103.9 FM WDKX
Rochester, NY
Your #1 Radio for R&B
On air:
Listen Online
103.9 WDKX Live Stream
REQUEST A SONG!
Request A Song
Fences - A Review
My Aunt and I had the opportunity to attend opening night of August Wilson's play, "Fences", currently featured at Geva Theatre. What a wonderful evening!
"Fences" tells the story of Troy - former star in the Negro Baseball League, but didn't make the cut to the Major League once the color lines were crossed - because he was too old. Troy, now in his 50's, is a husband, a father, a brother, a garbage collector - struggling to let go of the past and facing a more difficult future.
The play opens and stays on the front porch of Troy and Rose Maxson in Pittsburgh - 1957. The intimate setting at Geva makes you feel like you are sitting in the Maxson's yard.
House lights down - stage lights up. Out walks Troy.
Troy, played by noted actor Tony Todd is the first reason you should go see this play. I'd seen him in numerous movies and television shows, but had no idea he would have such a commanding presence on stage. Tall and strong with a deep, but raspy voice (and not bad on the eyes either ladies!), he comes off to some as harsh, but his tender side always shows up when he embraces his wife and shows patience and gives love to his mentally challenged brother Gabriel. Tony Todd became Troy on that stage - a man with a lot of pain from the past, and issues with how he channels that pain in the present. His performance was phenomenal and would love to see it again!
The cast of characters is small, but the performances were huge! There were two standouts for me. Rose, Troy's wife is played by Nora Cole. I know a lot of women like Rose. She is a strong black woman, unconditional-loving, caring, nurturing and smart. Willing to do anything and everything for the people she loves - which includes forgiving.
The second would be Troy's brother Gabriel, played by Brian Coats. Wounded in the war, Gabriel suffered brain damage and faces many challenges. Somewhat living on his own, he makes frequent visits to Troy's house and always has a rose for Rose. Brian Coats performance was amazing and believable!
My Aunt and I talked about the play on our way home. We agreed that this was one of the best plays we have seen in a long time. We both had similar feelings on the message received as well. I'll let you come up with your own.
"Fences" is a must see and will be in Rochester at the Geva Theatre until June 21st.
"Fences" has made The Dean's List.
thedeanslist1@gmail.com
