JANUARY—

STICK FLY by Lydia R. Diamond, is a fascinating look at a wealthy black family in Martha’s Vineyard as they function and disfunction. Father: a neurosurgeon- Ruben Santiago-Hudson- chilly, autocratic; two brothers: Flip, a plastic surgeon whose nickname fits him (Mekhi Phifer) and Dulé Hill as Spoon, a writer whose first book is being published. Each brother has a fiancé whom he brings home: the bright dynamo Tracie Thoms, whose energetic insights drive the play, for Spoon and a smart WASP, Rosie Benton, for Flip. Interwoven is the magnetic Condola Rashad as the daughter of their longtime maid. Sparks fly as inter-relationships are revealed, secrets are doled out throughout the play, and, as directed by Kenny Leon, we remain engaged as the conflicts grow and the terrific ensemble cast fills the stage with energy and depth of character. The unusual multi-level set by David Gallo gives us indoor rooms and outdoors areas, distinguished by Beverly Emmons’ clear lighting design. STICK FLY will stick with ya, and provoke lots of interchange of ideas, views, understandings, among audience members afterwards. Good Theatre.

Richmond Shepard—

Performing Arts INSIER and lively-arts.com

FEBRUARY-

The current Broadway PORGY AND BESS, about a community of black fishermen in South Carolina in the 1930’s, is a thrilling theatrical experience in a magnificent production brilliantly directed by Diane Paulus and choreographed with exciting verve by Ronald K. Brown played on a simple (but profound) set by Riccardo Hernandez. The beautiful Audra McDonald’s rich voice and powerful acting of Bess, a multilevel character, shakes the theatre, Norm Lewis as the crippled Porgy gives us an emotional rip, and Phillip Boykin will churn your guts as the evil, powerful Crown. The entire cast of very strong singer/actors is top level, and the result is a show without a moment that isn’t gripping. Christopher Akerlind’s masterful lighting design, mixing lights and shadows, underlines the inner content of each scene, bringing each moment to vivid life. Orchestrations by William David Brohn and Christopher Jahnke are merely superb, bringing clear beauty to the wonderful melodies by George Gershwin, which enhance the lyrics by Ira Gershwin. This adaptation by Suzan-Lori Parks and Diedre L. Murray of the original book by DuBose and Dorothy Heyward gives us a show for the twenty-first Century- two and a half hours of exciting Broadway Musical with operatic flair.

Richmond Shepard—

Performing Arts INSIER and lively-arts.com