simultaneously stage the plays that earned these authors the Pulitzer Prize. Although each of the plays has etched a place in theatrical history, the productions reflect opposite ends of the pendulum that is black American life.

The better-known of the two productions is Wilson's Fences. A classic, it is the 1950's installment of his cycle of plays that highlight each decade of black life in the 20th century. Fences tells the story of Troy Maxon, a former Negro League star turned garbage man who festers with resentment because of choices that he made and chances he was denied. Although he thrives at being a provider and patriarch, he constantly imposes his life's disappointments on the family and his actions threaten to tear them apart.

Unity's production of Fences is a reunion of sorts, as three of the leading roles were repeated by the same actors who tackled them for the troupe's first production 14 years ago. Guest artist John Steven Crowley happily reflected upon Unity's first stab at Fences when he stepped up to the plate as Troy Maxon at the absolute last minute. "They told me, 'We need you here like the day before yesterday,'" said Crowley, who has appeared on some of the most prestigious stages in theatre, including on Broadway.

Edward L. Brown also returns as Gabe, Maxon's brother who was disabled in World War II, and Bonnie Harmon as Maxon's wife Rose. The cast is rounded out by Herman Gordon as Maxon's best friend Bono, Andray Williams as Maxon's older son Lyons, John McGillberry as younger son Cory and Jada Jackson as youngest daughter Raynell. It seemed strategic that the old-school performers were in roles that educated the rookies. The power of Crowley's Maxon complimented the subtlety of Harmon's Rose. Brown was believable as Gabe, the mentally challenged character that in different forms constantly appears in Wilson's plays.

What the new school performers lacked in experience they more than made up for in heart and zeal. The cast includes a good mix of performance styles and personalities that will add color to the audience's perception of Wilson's classic.

Unity Theatre Ensemble's production of Fences plays April 6-9 at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar. Call (314) 355-3586.